Scallop Fishery Rule Changes

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From 9 April 2025, new scallop fishery rules will apply to all fishers. 

Recreational changes ​​

​Change	​Description
​Scallop catch sharing Introducing scallop catch sharing was an action identified in the Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy.	​A recreational scallop licence holder can take scallops on behalf of another licence holder on the same boat, provided the person they are fishing on behalf of: also dived for scallops on that trip and   did not succeed in taking their bag limit. A maximum of one licence holder per boat, who did not dive, may also have a bag limit of scallops caught on their behalf. When catch sharing, the boat limit must not be exceeded, and no individual fisher may possess more than their bag limit after catch has been shared.
Boat limit of 250 scallops	A boat limit of 250 scallops has also been introduced. A boat limit is the maximum number of a particular type of fish that can be possessed in one boat on any one day. Personal daily bag and possession limits still apply.​

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Charter boat operators may apply for an exemption from the scallop boat limit. Email fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au for more information.

Commercial changes

​Commercial scallop divers are no longer permitted to use the 15% leeway for the take and possession of scallops under the minimum size limit (which is permitted when commercially dredging for scallops).

Other minor changes

• A person who does not hold a fishing licence (scallop) but has a written authorisation from Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) can possess a scallop dredge on State waters for the purposes of maintaining a navigable channel.
• Rule amendments to support the future digital transition for quota dockets and catch records for the commercial scallop fishery.
• Rule amendments regarding the presumption of who has taken and is in the possession of scallops when recreational scallop fishing.
• Devolution of some decisions from the Minister to the Secretary.
• Other minor amendments, as outlined in the Public Consultation Paper.

Consultation document

This paper sets out the draft Rules consulted on during public comment periods, which occurred between 20 December 2024 and 7 February 2025.

 Scallop Rule Amendments - Public Consultation Paper (PDF 810Kb)​

A full report on public consultation, including a summary of submissions and recommendations to the Minister, will be made available at a later date.