Flathead fisher survey results out now
by Department of NRE Tasmania 20 Apr 2024 20:12 UTC
Flathead ID guide © Department of NRE Tasmania
A big thank you to the 1500 fishers who participated in the IMAS sand flathead survey early last year.
The results of this survey are now available, and provide important insight into fishers' views on the state of the sand flathead fishery and management options for stock rebuilding.
See the survey results
Understanding the cause of sand flathead depletion
One finding of the survey was that many fishers consider commercial fishing to be the most significant driver of sand flathead decline.
But how does commercial catch measure up compared to recreational catch? In 2018, recreational fishers were estimated to catch 184 tonnes of sand flathead. That's double the catch of the commercial fishery in state waters over the past 15 years combined.
Commercial take of sand flathead in state waters was prohibited as part of the Scalefish Rules Review last year. The rebuild of Tasmania's favourite recreational fishery is directly in the hands of recreational fishers.
Read more here
Fishing in shark refuge areas
There has been an increase in reports of people actively fishing for sharks in Shark Refuge Areas.
Remember:
- If you are in a Shark Refuge Area, you are not allowed to fish for or target sharks, skates or rays, even if you intend to release what you catch.
- Any accidental catches must be returned to the water as soon as possible. Stopping and excessively handling the fish to take a picture of your catch could be considered a failure to return the fish to the water as soon as possible, and you could be fined up to $975.
If you see someone fishing for shark, skates or rays in a Shark Refuge Area, please report it to Fishwatch as soon as possible.
More information here
We're developing a rock lobster harvest strategy
The process has begun to develop a harvest strategy for the southern rock lobster fishery in Tasmania.
Harvest strategies are international best practice for managing fisheries in a way that is transparent and works towards agreed objectives based on the values of everyone in a fishery.
We will be chatting with fishers and the community over the coming months to understand what is important to you about the rock lobster fishery. Your input will help us set achievable biological, economic, social and cultural objectives for rock lobster fishery management.
Keep an eye out for more information in the future about how you can be involved, or contact us at fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au.
Watch the video below to learn more about how harvest strategies work.
Learn about our path to stock recovery at Agfest
If you've ever been curious about the role we all play in rebuilding fish stocks like sand flathead, make sure to visit the Fishing Hub at Agfest this year.
Come chat face-to-face with the people and organisations involved in stock rebuilding like NRE Tas fisheries managers, Inland Fisheries Service, IMAS scientists and Tasmania Police. You can also talk to TARFish, the peak body for recreational sea fishing, just across the street.
Plus, learn about the important role you play in helping stocks recover.
Other highlights of our site include:
- Live fish filleting, cooking and taste testing of some of our underappreciated sustainable species like Australian salmon
- Fishing simulator
- Kiddies fishing pool
- Live fish dissections
- Responsible fish handling demos
You'll find us at the corner of South and Seven Street.
Season reminders
Scallops
The scallop season is well under way. Remember to always check the condition of your gear before you dive and make sure you're diving safely.
The D'Entrecasteux Channel remains closed. Surveys are under way to assess if the area will open for future seasons.
Rock lobster
The rock lobster season for the Eastern Region and Western Region (females) will be closed from Wednesday 1 May.
Remember, catch reporting is mandatory. You must make a report each time you fish for rock lobster even if you didn't catch anything.
Cautionary notices have been issued to fishers found to have failed to complete their catch reports. Find out more about recreational catch reporting.
Banded morwong
The banded morwong season is currently closed. It will reopen 1 May.
Keep up with fishing news this winter
It can be hard to keep up with fishing news when you're not out casting a line with mates in the cold, darker months. Here are some ways you can keep connected this winter.