Commercial fishers invited to apply for shares under new share management fishery scheme

More than 1300 NSW commercial fishers have been formally invited to apply for shares under the Government's new share management fishery scheme.

NSW Fisheries Director-General, Steve Dunn, said under the scheme the fishing industry will have a major role in deciding how their fisheries are managed.

"The long-term security of shares will encourage fishers to make decisions that ensure the future sustainability of fisheries," he said

"Shares are the most secure fishing rights in Australia. Fishers will be able to plan for the future, borrow money from banks and sell their shares when they leave the industry."

NSW Fisheries recently held information sessions for commercial fishers in nine major ports to discuss the proposed share criteria and how the scheme will work.

Feedback from these meetings helped refine the criteria on which the allocation of shares is based.

Commercial fishers in the estuary general, estuary prawn trawl, ocean hauling, ocean trawl, and ocean trap and line fisheries have now been sent application forms, which include details of the type and number of shares for which they are eligible.

"If fishers do not agree with these assessments, they can ask NSW Fisheries to review the proposed allocation," said Mr Dunn.

"Shares will be allocated provisionally in the first instance. Fishers will then have a further option of having decisions on their share allocations independently reviewed.

"Final shares will be allocated once management plans for each fishery are completed."

Mr Dunn said the scheme is an exciting step forward in the seafood industry, worth over half a billion dollars to the State economy.

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Kristina Resanceff on 8437 4948 or 0419 185 375.