Legislation requires that the Minister consults with the fishing body prior to determining key fishery arrangements such total allowable catch (TAC).
Fisheries consultation arrangements have three key components:
- Non-statutory ‘fishery consultative groups’, including representatives of the relevant certified fishery bodies, to inform the Department’s advice.
- Use of direct written requests to the relevant certified bodies for each fishery, prior to decision making on TAC.
- Establishment of a three-person independent marine advisory group, that can provide advice on matters such as TAC/quota, harvest strategies, resource sharing or other matters referred to it, as required.
The below diagram shows these new arrangements in the context of the wider consultation and advisory arrangements. These arrangements do not affect ongoing engagement processes, which includes statutory consultation and public engagement.
Next steps
Two key components - fishery consultative groups and direct written requests – are in place. The independent marine advisory group remains under consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still be able to have my say on fisheries management decisions?
Yes. These consultation arrangements are only one way that the government engages on fisheries management. These new arrangements do not affect ongoing engagement processes, which includes statutory and non-statutory consultation and community engagement.
How did we get here?
Until recently, the role, value and fitness-for-purpose of Fishery Advisory Committees (FACs) had not been substantially reviewed since FACs were first introduced in the mid-1990s.
Following this review, consultation arrangements for fisheries management were updated in 2025. This model improves fisheries management and provides a more comprehensive and transparent mechanism of consultation, bringing together recreational and commercial stock management and preserving independent scientific advice.
A summary of the FAC review is available here:
How is public engagement and consultation conducted?