The Tasmanian Government is taking steps to phase out recreational gillnetting, with no recreational gillnetting to occur after 1 January 2030.
This commitment was driven by a growing recognition of the
impacts of gillnets on target and non-target species (including marine
mammals and seabirds), the conflict between gillnets and other water
users, and changing community values.
Reducing impacts from high-risk fishing gear is also consistent with principles outlined in the
Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy.
Here’s what you need to know about the transition away from recreational gillnetting.
By the end of 2026
Gillnet use will be prohibited in Shark Refuge Areas.
Set nets must be attended by licence holders at all times.
By the end of 2027
Recreational gillnetting will be restricted to targeting Atlantic Salmon only, and only following notifiable escape events.
By 2030
All recreational gillnetting activity will no longer be permitted.
How the arrangements were developed
The arrangements to transition away from gillnetting were developed
in coordination with a reference group comprised of recreational
fishers plus representatives from NRE Tas Wild Fisheries, the Institute
for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS), the Tasmanian Association for
Recreational Fishing (TARFish), Tasmania Police and the NRE
Tas Marine Conservation Program.
A scoping paper covering all relevant information was drafted
to provide the group with the necessary information to propose
transitional management arrangements.