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.
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 However, the proposed changes were withdrawn following Round One of consultation in recognition that the complexity of this unique fishery required further analyses and consultation on potential measures.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