Through scientific investigations, the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) has confirmed there is a sizeable population of Australian sardine in Tasmanian and Bass Strait waters that could sustainably support a commercial fishery.
From December 2025 to March 2026, we consulted on proposed policies for a new commercial sardine fishery. The proposed policies are in this Policy Paper.
This report outlines what we heard from respondents about the Policy Paper during this consultation process.
What We Heard Report
All Submissions
Feedback received on the Policy Paper is now being used to inform the development of a Harvest Strategy and draft Sardine Fishery Management Plan. In the meantime, some key updates on areas of interest are below.
1. Harvest Strategy
We are now developing a Harvest Strategy prior to fishing commencing, rather than what was proposed in the Policy Paper (a Harvest Strategy being developed within the first two years of the fishery operating).
2. Return to community
We commissioned research to understand the potential social and economic benefit for Tasmanians from a local sardine fishery. With a Tasmanian-based fleet and potential onshore processing capacity, the report has estimated that a 7,500t sardine fishery could contribute up to $9.4 million GVA, and be associated with up to 60 full time jobs, both directly and indirectly, in the State.
The full socioeconomic report is available on the IMAS website: Cost Recovery and Return to Community - Australian Sardine
3. Human consumption market development
We engaged national seafood consultancy firm Fishtales to validate high-value consumer market opportunities for Tasmanian sardines and develop associated commercialisation pathways. This involved product tastings and structured interviews across a range of high-end restaurants, casual venues, institutions, major retailers and suppliers around Tasmania and Australia, as well as consumer research to understand demand that could be realised for the fish in different formats. The full report can be found here:
Sardine Human Consumption Market Research Report
This process was aligned to our development guidelines which emphasise supporting the maximisation of high-value markets and economic benefit.
A recent independent policy brief published by Dr Anna Farmery, an Associate Professor at the Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS) at University of Wollongong further highlights opportunities for improving public health and food sustainability objectives through a potential Tasmanian sardine fishery as a case study. Read the full report here:
Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems.
4. Other Markets for Sardine
Sardines are a versatile species with multiple commercial market applications and end uses.
Sardine fisheries in Australia and globally provide a range of grades of fish, regardless of the total allowable catch (TAC) applied to the fishery.
What we know from existing Australian sardine fisheries is that there are typically a number of grade categories which are based on length, weight and condition of the fish. Larger (or premium) to medium grade fish are often used for human consumption markets, such as fresh product supplied to fish markets, and premium bait. Smaller size grades are often used for canning, bio-refining and fish meal.
This means that the fishery can maximise value from catches, with little wastage, by selling different grades of fish to different markets. This ultimately benefits a wider range of Tasmanians through business opportunities and maximising economic return.
NRE Tas’ role is to ensure the extraction of this marine resource is done in a way that is environmentally sustainable, has best-practice governance and benefits Tasmanians. That is why we’ve proposed a precautionary catch limit, invested in science and research, and have a vision for a fishery that delivers benefits to the Tasmanian community.
5. Understanding the Bass Strait ecosystem
We have engaged scientific experts to collaborate on Bass Strait ecosystem understanding. An initial workshop held in November brought together leading Australian subject-matter experts in ecosystem modelling and function, and threatened, endangered and protected species (including seabirds and penguins). Sensitive breeding and foraging areas for a range of species were discussed, and ways that potential impacts could be mitigated with spatial and temporal fishing controls. A prioritisation matrix of species was agreed upon, based on a range of factors including what we do (or do not) know about their climate vulnerability, life history traits, reproductive trends and forage behaviour. Species identified as higher priority were the Australasian Gannet, Crested Tern and Little penguin. Opportunities for collaboration between research institutions and projects were identified, to maximise scientific yield of research being conducted in Bass Strait.
A summary of the workshop outcomes can be found here:
Summary of Bass Strait Ecosystem Workshop
Understanding these priorities enable NRE Tas to build in appropriate management actions in the fishery’s design to mitigate risk from these identified knowledge gaps, while incorporating appropriate cost recovery mechanisms for the fishery.
The next stage in this process will be undertaking a formal ecological risk assessment for the fishery.
6. Understanding Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) diet
In partnership with IMAS and TARFish, NRE Tas has established a citizen science project which analyses stomach contents of captured Southern Bluefin Tuna to better understand their diet in Tasmanian waters. This data will be available publicly once analysis is underway.
Do you catch Southern Bluefin Tuna? You can get involved: Southern Bluefin Tuna Diet Study | Fishing Tasmania.Next steps
We’re currently drafting a Sardine Fishery Management Plan and a Sardine Fishery Harvest Strategy, drawing on feedback from the consultation process. You can have your say on a draft of these later this year.
Stay updated by subscribing to sardine-related emails here and following us on social media.
Key next steps are below. This overview does not include every activity related to establishing a fishery, such as assessment under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, development of an Ecological Risk Assessment and/or other research projects.
| Research on sardine population
| Completed
(2023,2024)
|
| Development Guidelines published | Completed
(2024)
|
| Community information sessions conducted | Completed
(2025)
|
| Initial scientific ecosystem workshop | Completed
(2025)
|
| Policy Paper developed for consultation | Completed
(2025) |
| Consultation report published
| Completed
(2026) |
| Socioeconomic report published | Completed
(2026)
|
| Develop draft Management Plan and Harvest Strategy for public consultation
| 2026
|
| Consider feedback and finalise Management Plan and Harvest Strategy
| 2027
|
| Present Management Plan and Harvest Strategy for Minister approval
| 2027
|
| Invite, consider and grant licences
| 2027
|
| Fishery to open
| 2027
|
Still have questions?
For Frequently Asked Questions about a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery, visit Sardine Fishery FAQs.
Hear Wild Fisheries Manager Matt Bradshaw discuss the opportunity of a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery
Contact: sardine.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au