The updated National Guidelines deliver an agreed approach to developing harvest strategies, helping fisheries management agencies and stakeholders design practical, effective and consistent management policies and arrangements that support ecological sustainability while optimising economic, social and Indigenous cultural benefits.
Harvest strategies set out clear objectives for fisheries and establish decision-making frameworks to monitor stock health and manage harvest levels, ensuring long-term outcomes for fish stocks and fishing communities.
The 2nd Edition reflects extensive collaboration between Australian fisheries jurisdictions and stakeholders and modernises the original 2014 guidelines with updated content to address current challenges and opportunities in fisheries management.
The development process highlighted significant progress in the number of harvest strategies developed for Australian fisheries over the past decade, as well as significant progress in extending their application from a commercial focus to management across all fishing sectors.
Key improvements in the updated guidelines include:
- stronger guidance to support national consistency in the development and application of harvest strategies and related policy;
- expanded guidance on integrating ecological, economic, social and Indigenous cultural interests and objectives;
- enhanced processes for stakeholder engagement and inclusive decision-making;
- improved tools, examples and resources to support practical implementation; and
- greater emphasis on adaptive management, risk, and responding to environmental change.
An important development in the updated guidelines is the explicit recognition of Indigenous cultural objectives in defining harvest strategy outcomes, alongside ecological, economic and social considerations.
DPIRD Director Fisheries Management Dr Heath Folpp said the updated guidelines reinforce Australia's position as a global leader in sustainable fisheries management.
"These updated National Guidelines provide a clear and consistent framework to guide how harvest strategies are developed and applied across jurisdictions," Mr Folpp said.
"The updated guidelines improve support for managing shared and multi-sector fisheries resources, ensuring a consistent approach across jurisdictions and fishing sectors.
"They also support better decision-making by clearly articulating the process to collaboratively develop management objectives, define how stock health is assessed, and ensure harvest levels are managed to achieve long-term sustainability and productivity".
FRDC General Manager Research and Development Investment Crispian Ashby, said the collaborative development process was central to delivering a contemporary and practical resource for fisheries stakeholders.
"The 2nd Edition reflects extensive engagement across government, industry, research and community stakeholders to ensure the guidelines reflect current and future challenges and remain fit for purpose," Mr Ashby said.
"Importantly, these guidelines go beyond baseline sustainability. They are designed to help transparently optimise fisheries outcomes – ecologically, economically, socially and culturally – for the benefit of all Australians".
To support implementation, the guidelines are accompanied by practical tools and resources, including access to the Australian Harvest Strategy Database and development toolboxes to assist fisheries managers and practitioners.
The National Guidelines to Develop Fishery Harvest Strategies – 2nd Edition are now available online:
- National Guidelines to Develop Fishery Harvest Strategies – 2nd Edition
- National Guidelines Summary
- National Guidelines Video podcast
