Redfish Rebuilding Program
The NSW Government is introducing a Redfish Rebuilding Program to help redfish stocks recover and support long-term sustainability.
The program sets new fishing rules for redfish in NSW from 7 October 2026.
Why redfish needs rebuilding
Redfish (also locally known as Nannygai) is classified as a depleted stock. A 2019 scientific assessment found the stock had fallen to about 3% of its original unfished level.
The Australian Government is considering whether redfish should be listed for stronger protection under national environmental law, with a decision expected by 31 October 2026.
NSW is introducing new measures for NSW-managed fisheries to reduce pressure on redfish and support recovery of the stock.
New redfish rules
From 7 October 2026, the new rules include:
- a 25 cm minimum size limit for all fishing sectors
- a 40 kg commercial possession limit for Ocean Trawl, Southern Fish Trawl and Ocean Trap and Line fisheries
- a 0 kg commercial possession limit for all other commercial fisheries
- a recreational bag limit of one redfish per person
The rules aim to reduce pressure on redfish while allowing limited fishing where it can be managed responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
From 7 October 2026, new rules will apply to redfish in NSW.
The new rules include:
- a 25 cm minimum size limit for all sectors
- a 40 kg commercial bag and possession limit for Ocean Trawl, Southern Fish Trawl and Ocean Trap and Line fisheries
- a 0 kg commercial possession limit for all other commercial fisheries
- a recreational bag and possession limit of one redfish per person.
These rules aim to share rebuilding responsibility across fishing sectors, reduce pressure on redfish, and allow limited fishing where it can be managed responsibly.
NSW is implementing new management arrangements for redfish to support rebuilding of this depleted stock and improve long-term sustainability.
Scientific assessments found redfish had fallen to about 3% of its original unfished level.
The redfish rebuilding program sets rules to reduce fishing pressure and help the stock recover over time.
The program was developed using the best available scientific information and catch data.
It was finalised after consultation with commercial, recreational, Aboriginal and charter fishing stakeholders, as well as the broader public.
Feedback helped make sure the program is practical and focused on rebuilding the stock.
The Australian Government is deciding if redfish needs stronger protection under national environmental law. NSW needs rebuilding rules in place before that decision is made. This may support consideration of a conservation dependent listing, which could allow limited fishing to continue under approved rules.
A conservation dependent listing recognises a species that requires active management and recovery measures.
For redfish, this type of listing may allow limited fishing to continue, but only under approved rules that support recovery.
If redfish is listed as a threatened species, fishing for redfish would not be allowed.
NSW is putting a rebuilding program in place now to support possible consideration of a conservation dependent listing. This may allow limited fishing to continue under strict rules.
The new rules will apply to NSW-managed fishing activities.
Redfish are found across NSW waters, so consistent rules are needed to help the stock recover.
It may take time for redfish stocks to recover.
Recovery depends on things like growth, breeding, survival and environmental conditions.
NSW will monitor the stock and review the rules as new information becomes available.
Stock status classifications are based on scientific assessments and reflect both fishing pressure and the current abundance (or biomass) of fish stocks.
Status is determined in accordance with the national Status of Australian Fish Stocks classification framework, which assesses evidence on stock health (e.g. biomass and other indicators) and whether fishing pressure allows stocks to replenish through reproduction.
Redfish are caught in both NSW and Australian Government-managed fisheries.
The NSW Government is responsible for managing NSW fishing rules. These changes will reduce redfish catch in NSW and support broader action to help the stock recover.
NSW will continue to work with other jurisdictions on redfish management.
Yes. Limited fishing for redfish will still be allowed under the new NSW rules.
Fishers will need to follow the new size, bag and possession limits from 7 October 2026.
Some level of discard mortality occurs in all fisheries when fish are released but do not survive. This occurred before and will still occur to some extent after the new redfish rules.
The redfish rebuilding program is designed to reduce overall fishing mortality and support stock recovery.
Discard mortality is considered as part of total fishing mortality. The program includes monitoring and review arrangements to assess whether management actions are achieving the rebuilding objectives.
The rebuilding program includes ongoing monitoring, regular stock assessments and periodic reviews to track recovery and assess whether management measures remain effective.
The immediate focus is on implementing the redfish measures with arrangements on other species to made available as they are released.
The NSW rebuilding program complements measures already implemented by the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (AFMA), which has progressively reduced Commonwealth incidental catch limits for redfish over time.
Redfish was primarily harvested in Australian Government-managed fisheries, with a smaller amount taken in NSW-managed fisheries. This has changed in recent years with a highly reduced catch level set in Commonwealth fisheries.
NSW manages recreational fishing rules for redfish across NSW and Australian Government waters. Commercial fishing is managed under separate NSW and Australian Government arrangements.
Because redfish are caught in both fisheries, action from both governments is needed to help the stock recover.
