Big Fish · ABC Australia

The Big Fish: Bring back the Bluenose

·50 min·5 clips

Scott Levi reveals NSW fisheries extended the Mulloway harvest strategy consultation, urging anglers to join the conversation.

This episode of The Big Fish with host Scott Levi focuses on a public consultation for a new Mulloway harvest strategy in New South Wales fisheries. The guest is Heath Folpp, the director of marine estate management and a member of the official Mulloway harvest strategy working group. Folpp's role gives him direct insight into the management strategy and the reasons behind the proposed changes. The discussion centers on the draft Mulloway harvest strategy, with the consultation period recently extended until June 25th. Folpp states the strategy is needed due to concerns about Mulloway numbers, despite the fish being a current target species that thrives in floodwater conditions. He explains the working group includes representatives from commercial fishing, recreational fishing, and the Aboriginal community. A key proposal is to increase the minimum legal length for Mulloway from 45 centimeters to 70 centimeters. Folpp cites scientific data indicating the current size limit allows fish to be harvested before they have spawned even once. The goal of the larger size limit is to protect juvenile fish and allow more Mulloway to reach spawning age. The strategy also considers potential changes to bag limits for both recreational and commercial fishers. Folpp reveals the working group has already received significant feedback, including over 500 survey responses and numerous direct emails. He mentions that some anglers, like previous guest Cole "Waymaster" Treneman, are actively encouraging the fishing community to participate in the consultation. An interesting claim is that a 70-centimeter Mulloway is estimated to be around 7 to 8 years old, highlighting the species' slow growth rate. Folpp argues the proposed changes aim for sustainability, allowing people to still catch large "meter-plus" fish while ensuring the population's future. The conversation notes that Mulloway are particularly vulnerable during flood events when they aggregate at estuary mouths, making them easier to target. A memorable moment is Folpp's direct appeal for listeners to review the draft document and provide formal feedback through the official channels. The tone is informational and conversational, structured as an interview between a host and a government fisheries manager. The style is educational, aiming to explain policy rationale and drive listener engagement with a regulatory process. This episode would greatly interest New South Wales anglers, especially those who target Mulloway, and anyone involved in local fisheries management. Listeners seeking pure fishing stories or techniques might find the policy-focused discussion less engaging.

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