Squid and rock lobster dates plus FAD news
by Department of NRE Tasmania 5 Aug 2023 21:20 UTC
Recreational Fishing News © Department of NRE Tasmania
Squid closed season dates
North Coast
The squid and calamari fisheries will be closed to recreational and commercial fishing on the north coast from 21 August to 31 October inclusive to protect spawning calamari.
During the closure, taking or possessing calamari and other squid is prohibited in the closed area. Squid that has been bought commercially can be used for bait.
An early closure has been enacted to provide maximum protection for aggregating calamari and help ensure successful spawning during this period. The closure will also help to protect the future of calamari stocks against possible impacts of a marine heat wave, forecast by CSIRO to occur around Tasmania's coasts from this August.
East Coast
Dates are unchanged for the annual closure on the East Coast including Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage, from 15 October to 14 November inclusive.
Check season dates
Rock lobster season dates announced
The opening dates for the 2023 recreational rock lobster season are now available.
Waters outside the East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone:
- Saturday, 4 November 2023
East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone:
- Saturday, 2 December 2023
Check season dates
New FADs deployed this summer
Good news for game fishers! The fish aggregating device (FAD) program is expanding, with nine new FADs set to hit the water on the north and south-east coasts in September.
The FADs will also stay in the water year round, with plenty of time to attract yellowtail kingfish, tuna and more.
Find your nearest FAD
Take the FAD survey
If you've fished around a FAD in Tassie waters since last November, IMAS would like to hear from you!
The survey is asking about your experiences fishing near FADs to inform a project that is finding out how effective they are in creating fishing opportunities in Tasmania.
It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
Take the survey
What's coming up?
Sat 19 Aug
Find out what's fishy at the Festival of Bright Ideas, Princes Wharf No 1, Hobart
Thur 31 August
Western Region recreational rock lobster and statewide striped trumpeter seasons close.
8 - 10 September
Catch up with Fishcare at the Tasmanian Outdoor Boat and Caravan Show, Silverdome, Launceston