The NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) has finalised a rebuilding program for Redfish (Centroberyx affinis), introducing new fishing arrangements to support recovery of the depleted stock. The program outlines the actions NSW will take to rebuild Redfish populations and will be considered by the Australian Government as part of its assessment of whether the species should be listed as threatened under national environmental legislation.
Redfish, also commonly known as Nannygai, are primarily targeted in NSW and Commonwealth fisheries, and the changes support recent reductions in the Commonwealth commercial fishery where Redfish is currently managed under a heavily reduced incidental total allowable catch (TAC).
DPIRD Executive Director Resource Management David McPherson said action was needed to address the significant decline in Redfish stocks.
"Redfish remains a depleted stock, and these measures are an important step in supporting its recovery," Mr McPherson said.
Scientific assessments undertaken by the Commonwealth indicate the stock had fallen to around three per cent of unfished biomass levels in 2019.
Following public consultation on proposed recovery measures, new rules will apply to Redfish fishing across NSW from 7 October 2026, including:
- introduction of a 25 cm minimum size limit
- introduction of a 40 kg commercial possession limit in the Ocean Trawl, Southern Fish Trawl and Ocean Trap and Line fisheries
- a zero commercial possession limit in other commercial fisheries
- reduction in the recreational and charter bag limit to one fish per person.
"These changes are designed to reduce pressure on the stock now, giving Redfish the best chance to rebuild while supporting sustainable fishing opportunities into the future," Mr McPherson said.
The rebuilding program shares responsibility for recovery across all fishing sectors and aligns with measures already implemented by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority, which has progressively reduced Commonwealth incidental catch limits from 50 tonnes in 2019 to 5 tonnes in 2026.
The Australian Government is expected to make a decision by 31 October 2026 on whether Redfish should be listed under national environmental legislation.
"The rebuilding program has been informed by consultation with fishers and stakeholders and is based on the best available science," Mr McPherson said.
"It sets out the management measures, monitoring and review processes NSW will implement and demonstrates the actions being taken to rebuild the stock."
