{"id":"nsw:sl-2006-0735","name":"Fisheries Management (Estuary Prawn Trawl Share Management Plan) Regulation 2006","slug":"fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006","collection":"regulation","jurisdiction":"nsw","status":"in_force","isInForce":true,"actNumber":"735 of 2006","makingDate":null,"administeringDepartment":null,"currentVersion":{"id":178568,"registerId":"nsw-nsw:sl-2006-0735-current","compilationNumber":null,"startDate":"2026-04-05","status":"InForce","reasons":null,"registeredAt":null},"sections":[{"sectionNumber":"1","sectionType":"section","heading":"Name of Regulation","content":"#### 1 Name of Regulation\n\n1 Name of Regulation\n\n> This Regulation is the [Fisheries Management (Estuary Prawn Trawl Share Management Plan) Regulation 2006](/view/html/inforce/current/sl-2006-0735).","sortOrder":0},{"sectionNumber":"2","sectionType":"section","heading":"Commencement","content":"#### 2 Commencement\n\n2 Commencement\n\n> This Regulation commences on 5 February 2007.","sortOrder":1},{"sectionNumber":"3","sectionType":"section","heading":"Estuary Prawn Trawl Share Management Plan","content":"#### 3 Estuary Prawn Trawl Share Management Plan\n\n3 [Estuary Prawn Trawl Share Management Plan](/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2006-735)\n\n> The [Estuary Prawn Trawl Share Management Plan](/view/pdf/asmade/sl-2006-735) set out in the Appendix to this Regulation has effect.","sortOrder":2},{"sectionNumber":"sch","sectionType":"schedule","heading":null,"content":"# sch\n\nAppendix\n\n(Clause 3)\n\n**Appendix:** Am 2008 (232), Sch 2.2; 2008 (522), Sch 3 \\[1\\]–\\[6\\]; 2009 (522), Sch 2.2 \\[1\\]–\\[5\\]; 2010 (114), Sch 2 \\[1\\]–\\[3\\]; 2011 (148), Sch 3 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2014 (356), Sch 3 \\[1\\]–\\[3\\]; 2015 (808), Sch 4 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2017 (309), Sch 5; 2017 (615), Sch 5 \\[1\\]–\\[6\\]; 2018 (323), Sch 9 \\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2022 (688), Sch 2\\[1\\] \\[2\\]; 2023 (13), Sch 4\\[1\\]–\\[3\\]; 2023 (69), Sch 2\\[1\\]–\\[3\\].","sortOrder":3},{"sectionNumber":"Part 1","sectionType":"part","heading":"Preliminary","content":"# Part 1 Preliminary\n\nPart 1 Preliminary","sortOrder":4},{"sectionNumber":"Part 2","sectionType":"part","heading":"Objectives of Plan","content":"# Part 2 Objectives of Plan\n\nPart 2 Objectives of Plan","sortOrder":7},{"sectionNumber":"Part 3","sectionType":"part","heading":"Description of fishery","content":"# Part 3 Description of fishery\n\nPart 3 Description of fishery\n\nNote—\n\nThe fishery is described in Schedule 1 to the Act as consisting of the use of an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish from estuarine waters. Estuarine waters do not include the waters of Port Jackson.","sortOrder":9},{"sectionNumber":"4","sectionType":"section","heading":"Areas of fishery","content":"#### 4 Areas of fishery\n\n4 Areas of fishery\n\n> > (1) For the purposes of this Plan, the fishery is divided into 3 areas, as follows—\n> > \n> > > (a) the Clarence River (which includes Lake Wooloweyah),\n> > \n> > > (b) the Hunter River,\n> > \n> > > (c) the Hawkesbury River.\n> \n> > (2) Schedule 1 has effect.\n> > \n> > Note—\n> > \n> > Schedule 1 describes more precisely the waters of the Clarence River, Lake Wooloweyah, the Hunter River, and the Hawkesbury River.","sortOrder":10},{"sectionNumber":"5","sectionType":"section","heading":"Classes of share","content":"#### 5 Classes of share\n\n5 Classes of share\n\n> The following classes of share are available in the fishery—\n> \n> > (a) Estuary prawn trawl—Clarence River shares,\n> \n> > (b) Estuary prawn trawl—Hunter River shares,\n> \n> > (c) Estuary prawn trawl—Hawkesbury River shares.\n> \n> Note—\n> \n> Each class of shares corresponds to an area of the fishery and to the types of endorsements available in the fishery.","sortOrder":11},{"sectionNumber":"6","sectionType":"section","heading":"Types of endorsement","content":"#### 6 Types of endorsement\n\n6 Types of endorsement\n\n> > (1) There are 3 types of endorsements available in the fishery, as follows—\n> > \n> > > (a) Clarence River endorsement,\n> > \n> > > (b) Hunter River endorsement,\n> > \n> > > (c) Hawkesbury River endorsement.\n> \n> > (2) Clarence River endorsement A Clarence River endorsement authorises the holder to take fish using an otter trawl net (prawns) from the waters of the Clarence River, including Lake Wooloweyah.\n> \n> > (3) Only shareholders who hold estuary prawn trawl—Clarence River shares are eligible to be given, or to nominate a person to be given, a Clarence River endorsement.\n> \n> > (4) Hunter River endorsement A Hunter River endorsement authorises the holder to take fish using an otter trawl net (prawns) from the waters of the Hunter River.\n> \n> > (5) Only shareholders who hold estuary prawn trawl—Hunter River shares are eligible to be given, or to nominate a person to be given, a Hunter River endorsement.\n> \n> > (6) Hawkesbury River endorsement A Hawkesbury River endorsement authorises the holder to take fish using an otter trawl net (prawns) from the waters of the Hawkesbury River.\n> \n> > (7) Only shareholders who hold estuary prawn trawl—Hawkesbury River shares are eligible to be given, or to nominate a person to be given, a Hawkesbury River endorsement.","sortOrder":12},{"sectionNumber":"Part 4","sectionType":"part","heading":"Minimum and maximum shareholdings","content":"# Part 4 Minimum and maximum shareholdings\n\nPart 4 Minimum and maximum shareholdings","sortOrder":13},{"sectionNumber":"7","sectionType":"section","heading":"Minimum shareholding","content":"#### 7 Minimum shareholding\n\n7 Minimum shareholding\n\n> > (1) For the purpose of section 67 (1) of the Act, the minimum shareholding in relation to a class of shares specified in the Table to this clause is the number of shares of that class specified in the Table next to the class concerned.\n> > \n> > Note—\n> > \n> > A person who does not hold the minimum shareholding required for a class of shares will not be eligible to be given, or to nominate another person to be given, an endorsement that authorises the taking of fish in respect of shares of that class. See sections 68 (3) (b) and 69 (2) of the Act.\n> \n> > (2)–(5) (Repealed)\n> \n> > (6) The shares relied on to meet the minimum shareholding requirement must all be a component of the same estuary prawn trawl fishing business.\n> \n> Table\n> \n> | Class of shares | Minimum shareholding |\n> | Estuary prawn trawl—Clarence River shares | 250 |\n> | Estuary prawn trawl—Hunter River shares | 100 |\n> | Estuary prawn trawl—Hawkesbury River shares | 200 |","sortOrder":14},{"sectionNumber":"8","sectionType":"section","heading":"Maximum shareholding","content":"#### 8 Maximum shareholding\n\n8 Maximum shareholding\n\n> For the purpose of section 72 (1) of the Act, the maximum shareholding is 40% of the total number of shares in the fishery at the commencement of this Plan.","sortOrder":15},{"sectionNumber":"Part 5","sectionType":"part","heading":"Species that may be taken","content":"# Part 5 Species that may be taken\n\nPart 5 Species that may be taken","sortOrder":16},{"sectionNumber":"9","sectionType":"section","heading":"Only target species and by-product species may be taken","content":"#### 9 Only target species and by-product species may be taken\n\n9 Only target species and by-product species may be taken\n\n> > (1) An endorsement holder must not use an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish in an area of the fishery unless the fish taken is a target species for that area or a by-product species for that area.\n> \n> > (2) For the purposes of section 24 of the Act, it is unlawful to use an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish in an area of the fishery in contravention of this clause.","sortOrder":17},{"sectionNumber":"10","sectionType":"section","heading":"By-product species may be taken only when attempting to take target species","content":"#### 10 By-product species may be taken only when attempting to take target species\n\n10 By-product species may be taken only when attempting to take target species\n\n> > (1) An endorsement holder must not use an otter trawl net (prawns) to take any by-product species of fish in an area of the fishery except while using the net to take a target species of fish for that area.\n> \n> > (2) For the purposes of section 24 of the Act, it is unlawful to use an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish in an area of the fishery in contravention of this clause.","sortOrder":18},{"sectionNumber":"11","sectionType":"section","heading":"Target species","content":"#### 11 Target species\n\n11 Target species\n\n> For the purposes of this Plan, a target species of fish, in relation to an area of the fishery specified in Column 1 of the Table to this clause, is a species of fish listed next to that area in Column 2 of the Table.\n> \n> Table\n> \n> | Area | Target species |\n> | Clarence River | Eastern school prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi) |\n> | Hunter River | Eastern school prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi)Eastern king prawn (Melicertus plebejus) |\n> | Hawkesbury River | Eastern school prawn (Metapenaeus macleayi)Eastern king prawn (Melicertus plebejus)Broad squid (Uroteuthis sp. 3)Slender squid (Uroteuthis sp. 5)Luminous bay squid (Uroteuthis noctiluca)Bubble squid (Eupyrmna stenodactyla)Candy striped squid (Sepioloida lineolate) |","sortOrder":19},{"sectionNumber":"12","sectionType":"section","heading":"By-product species","content":"#### 12 By-product species\n\n12 By-product species\n\n> For the purposes of this Plan, a by-product species of fish, in relation to an area of the fishery specified in Column 1 of the Table to this clause, is a species of fish listed next to that area in Column 2 of the Table.\n> \n> Table\n> \n> | Area | By-product species |\n> | Clarence River | Eastern king prawn (Melicertus plebejus)Greasyback prawn (Metapenaeus bennettae)Tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus)Trumpeter whiting (Sillago maculata)Silverbiddy (Gerres subfasciatus)Fork-tailed catfish (Arius spp.)Estuary catfish (Cnidoglanis macrecephalus)Striped catfish (Plotosus lineatus)Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus)Mud crab (Scylla serrata)Gould’s squid (Nototodarus gouldi)Broad squid (Uroteuthis sp. 3)Slender squid (Uroteuthis sp. 5) |\n> | Hunter River | Greasyback prawn (Metapenaeus bennettae)Tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus)Gould’s squid (Nototodarus gouldi)Broad squid (Uroteuthis sp. 3)Slender squid (Uroteuthis sp. 5)Bottle squid (Loliolus noctiluca)Australian herring (Arripis georgianus)Common silverbiddy (Gerres subfasciatus)European carp (Cyprinus carpio)Hawaiian giant herring (Elops hawaiensis)Largespotted herring (Herklotsichthys koningsbergeri)Oxeye herring (Megalops cyprinoides)Southern herring (Herklotsichthys castelnaui) |\n> | Hawkesbury River | Greasyback prawn (Metapenaeus bennettae)Tiger prawn (Penaeus esculentus)Trumpeter whiting (Sillago maculata)Large-toothed flounder (Pseudorhombus arsius)Small-toothed flounder (Pseudorhombus henynsii)Black sole (Brachirus nigra)Silverbiddy (Gerres subfasciatus)Striped grunter (Pelates quadrilineatus)Whitebait spp. (Family: CLUPEIDAE)Striped catfish (Plotosus lineatus)Bullseye spp. (Family: PEMPHERIDIDAE)Hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus)Yellowtail scad (Trachurus novaezelandiae)Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus)Mud crab (Scylla serrata)Octopus spp. (Family: OCTOPODIDAE)Mantis shrimp (Erugosquilla grahami)Mantis shrimp (Harpiosquilla harpex)Australian herring (Arripis georgianus)Black rabbitfish (Siganus fuscescens)Common pike eel (Muraenesox bagio)Coral crab (Charybdis feriata)Cuttlefish (Sepia spp.)Diamondfish (Monodactylus argenteus)Eastern fiddler ray (Trygonorrhina fasciata)Eastern shovelnose ray (Aptychotrema rostrata)Eeltail catfishes (Family: PLOTOSIDAE)Estuary cobbler (Cnidoglanis macrocephalus)Fantail mullet (Paramugil georgii)Forktail catfishes (Family: ARIIDAE)Giant boarfish (Paristiopterus labiosus)Hawaiian giant herring (Elops hawaiensis)John dory (Zeus faber)Largespotted herring (Herklotsichthys koningsbergeri)Longfin pike (Dinolestes lewini)Oxeye herring (Megalops cyprinoides)Southern calamari (Sepioteuthis australis)Southern herring (Herklotsichthys castelnaui)Stingrays (Dasyatidae, Gymnuridae, Myliobatidae and Urolophidae spp.)Striped scat (Selenotoca multifasciata)Tripletail (Lobotes surinamensis) |","sortOrder":20},{"sectionNumber":"Part 6","sectionType":"part","heading":"Trawl seasons and operating hours","content":"# Part 6 Trawl seasons and operating hours\n\nPart 6 Trawl seasons and operating hours","sortOrder":21},{"sectionNumber":"13","sectionType":"section","heading":"Trawling not permitted outside trawl season or operating hours","content":"#### 13 Trawling not permitted outside trawl season or operating hours\n\n13 Trawling not permitted outside trawl season or operating hours\n\n> > (1) An endorsement holder must not use an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish in an area of a fishery outside of the trawl season for that area, or outside the operating hours for that area, as set out in this Part.\n> \n> > (2) For the purposes of section 24 of the Act, it is unlawful to use an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish in an area of the fishery in contravention of this clause.","sortOrder":22},{"sectionNumber":"14","sectionType":"section","heading":"Clarence River (except Lake Wooloweyah) trawl season and operating hours","content":"#### 14 Clarence River (except Lake Wooloweyah) trawl season and operating hours\n\n14 Clarence River (except Lake Wooloweyah) trawl season and operating hours\n\n> > (1) The trawl season for the Clarence River area commences on the Monday nearest to 1 December each year, and finishes on the Friday nearest to 31 May in each succeeding year.\n> \n> > (2) The operating hours for the Clarence River area are from 8am to 6pm on Mondays, and from 7am to 6pm on each of the days from Tuesday to Friday (inclusive), excluding public holidays.\n> \n> > (3) This clause does not apply to the part of the Clarence River area that consists of Lake Wooloweyah.\n> \n> > (4) The trawl season may be extended by not more than 15 working days by notice in writing given by a fisheries officer.\n> \n> > (4A) A fisheries officer may, in the notice extending the trawl season, limit the extension to specified parts of the Clarence River, or to specified types of fishing gear, or both.\n> \n> > (5) The notice must be posted in a conspicuous place in the Clarence River area.\n> \n> > (6) The fisheries officer may, at any time before extending the trawl season, arrange for a trawl trial to be conducted in the Clarence River area for the purposes of establishing the availability and size of prawns or the level of bycatch.","sortOrder":23},{"sectionNumber":"15","sectionType":"section","heading":"Lake Wooloweyah trawl season and operating hours","content":"#### 15 Lake Wooloweyah trawl season and operating hours\n\n15 Lake Wooloweyah trawl season and operating hours\n\n> > (1) The trawl season for the part of the Clarence River area that consists of the waters of Lake Wooloweyah commences on the first Tuesday on or after 1 October each year, and finishes on the Friday nearest to 31 May in each succeeding year.\n> \n> > (2) The operating hours for the part of the Clarence River area that consists of the waters of Lake Wooloweyah are from 8am to 6pm on Mondays, and from 7am to 6pm on each of the days from Tuesday to Friday (inclusive), excluding public holidays.\n> \n> > (3) The trawl season may be extended by not more than 15 working days by notice in writing given by a fisheries officer.\n> \n> > (3A) A fisheries officer may, in the notice extending the trawl season, limit the extension to specified parts of Lake Wooloweyah, or to specified types of fishing gear, or both.\n> \n> > (4) The notice must be posted in a conspicuous place in the Clarence River area.\n> \n> > (5) The fisheries officer may, at any time before extending the trawl season, arrange for a trawl trial to be conducted in the part of the Clarence River area that consists of the waters of Lake Wooloweyah for the purposes of establishing the availability and size of prawns or the level of bycatch.","sortOrder":24},{"sectionNumber":"16","sectionType":"section","heading":"Hunter River trawl season and operating hours","content":"#### 16 Hunter River trawl season and operating hours\n\n16 Hunter River trawl season and operating hours\n\n> > (1) The trawl season for the Hunter River area commences on the first weekday on or after 1 November each year and finishes on the last Friday in May in each succeeding year.\n> \n> > (2) The operating hours for the Hunter River area are from 6am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.","sortOrder":25},{"sectionNumber":"17","sectionType":"section","heading":"Hawkesbury River trawl season and operating hours","content":"#### 17 Hawkesbury River trawl season and operating hours\n\n17 Hawkesbury River trawl season and operating hours\n\n> > (1) The trawl season for the Hawkesbury River area commences on 1 July each year and finishes on 30 June in each succeeding year.\n> \n> > (2) The operating hours for the Hawkesbury River area are, in relation to the waters specified in Column 2 of the Table to this clause, the hours of operation specified in Column 3.\n> \n> Table\n> \n> | Name | General description of waters | Hours of operation |\n> | Broken Bay | The waters downstream of a line drawn from the south-eastern most corner of Juno Point to the north-eastern most corner of Eleanor Bluffs that are not closed to trawling under a closure referred to in clause 21. | From midnight Sunday to midnight Friday in each week, excluding public holidays |\n> | Juno Point upstream to the vehicular ferry at Lower Portland | The waters from a line drawn across the river from the south eastern most corner of Juno Point to the north eastern most corner of Eleanor Bluffs, upstream to the vehicular ferry at Lower Portland (including Mooney Mooney Creek and Mangrove Creek), that are not closed to trawling under a closure referred to in clause 21. | From midnight Sunday to 6pm Friday in each week, excluding public holidays. |\n> | Marramarra Creek and Coba Bay | The waters of Marramarra Creek and Coba Bay, upstream (ie west) from a line drawn from the south-eastern extremity of Murron Point to the south-western extremity of Morgan Point and then to the north-eastern extremity of the entrance to Coba Bay. | From sunrise to sunset in each of the days from Monday to Thursday (inclusive) and from sunrise to 6pm Friday in each week, excluding public holidays. |","sortOrder":26},{"sectionNumber":"Part 6A","sectionType":"part","heading":"Fishing gear","content":"# Part 6A Fishing gear\n\nPart 6A Fishing gear\n\nNote—\n\nSection 24 of the Act makes it an offence for a person to use a net or trap for taking any fish unless its use by the person for taking those fish is declared by the regulations to be a lawful use of the net or trap. This Part sets out the types of fishing gear that may be lawfully used in the fishery (and the conditions of use).","sortOrder":27},{"sectionNumber":"17A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Otter trawl net (prawns)","content":"#### 17A Otter trawl net (prawns)\n\n17A Otter trawl net (prawns)\n\n> > (1) It is lawful for an endorsement holder to use an otter trawl net for taking target species for the waters concerned as set out in clause 11 if the net complies with the description set out in relation to those waters in the Table to this clause and the following conditions are complied with—\n> > \n> > > (a) the net is used only by the method of trawling,\n> > \n> > > (b) not more than 2 nets are used at any one time in the Hawkesbury River downstream from a line drawn between Juno Point and Eleanor Bluffs, or in the Clarence River,\n> > \n> > > (c) not more than 1 net is used at any one time in the Hunter River or in the Hawkesbury River upstream from a line drawn between Juno Point and Eleanor Bluffs,\n> > \n> > > (d) no string, rope, wire, cord, netting or other material is fixed to any meshes that are within 25 meshes of the draw or closing string of the codend of the net, except as permitted by subclauses (2) and (3),\n> > \n> > > (e) the net (or each net if more than one net is used) is fitted with a bycatch reduction device of a kind approved by the Secretary for use in the waters in which the net is used, and that device is fitted in accordance with any specifications approved by the Secretary and published in the Gazette.\n> \n> > (2) A draw or closing string and a secondary string may be attached to the net in accordance with one of the following methods—\n> > \n> > > (a) **method 1**: a frill or panel of diamond shaped mesh (not less than 40 mm nor more than 50 mm), used to facilitate the insertion of a draw or closing string, is attached to the codend within 3 bars of the last row of bars of the codend; the frill or panel is no greater than 15 meshes deep and a draw or closing string is inserted directly in the codend, or by means of a secondary string, within 3 bars of the end of the codend,\n> > \n> > > (b) **method 2**: a frill or panel of diamond shaped mesh (not less than 40 mm nor more than 50 mm), used to facilitate the insertion of a draw or closing string, is attached to the codend; the frill or panel does not consist of a greater number of meshes in circumference than the number of bars in the circumference of the codend; and a draw or closing string is inserted directly in the frill, or by means of a secondary string, within 3 meshes of the point where the frill or panel is attached to the codend,\n> > \n> > > (c) **method 3**: a draw or closing string is inserted directly into the codend, or by means of a secondary string, without a frill or panel of diamond shaped mesh.\n> \n> > (2A) For the purposes of subclause (2), bars includes a reference to meshes in the case of a codend that is a diamond shaped mesh codend.\n> \n> > (3) A chafing piece may be attached to the codend of the net if—\n> > \n> > > (a) the width of the chafing piece does not exceed half the effective operating diameter of the codend, and\n> > \n> > > (b) the chafing piece is hung along the codend and is not attached in any manner to the codend other than at the top, and\n> > \n> > > (c) the mesh of the chafing piece is not less than 80 mm.\n> \n> > (4) The use of a V-bridle (consisting of cable, chain or other material) in conjunction with the net is permitted in that part of the Hawkesbury River downstream of a line drawn from Juno Point to Eleanor Bluffs, if the following conditions are complied with—\n> > \n> > > (a) the V-bridle is secured to the otter boards and sweeps (or spreader pole) in such a way that the distance between the point of attachment to the otter boards and sweeps (or spreader pole) does not exceed 2 metres,\n> > \n> > > (b) the distance between the point of attachment to the otter boards and the first hanging of the net (including sweeps and V-bridle) does not exceed 7 metres.\n> \n> > (4A) For the purposes of this clause, a square shaped mesh codend is a codend that complies with the following description—\n> > \n> > > (a) the mesh of the codend is not less than 27 mm nor more than 40 mm, constructed of single twine knotless polyamide or polyethylene material not more than 2.5 mm in diameter and hung on the bar so that the meshes are square shaped,\n> > \n> > > (b) the codend of the net is not less than 1 metre nor more than 3 metres in length,\n> > \n> > > (c) the codend of the net has a circumference not exceeding 3.2 metres.\n> \n> > (4B) For the purposes of this clause, a diamond shaped mesh codend is a codend that complies with the following description—\n> > \n> > > (a) the mesh of the codend is not less than 40 mm nor more than 60 mm, constructed of single twine material not more than 2.5 mm in diameter and hung so that the meshes are diamond shaped,\n> > \n> > > (b) the codend of the net has a circumference not exceeding 200 meshes.\n> \n> > (5) It is also lawful to use an otter trawl net to take any by-product species in the waters in which the fish are taken, while the net is being lawfully used to take target species for the waters concerned.\n> \n> > (6) For the purposes of this Plan or any other instrument under the Act, a net described in this clause may be referred to as an otter trawl net (prawns) or an otter trawl net (prawns)—estuary prawn trawl fishery.\n> \n> Table Otter trawl net (prawns)\n> \n> | 1 | (a) Waters—Clarence River, Hunter River and that part of Hawkesbury River upstream from a line drawn from Juno Point to Eleanor Bluffs.(b) Description of net—(i) total length of net (length of head line between the first and last hanging) not exceeding 11 metres, and(ii) total length of either net (when towed as twin gear in Clarence River) not exceeding 7.5 metres, and(iii) mesh of the body of the net (or that portion of net not capable of being used as a codend) not less than 40 mm nor more than 60 mm, and(iv) codend of the net (or that portion of net capable of being used as codend) is a square shaped mesh codend, and(v) sweeps secured to head line and otter board so that the distance between the point of attachment to the otter boards and the first hanging of the net does not exceed 5 metres or the distance from the trawl gallows to the stern of the boat (whichever is the greater). |\n> | 2 | (a) Waters—That part of Hawkesbury River downstream from a line drawn from Juno Point to Eleanor Bluffs.(b) Description of net—(i) total length of net (length of head line between the first and last hanging)—(A) when one net is being towed as single gear—not exceeding 11 metres, or(B) when 2 nets are being towed as twin gear— each net (length of head line of each net between the first and last hanging) not exceeding 11 metres, and(ii) mesh of the body of the net (or that portion of net not capable of being used as a codend) not less than 40 mm nor more than 60 mm, and(iii) codend of the net (or that portion of net capable of being used as codend) is either a square shaped mesh codend or a diamond shaped mesh codend, and(iv) except where a V-bridle is used, sweeps secured to head line and otter board so that the distance between the point of attachment to the otter boards and the first hanging of the net does not exceed 5 metres or the distance from the trawl gallows to the stern of the boat (whichever is the greater). |","sortOrder":28},{"sectionNumber":"17B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Sorting of prawns caught in certain nets","content":"#### 17B Sorting of prawns caught in certain nets\n\n17B Sorting of prawns caught in certain nets\n\n> For the purposes of section 68 (6A) of the Act, it is a condition of an endorsement that the following steps are taken immediately after using an otter trawl net (prawns) to take fish in the fishery—\n> \n> > (a) any prawns caught in the net are graded immediately after the net is retrieved,\n> \n> > (b) the unwanted portion of the catch is returned to the water, alive, as soon as practicable (and in any case before the cooking of the retained portion of the catch).","sortOrder":29},{"sectionNumber":"Part 7","sectionType":"part","heading":"General requirements in relation to taking fish","content":"# Part 7 General requirements in relation to taking fish\n\nPart 7 General requirements in relation to taking fish","sortOrder":30},{"sectionNumber":"18","sectionType":"section","heading":"Boat length restrictions","content":"#### 18 Boat length restrictions\n\n18 Boat length restrictions\n\n> > (1) For the Act, section 68(6A), it is a condition of a Hawkesbury River endorsement that the endorsement holder does not use a boat to take fish in the fishery if the measured length of the boat is more than 12m (the maximum boat length for the Hawkesbury River).\n> \n> > (2) For the Act, section 68(6A), it is a condition of a Clarence River or Hunter River endorsement that the endorsement holder does not use a boat to take fish in the fishery if the measured length of the boat is more than 16m (the maximum boat length for the Clarence and Hunter Rivers).\n> \n> > (3) A boat is exempt from the maximum boat length if—\n> > \n> > > (a) the boat is an exempt boat, and\n> > \n> > > (b) the boat displays—\n> > > \n> > > > (i) the unique vessel identifier for the boat, or\n> > > \n> > > > (ii) the identifying number of the boat, in accordance with subclause (4).\n> \n> > (4) The identifying number of the boat must be displayed—\n> > \n> > > (a) on both sides of the outside of the bow or wheelhouse, and\n> > \n> > > (b) following the letters “LFB”, and\n> > \n> > > (c) using letters and figures that are—\n> > > \n> > > > (i) clearly visible, and\n> > > \n> > > > (ii) in a colour that contrasts with the boat, and\n> > > \n> > > > (iii) at least 300mm high and 150mm wide.\n> \n> > (5) In this clause—\n> > \n> > measured length of a boat means the measured length specified in the most recent certificate of survey for the boat.","sortOrder":31},{"sectionNumber":"18A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Boats exempt from maximum boat length","content":"#### 18A Boats exempt from maximum boat length\n\n18A Boats exempt from maximum boat length\n\n> > (1) A boat is exempt from the maximum boat length for the Hawkesbury River if, immediately before the commencement of this clause—\n> > \n> > > (a) a fishing boat licence that specified an “EPT” exemption code (a relevant fishing boat licence) authorised the use of the boat for a declared commercial fishing boat activity, and\n> > \n> > > (b) the holder of the fishing boat licence held estuary prawn trawl—Hawkesbury River shares.\n> \n> > (2) A boat is exempt from the maximum boat length for the Clarence and Hunter Rivers if, immediately before the commencement of this clause, a fishing boat licence that specified an “EPT” exemption code (a relevant fishing boat licence) authorised the use of the boat for a declared commercial fishing boat activity.\n> \n> > (3) A boat is exempt only if the following are provided to the Secretary within the relevant period—\n> > \n> > > (a) the name of the boat,\n> > \n> > > (b) the identifying number of the boat,\n> > \n> > > (c) the unique vessel identifier for the boat,\n> > \n> > > (d) the most recent certificate of survey for the boat.\n> \n> > (4) In this clause—\n> > \n> > relevant period means 90 days from the commencement of this clause or a longer period determined by the Secretary.","sortOrder":32},{"sectionNumber":"18B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Transfer of entitlement to exempt boat","content":"#### 18B Transfer of entitlement to exempt boat\n\n18B Transfer of entitlement to exempt boat\n\n> > (1) A person who, immediately before the commencement of this clause, held a relevant fishing boat licence may transfer the entitlement to an exempt boat to another person.\n> \n> > (2) The person to whom the entitlement to an exempt boat is transferred under subclause (1) may transfer the entitlement to another person.\n> \n> > (3) If a person transfers an entitlement under subclause (1) or (2)—\n> > \n> > > (a) the transferee is entitled to an exempt boat as if the person was the holder of the relevant fishing boat licence, and\n> > \n> > > (b) the transferor is no longer entitled to an exempt boat.","sortOrder":33},{"sectionNumber":"18C","sectionType":"section","heading":"New and replacement exempt boats","content":"#### 18C New and replacement exempt boats\n\n18C New and replacement exempt boats\n\n> > (1) An exempt boat may not be replaced after 3 years from the commencement of this clause.\n> \n> > (2) A person who has an entitlement to an exempt boat may not acquire an exempt boat after 3 years from the commencement of this clause.\n> \n> > (3) The Secretary may extend the 3-year period specified in subclause (1) or (2) if the Secretary is satisfied exceptional circumstances exist.\n> \n> > (4) A replacement boat is exempt from the maximum boat length if—\n> > \n> > > (a) the boat is not longer than the maximum length specified, immediately before the commencement of this clause, on the relevant fishing boat licence for the replaced boat, and\n> > \n> > > (b) the following are provided to the Secretary—\n> > > \n> > > > (i) the name of the boat,\n> > > \n> > > > (ii) the unique vessel identifier for the boat,\n> > > \n> > > > (iii) the most recent certificate of survey for the boat,\n> > > \n> > > > (iv) if the replacement boat is exempt because of the transfer of an entitlement under clause 18B—evidence that is, in the opinion of the Secretary, reasonably sufficient to demonstrate that the entitlement was transferred in accordance with that clause.","sortOrder":34},{"sectionNumber":"19","sectionType":"section","heading":"Possession of fishing gear in Clarence River area outside of operating hours","content":"#### 19 Possession of fishing gear in Clarence River area outside of operating hours\n\n19 Possession of fishing gear in Clarence River area outside of operating hours\n\n> > (1) For the purposes of section 68 (6A) of the Act, it is a condition of a Clarence River endorsement that the endorsement holder is not in possession of an otter trawl net (prawns) in, on or adjacent to the waters in the Clarence River area (including Lake Wooloweyah) except during the operating hours for that area, or the part of the area concerned.\n> \n> > (2) This clause does not prevent an endorsement holder from being in possession of an otter trawl net (prawns) in, on or adjacent to the waters in the Clarence River area (including Lake Wooloweyah) on any day during the trawl season for the area or part of the area concerned up to 1 hour before the start of the operating hours for the area or part of the area concerned if—\n> > \n> > > (a) the endorsement holder is travelling to a preferred fishing site and is not actually taking fish, and\n> > \n> > > (b) all parts of the otter trawl net (prawns) remain onboard the boat.","sortOrder":35},{"sectionNumber":"20","sectionType":"section","heading":"Discarding fish in Hunter River area","content":"#### 20 Discarding fish in Hunter River area\n\n20 Discarding fish in Hunter River area\n\n> For the purposes of section 68 (6A) of the Act, it is a condition of a Hunter River endorsement that any fish taken in an otter trawl net (prawns) that are to be discarded—\n> \n> > (a) are held by the endorsement holder in a holding tank or swim tub to keep them alive prior to release, and\n> \n> > (b) are released below the surface of the water by the endorsement holder by use of a plastic tube with a diameter of at least 150 millimetres.","sortOrder":36},{"sectionNumber":"21","sectionType":"section","heading":"Waters permanently closed to commercial fishing","content":"#### 21 Waters permanently closed to commercial fishing\n\n21 Waters permanently closed to commercial fishing\n\n> Pursuant to section 20 (2) of the Act, it is declared that the waters specified in Tables 1 and 2 of Schedule 2 are waters in which the class of commercial fishing that consists of the taking of fish by commercial fishers in the fishery is prohibited.\n> \n> Note—\n> \n> See the Supporting Plan for section 20 (2) closures that apply to more than one share management fishery.","sortOrder":37},{"sectionNumber":"21A","sectionType":"section","heading":"Use of fish spikes and other implements","content":"#### 21A Use of fish spikes and other implements\n\n21A Use of fish spikes and other implements\n\n> > (1) An endorsement holder must not, while on board a boat being used to take fish in the fishery, use a knife, fish spike, club or similar implement to pierce, impale, beat or otherwise injure any fish or other organism taken in any catch.\n> \n> > (2) Subclause (1) does not apply to the use of a knife to kill or process any fish taken in the catch that are to be retained.\n> \n> > (3) An endorsement holder must not, while on board a boat being used to take fish in the fishery, be in possession of a fish spike, club or similar implement that could be used to pierce, impale, beat or otherwise injure any fish or other organism.\n> \n> > (4) Subclause (3) does not apply to the possession of a knife.\n> \n> > (5) It is a defence to a prosecution of an offence constituted by contravening subclause (3) if the person charged proves that the implement concerned was in his or her possession for a purpose that is not unlawful.\n> \n> > (6) It is a condition of an endorsement that the endorsement holder does not contravene this clause.","sortOrder":38},{"sectionNumber":"21B","sectionType":"section","heading":"Bag limits for certain species","content":"#### 21B Bag limits for certain species\n\n21B Bag limits for certain species\n\n> > (1) For the purposes of section 17 (1) of the Act, the daily limit of a species of fish described in Column 1 of Schedule 3 is, when the fish are taken from waters specified opposite that species of fish in Column 4 of that Schedule and the person taking the fish falls within the class of endorsement holders specified next to the species in Column 3 of that Schedule, the quantity specified next to that species in Column 2 of that Schedule.\n> \n> > (2) For the purposes of section 17B (1) (a) of the Act, the possession limit of fish of a species described in Column 1 of Schedule 3 is, when the fish are taken from waters specified opposite that species of fish in Column 4 of that Schedule and the person in possession of that species of fish falls within the class of endorsement holders specified next to the species described in Column 3 of that Schedule, the quantity specified next to that species in Column 2 of that Schedule.\n> \n> > (3) For the purposes of section 21 (1) (d) of the Act, it is a defence to a prosecution for an offence under section 18 (2) of the Act that is constituted by being in possession of fish in contravention of a possession limit imposed by this Plan if the person charged satisfies the court that the fish were lawfully taken from outside the fishery.","sortOrder":39},{"sectionNumber":"Part 8","sectionType":"part","heading":"General","content":"# Part 8 General\n\nPart 8 General","sortOrder":40},{"sectionNumber":"22","sectionType":"section","heading":"Adoption of Supporting Plan","content":"#### 22 Adoption of Supporting Plan\n\n22 Adoption of Supporting Plan\n\n> For the purposes of section 57A (5) of the Act, the provisions of the Supporting Plan, as they relate to the fishery, and as in force from time to time, are adopted by this Plan.","sortOrder":41},{"sectionNumber":"23","sectionType":"section","heading":"Authorised amendments to Plan","content":"#### 23 Authorised amendments to Plan\n\n23 Authorised amendments to Plan\n\n> For the purposes of section 64 of the Act, any amendment to this Plan is authorised.","sortOrder":42},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 1","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Areas of fishery","content":"# Schedule 1 Areas of fishery\n\nSchedule 1 Areas of fishery\n\n(Clause 4)","sortOrder":43},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 2","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Waters permanently closed to fishing","content":"# Schedule 2 Waters permanently closed to fishing\n\nSchedule 2 Waters permanently closed to fishing\n\n(Clause 21)","sortOrder":48},{"sectionNumber":"Schedule 3","sectionType":"schedule","heading":"Bag limits","content":"# Schedule 3 Bag limits\n\nSchedule 3 Bag limits\n\n(Clause 21B)\n\n| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 |\n| Species of fish | Daily limit and possession limit | Fishers to whom bag limit applies | Waters |\n| Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus). | 25 kilograms. | Hawkesbury River endorsement holders. | All estuarine waters. |\n| Blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus). | 0. | Clarence River endorsement holders. | All estuarine waters. |\n| Mud crab (Scylla serrata). | 0. | Clarence River endorsement holders and Hawkesbury River endorsement holders. | All estuarine waters. |","sortOrder":51}],"analysis":{"issue_detection":{"absurdities":[],"contradictions":[]},"summary":{"complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The regulation has been amended over 13 times across nearly 17 years, strongly suggesting its scope and operational details have evolved significantly from the original 2006 version. Repeated amendments to fisheries share management plans typically reflect adjustments to catch limits, share allocations, permitted areas, gear rules, or administrative processes — indicating the regulation has been actively adapted rather than remaining static in its original form."},"complexity_factors":["Share management systems are legally and commercially complex, involving tradeable property rights in fishing entitlements","The regulation has been amended at least 13 times since 2006, creating a layered history that requires careful version tracking","Multiple point-in-time versions means determining which rules applied at a specific date requires navigating version timelines","Operates under the broader Fisheries Management Act 1994 (NSW), requiring cross-reference to understand full obligations","The actual substantive content of the regulation (quotas, gear restrictions, areas, share allocation formulas) is not visible in this document, but is known to be technically detailed in practice","Estuary-specific rules add geographic complexity — rules may vary depending on which estuary is being fished","Interaction with other fisheries regulations and licences creates potential for overlap and confusion"],"plain_english_summary":"This NSW regulation establishes a share-management system for commercial estuary prawn trawling, turning fishing rights into tradeable shares to limit effort, catches and where trawling may occur.  \n\nIt affects commercial prawn fishers and share/license holders and aims to balance industry interests with estuarine sustainability; it has been amended many times and remains in force (current version from Feb 2023)."},"kimi_summary":{"content_quality":"ok","complexity_score":6,"scope_assessment":{"changed":false,"description":"The legislation appears to maintain its original scope as a share management plan for the estuary prawn trawl fishery. While it has been amended multiple times (as evidenced by the amendment history in the Appendix), these amendments appear to be refinements and updates to the existing framework rather than significant expansions beyond the original purpose of managing this specific fishery. The core structure covering shareholdings, endorsements, species, seasons, and gear remains consistent with the original 2006 intent."},"complexity_factors":["Multiple nested definitions (e.g., 'certificate of survey' has a 2-tier definition with sub-paragraphs)","Extensive cross-referencing to other legislation (Fisheries Management Act 1994, Marine Safety Act 1998, National Standard for Commercial Vessels, Fisheries Management (General) Regulation 2019, Fisheries Management (Supporting Plan) Regulation 2006)","Detailed technical specifications for fishing gear (mesh sizes in mm, twine diameters, hanging methods, V-bridle attachment distances)","Multiple conditional exemptions for boat length restrictions (clauses 18A-18C) with time limits and transfer mechanisms","Geographic complexity with precise boundary descriptions using landmarks, navigation markers, and coordinates","Variable rules by location: three different rivers with different seasons, hours, target species, by-product species, and gear rules","17 defined terms in clause 2, plus implicit definitions through cross-references","Multiple amendment references in the Appendix indicating evolutionary complexity (12 amendment events referenced)"],"plain_english_summary":"This Regulation sets the rules for commercial prawn trawling in three New South Wales estuaries: the Clarence River, Hunter River, and Hawkesbury River. It creates a 'share management' system where fishers must hold specific shares to get a licence (endorsement) to fish in a particular river.\n\n**Key things the Regulation does:**\n\n*   **Divides the fishery into three areas:** Each area has its own class of shares and endorsements. You can only fish in the river that matches your shares.\n*   **Sets minimum shareholdings:** To get a licence, you need at least 250 shares for the Clarence River, 100 for the Hunter River, or 200 for the Hawkesbury River.\n*   **Caps ownership:** No one can own more than 40% of the total shares in the fishery.\n*   **Specifies what can be caught:** Fishers can only target certain prawn species (like Eastern school prawn and Eastern king prawn) and limited 'by-product' species (such as crabs, squid, and some fish). They must be trying to catch prawns to legally take by-product.\n*   **Sets fishing seasons and hours:** Each river has specific trawling seasons (generally summer to late autumn) and daily operating hours. For example, the Hawkesbury River season runs year-round but with restricted hours in different sections.\n*   **Regulates fishing gear:** It details exactly what nets can be used—including mesh sizes, net lengths, and mandatory bycatch reduction devices. It also restricts boat lengths (12m for Hawkesbury, 16m for Clarence and Hunter), with limited exemptions for existing larger boats.\n*   **Protects the environment:** It includes rules to reduce bycatch (unwanted catch), requires immediate grading and release of unwanted catch, bans fishing in sensitive areas (like parts of Oyster Channel and Pittwater), and prohibits injuring fish with spikes or clubs.\n*   **Sets catch limits:** It imposes daily and possession limits for certain species, such as blue swimmer crabs.\n\n**Who it affects:** Commercial fishers who want to trawl for prawns in these three NSW rivers, as well as fisheries managers and compliance officers.\n\n**Why it matters:** It balances commercial fishing interests with environmental sustainability, ensuring prawn stocks aren't overfished and sensitive estuarine habitats are protected. The share management system also controls how many boats can operate and who can enter the fishery."},"flash_summary":{"complexity_score":7,"scope_assessment":{"changed":true,"description":"The Plan's content has been amended repeatedly since enactment: the Appendix lists amendments from 2008 through 2023, and clause 23 expressly authorises amendments. Clause 3 and the Appendix show the Plan as in-force with those changes, and clause 22 adopts an external Supporting Plan (as varied) — together indicating the Plan's scope and operational detail have been altered from the original text over time."},"complexity_factors":["Detailed technical gear prescriptions and permissible configurations (mesh sizes, codend types, chafing pieces, V-bridles, bycatch reduction devices) — clause 17A.","Area- and river-specific trawl seasons and precise operating hours with extension and trial powers — clauses 14–17 (including 14(4),(4A),(6) and 15(3),(3A)).","Extensive, area-specific lists of target and by-product species that condition lawful take — clauses 11–12.","Share management rules (classes of share, endorsement types) and minimum/maximum shareholding thresholds that affect eligibility to fish — clauses 5–8.","Complex boat-length regime with historical exemptions, transfer and replacement rules and Secretary discretion to extend timeframes — clauses 18, 18A–18C.","Numerous permanently closed zones with precise geographic boundaries in Schedule 2, requiring spatial compliance.","Operational and handling conditions tied to endorsements (prohibitions on non-target take, sorting and live-release methods, bans on injurious implements, bag/possession limits) — clauses 9–10, 17B, 21A, 21B and Schedule 3.","Discretionary decision points and review triggers vested in the Secretary and fisheries officers (performance indicators, review triggers, authorised amendments, season extensions, approval of devices) — clause 3 Table, clauses 14(4A),(6), 18C(3), 22–23.","Cross-references to the Fisheries Management Act, the Supporting Plan and other instruments that require reading multiple instruments together — definitions and clause 22.","Document history: numerous amendments recorded in the Appendix (2008–2023) increase interpretive complexity and may affect current application — Appendix (Clause 3)."],"plain_english_summary":"This regulation puts in place a share management plan for estuary prawn trawl fishing in the Clarence, Hunter and Hawkesbury Rivers. It prescribes share classes and endorsement eligibility, seasonal and daily operating hours, closed waters, permitted gear and detailed net specifications, target and by‑product species lists, boat‑length rules and some bag limits. It affects commercial endorsement holders and boat owners by specifying when, where and how they may fish and by creating compliance and equipment requirements."},"flash_summary_failed":{"failed":true,"reason":"A positive credit balance is required for all requests, including BYOK, so fallback providers remain available. Add credits at https://vercel.com/d?to=%2F%5Bteam%5D%2F%7E%2Fai%3Fmodal%3Dtop-up to continue.","source":"analysis-cron"}},"importantCases":[],"_links":{"self":"/api/acts/fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006","history":"/api/acts/fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006/history","analysis":"/api/acts/fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006/analysis","conflicts":"/api/acts/fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006/conflicts","importantCases":"/api/acts/fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006/important-cases","documents":"/api/acts/fisheries-management-estuary-prawn-trawl-share-management-plan-regulation-2006/documents"}}