The latest research confirms that fishing for sand flathead is now highly unsustainable in most of Tasmania.
If we continue with the current sand flathead management arrangements, recovery will be a very slow process. More urgent action is needed.
That’s why the Government has just announced new strong measures to rebuild the sand flathead fishery, including:
From 1 March 2026, new rules will be implemented to support sand flathead rebuilding.
New flathead rules are being implemented from 1 March 2026.
A new south-eastern zone has been created for sand flathead. In this zone, the following rules apply:
From 1 March 2026, the south-eastern zone is closed to the take and possession of sand flathead.
The south-eastern zone is all water between a north-south line at Whale Head (146°52’15”E) and a north-south line at Cape Pillar (148°00’41”E), including the entirety of the previous D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Derwent River, Frederick Henry and Norfolk Bays Zone.
The northern boundary of the south-eastern zone is the southern end of the Dunalley Canal.
Fishing pressure for sand flathead is highly unsustainable in most of Tasmania, but it is most severe in Tasmania’s south-east due to a higher population of fishers.
The south-eastern zone closure is necessary to protect this critical area of the fishery and allow it the chance to rebuild. Without the closure, sand flathead in the area may not recover.
The closure will also support an exciting new IMAS-led stock enhancement program in south-east waters.
All species of flathead must be landed whole or as fillets with intact frames (head and tail attached).
This includes:
This rule is being implemented statewide.
This rule has been introduced to help Tasmania Police enforce sand flathead rules.
Whole fish, or fillets and frames, make it easier for Tasmania Police to identify the flathead species a fisher has caught to check the fisher is compliant with bag and size limits.
We’ve put together some frequently asked questions about these new rules.
Got a question that hasn’t been answered in the FAQs? You can email fishing.enquires@nre.tas.gov.au
The Tasmanian Government is committed to rebuilding sand flathead stocks as soon as possible through effective rules, cutting-edge research and working with community.
But the real place rebuilding starts is on the water – and with the decisions made by everyday fishers like you.
Here’s how you can help make sand flathead rebuilding a success story.
Don’t let illegal fishers undermine sand flathead recovery. If you’ve seen illegal or suspicious fishing, you can report it to Tasmania Police by calling 131 444.
Sand flathead need a break, but that doesn’t mean you have to stop fishing!
Tasmania has loads of sustainable species that can be caught from boat or shore.
Catching a mixed bag of these hidden treasures is a great recipe for fun, rewarding fishing. It also spreads the pressure, which is better for sustainability.
If you’re looking for some mixed bag fishing inspiration or beginner friendly resources visit: fishing.tas.gov.au/mixed-bag-fishing.
Every sand flathead is important for rebuilding. So, if you do hook a sand flathead that you can’t keep, it’s important to get it safely back in the water as soon as possible.
De-hooking is a great way to release small sand flathead quickly and safely.
Here are our top tips for increasing the survival of sand flathead you release:
If a flathead is gut-hooked, cut the line and leave the hook in place. Trying to remove the hook will hurt the fish more than leaving it in place.
Good handling and fish survival starts with having the right gear.
Recovery is in our hands. Let's all do our part so we have Flathead for the Future.
