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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery - Fisheries NSW PREPARED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND THE ENVIRONMENT FOR THE ...
Fisheries NSW

Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and
Line Fishery
PREPARED FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE, WATER AND THE
ENVIRONMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF ASSESSMENT UNDER PART 13 AND
13(A) OF THE ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION AND BIODIVERSITY ACT 1999
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

Published by the NSW Department of Primary Industries
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery - Prepared for the Department of Agriculture,
Water and the Environment for the purpose of assessment under Part 13 and 13(A) of the Environment
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999
First published April 2021
More information
Fiona McKinnon, Fisheries NSW
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au
Acknowledgments
OUT21/3064

© State of New South Wales through Regional NSW 2021. The information contained in this publication is based on
knowledge and understanding at the time of writing (April 2021). However, because of advances in knowledge, users are
reminded of the need to ensure that the information upon which they rely is up to date and to check the currency of the
information with the appropriate officer of the Department of Regional NSW or the user’s independent adviser.

1 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

Contents

1.      Introduction ....................................................................................................................................................... 4
2.      Description of the Fishery ............................................................................................................................ 5
2.1 Species................................................................................................................................................................. 5
2.2 Fishing gear ....................................................................................................................................................... 6
2.3 Fishing area........................................................................................................................................................ 6
2.4 Management arrangements........................................................................................................................ 6
     2.4.1           Input controls ...................................................................................................................................... 7
     2.4.2           Output controls .................................................................................................................................. 8
2.5 Number of fishers............................................................................................................................................ 9
2.6 Licensing arrangements .............................................................................................................................. 10
2.7 Allocation between sectors ....................................................................................................................... 10
     2.7.1           Recreational fishing ........................................................................................................................ 10
     2.7.2           Aboriginal cultural fishing ............................................................................................................ 10
     2.7.3           Policy for Fisheries Resource Sharing in NSW ...................................................................... 11
2.8 Governing legislation ................................................................................................................................... 11
3.      Management ................................................................................................................................................... 11
3.1 Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program ..................................................................... 11
     3.1.1           Share class linkage arrangements ............................................................................................. 12
3.2 Catch quota system for Spanner crab (northern zone)................................................................... 12
3.3 Marine estate reforms ................................................................................................................................. 12
     3.3.1           NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 - 2028.................................................. 13
3.4 Compliance ...................................................................................................................................................... 13
     3.4.1           Compliance rates ............................................................................................................................. 14
3.5 Consultation processes ............................................................................................................................... 15
     3.5.1           Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Committee .............................................................................. 15
     3.5.2           Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council .......................................................................... 15
     3.5.3           Working groups ............................................................................................................................... 15
3.6 Cross jurisdictional management arrangements............................................................................... 16
3.7 Threatened, endangered and protected species............................................................................... 16
     3.7.1           Frequency and nature of interactions ...................................................................................... 16
     3.7.2           Scientific observer program......................................................................................................... 17
     3.7.3           Management actions taken to reduce interactions and results of such actions ..... 19

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

     3.7.4         Priorities Action Statement .......................................................................................................... 19
4.     Research and Monitoring ........................................................................................................................... 21
4.1 Research priorities......................................................................................................................................... 21
4.2 Relevant research .......................................................................................................................................... 21
4.3 Monitoring programs .................................................................................................................................. 23
     4.3.1         Stock assessment and reporting ................................................................................................ 23
     4.3.2         Scientific observer program......................................................................................................... 23
     4.3.3         Collection of catch and effort data ........................................................................................... 24
     4.3.4         Port monitoring ................................................................................................................................ 24
5.     Catch Data ........................................................................................................................................................ 24
5.1 Total catch and value of the OTL Fishery ............................................................................................. 24
5.2 Total catch and fishing effort data of primary and key secondary species ............................. 25
5.3 Harvest by each sector ................................................................................................................................ 25
     5.3.1         Recreational fishing ........................................................................................................................ 25
     5.3.2         Aboriginal cultural fishing ............................................................................................................ 26
     5.3.3         Illegal catch ........................................................................................................................................ 26
6.     Harvest Strategies ......................................................................................................................................... 26
7.     Status of Target Stock ................................................................................................................................. 26
7.1 Species assessed as ‘Depleted’................................................................................................................. 28
     7.1.1         Grey (Rubberlip) Morwong .......................................................................................................... 28
     7.1.2         Silver Trevally..................................................................................................................................... 28
     7.1.3         Gemfish................................................................................................................................................ 29
     7.1.4         Mulloway............................................................................................................................................. 29
     7.1.5         Pearl Perch.......................................................................................................................................... 29
     7.1.6         School Shark ...................................................................................................................................... 30
8.     Impacts of the Fishery on the Ecosystem ............................................................................................. 30
8.1 Results of any ecological risk assessments .......................................................................................... 30
8.2 Nature of impacts on the ecosystem including impacts on any key conservation values 30
8.3 Management actions taken to reduce the impacts.......................................................................... 30
9.     Report against OTL Fishery Conditions of WTO Declaration........................................................ 31
Appendix 1: References........................................................................................................................................ 36

3 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

1. Introduction
This submission has been prepared by NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) on
behalf of shareholders in the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery (the OTL Fishery) in order to
assist industry to obtain export approval by leveraging off the comprehensive legislative and
policy framework for fisheries management in NSW.
The following provides a report of the OTL Fishery for assessment under Part 13 and 13 (A) of
the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). Information
provided follows the recommended content for reports detailed in Appendix B of the
Guidelines for the Ecologically Sustainable Development of Fisheries – 2nd Edition and
consistent with these Guidelines this submission references sections of related documents
including the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the OTL Fishery (NSW DPI, 2006), the
Fishery Management Strategy (FMS) for the OTL Fishery (NSW DPI, 2006) and the Status of
Fisheries Resources in NSW and Status of Australian Fish Stocks reports.

 Table 1     Summary of the OTL Fishery as at March 2021

                       Ocean waters from NSW coastal baseline seaward to the 4,000 metre isobath, subject to
                       closures to certain methods at some or all times.
Area
                       [Note: Waters extending beyond 3 nautical miles are managed in accordance with NSW
                       legislation under an arrangement with the Commonwealth]

                          Fish trap (bottom / demersal)
Gear                      Spanner crab net
                          Line methods (set line / trotline, driftline, handline, dropline, trolling, jigging and poling)

                          Total Allowable Commercial Catch (Gemfish, Bass grouper, Blue-eye trevalla, Hapuku,
                           Pink ling, Bigeye ocean perch, Spanner crab)
                          Limited entry
Management
                          Controls on fishing boats and gear
Controls
                          Spatial and temporal closures
                          Size limits
                          Catch limits

                          Australian Bonito                       Silver trevally
                          Banded (Bar) rock cod                   Snapper
Primary Species           Blue-eye trevalla                       Spanner crab
                          Grey (Rubberlip) morwong                Yellowfin bream
                          Gummy Shark                             Yellowtail kingfish
                          Leatherjacket spp.

Catch                  2019/20 - 1,189 tonnes

Value                  2019/20 - $11.9 million

                       Sustainable                      6
                       Depleting                        1
Stock Status
                       Recovering                       0
(Primary species)
                       Depleted                         1
                       Undefined                        3

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

2. Description of the Fishery
For the purposes of this submission the OTL Fishery comprises the Ocean Trap and Line
Share Management Fishery as described in Schedule 1 of the Fisheries Management Act 1994
(the Act) and Part 3 of the Fisheries Management (Ocean Trap and Line Share Management
Plan) Regulation 2006 (the SMP).
As described in Schedule 1 of the Act, the OTL Fishery consists of:
    a) the use of a fish trap to take fish from ocean waters,
    b) the use of a line with hooks attached to take fish from ocean waters,
    c) the use of a spanner crab net to take spanner crabs from ocean waters that are north
       of a line drawn due east from Korogoro Point (Hat Head).

2.1 Species
A number of fish and invertebrate species are taken in the OTL Fishery. The SMP details the
primary and key secondary species (Table 2 and 3) in the OTL Fishery which are those species
that the fishery captures, in large quantities or are of high value, on a consistent basis.

 Table 2          Primary species taken in the OTL Fishery

Common name                          Scientific name

Australian Bonito                    Sarda australis

Banded (Bar) Rock Cod                Epinephelus ergastularius

Blue-eye Trevalla                    Hyperoglyphe Antarctica

Grey (Rubberlip) Morwong             Nemadactylus douglasii

Gummy Shark                          Mustelus antarcticus

Leatherjacket spp.                   Family: MONACANTHIDAE (excluding Nelusetta ayraudi)

Silver Trevally                      Pseudocaranx dentex

Snapper                              Pagrus auratus

Spanner Crab                         Ranina ranina

Yellowfin Bream                      Acanthopagrus australis

Yellowtail Kingfish                  Seriola lalandi

 Table 3          Key secondary species taken in the OTL Fishery

Common name                          Scientific name

Bass Groper                          Polyprion americanus

Eastern Pigfish                      Bodianus unimaculatus

Gemfish                              Rexea solandri

Hapuku                               Polyprion oxygeneios

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

Common name                         Scientific name

Jackass Morwong                     Nemadactylus macropterus

Mahi Mahi (Dolphinfish)             Coryphaena hippurus

Mulloway                            Argyrosomus japonicus

Pearl Perch                         Glaucosoma scapulare

Spanish Mackerel                    Scomberomorus commerson

Spotted Mackerel                    Scomberomorus munroi

Silver Sweep                        Scorpis lineolata

Teraglin                            Atractoscion aequidens

Wobbegong Sharks                    Orectolobus ornatus
                                    Orectolobus maculatus

Shark spp.                          Various

Part 2 of the Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2019 (the FM (G) Regulation) lists
fish that are protected from fishing by all sectors and from commercial fishing only.

2.2 Fishing gear
Fishing gear used in the OTL Fishery consists of trap and line methods used to target finfish,
as well as spanner crab nets designed to specifically target spanner crabs. For a full
description of fishing methods and gear types refer to:
          Chapter B1.3 (Methods of Harvest) (pp 33 – 36) of the EIS, and
          Section 3.1.4 (Fishing gear used in the fishery) (pp 12 – 13) and 3.1.5 (Boats used in
           the fishery) (pg13) of the FMS.
Part 4A (Fishing gear) of the SMP prescribes current limits and/or restrictions on fishing gear
used in the OTL Fishery.

2.3 Fishing area
The overall area of the OTL Fishery extends from NSW coastal baseline seaward to the 4000
metre isobath, approximately 60 to 80 nautical miles offshore. Refer to the EIS, Chapter B1.4
(Area of operation, pp. 37 - 43) and section 3.1.2 (Area of operation, pp. 9 - 11) of the FMS

2.4 Management arrangements
The OTL Fishery is managed under the Act, and the regulations made under this Act (refer to
2.8 Governing legislation). The NSW DPI is the State Government agency responsible for the
administration of the Act. The OTL Fishery is managed by a combination of input and output
controls.

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

2.4.1 Input controls

    2.4.1.1      Limited entry
The OTL Fishery is a Category 1 share management fishery and access is limited to
shareholders in the OTL Fishery or their nominated fishers who hold sufficient shares to
satisfy the minimum shareholding levels established in the SMP.
    2.4.1.2      Controls on fishing boats
Boat capacity restrictions are enacted through a combination of boat specific restrictions set
out on fishing boat licences and the SMP. Each fishing boat licence is subject to a licence
specific maximum boat length. In addition, the SMP prescribes a maximum boat length of 16
metres. This maximum boat length does not apply to boats that exceed this length but were
a component of any ocean trap and line fishing business immediately before the
commencement of the SMP (such boats may be replaced by a boat of the same or a lesser
length).
    2.4.1.3      Controls on fishing gear
Part 4A (Fishing gear) of the SMP and the Fisheries Management (Trap, Hook and Crew Limits
Guidelines) Approval 2017 (the Guidelines) prescribes current limits and/or restrictions on
fishing gear used in the OTL Fishery including:
       Demersal fish trap limits of 30 traps for the first 50 demersal fish trap shares and 10
        fish traps for each additional 20 shares;
       A maximum use of 10 setlines with no more than 6 hooks attached to any set line
        within 3 nautical miles;
       Hook limits of 1200 hooks per line fishing eastern or western zone endorsement, with
        a limit of 1200 hooks per fishing business for any line fishing method outside 3
        nautical miles;
       Hook limits for line fishing eastern zone fishing businesses allowing use of an
        additional 1200 hooks for each additional 40 shares held in a single fishing business
        above the minimum shareholding of 40 shares;
       A maximum use of 30 drift lines at any one time with no more than one hook or no
        more than 5 hooks if a gang of hooks attached to the drift line;
       A prohibition on the use of automated baiting machines in the OTL Fishery;
       A respective maximum of 30 and 40 spanner crab nets to be used by southern and
        northern spanner crab endorsement holders;
       Requirements to use circle hooks on set lines (non-offset in waters
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

    2.4.1.4         Temporal and spatial closures
The SMP, the FM (G) Regulation and the Fisheries Management (Supporting Plan) Regulation
2006 outline a range of spatial and temporal closures relevant to the OTL Fishery, including
waters closed permanently to all commercial fishing or class of commercial fishing. Fishing
closures specific to the OTL Fishery that are authorised under the Act can be found on the
NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean-trap-
and-line-fishery-closures
The OTL Fishery is also subject to a range of spatial closures arising from the comprehensive
network of marine protected areas that include marine parks, aquatic reserves and intertidal
protected areas in which commercial fishing is restricted or not permitted.

2.4.2 Output controls

    2.4.2.1         Total Allowable Catch
Total Allowable Catch (TAC) arrangements for the OTL fishery commenced on 1 May 2019.
TACs are determined for each fishing period between 1 May and 30 April in each year for
quota managed species (Table 4). The statutory and independent Total Allowable Fishing
Committee, established under the Act, determined the TAC for Spanner crab for the 2020/21
fishing period and is responsible for determining the TAC for Spanner crab and Bass groper
for 2021/22. For further information refer to
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/total-allowable-fishing

 Table 4 Total Allowable Catch
                                                 2019/20 TAC                           2020/21 TAC
                Species
                                                   (tonnes)                              (tonnes)

Bass groper                                            6.1                                  6.1

Bigeye ocean perch                                     21.1                                21.1

Blue-eye trevalla                                      30                                   30

Gemfish                                                7.1                                  7.1

Pink ling                                              67.7                                67.7

Hapuku                                                 5.2                                  5.2

Spanner Crab                                           169                                 135.5

    2.4.2.2         Size limits
Minimum legal lengths (or size limits) apply to a large range of species taken in the OTL
Fishery as set out in clause 6 of the FM (G) Regulation.
    2.4.2.3         Commercial catch limits and restrictions
Commercial catch limits are implemented via fishing closures under Act, those applicable to
the OTL Fishery include:
           A commercial daily catch limit for any, or any combination of Endeavour Dogfish
            (Centrophorus moluccensis), and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus cholorculus), and a
            0 kilogram trip limit [prohibition] on the taking of Southern Dogfish (C. zeehaani) and
            Harrison’s Dogfish (C. harrissoni).

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

       A commercial weekly and total catch limit applying to certain shark species harvested
        in the OTL Fishery.
       A commercial daily catch and possession limit for various species established under
        the SMP.
       A range of commercial trip limits apply to commercially important species taken
        predominantly in Commonwealth managed fisheries, including Orange Roughy;
        Smooth, Black, Spiky, Warty and Rough oreodory; Blue and Silver warehou; Jackass
        morwong; Ocean perch; Toothy, Southern sand, and Southern bluespotted flathead.
        The trip limits were first introduced to ensure the integrity of the Commonwealth’s
        quota management scheme.
Details of up-to-date commercial catch limits applying to the OTL Fishery can be found:
       On the NSW DPI website at
        https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean-trap-and-line-fishery-
        closures
       In the OTL SMP at https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/view/html/inforce/current/sl-
        2006-0738
The FM (G) Regulation prescribes a range of fish that are protected for conservation reasons
or protected from commercial fishing for resource sharing reasons that cannot be taken in
the OTL Fishery.

2.5 Number of fishers
Access to the OTL Fishery is limited to shareholders or their nominated fishers who hold
sufficient shares to satisfy the minimum shareholding levels established for each share class
in the SMP.
Minimum shareholdings apply to all share classes in the OTL Fishery and are used to
determine if a shareholder (or their nominated fisher) is eligible for an endorsement
authorising a particular commercial fishing activity in respect of that share class.
There are six types of endorsement available in the OTL Fishery corresponding to each share
class. Table 5 provides a description of the commercial fishing activity authorised by each
endorsement in the OT Fishery and the number of endorsement holders for each share class.

 Table 5        OTL Fishery endorsements, the commercial fishing activities they authorise and the
                number of endorsement holders (as at March 2021)

                                                                                                      Number of
Endorsement                                                                                         Shareholders
                                        Commercial Fishing Activity
   Type                                                                                           (and endorsement
                                                                                                       holders)

Line fishing      Take fish using a handline, rod (or pole) and line, set line or drift line to
western zone      take fish from ocean waters that are west of the 183 metre (100                     225 (193)
                  fathoms) depth contour.

                  Take fish using a handline, rod (or pole) and line, set line or drift line to
Line fishing
                  take fish from ocean waters that are east of the 183 metre (100                      64 (63)
eastern zone
                  fathoms) depth contour.

Demersal fish     Take fish from ocean waters by means of a fish trap set or used on the
                                                                                                      145 (116)
trap              sea bed.

9 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

                                                                                                Number of
Endorsement                                                                                   Shareholders
                                     Commercial Fishing Activity
   Type                                                                                     (and endorsement
                                                                                                 holders)

School and      Take school and gummy sharks using a set line from ocean waters
gummy shark     south of a line drawn due east from the northern point of the entrance to        12 (11)
                Moruya River.

                Take spanner crabs using a spanner crab net to take spanner crabs
Spanner crab
                from ocean waters that are north of a line drawn due east from the               21 (19)
northern zone
                southern breakwall at Yamba.

                Take spanner crab using a spanner crab net to take spanner crabs
Spanner crab
                from ocean waters that are south of a line drawn due east from the                6 (6)
southern zone
                southern breakwall at Yamba and north of Korogoro Point (Hat Head).

2.6 Licensing arrangements
For relevant licensing arrangements refer to the NSW Commercial Fisheries Administration
Guide, May 2019, on the NSW DPI website at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/licensing-forms

2.7 Allocation between sectors
Refer to the Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW and Status of Australian Fish Stocks reports
for landings of OTL Fishery primary and key secondary species by other NSW commercial
fisheries and, where available, estimated recreational catch. Reports are available at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-fish-harvest-
program
A number of performance indicators included in the FMS, used as part of the FMS
performance monitoring process, relate to resource sharing. The purpose of these
performance indicators is to detect large shifts in catch of key species, over time, between a)
the commercial and non-commercial sectors, b) among each commercial fishery in NSW, and
c) among methods or endorsement types within a fishery. Refer to Appendix 3 of this
submission for the report on performance indicators in the OTL Fishery for 2015/16.

2.7.1 Recreational fishing

NSW DPI has completed the Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales 2017/18
(Murphy et al 2020) which provides a range of information, including new estimates of
recreational catches. Further information is available at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/recreational/resources/research-surveys/recreational-
fishing-survey

2.7.2 Aboriginal cultural fishing

Aboriginal cultural fishing is defined in the Act as “fishing activities and practices carried out
by Aboriginal persons for the purpose of satisfying their personal, domestic or communal
needs, or for educational or ceremonial purposes or other traditional purposes, and which do
not have a commercial purpose”.

10 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021
Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

Daily cultural fishing needs are currently provided for by the Aboriginal Cultural Fishing
Interim Access Arrangement which allows for extended bag and possession limits, as well as
other special arrangements, for cultural fishing activities. Special provisions also exist under
the Act to accommodate access to fisheries resources beyond what the current cultural
fishing rules provide for (for events such as for a large cultural gathering or ceremonies).
Aboriginal cultural fishing activity and possession of fish and/or fishing gear must comply
with the current fisheries legislation i.e. size limits of fish as prescribed in the FM (G)
Regulation apply to Aboriginal cultural fishing activities.
Further information can be found on the NSW DPI website at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing

2.7.3 Policy for Fisheries Resource Sharing in NSW

The Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Council (MFAC) has developed a policy - Fisheries Resource
Sharing in NSW - to assist decision making on sharing the State's sustainably exploitable
fisheries resources between the various commercial, recreational, charter and Aboriginal
cultural fishing sectors in accordance with the objects of the Act.
Further information can be found on the NSW DPI website at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/consultation/supporting-documents/fisheries-resource-
re-allocation-proposals

2.8 Governing legislation
Relevant current legal instruments include:
       Fisheries Management Act 1994
       Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2010
       Fisheries Management (Supporting Plan) Regulation 2006
       Fisheries Management (Ocean Trap and Line Share Management Plan) Regulation
        2006

3. Management
3.1 Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program
The OTL Fishery has recently been through one of the most comprehensive reforms in its
history, known as the Commercial Fisheries Business Adjustment Program (BAP). The object
of the BAP was to provide greater certainty and ensure the long-term viability and
sustainability of the NSW commercial fishing industry.
As a result, new consultation and governance arrangements apply, the number of
shareholders in the OTL Fishery has been rationalised, and new share linkages (including
implementing TACs as described in this submission) have been fully implemented, with the
process to streamline current management controls to improve fishing efficiency now
underway through consultative process.

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

3.1.1 Share class linkage arrangements

Implemented share linkage arrangements in the OTL Fishery are characterised by increases in
minimum shareholding requirements, changes to gear allowances and the introduction of
catch quotas for Spanner crab (southern zone) and Line fishing (eastern zone) (Table 6).

 Table 6      Summary of the OTL Fishery share linkage decisions

Share Class                  Share Linkage

Demersal fish trap               a)   Increased minimum shareholding from 40 to 50 shares.
                                 b)   Extra 10 fish traps for every additional 20 shares held above the minimum
                                      shareholding.

Line fishing western zone        a)   Increased minimum shareholding from 40 to 60 shares.

Line fishing eastern zone        a)   Minimum shareholding as per current arrangements.
                                 b)   A catch quota for Bass Groper, Blue-eye Trevalla, Gemfish, Hapuku, Pink
                                      Ling, and Bigeye Ocean Perch) commenced from 1 May 2019
                                 c)   New species quota shares issued for allocation of catch quota.
                                 d)   Extra 1200 hooks for each additional 40 shares held above the minimum
                                      shareholding.

Spanner crab northern zone       a)   Northern and southern zones merged into a single catch quota managed
                                      fishery from 1 July 2019.
Spanner crab southern zone       b)   New spanner crab quota shares issued for allocation of catch quota.
                                 c)   Maximum 40 and 30 spanner crab nets (dillies) to be used by respective
                                      endorsement holders in the northern and southern zones.

School and gummy shark                Minimum shareholding as per current arrangements.

3.2 Catch quota system for Spanner crab (northern zone)
A catch quota system for the spanner crab northern zone sector of the OTL Fishery was
implemented on 1 July 2015. An interim total commercial catch limit of 164,124 kilograms
was set and individual transferable quotas were allocated to fishers based on their
shareholdings.
The quota system merged into a single catch quota managed fishery from 1 July 2019.

3.3 Marine estate reforms
The NSW marine estate includes the ocean, estuaries, coastal wetlands (saltmarsh, mangroves
and seagrass), coastline including beaches, dunes and headlands, coastal lakes and lagoons
connected to the ocean and islands including Lord Howe Island. It extends seaward out to
three nautical miles and from the Queensland border to the Victorian border.
In March 2013, in response to the Report of the Independent Scientific Audit of Marine Parks in
NSW, the NSW Government announced a new approach to managing the marine estate,
driven by two new advisory bodies established under the Marine Estate Management Act
2014 – the Marine Estate Management Authority (MEMA) to oversee management of the
marine estate with expert advice from the independent Marine Estate Expert Knowledge
Panel.

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

The MEMA developed a Threat and Risk Assessment Framework to provide a robust and
transparent process for identifying threats and risks to the marine estate. The framework
outlines how to conduct assessments to account for threats and risks to environmental,
economic and social benefits associated with the marine estate that contribute to community
wellbeing.
The MEMA completed an evidence-based threat and risk assessment for the NSW marine
estate in accordance with the Threat and Risk Assessment Framework. The NSW Marine Estate
Threat and Risk Assessment Threat and Risk Assessment Final Report is a key input to the
Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 – 2028.

3.3.1 NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018 - 2028

The NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy 2018-2028 outlines strategies to protect and
enhance waterways, coastline and estuaries over the strategy period.
Actions in the Strategy have been determined by:
       the range of values people have for the marine estate – social, cultural, environmental
        and economic
       how to tackle the most significant threats to these values (identified in the statewide
        Threat and Risk Assessment)
       widespread stakeholder and community feedback.
The Strategy delivers outcomes through the following initiatives:
       Improving water quality and reducing litter
       Delivering healthy coastal habitats with sustainable use and development
       Planning for climate change
       Protecting the Aboriginal cultural values of the marine estate
       Reducing impacts on threatened and protected species
       Ensuring sustainable fishing and aquaculture
       Enabling safe and sustainable boating
       Enhancing social, cultural and economic benefits
       Delivering effective governance
Further information is available at https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/marine-estate-
programs/marine-estate-management-strategy

3.4 Compliance
The Fisheries Compliance Unit (FCU) is focused on optimising compliance with the Act, the
Marine Estate Management Act 2014 and their associated regulations. The FCU uses project
tasks and sub-programs, covering functional areas such as aquaculture and commercial
fishing, to achieve risk-based regulation and compliance objectives through education and
enforcement. The FCU is separated into seven geographic compliance zones, with a State-
wide Operations and Investigations Group that undertakes major/complex investigations, and
the Conservation and Aquaculture Group that provides specialist capabilities in aquatic
habitat compliance management. The FCU also provides compliance services to five of the six
marine parks in NSW. Prosecutions are an important tool in providing effective deterrence
and are also managed by the FCU, utilising a detailed prosecution management and review
process.

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

The FCU has consistently demonstrated its ability to operate as an effective, safe and
innovative regulator, dealing with a large and sectorial client base. The FCU operates across a
geographically wide, challenging and inherently dangerous environment with many ‘moving’
targets. It has also shown its operational flexibility recently in performing non-traditional
operational and technical roles, including significant contributions to shark mitigation
strategies to help address broader NSW Government initiatives. The FCU contribute to a
range of national and international fisheries compliance forums to help develop strategies to
combat illegal, unregulated and unreported fishing.
NSW DPI Fisheries Compliance Plans are regularly reviewed for progress against the
objectives of the Australian Fisheries National Compliance Strategy (AFNCS). The AFNCS is
used as a reference in developing local compliance strategies and plans to ensure a
consistent approach to fisheries compliance throughout Australia complementing the
National Plan of Action to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated
Fishing.
In July 2016 the Department for Industry created a Resources Regulator to undertake
compliance and enforcement for a broad range of activities in the resource sector, including
commercial and recreational fishing.
The Resources Regulator Advisory Committee has been established to oversee and advise on
major enforcement actions, providing confirmation to the community that these matters are
conducted under law and without fear or favour. The FCU have briefed the Committee on the
regulatory approach of NSW DPI Fisheries Compliance and the opportunities for
improvement.
The FCU are early adopters of the Quality Regulatory Services Initiative (QRSI), and the design
of Fisheries Annual District Compliance Plans has been reviewed and revised several times, to
improve its effectiveness as an outcomes-focused fisheries compliance management tool.
Recent efforts in developing an 'analytics' environment have also allowed the FCU to better
identify changes in compliance activity and outcomes over time. Regular analysis of
compliance data is undertaken to review the effectiveness of compliance initiatives.
To support risk-based compliance, functionality has been embedded into business processes
(i.e. inspections) to identify and address knowledge gaps in fishing rules, support for fisheries
management arrangements and reasons for non-compliance. These insights have been
converted to actions addressing damaging behaviours through education and targeted
enforcement.
A copy of the Fisheries Compliance Enforcement Policy and Procedure along with other
compliance statistics can be found on the NSW DPI website at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/compliance/fisheries-compliance-enforcement

3.4.1 Compliance rates

The annual rate of compliance in the OTL Fishery is calculated using information from quality
inspections reflected on program activity reports that are completed by NSW DPI Fisheries
Officers when undertaking inspections of fishers and fishing gear in the OTL Fishery (Table 7).

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 Table 7     Rates of compliance in the OTL Fishery

                        Year                                         Compliance rate

                      2016/17                                             81.48%

                      2017/18                                             77.82%

                      2018/19                                             86.07%

                      2019/20                                             88.71%

3.5 Consultation processes
New consultation arrangements for NSW commercial fisheries have been introduced since
November 2012 following the Independent Report into NSW Commercial Fisheries Policy,
Management and Administration.
Further information on consultation arrangements is available on the DPI website at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/commercial/consultation

3.5.1 Ministerial Fisheries Advisory Committee

The MFAC has been established to provide the Minister for Primary Industries with high-level
strategic policy advice on issues relating to the management of fisheries resources in NSW.
This will include broad advice to assist with the management of commercial fishing,
recreational/charter fishing and Aboriginal cultural fishing as well as issues which impact
across fisheries and sectors such as resource sharing, co-management, cost recovery and
ecosystem-based fisheries management.

3.5.2 Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council

The Commercial Fishing NSW Advisory Council (Commfish NSW) is established to provide
greater industry representation and input to the Minister for Primary Industries on strategic
and policy issues relating to the commercial fishing industry in NSW.
The Council operates under a Charter which sets out the objectives and mode of operation of
the Council and the roles and responsibilities of members.

3.5.3 Working groups

Task based working groups are formed on an as needs basis to provide expert advice on
specific issues. Once the task assigned to the working group is complete the working group
will be disbanded. Working group members are appointed by the Deputy Director General,
DPI Fisheries based on skill and expertise relevant to the tasks assigned to the working group.
The policy - Fisheries non-statutory working groups: Establishment and Governance is
designed to ensure that working groups are established and operated in a consistent,
efficient and effective manner in line with best practice governance arrangements.

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

3.6 Cross jurisdictional management arrangements
NSW DPI continues to work with the Commonwealth and Fisheries Queensland to develop
complementary arrangements for shared resources. For example:
       NSW DPI and the Australian Fisheries Management Authority are working co-
        operatively to address key Offshore Constitutional Settlement (OCS) issues including
        rationalising the management of commercial fisheries that harvest fish stocks shared
        with other jurisdictions, which are governed by existing OCS agreements.
       The NSW Strategy to assist the rebuilding of Harrisson’s and southern dogfish
        populations includes management actions that complement the Commonwealth
        Upper-slope Dogfish Management Strategy.
       NSW DPI provides data for assessments by Commonwealth Resource Assessment
        Groups for species which occur off NSW.
       NSW DPI is a participant in the development of the National Plan of Action for
        Reducing the Incidental Catch of Seabirds in Australian Fisheries (NPOA- Seabirds).
       NSW DPI is a participant in the Australian Fisheries Management Forum (AFMF).

3.7 Threatened, endangered and protected species
Chapter B2.5 (Risk Analysis of Threatened and Protected Species) of the EIS identified species
determined to be threatened and protected under the Act, Threatened Species Conservation
Act 1995 and the EPBC Act 1999, that may interact with the OTL Fishery, and potential direct
and indirect impacts. The EIS found that of the 18 threatened species of fish (at that time), 15
were at low or low-moderate risk from the current operation of the OTL Fishery. The
remaining three species, Greynurse shark (Carcharias taurus), Black Rockcod (Epinephelus
daemelii) and White Shark (Carcharadon carcharias) were determined to be high, moderately-
high and moderate risk respectively. The risk of the OTL Fishery to threatened and protected
species of birds, marine mammals and reptiles was assessed as moderately low.
Further assessment of the OTL fishery has been undertaken through the NSW Marine Estate
Statewide Threat and Risk assessment. Further information is available at
https://www.marine.nsw.gov.au/marine-estate-programs/threat-and-risk-assessment
In May 2012 Scalloped Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna lewini) was listed as an endangered
species and the Great Hammerhead Shark (Sphyrna mokarran) was listed as a vulnerable
species under the Act. Offences apply for buying, selling, possessing or harming a Great
Hammerhead or Scalloped Hammerhead Shark or for damaging their habitat without a
specific permit, licence or other appropriate approval. Any incidentally caught Great
Hammerhead or Scalloped Hammerhead Sharks must be immediately released with least
possible harm, or if deceased, must be discarded.
In June 2013 Harrisson’s Dogfish (Centrophorus harrissoni) and Southern Dogfish (C.
zeehaani) were listed as Conservation dependent under the EPBC Act.

3.7.1 Frequency and nature of interactions

Mandatory reporting of threatened and/or protected species interactions was implemented
in the OTL Fishery in 2005. Interactions as reported by endorsements holders in the OTL
Fishery for the period 2016/17 – 2019/20 are provided in Table 8.

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 Table 8     Threatened and/or protected species interactions as reported by endorsement
             holders in the OTL Fishery

                                                                                             Total interactions
Year       Endorsement      Method               Species              Type of interaction
                                                                                             reported in year

                                                                       Caught, discarded
                                                 Black Rockcod                                        2
                                                                       healthy

                            Handline
                                                                       Caught, discarded
                                                 Queensland Groper                                    1
                                                                       healthy
           Line fishing
           western zone
2016/17                                          Great White Shark     Sighted, not caught            1

                                                                      Caught, discarded
                            Trolling             Great White Shark                                    1
                                                                      Healthy

           Demersal fish                                              Contact with gear,
                            Demersal fish trap Whale                                                  1
           trap                                                       not caught

           Line fishing                                               Contact with gear,
                            Dropline             Humpback Whale                                       1
           eastern zone                                               not caught
2018/19
           Demersal fish                                              Caught, released
                            Demersal fish trap Black Rockcod                                          1
           trap                                                       distressed

                                                                      Caught, released
                                                 Black Rockcod                                        1
                                                                      healthy
           Demersal fish
2019/20                     Demersal fish trap
           trap
                                                 Black Rockcod        Caught, released                2
                                                                      distressed

3.7.2 Scientific observer program

A cross-fishery scientific observer program is in place to inform composition and levels of
bycatch in NSW commercial fisheries. The program focuses on one fishery or fishing method
at a time. The order in which commercial fisheries are examined is based on risk and applying
multi-criteria decision analysis.
The scientific observer program was expanded as part of the NSW Marine Estate Management
Strategy 2018 -2028 to better understand threats associated with bycatch and interactions
with threatened, endangered and protected (TEP) species in high and moderate risk
commercial fisheries.
Interactions between the OTL Fishery and TEP species have been observed during three
observer programs:
1. Observer-based survey of the OTL – Line Fishing West Zone (in progress). Commenced
   September 2019 proposed end date 30 June 2021. To date, 275 trips have been observed
   from ocean zones 1-5 (Queensland border to Newcastle) with a total of two interactions
   with TEP species reported (1 x Greynurse shark, 1 x Scalloped hammerhead shark, both
   released alive).

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2. The ‘NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW’
   (Macbeth and Gray, 2015) provides information about interactions between handline,
   dropline and set/trotline fishing gears and threatened and/or protected species based on
   307 observed fisher days over a two year period. Instances of interactions observed were
   rare with none resulting in confirmed mortality. The following interactions with
   threatened and/or protected species were observed:
       Two Greynurse sharks were caught during separate set/trotline fisher days. Both were
        hooked during overnight gear-sets and released alive upon gear retrieval.
       Four White Sharks were hooked via set/trotline. Notes from observers indicated that
        all were alive upon release.
       Two Eastern Blue Devils were caught and discarded during one set/trotline fisher day.
       Three Eastern Blue Gropers were caught and discarded during two separate
        set/trotline fisher days.
       One Black Rockcod was caught and discarded during a handline fisher day.
       A Short-tailed Shearwater was hooked through the beak during a handline fisher day.
        The bird was retrieved to the fishing vessel, manually de-hooked and immediately
        released alive.
       One Humpback Whale swam into a deployed line during a handline fisher day. The
        interaction was brief and visual monitoring indicated the animal was not noticeably
        distressed by the interaction.
Since completion of the field sampling phase of the line fishing observer study, Scalloped
Hammerhead Shark was listed as an endangered species and the Great Hammerhead Shark
was listed as a vulnerable species under the Act, and Harrisson’s and Southern Dogfish were
listed as Conservation dependent under the EPBC Act. The following interactions with these
species were observed:
       Two Great Hammerhead sharks were caught and retained on separate set/trotline
        fisher days.
       15 Southern Dogfish were caught and discarded during one set/trotline fisher day,
        two caught and retained during another set/trotline fisher day, and three caught and
        retained during three separate dropline fisher days
       14 Harrisson’s Dogfish were caught and retained during dropline fisher days.
Macbeth et al. (2009) presents detailed set/trotline catch data for Great Hammerhead and
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark observed as part of the shark fishing observer study.
3. The ‘Observer-based survey of commercial shark fishing in coastal waters of northern
   New South Wales’ (Macbeth et.al., 2009) provided an intensive program of observer
   sampling onboard commercial line fishing trips specifically targeting large sharks in NSW
   waters north of Crowdy Head. The following interactions with threatened and/or
   protected species were observed:
       Five Greynurse sharks* were hooked during the observed commercial shark fishing
        trips. These interactions occurred on three of the 114 targeted shark fishing days
        observed.

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       Six White Sharks* were hooked during the observed commercial shark fishing trips.
       Two Green Turtles were hooked during the observed commercial shark fishing trips.
* The ‘NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW’ (Macbeth
and Gray, 2015) ran concurrently to the shark fishing observer study and it should be noted
that the five Greynurse shark interactions recorded as part of the shark fishing observer study
includes the two reported in the line fishing observer study, while the White Shark
interactions recorded as part as the shark fishing observer study includes three of the four
reported in the line fishing observer study.

3.7.3 Management actions taken to reduce interactions and results of such
      actions

NSW DPI implemented mandatory reporting of threatened and/or protected species
interactions for all commercial fisheries in 2005 and a cross-fishery scientific observer
program (refer to 4.3 Monitoring programs).
Direct management actions implemented in the OTL Fishery to reduce interactions with
threatened and/or protected species include:
       Maximum limit of fish traps that may be used at any one time.
       Maximum numbers of hooks that may be used at any one time, applying to any line
        fishing method.
       A number of gear restrictions applying in or near critical habitat of Greynurse shark.
       Mandatory use of circle hooks on all set lines.
       Prohibition on the use of bottom set lines with wire trace line in waters within 3
        nautical miles of NSW coastal baselines.
       Implementation of a number of fishery closures specific to Greynurse Shark.
       A commercial weekly and total catch limit applying to certain shark species.
    3.7.3.1      Management arrangements for upper-slope dogfish species
Management arrangements are in place to reduce interactions and mortality associated with
the capture of four species of upper-slope dogfish – Harrisson’s Dogfish, Endeavour Dogfish
(Centrophorus moluccensis), Southern Dogfish and Greeneye Spurdog (Squalus cholorculus).
The arrangements include a 0-kilogram trip limit for Harrison’s dogfish and Southern dogfish,
a 15 kilogram whole weight limit for Endeavour dogfish and Greeneye spurdog using certain
methods, and spatial closures. Further details can be found on the NSW DPI website at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/closures/commercial/ocean-trap-and-line-fishery-
closures

3.7.4 Priorities Action Statement

As part of a process for amending threatened species legislation in NSW, the Act was
amended in 2004 to include a requirement for the Director-General of NSW DPI to prepare
and adopt Priorities Action Statements (PAS) for threatened species, populations, ecological
communities and key threatening processes listed on the schedules of the Act.

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The PAS:
       Sets out the strategies and actions for promoting the recovery of each threatened
        species, population and ecological community to a position of viability in nature and
        for managing each key threatening process;
       Establishes priorities for implementation of recovery and threat abatement strategies;
       Establishes performance indicators to facilitate reporting on achievements in
        implementing recovery and threat abatement strategies and their effectiveness.
       Contains a status report for each species, population, ecological community and key
        threatening process under the Act.
       Sets out a timetable for recovery and threat abatement planning and achievement.
A PAS has been developed for:
Greynurse Shark - listed as a critically endangered species under the Act. The PAS actions for
this species prioritise the actions contained within the National Recovery Plan for Greynurse
sharks.
Scalloped Hammerhead Shark - listed as an endangered species under the Act. The PAS
actions for this species include, among other things, development of educational and
advisory material to improve species identification. NSW DPI has produced a Hammerhead
Shark identification guide to assist fishers to accurately identify all three species of
Hammerhead Sharks that occur in NSW waters.
Great Hammerhead Shark - listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. The PAS actions for
this species include, among other things, development of educational and advisory material
to improve species identification. NSW DPI has produced a Hammerhead Shark identification
guide to assist fishers to accurately identify all three species of Hammerhead Sharks that
occur in NSW waters.
Great White Shark - listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. The PAS actions for this
species prioritise the actions contained within the National Recovery Plan for Great White
Sharks.
Black Rockcod - listed as a vulnerable species under the Act. The PAS actions for this species
are taken from the approved NSW Black Rockcod Recovery Plan.
Further information can be found on the NSW DPI website at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/species-protection/priorities-action-statement
    3.7.4.1      Black Rockcod Recovery Plan
A recovery plan has been developed to promote the recovery of black rockcod in NSW to an
extent where it can eventually be de-listed from the Schedules of the Act. The plan
summarises the current state of knowledge of the species and uses a risk assessment
framework to identify the threats to the species and rank them in terms of highest to lowest
risk. This process is used to identify and prioritise recovery actions to address these risks with
the aim of ensuring the recovery of Black Rockcod populations in NSW.
A copy of the recovery plan can be found on the NSW DPI website at
www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/636351/Black-Rockcod-recovery-plan.pdf

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Assessment of the NSW Ocean Trap and Line Fishery

4. Research and Monitoring
4.1 Research priorities
The NSW DPI Strategic Plan 2019-2023 establishes strategic objectives for DPI’s role in
creating stronger primary industries in NSW. NSW DPI undertakes and facilitates research on
aquatic animals and plants, and their habitats and ecosystems to ensure management receive
the best scientific advice to make informed decisions.
Further information on research programs and outputs can be found on the DPI website at
https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-aquaculture

4.2 Relevant research
Scientific outputs and NSW DPI published research findings relevant to the OTL Fishery can
be found on the NSW DPI website at https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/content/research/fishing-
aquaculture#Research-findings
Examples of scientific outputs and NSW DPI published research findings relevant to the OTL
Fishery include:
       Survey of Recreational Fishing in New South Wales 2017/18 (Murphy, et al 2020)
       Assessment of barotrauma and its mitigation measures on the behaviour and survival
        of snapper and mulloway (Hughes and Stewart 2013).
       Review of existing snapper (Pagrus auratus) stock structure knowledge (FRDC 2016)
       Movements and mortality of two commercially exploited carcharhinid sharks
        following longline capture and release off eastern Australia (Barnes, et. al., 2016).
       At vessel mortality and blood biochemical status of elasmobranchs caught in an
        Australian commercial longline fishery (Butcher, et.al., 2015).
       NSW Observer-based Study of Commercial Line Fishing in Waters off NSW (Macbeth
        and Gray, 2015).
       Temporal hooking variability among sharks on south-eastern Australian demersal
        longlines and implications for their management (Broadhurst et. al., 2014).
       Resilience of inshore, juvenile snapper (Pagrus auratus) to angling and release
        (Broadhurst, et.al., 2012).
NSW DPI recently completed a Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC)
funded project titled Shark Futures: sustainable management of the NSW whaler shark fishery.
The report is due to be finalised in 2021. The project aims to provide information on:
    (1) stock structure and effective population size to enable a sustainable total allowable
        catch to be set,
    (2) methods to reduce unwanted catch thereby minimizing environmental impact, and
    (3) movements of target species to enable equitable State-wide access to the resource
        for fishers while providing temporal-spatial management options to improve risk-
        management of shark fishing in NSW.
The project objectives are:
       Genetically resolve the effective population size of dusky and sandbar sharks targeted
        in the OTL Fishery;

21 | NSW Department of Primary Industries, April 2021
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