The Minns Labor Government will provide financial and practical support to NSW abalone fishers to secure the long-term sustainability of the state's abalone fishery on the South Coast as the sector transitions to a new model of operations.
As part of the Government's plan to both protect the abalone resource for future generations and ensure a viable and sustainable commercial fishing sector, the Minns Government has offered a voluntary share surrender program for commercial abalone shareholders.
The Minns Government has stepped up to deal with this longstanding and complex issue by working with all key stakeholders - commercial fishers, the local Aboriginal community, fisheries scientists, and natural resource management experts.
The support from Government will include Financial Guidance service, a Training Support Program, as well as mental health support to assist the abalone sector's fishers plan their future.
The Minns Government has increased funding for a voluntary share surrender program. This will ensure certainty to commercial farmers and an understanding of the timeline with the sector having six weeks to consider the final package and apply.
The availability of abalone for commercial fishers has been falling, and the independent Total Allowable Fishing Committee determined the Total Allowable Catch for Blacklip Abalone to be only 52 tonnes between 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027, which is a 40% decrease over the 2025/26 catch.
This reform of the commercial abalone fishing sector is needed due to ongoing concerns about the sustainability of abalone.
Under the framework, the fishery will be managed through a new zoning approach, including the closure of the Central Zone (from near Bundeena to Red Point, south of Eden) to commercial abalone fishing from 1 July 2027.
Commercial fishing activity will continue in the Northern and Southern zones (north of Bundeena and South of Red Point), supporting the ongoing operation of the state's abalone industry.
To help businesses navigate the changes, the Government will also deliver a Financial Guidance and Training Support Program, which includes:
- Up to $1,000 per eligible fishing business owner for financial guidance from an appropriately accredited adviser.
- Up to $9,000 per eligible fishing business owner who surrenders all their abalone shares for training delivered by a Registered Training Organisation (RTO).
The financial guidance grant will be available to all NSW abalone shareholders, regardless of whether they participate in the voluntary share surrender program.
The training grant will be available to eligible abalone shareholders who surrender all shares through the program and can be used for training that supports transition planning, business management, skills development, future employment opportunities or other career pathways.
Minister for Agriculture, Regional and Western NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"The Minns Government is committed to securing a sustainable future for the abalone fishery while supporting affected businesses through this period of change.
"We have listened to the industry and appreciate the challenging situation they are facing and that is why we have ensured the best and fairest reasonable offer per share that we can.
"The voluntary share surrender program provides abalone shareholders with the option to exit the fishery if they choose, while the financial guidance and training support package will help businesses make informed decisions about their future.
"We recognise these changes will have significant impacts for some operators, which is why we are providing practical support to help fishing businesses transition and access new opportunities.
"These reforms are about balancing environmental sustainability, community expectations and the long-term future of the industry.
"By reducing fishing pressure in areas where stocks are under the greatest strain, these reforms will help support recovery of the resource and ensure the fishery remains sustainable for future generations."
