The Minns Labor Government is taking decisive action to secure the long-term future of the state's abalone industry, with the release of the independent Total Allowable Fishing Committee's (TAFC) determination for the 2026-27 fishing season.
The determination has been made by the independent expert Committee, informed by the latest scientific stock assessments, and confirms abalone stocks across NSW are under increasing pressure and require immediate action to stabilise and rebuild.
The NSW Government is currently progressing broader, coordinated reform of the abalone fishery to reset the fishery and ensure it remains sustainable in the long-term.
The challenges facing the abalone fishery are complex and driven by multiple factors, including environmental pressures, decreasing international demand, illegal fishing and past fishing activity.
The Government's actions to protect abalone includes:
- Acting on independent scientific advice to reduce catch limits and support stock recovery
- Strengthening compliance and enforcement to crack down on illegal harvesting and black-market trade
- Undertaking a review of the abalone fishery management framework, with input from the abalone industry and key stakeholders
- Considering a voluntary share buyout program aimed at reducing commercial fishing pressure on the resource.
The NSW Government has been consulting with industry and Aboriginal stakeholders since 2025 on a new abalone management framework, focused on sustainability, economic viability and fair resource sharing.
A draft management framework for the abalone industry is currently out for targeted consultation until 17 July.
The Government will continue to engage with stakeholders as consultation on the draft management framework progresses, with feedback helping to inform the final settings for the fishery.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty said:
"This is about securing the future of an important resource that supports regional jobs and has deep cultural significance.
"There are no simple answers, which is why we are taking a comprehensive approach that tackles the issue from all angles.
"Illegal harvesting undermines sustainability and the livelihoods of lawful fishers, which is why we are strengthening enforcement and targeting illegal supply chains.
"At the same time, we recognise environmental conditions and concentrated fishing effort are also contributing to stock decline, and our response reflects that broader reality.
"We are working closely with key stakeholders to design a system that is fair, sustainable and capable of withstanding future pressures."
