New South Wales rolls out abalone industry support and enforcement reforms

The New South Wales Government announced a multi‑part package to help commercial abalone fishers transition to a new, more sustainable operating model. The support includes up to $1,000 for financial advice, up to $9,000 for training through a registered training organisation, mental‑health services and an expanded voluntary share‑surrender program that lets shareholders exit the fishery. The reforms follow a 40 % cut in the total allowable catch for black‑lip abalone and the closure of the Central Zone to commercial fishing from July 2027, while fishing continues in the Northern and Southern zones.

At the same time, the government is introducing the Fisheries Management Amendment (Enforcement) Bill 2026, giving fisheries officers new powers to target illegal sales of premium seafood such as abalone and mud crabs. Officers can now fine offenders up to $44,000, use drones to spot illegal fishing, and require buyers to prove lawful sourcing. A “fit and proper person” test, including a national police check, will be applied to commercial fishing licences to block individuals with serious criminal convictions.