Many Aboriginal people have as part of their culture, strong spiritual, social and customary associations with fisheries resources.

It is important that Aboriginal people are able to continue this association, maintain their knowledge and pass on within their own communities and, to future generations.

With increasing population and greater pressure on the marine environment, Government regulation of fishing activity has been necessary to maintain sustainable use of our fisheries resource.

This regulation has also impacted on Aboriginal communities continuing aspects of traditional fishing practise.

The Fisheries Management Act 1994 provides the framework by which fish may be harvested. Currently, the Act does not specifically recognise or provide for cultural fishing.

Section 37 of the Act has however allowed for the issue of a special permit for activities such as cultural fishing that may otherwise be defined as "unauthorised".

The NSW government has used these provisions, amongst other things to enable Aboriginal people to take fish outside the rules of commercial and recreational fishing to satisfy cultural needs.

Feedback from Aboriginal people and communities is sought.

You can send in a written submission or attend one of the proposed meetings to talk about these issues.

Advice from submissions and the meetings will be used to formulate the revised guidelines for cultural fishing in NSW.

If you would like to make a written submission please send it to:

Cultural Fishing
PO Box 21 CRONULLA 2230
or fax: 02 9527 8558 or
email: cultural.fishing@dpi.nsw.gov.au

Submission close 30 June 2009

The discussion paper is available for download below.