Fishers warn snapper, kingfish prices could soar under proposed catch limits

Fishers say stricter limits would see snapper and kingfish prices rise. ( ABC Coffs Coast: Claire Simmonds )

Stricter limits have been proposed for snapper and yellowtail kingfish to help rebuild stocks in NSW fisheries.

Commercial and recreational fishers are opposed to the changes.

The NSW government has extended the consultation period for the proposed changes until February 15.

Seafood shops and fishers are warning snapper and yellowtail kingfish could become unaffordable if catch limits are tightened.

Both species are popular menu items, but stocks of kingfish in particular were described as "dangerously low" in a recent statement from the NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty.

The state government has proposed reducing the annual kingfish catch from 250 tonnes to 120 tonnes a year.

The snapper take would remain at 300 tonnes a year, but the proposal would include commercial monthly catch limits and a bag limit of three, with only one over 70 centimetres for recreational fishers.

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