The latest research from the Insititute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), Southern Sand Flathead Assessment 2025 (PDF), confirms fishing for sand flathead is now highly unsustainable in most of Tasmania. There are not enough large females, which are critical for egg production. Most fish are still small. In many areas, 79–100% of fish were below the legal size (35 cm). In the south-east, only 1% were legal-sized.
If we continue with current sand flathead management arrangements, recovery will be a very slow process. More urgent action is needed.
New flathead rules apply from 1 March 2026, including a closure in the south-eastern zone and a requirement for all flathead species to be landed whole or as fillets with intact frames (heads and tails attached).
Rebuilding unlikely without stricter measures
Generations of fishing pressure on sand flathead has far exceeded recognised sustainable levels.
This has:
- Reduced the number of large breeding females. This has reduced the ability of the population to reproduce effectively. In some areas, the breeding potential has been reduced to just 5% of an unfished population.
- Reduced the average size of fish. Sand flathead now grow more slowly and are smaller for their age. This is known as genetic stunting; only 1 in 100 fish were above 35cm in the south-east in the latest stock assessment from IMAS.
We know there's already strong support in the community to turn things around for sand flathead.
Out of nearly 1500 fishers surveyed by IMAS in their Survey of recreational fishers in Tasmania with a focus on sand flathead 2023 (PDF), over 80% were dissatisfied with sand flathead fishing and agreed that swift and appropriate management measures were important. After reducing bag limits, closing the fishery was the next most preferred option.
In November 2025, during consultation for the upcoming Scalefish Rules Remake, the majority of feedback regarding sand flathead wanted to see continued tightening of the sand flathead rules, with many calling for a closure of the fishery.
With 100,000 recreational fishers, and over a million flathead caught annually, we must act as a matter of urgency to start the rebuild process for Tasmania's favourite fish.
Flathead closure in south-eastern zone
A sand flathead closure will commence on 1 March 2026 in a new south-eastern zone.
In this zone, the following rules apply:
- You cannot take sand flathead (Bag limit – 0).
- You cannot possess sand flathead (On-water possession limit – 0).
Map of south-eastern zone
The south-eastern
zone is all water between a north-south line at Whale Head (146°52'15") and a north-south line at Cape Pillar (148°00'41"), including the entirety of the previous D'Entrecasteaux Channel, Derwent River, Frederick Henry and Norfolk Bays Zone. The northern boundary of the south-eastern zone is the southern end of the Dunalley Canal.
All species of flathead must be landed whole statewide
All species of flathead must be landed whole or as fillets with intact frames (head and tail attached).
This includes:
- Southern Sand Flathead – also called sand flathead, bay flathead, slimy flathead or common flathead.
- Tiger Flathead – also called king flathead or deep-sea flathead.
- Southern Bluespotted Flathead – also called yank flathead, Castleneau's flathead, deepwater flathead or bluespotted flathead.
- Rock Flathead – also called grassy flathead or smooth flathead.
This rule applies statewide.
How the new rules support recovery
The latest stock assessment found that stronger action is required for sand flathead to recover faster. The south-east is the most depleted region due to high recreational fishing pressure over a long time, and a growing number of fishers. More than half of sand flathead is taken in the south-east. Closing the south-eastern zone is required for flathead to recover in this heavily depleted area.
The closure is also critical to support an exciting new IMAS-led breeding and stock enhancement program in the south-east. It will:
- Ensure hatchery-reared fish can be released with less fishing pressure
- Protect breeding stock
- Result in more, bigger fish for fishing as soon as possible and for future generations.
The new landing requirements will help Tasmania Police enforce the existing size and bag limits for sand flathead.
Sand flathead breeding and stock enhancement program
The Government has signed a $1.2 million agreement with IMAS to pilot a sand flathead stock enhancement program to accelerate rebuilding in the south-east.
The program aims to increase the proportion of larger, faster-growing genes through a combination of adult translocation, selective captive breeding and adaptive monitoring. This is particularly important in the south-east, where past heavy fishing pressure may mean fish no longer have the ability to grow as quickly or as large.
Read more: Feasibility of recreational scalefish enhancement in Tasmania - IMAS (PDF).
Recovery is in our hands – you can make a difference
Everyone can be a part of a success story to rebuild Tasmania's favourite fishery. As a recreational-only species, recovery is in the hands of recreational fishers.
You can help:
- Follow the rules – The rules are based on the latest scientific advice. Following them is necessary for rebuilding to occur.
- Use responsible handling and release techniques – Circle hooks, de-hookers and a quick, safe return to the water make a big difference for sand flathead survival.
- Fish for a mixed bag of other sustainable species – Tassie has lots of sustainable fish species.
Go for a mixed bag to give sand flathead a break. - Report suspicious or illegal fishing – Don't let rule-breakers undermine stock rebuilding.
You can report suspicious or illegal fishing to Tasmania Police on 131 444.
To learn more about the latest stock assessment and how you can help visit: Flathead for the Future.