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.