Half of Tasmania’s recreational rock lobster fishers failed to report their catch during the season’s opening weekend, prompting a warning from police.
Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services detected 118 offences across the state’s waters as the recreational season kicked off.
Acting Sergeant Ben Cunningham said the 50% non-reporting rate was disappointing.
“It’s mandatory that all recreational fishers report their rock lobster catch,” he said.
“Catch reports must be made immediately after tail-marking your last lobster or if no catch, immediately after pulling your pot, checking your ring or finishing your dive.”
The reporting rule came into effect at the start of November last year.
The offences detected included taking undersized and excess rock lobsters, fishing in closed areas and taking undersized sand flathead.
Marine safety breaches were also recorded.
Cunningham said police patrols would continue throughout the season to ensure fishers were following both fisheries and marine safety regulations.
“Police want everyone to enjoy our waterways safely and comply with fisheries regulations,” he said.
This season’s enforcement effort has been boosted by new technology, with police using Elon Musk’s Starlink internet to connect in remote areas.
The technology has helped officers detect offences and carry out compliance checks in waters beyond normal coverage zones.
Cunningham said catch reporting was crucial for managing a sustainable rock lobster fishery.
The opening weekend applied to waters outside the east coast stock rebuilding zone, where different rules apply.
Fishers can report their catch and access fishing regulations through the Fishing Tas app or website.
