Southern Calamari Fishery

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Overview

The commercial fishery for southern calamari grew quickly in the mid-1990s, with catches peaking at about 100 tonnes between 1997/98 and 2003/04.

To manage the fishery, seasonal closures were introduced on key spawning grounds along the east coast, and a limited number of species-specific licences were issued in the southeast. These changes spread fishing effort to other parts of the State.

Southern calamari are mostly caught using squid jigs on a rod or handline. Other gear, such as beach seines, spears, and dip nets, is used less often.​

Southern calamari - Photo: IMAS

Stock Status

The calamari fishery is facing increased fishing pressure from both recreational and commercial sectors and is impacted by changing environmental conditions.  

In the most recent Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery Assessment 2023/24​, published in September 2025, calamari is assessed as depleted in the Southern and Eastern region and as depleting in the Northern region.

Managing the Fishery 

The Tasmania southern calamari fishery is managed under the provisions of the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 and the Fisheries (Scalefish) Rules 2015. 

The southern calamari fishery is currently managed by a combination of species specific licences in the south east (where a trip limit applies for non-licence holders), spawning closures on south east coast and north coast, and bag and possession limit for recreational fishers.

Changes to recreational and commercial rules were initially included in the 2023 Scalefish Rules Review, however proposed changes were withdrawn following consultation. 

​More information is available at: calamari fishery management .

Licences

​The southern calamari fishery includes:

More information 

Scalefish Catch Reporting ​