NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy

Submission: Opposition to the NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy WCFC Lodges Submission Opposing NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy

On 7 July 2025, the Wild Caught Fishers Coalition lodged a formal submission opposing the proposed NSW Mulloway Harvest Strategy.

WCFC supported sustainable fisheries management in principle, but argued that the proposed strategy relied too heavily on outdated modelling and failed to properly account for decades of reduced commercial access, effort and fishing opportunity.

The submission highlighted the effects of marine park closures, Recreational Fishing Havens, gear restrictions, effort controls, licence buybacks and the decline in the number of commercial fishing businesses. WCFC argued that falling commercial landings should not automatically be treated as evidence of stock depletion when the commercial fishing footprint has also been significantly reduced.

WCFC also called for greater recognition of on-the-water knowledge and proposed commercial test fishing in areas where fishers report healthy Mulloway abundance but commercial access is restricted.

The submission requested a complete re-evaluation of the strategy based on current evidence, fairness, transparency and genuine collaboration with the commercial sector. It also warned that further restrictions would reduce the public’s access to fresh, local, wild-caught seafood.

WCFC remains ready to work with government and scientific institutions on a balanced management approach that protects Mulloway, supports coastal economies and maintains seafood supply to NSW communities.

WCFC Mulloway Harvest Strategy submission (4).pdf

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