Overview
Marine plants include kelp, seaweed, seagrasses, and algae which are food and habitat for other marine species. To protect Tasmanian marine ecosystems, native marine plants cannot be harvested directly from the water or seabed.
Tasmanian seaweeds are used for fertiliser and mulch, and others are processed to extract bio-compounds like alginates and fucoidans for pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products. Undaria may be sold as edible Japanese wakame, and some kelp are used for crafts and other boutique businesses.
Managing the fishery
Marine plant harvesting is controlled by limited licences, and ecological risks are co-managed with land authorities like the Parks and Wildlife Service and Crown Lands.
Commercial licences
Commercial beach-cast harvest: Licensed harvesters hand-collect seaweed that has been cast onshore by wind and wave action, particularly after storm events. The fishery is primarily based on bull kelp (Durvillaea species) harvested from King Island, Marrawah, and Granville Harbour.
There are two access areas where no further licences may be granted - King Island and Granville Harbour. The
North-West region is limited to eight licences at any one time. These arrangements help manage natural coastal and biodiversity values.
Commercial diving for
Undaria - Undaria pinnatifida is a declared
noxious pest/weed under the Biosecurity Act 2019, which means it can only be handled by authorised persons to mitigate the risk of spreading. Licensed commercial divers hand collect
Undaria from East Coast waters under the authority of a fishing licence and the Undaria Group Permit issued by Biosecurity Tasmania. The Group Permit automatically applies to any holder of an Undaria fishing licence.
Anyone wishing to
apply for a marine plant fishing licence is encouraged to contact the Wild Fisheries Branch. Permission for advice regarding accessible areas and obtaining permission from landholder/s to access nominated beaches.