I may get a flogging for this suggestion, but what the hell, we're not doing too well as it stands. I'm not sure it should be for all of the at risk species, or just Jewies.

   I think tag allocation for demersals, where a limited number of tags per season are allocated via a free lottery system may work. Some states in the US do this for deer hunting I gather. You could offer incentives NOT to bid for tags, such as removing boat fishing licence fees. I know a number of dinghy fisherman who aren't interested in catching jewies. That alone will give you a better idea of how many people dont target demersals.

    It's easy to police: turn up back at the ramp with an untagged baldie and you're in the shit. At the end of the year you simply complete a return stating you had 'x' unfilled tags. Tags would be simply a numbered, non reusable cable tie. Any relevant species has to have the tag in it until processing.

    Make them "not for sale" to eliminate scalpers and good for one year of gazetted fishing seasons. If I was to take my (unlicenced) brother in law out deep for demersals and he gets lucky, then that comes off any tags I have.

     There would need to be other considerations, such as the maximum number of tags an individual could posess or whether tags are issued to a boat rego or licence holder. That can be worked out. It ain't going to be perfect, and yes, you will get punters trying to get around the system, but I think it would help better manage fish stocks. 

      Anyway, feel free to get stuck into me if you think it's a prick of an idea; I'm pretty thick skinned.                           Regards, John