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.
Australian Sardine are highly nutritious, being one of the richest seafood sources of essential omega-3 oils on the planet and are becoming increasingly popular on tables around Australia. Further, food production from small schooling fish has been shown to have minimal low impact on the environment compared to most land-based food; requiring little energy, water use, pesticides and carbon emissions.
Proposed Policies for a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery
The Tasmanian Government published Development Guidelines for a fishery in 2024, and now has developed a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery Policy Paper that sets the path towards a sustainable, well-managed commercial sardine fishery delivering long-term economic and social benefits to Tasmanians.
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The paper outlines the intentions for the new fishery, explaining the rationale behind the following key policy proposals. These include:
- Fishing only with purse seine, in offshore waters (>3nm away from shore)
- A precautionary initial maximum harvest rate of 5% (7,500t annually)
- Mandating stock assessment surveys before increasing harvest rate
- Developing a harvest strategy within two years of fishing commencing
- Engaging independent scientific experts to ensure ecosystem risk mitigation
- Research programs into stock-specific sardine biology and Southern Bluefin Tuna diets
These policies are proposals at this stage, based on significant scientific research and recommendations, principles of best-practice governance and sustainability, and industry and community input. The next stage in 2026 will involve consultation on a draft Management Plan and the process to determine access criteria for the fishery.
A summary of proposed policies for a Tasmanian sardine fishery
Have Your SayWe are seeking your feedback on the design of the fishery (the
Policy Paper) before a Sardine Management Plan (the rules) gets drafted.
Go to Give Feedback and Have Your Say to give us your thoughts on the policies by 5pm AEDST, 6 February 2026.
The Management Plan itself will also be open for public consultation in 2026.
Hear Wild Fisheries Manager Matt Bradshaw discuss the opportunity of a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery
Contact:
Email: sardine.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au