Since the HSP was introduced in 2007 there has been a great deal published both nationally and internationally concerning the development and application of harvest strategies. This work needs to be reviewed for new technical content, especially with respect to new and developing methodologies for stock assessments and risk evaluation, and how the new work relates to issues that have been identified in the current HSP. For example, a 10 July 2012 letter from DAFF to FRDC identified issues arising from the review of the harvest strategy policy as a key research priority.

The HSP is generally regarded as successful. However, the review has identified aspects of the policy, the guidelines, and its implementation, that might be improved to better meet the policy’s objectives. Areas of improvement include consideration of appropriate limit reference points based on trophic role or the biological characteristics of different groups of species (e.g. teleosts vs. chondrichthyans), incorporation of spatial management, approaches to setting total allowable catches (TACs) in multispecies fisheries, data-poor stocks (including byproduct), rebuilding strategies and indicators of economic performance. This project will review the latest publications relevant to those priority areas along with research work in progress so as to provide the HSP advisory committee with technical advice on potential improvements to these aspects of the existing policy. Evaluation of current research and developing technologies will provide a basis for a revised policy to incorporate greater flexibility in responding to shifts in stocks and ecosystems from environmental drivers, such as climate change. This work will ultimately contribute to continued improvements in the economic performance and sustainability of Commonwealth fisheries and will have relevance to shared fisheries, fisheries in other jurisdictions, and internationally.

This project was initiated in response to management and scientific needs for greater inclusion of recreational fisheries data for resources assessments of key recreationally caught species and for inclusion in environmental assessments of recreational fishing. This project was deemed a high priority outcome of the NSW DPI Resource Assessment Workshops in 2011, 2012 and again in 2013.