Open for Comment
NSW Commercial Pipi Fishery Management Arrangements
The Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is currently seeking feedback from Estuary General Hand Gathering Fishery (shareholders and endorsed fishers), on proposed interim changes to management arrangements for commercial pipi harvesting. The primary focus is on Stockton Beach, however, feedback is also being sought on proposals extending to region 4 of the fishery and statewide. Proposals were developed in conjunction with commercial fishers in response to industry concerns relating to pipi abundance on Stockton Beach.
Background
A majority of Estuary General Fishery Hand gathering Region 4 industry participants collectively wrote (facilitated by the Professional Fishers Association) to the DPI raising concerns about the Pipi stock level (biomass) across Region 4 and specifically Stockton Beach. It was requested DPI consider their concerns and discuss possible solutions.
As a result, DPI invited all Region 4 Hand gathering shareholders, endorsement holders and local Biotoxin Plan managers to attend an independently chaired workshop on 28 April 2023 to discuss industry concerns with the current pipi biomass on Stockton beach and to consider potential interim management options.
Industry participants identified issues and recommended several potential changes. DPI are now providing the opportunity for all Estuary General hand gathering fishery shareholders and endorsement holders to comment on the proposed changes to management arrangements identified at the workshop.
There were some issues raised that require broader consultation with all Estuary General hand gathering fishery shareholders and endorsement holders. These items have also been included for your feedback.
Consultation Paper
It is recommended you refer to the information paper for details of the proposals which can be viewed here.
Have you say
Submissions may be made via;
The online submission form here
Downloading the submission form (pdf) and submitting via.
- email: commercialfisheries@dpi.nsw.gov.au or
- mail: PO Box 4291, Coffs Harbour NSW 2450.
Submission Period 
The closing date for submissions is 12 September 2023.
For more information please contact the commercial fisheries hotline on 1300 726 448.
Submissions are public information
To improve transparency of policy decisions, we intend to make all submissions publicly available on our website. Withholding any information is at our discretion.
If you believe there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission you must advise the Department. Reasons may include that information is commercially sensitive or personal. You should advise the Department if your reasons relate to the whole submission or only parts of it.
Note that people can ask for copies of submissions (and any other information held by the Department) under the Government Information (Public Access) Act 2009 (GIPA Act). The GIPA Act encourages information to be made publicly available, unless there is an overriding public interest against disclosure.
