Calamari Fishery Management

​​​​​ Southern calamari  
The calamari fishery is facing increased​ fishing pressure from both the recreational and commercial sectors and is impacted by changing environmental conditions. Calamari stocks have been assessed as depleting by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies since 2017. In the most recent Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery Assessment​, published in July 2024, the southeast region was assessed as depleted and the northern region as depleting.

2025 Industry Round Table

An industry round table was held in March 2025 to bring together fishers, scientists and managers to discuss species biology and reproductive behaviour, catch and effort trends, fleet dynamics, economics, assessment methods and long-term management options. 

The following document has been prepared to provide the same information to all stakeholders. It is for informational purposes only and no management proposals are being made at this time. 

Fishery information paper - North coast calamari 

NRE Tas will continue engaging with commercial fishers for pre-consultation ahead of any statutory consultation in 2026. 

2024 Consultation
NRE Tas consulted with commercial fishers and peak bodies leading to the determination of spawning closures for 2024, 2025 and 2026. 
For more information, see Calamari closure areas

2023 Scalefish Rules Review

Recreational and commercial calamari management changes were initially proposed as part of the 2023 Scalefish Rules Review. However, the proposed changes were withdrawn following Round One of consultation in recognition that the complexity of this unique fishery required further analyses and consultation on potential measures.

An extended spawning closure was implemented for the North Coast to provide protection for stock in this area in the interim.

For more information, see Scalefish Rules Review.

2021 Non-statutory Public Consultation of Management Options

Consultation paper - Tasmanian Calamari Fishery - Managing Stocks for Sustainability

Public consultation responses - Tasmanian Calamari Fishery - Summary of Responses Report​​

2018 Analysis of Management Options



    Contact

    Calamari Fishery Management
    Wild Fisheries Management Branch
    Level 3, 134 Macquarie Street
    Hobart TAS 7000
    Mobile: 0457 006 821
    Email: calamari@nre.tas.gov.au

    Recreational Fishing Enquiries
    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St
    Hobart TAS 7000
    Phone: 03 6165 3233, 1300 720 647
    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Hotline

    Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

    0427 655 557

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    Contact us

    Recreational Fishing

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    Hobart TAS 7000

    Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries Licensing

    Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au