The NSW Inland Restricted Fishery (previously Inland Commercial Fishery) has operated for well over 100 years, the major targeted species being Murray cod and golden perch with catches of carp and particularly yabbies increasing over recent decades.

In recent years, the Inland Commercial Fishery has undergone significant changes, culminating in the end of commercial fishing for all native finfish, including Murray cod and golden perch, in September 2001.

In 1997, the NSW Rivers Survey reported that native fish were under threat from habitat degradation, fishing pressure, disease, and introduced species. A review of the inland commercial fishery followed in early 1998. Given the scientific concern about the viability of native finfish stocks and the opposition to the continued existence of the commercial fishery, particularly from the recreational fishing sector, it was determined that commercial fishing for native finfish would cease as of 1 September 2001, and fishing effort would be redirected towards under utilised yabby and carp resources.

A structural adjustment package was implemented in December 1999 to enable transition from native finfish to the yabby and carp only fishery. Under this structural adjustment package, the 40 remaining commercial fishers could surrender their licence in exchange for an ex-gratia payment, or continue fishing under a transferable yabby and carp only endorsement, subject to additional gear and area restrictions. By late 1999, a final total of 19 fishers had surrendered their commercial licence, in exchange for ex-gratia payments totalling around $760,000. These and additional payments for the surrender of commercial fishing gear were made possible by the introduction of the Freshwater Recreational Fishing Licence Fee.

The Inland Commercial Fishery is now managed as a ‘restricted fishery’. To date a total of 26 commercial fishers remain in the Inland Restricted Fishery, of which 21 of these operators hold transferable Class A yabby and carp endorsements.

Management

The inland restricted fishery is primarily managed through input controls (ie, restrictions on gear and location).

Carp

Carp are presently considered an under utilised resource. Poor quality controls, lack of stable supply and perception problems have limited financial returns and thus limited the targeting of carp by commercial fishers to date.

At present carp in Australia is being used for a diverse range of products, with small quantities being directed towards human consumption markets locally and internationally. More commonly carp is being used in low value high quantity fertiliser, stock feed, lobster bait, and pet food. Market prices range from $0.60-$0.80/kg for lobster bait, $0.10-$0.40 for fertilisers and stock feed and $0.50-$2.00 for table fish at the Sydney and Melbourne markets

The targeting of carp by commercial operators will assist in the management and control of this pest species, having benefits for the environment and the community while providing new commercial opportunities.

Yabbies

Commercial fishing for Yabbies did not start to develop until 1974/75, and has subsequently shown large variability in catches. The commercial market for yabbies is mainly directed towards human consumption, however some small markets for bait fishing also exist. During the late 1970’s export earnings for yabbies rose dramatically due to a shortage of crayfish in Europe as a result of the crayfish plague. However by 1978 the fishing grounds had failed, with catches falling dramatically from over 100 to less than 10 kilograms/man/day. Reasons attributed to this crash were over fishing, competition from increasing numbers of exotic species, and the natural “boom and bust” cycle in yabby populations. In 1984 the yabby fishery showed signs of recovery with average catches of approximately 55 tonnes per year taken from inland NSW waters.

Area of the fishery

Commercial fishers targeting yabbies have access to all waters west of the Newell Highway with the exception of closures put in place for the protection of platypus and air breathing animals and waters situated within a 5km radius of specified towns. This 5km radius is measured from each town’s post office.

Commercial fishers targeting carp have access to all NSW inland waters on the proviso that there are no impacts on native finfish. Each commercial fisher must obtain 48 hour prior approval from NSW Fisheries before carp fishing is to be undertaken. This allows NSW Fisheries to assess the proposed fishing area and fishing methods for any impacts to native finfish. If impacts on native finfish are determined likely, NSW Fisheries will not approve that fishing activity.

Methods

Commercial fishers targeting yabbies have access to 100 “Opera House” yabby traps. Each commercial “Opera House” yabby trap must be marked with the commercial fishers name and NSW Fisheries File number. Each trap must be fitted with a by-catch reduction device and must not be set for a period greater than 48 hours.

With access to native finfish ceasing as of 1 September 2001, it is recognised that new or alternative methods may be required to catch viable quantities of carp. Hauling nets, fyke nets, pound nets, traps and electro-fishing equipment have been authorised via permit to catch carp, subject to stringent conditions relating to by-catch.

Transferability

The purchase of a transferable endorsement from an existing commercial fisher is the primary means of gaining access to the Inland Restricted Fishery. The following Inland Restricted Fishery endorsements are transferable in accordance with the regulations.

• Class A: Yabby and carp endorsement (transferable)
• Class B: Carp endorsement (transferable)

The fee payable for the transfer of an endorsement in the Inland Restricted Fishery is $2675.00. Annual endorsement fees for Class A and Class B endorsements are listed in the section titled “FEES”.

Additional access to fishery

In accordance with the Fisheries Management (General) Regulations 2002 additional access to the fishery can be gained under clause 233, “ballot or tender” for issue of further endorsements, or clause 234, issue of a Class D carp non-transferable endorsement based on “special eligibility” grounds. However no endorsements have been issued under these clauses to date.

Fees

There are currently no management charges specific to the Inland Restricted Fishery. Fishers pay an annual renewal fee for their commercial fishing licence ($214), endorsement (refer to table), unlicensed crew member ($54) and fishing boat licence (between $160 and $300). In addition to these fees an annual research levy ($118) and general management fee ($214) is paid.

Fees payable for an endorsement in the restricted fishery:

Future management

As in other restricted fisheries, a Management Advisory Committee (MAC) has been established to develop future management arrangements and advise the Minister on the appropriate management of the Inland Restricted Fishery. The Inland MAC is made up of representatives from industry, other stakeholders and NSW Fisheries.

References

• NSW Fisheries 1998/99 Status of Fisheries Resources by Dr W Fletcher and T McVea, NSW Fisheries Research Institute, Jan 2000.
• NSW Inland Commercial Fishery Data Analysis by D Reid, J Harris and D Chapman, Fisheries Research and development Corporation, Dec 1997.