NRE Tas will work with fishers, researchers and the community to implement actions to address the decline in sand flathead stocks identified in a new report from the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS).
Sand flathead is the most popular recreational fish in Tasmania, with around 1.6 million caught each year, accounting for 70 per cent of all recreational fish taken from the state’s waters.
To ensure the future of sand flathead in Tasmania, a range of actions will be implemented including education programs, research, and consultation on potential management options that will recover the fishery.
The Flathead for the Future program will be rolled out over summer by NRE Tas Fisheries to engage recreational fishers, tackle shops and community groups and inform them about stock challenges, listen to fisher views and deliver responsible fishing messages to promote greater stewardship.
NRE Tas will continue to work with the Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee (RecFAC), Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) and IMAS.
More information about the Flathead for the Future program.