Applications for grants supporting Aboriginal fishing - cultural fishing, commercial opportunity and research - have opened in New South Wales with $500,000 in funding on the table.

The seventh round of grants from the Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund comes after the state government's announcement on Wednesday draft regulation for cultural fishing was made open to public feedback.

Last year $223,145 was allocated across eight successful applications, both coastal and inland.

Deputy secretary of NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Fisheries and Forestry, Sean Sloan, confirmed over twice the amount handed out in 2023 has been made available.

"We recognise the significance fishing has to Aboriginal communities and the NSW Government will continue to support the Trust, to ensure it promotes Aboriginal cultural fishing and provides fishing related economic opportunities for Aboriginal people," he said.

"These grants can significantly assist Aboriginal commercial fisheries and tourism related businesses, as well as fisheries research and cultural education that aim to promote and protect Aboriginal cultural fishing across NSW."

In NSW Fisheries Management Act 1994, cultural fishing is defined as "fishing activities and practices carried out by Aboriginal persons for the purpose of satisfying their personal, domestic or communal needs, or for educational, ceremonial or other traditional purposes, and which do not have a commercial purpose".

Cultural fishing camps and workshops have previously been recipients of grants, as well as support for a family operated coastal Aboriginal commercial fishing to purchase equipment.

Mr Sloan said the protection and enhancement of Aboriginal cultural fishing and economic outcomes related to the aquatic resource in NSW is "a key priority" of the NSW government.

"It is fantastic to see the intent of the Trust Fund being realised and we look to continue supporting projects that make a meaningful difference to Aboriginal communities across the state," he said.

"We encourage Aboriginal businesses and communities who could benefit from an Aboriginal Fishing Trust Fund grant or loan to apply in the current round."

Applications, available online, close February 16, 2025.