The development of a sardine fishery in Tasmania is still in its early stages. NRE Tas seeks to understand a full range of opinions, values and ideas from Tasmanians. It's important our communities are involved in the development of major Government policies involving natural resource management.
This policy describes how we conduct public engagement and key stakeholder consultation, as well as how our public consultation process works.
Marine Resources Public Engagement and Consultation Policy (PDF 491Kb)
Read on for public engagement processes so far on the develpment of a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery.
2025 - Community Information Sessions
In February and April 2025, NRE Tas held seven community information sessions about recent findings of Australian Sardine in Tasmania. Over 200 people attended the sessions around the State. Dr Tim Ward from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies presented research findings and recommendations, and an NRE Tas Senior Fisheries Management Officer discussed the early process of developing a potential new fishery and the Development Guidelines.
A range of questions and concerns were raised by attendees. Some of the key takeaways were around ensuring stock sustainability, future scientific research (including Tasmanian ecosystem impacts), consideration of other marine users (particularly recreational fishers), benefits to Tasmanians and support for a human consumption market.
2026 - Policy Paper Consultation
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.
We asked the public:
How can the Tasmanian Government best design a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery in a way that maximises social and economic benefit to Tasmanians, ensures ecosystem sustainability, minimises environmental impacts, and follows best practice governance?
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.
What's Next?
We’re currently drafting a Sardine Fishery Management Plan and a Sardine Fishery Harvest Strategy. You can have your say on a draft of these later this year.