Highlights and Challenges for Sustainable Fisheries

The 2024 Fishery Status Reports, published by ABARES (Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics and Sciences), reveal that the majority of Commonwealth fish stocks remain well-managed, with most stocks not being overfished or subject to overfishing. The annual report provides an independent assessment of the biological and economic health of Commonwealth-managed fisheries.

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville, emphasized the positive overall results, stating that of the 102 stocks assessed, only 3 changed status compared to the previous

ABARES Executive Director, Dr Jared Greenville

year. In total, 67 stocks were classified as not overfished, while 75 stocks were classified as not subject to overfishing, matching last year’s outcome.

Key Challenges Highlighted in the Report

The report underscores several pressures facing sustainable fisheries management, particularly:

• Climate change impacts: Ongoing climate shifts are affecting marine ecosystems, posing significant challenges to fisheries management.
• Data quality and availability: There has been a decline in the quantity and quality of data needed to carry out comprehensive stock assessments, leading to increased uncertainty.

Dr Greenville noted a rise in the number of stocks with uncertain status, as well as a slight increase in stocks classified as overfished or subject to overfishing. This trend highlights the need for consistent monitoring and the importance of adaptive management systems to ensure long-term sustainability.

Despite these challenges, Dr Greenville stressed that the Commonwealth fisheries management systems are robust and well-positioned to address the pressures and ensure the sustainability of Australia’s fish stocks.

For more information and to access the full report, visit: ABARES Fishery Status Reports 2024.

NSW First to Identify Number of People Living with Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Global Milestone

In a world-first achievement, Cancer Institute NSW has identified that approximately 7,900 people in NSW are living with metastatic breast cancer. This groundbreaking discovery is set to not only improve cancer outcomes in NSW but also provide critical insights for the rest of Australia and the global medical community.

Through the use of Cancer Institute NSW’s linked data sets, a comprehensive methodology was developed, determining that 7,850 women and 50 men in NSW are currently living with metastatic breast cancer. This innovative approach will soon be shared nationally and internationally, offering a clearer picture of the scale of this disease.

Metastatic breast cancer is an advanced form of breast cancer that spreads to other parts of the body. While cancer registries track initial breast cancer diagnoses, the exact number of people developing metastatic breast cancer after an initial diagnosis was previously unknown—both in Australia and globally. This discovery aims to address the invisibility often felt by those living with the disease and will help NSW prepare for the growing number of people living with and surviving cancer, thanks to advances in treatment and care.

The data gathered will assist health professionals and researchers in better understanding how diagnostics and treatments affect breast cancer recurrence and survival, while also paving the way for critical improvements in cancer research, care, and policy reform.
Global Leadership in Data-Driven Cancer Insights

The breakthrough is a result of Cancer Institute NSW’s ability to link cancer incidence and mortality data with NSW clinical datasets, the Commonwealth Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS), Pharmaceutical Benefits Schedule (PBS), and National Death Index data. This robust data integration has allowed the Institute to accurately pinpoint how many people are living with metastatic breast cancer in NSW. The methodology will now be shared globally, supporting international efforts in understanding and treating this aggressive cancer.
New BreastScreen Clinic at Royal Hospital for Women

Alongside this major development, Minister for Health Ryan Park inaugurated a new BreastScreen NSW clinic at the Royal Hospital for Women in Randwick. This expanded facility will provide potentially life-saving mammograms to an additional 3,000 to 5,000 women each year. The service offers free breast screening every two years for eligible women, aiming to detect breast cancer at its earliest and most treatable stages.
Key Quotes

Minister for Health, Ryan Park: “As NSW Health Minister, I am incredibly proud of this remarkable discovery by NSW clinicians and researchers. This is a huge step forward in understanding how many people are living with metastatic breast cancer and addressing the invisibility felt by many.”

Minister for Health, Ryan Park

Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, Mark Butler: “This is an important step forward for people with metastatic breast cancer. Knowledge is power, and this information will help drive new research that can improve the lives of thousands.”

Minister for Women, Jodie Harrison: “With breast cancer being the second most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia, discoveries like this help us ensure that NSW is prepared to support the growing number of people living with cancer.”

NSW Chief Cancer Officer and CEO Cancer Institute NSW, Professor Tracey O’Brien AM: “Pinpointing how many people have metastatic breast cancer is about giving a voice, options, and hope to people living with the disease. Our immediate focus must be on improving their quality of life and addressing their broader physical, emotional, and practical needs.”

Breast Cancer Network Australia Consumer Representative, Lisa Rankin: “As someone living with metastatic breast cancer, I’m incredibly excited that we are now recognized. This achievement will lead to positive changes for us and our families.”

This discovery not only provides visibility to those living with metastatic breast cancer but also lays the foundation for significant improvements in care, research, and policy both in NSW and beyond. For more information on breast cancer screening, visit www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

$18 Million Funding for Recreational Fishing Programs: A Win for NSW Fishers

The Minns Labor Government has announced over $18 million in funding for programs designed to enhance recreational fishing across New South Wales, making it more accessible and beneficial for local communities. This investment underscores the Government’s commitment to ensuring that recreational fishing continues to grow while supporting local economies and protecting vibrant fish habitats.

Key components of the funding include:

$5 million for recreational fishing enhancement and improving access.
$3 million for Fishcare Volunteers, educational programs, fishing workshops, and communication with fishers.
$3 million for research and monitoring of fisheries.
$3 million to detect and prevent illegal fishing, safeguarding fishery resources.
$2 million to restore and improve fish habitats.
$2 million for a new digital and over-the-counter fishing licence payment system.

In the 2023/24 financial year, more than 400,000 recreational fishing licences were issued, with the revenue going into the Recreational Fishing Trusts to fund initiatives that promote and sustain recreational fishing and enhance fish habitats. These funds are distributed to a range of projects that benefit fishers and the environment.
Key Programs Funded for 2024/25:

Additional Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) along the coast.
Two new Offshore Artificial Reefs set for construction and deployment in 2025.
Fish stocking initiatives to boost populations of native fish, salmonids, and marine species.
Fishing workshops and “Try Fishing” sessions, offering educational experiences for communities.
Support for the Fishcare Volunteer Program, enabling volunteers to assist in workshops, surveys, and community events.
Habitat Action Grants and Flagship Habitat Grants to improve fish habitats.

These programs are evaluated by the Trust Expenditure Committees and the Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council (RFNSW) before being submitted for ministerial approval.

In addition to this, 24 projects received $1.8 million in grants from the Recreational Fishing Trusts for 2024/25, further supporting local initiatives.
Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty, commented:

Minister for Agriculture and Regional NSW, Tara Moriarty

“Recreational fishing is not only a fun activity for families but also supports regional businesses and tourism. Our investment ensures that recreational fishing can continue sustainably, boosting local economies and contributing to conservation.”

Moriarty also emphasized the importance of programs like Offshore Artificial Reefs and FADs, which enhance sportfishing opportunities and attract both locals and tourists, while compliance measures ensure that fishing stocks are protected from overfishing.
Chair of Recreational Fishing NSW Advisory Council, Professor Johann Bell, added:

“It’s encouraging to see recreational fishing licence fees being reinvested into programs that directly support fishers across NSW. These initiatives ensure quality fishing opportunities for years to come.”

For NSW recreational fishers, this significant funding will help ensure the sustainability of fishing activities, protect vital habitats, and promote regional growth through fishing tourism and business opportunities.