Excellent package, a well thought out strategy heading toward a 50/50 split between commercial fishermen and recreational anglers.

The small reduction in the daily limit means nothing to surfcasters who very rarely catch a nine limit bag, especially when most anglers only keep what they want and return the surplus. The small increase in the size limit again means very little, many of us already self impose a 30cm size limit anyway.

I like the idea on monitoring the commercial catch, and the fact they must move on if the majority of their catch is juvenile fish. This move is long overdue and will in part help stop the slaughter of small fish. I also like the idea this will be closely watched with the addition of camera surveillance of the catch. Moves such as this show the government is serious in their endeavours to keep the snapper stocks at sustainable levels. I must also praise the attempt to return large fish, those not holding the best commercial value.

Much of the logic in this document is thinking outside the square, something that has completely eluded previous administrations. Many of of ideas are new and innovative, credit should be given where it's due.

All in all this is a forward thinking document, well put together and covering both sides of the fishery. Primary Industries have obviously taken on board the majority of angler's submissions and should be given full credit for doing so. With previous governments it has taken court action to achieve a lesser result, nice to think those in government are actually listening.

Miracle overnight cures that made the commercial sector and the recreational sector happy, were never on the cards. However, all these small steps are securing a firm footing on the first rung of the ladder. Hopefully Primary Industries will be given the teeth to continue working along the same lines, it makes a change to have a government body that actually listens.