Tasmanian recreational sand flathead bag limits are being ‘drastically reduced’ and commercial fishing will be banned “to support the long-term sustainability of the scalefish fishery”.
From November 1, bag limits will be changed in certain areas, with a smaller fish bag limit in all other state waters.
Fisheries Tasmania the main changes include a minimum size increase for sand flathead to 35cm and a maximum size limit of 40cm for all state waters except around King and Flinders Islands.
Regional bag limits for sand flathead have been introduced for recreational fishers including:
- A two fish bag limit in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, Derwent River and Frederick Henry and Norfolk Bays
- A five fish bag limit in the Eastern Zone
- A ten fish bag limit in all other state waters
- A ten fish possession limit will apply statewide
A total ban on commercial fishing for sand flathead by any method will also be introduced come November.
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania’s latest report shows that recreational fishers catch around 98% of all sand flathead, while the remaining 2% are caught by commercial fishers.
The decision to reduce bag limits is based on scientific advice that the sand flathead species is depleted and at risk of collapse, with the new limits expected to allow the species to recover in the coming years.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water Jo Palmer said the decision was a “difficult one” but she would “not be the Minister who oversees the loss of recreational fishing”.
“More than 1,000 submissions were received, and many engagements had with fishers, peak fishing and industry bodies, researchers, coastal councils and the broader community. The science and feedback from everyone who engaged in this process have been carefully considered during this process,” she said.
$4 million in funding has been allocated to the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies to monitor the impact of the new limits, which will be revised “after two years”.
