Tasmanian fishers are fighting back against proposed changes to slash Southern Calamari catch limits.
The State Government’s proposal to reduce catch limits for amateur anglers by 50% has sparked outrage among recreational fishers, who argue its the commercial fishers that need to be reined in.
TARFish chief executive Jane Gallichan said reductions to the daily recreational bag limit from 10 to 5 are “a little bit excessive” and “probably doesn’t deal appropriately with the issue that needs to be addressed – and that’s protection of the spawning aggregations in Northern Tasmania.”
“We do believe that the commercial take for Calamari does need to be reduced,” Gallichan said.
One of the top five species caught for consumption in the state, Southern Calamari is known for its delicious taste and is a favourite, cheap dish for many.
“We’re in the midst of cost of living crisis,” Gallichan said.
“We don’t want to see people that fishing groups disadvantaged from taking their bag limit of Calamari. It is highly consumptive.”
“That means people are eating it as a primary protein in their meals and it’s really important at this time that everyone has the opportunity to take home a feed of fish for their family.”
“We don’t want to see that reduced in any way.”
The Department of Natural Resources and Environment are currently reviewing consultation feedback from members of the public on the proposed rule changes.
