Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy

Recreational fishing at Coles Bay​​  

The Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy 2021-2030 sets a decade-long vision for recreational sea fishing in Tasmania.
 
With more than 100,000 Tasmanians fishing each year, the Strategy strikes a balance between providing access for today’s fishers and ensuring healthy fish stocks for future generations.  It recognises the value of recreational fishing and focuses on fishers being more involved in determining the future of fishing, as well as looking after our fish stocks.
 
Fifty-four actions are proposed across six outcomes: fisheries sustainability, promoting responsible fishing, community involvement, valuing recreational fishing, making it easier for people to go fishing and improving support for fishing.

The Strategy was developed by the Wild Fisheries Management Branch following extensive consultation with recreational fishers and the wider community.

Document:

Recreational Strategy  
 

Strategy actions progress

​Funding/resources not yet identified
​Scheduled but yet to commence
​Commenced (finite action)
​Commenced (ongoing action)
​Completed
​Action ​Status
1. Ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stock and habitats
Launch Flathead for the Future program
Develop harvest plans for priority species

Identify pathways to transition away from the use of recreational gill nets over the next ten years

Review the use of recreational gears and methods

Upgrade recreational fisheries data collection

Research climate change implications for recreational fisheries

Establish a code of practice for wildlife interactions

Identify marine habitats requiring protection or rehabilitation

2. Promoting responsible recreational fishing
Build a new website for recreational and commercial fishing

​Streamline the printed Recreational Sea Fishing Guide
​Upgrade the Tasmanian Sea Fishing Guide App
​Publish information on fisheries ecology, management and impacts
​Produce podcasts and videos on responsible fishing, fisheries management and fisheries science
​Refresh the Fishcare program to better engage priority audiences
​Engage partners to share messages with the fishing public
​Partner with CaLD fisher representatives and employers
​Update and promote the Recreational Marine Fishing Tasmanian Code of Conduct.
​Assess the effectiveness of fisheries enforcement and education
​Initiate partnerships to assess new ways to engage fishers
​Publish the objectives of proposed management changes and predicted impacts on stock health
Promote fisher awareness in reducing fishing debris
3. Involving the community in fisheries management
​Conduct annual Fishing Forums
​Engage fishers at public events
​Review RecFAC structures and processes
​Review and improve processes for providing public fisheries management advice
​Work with partners to involve fishers in collecting data, restoring habitats and managing pests
​Work with NGOs to make it easier for people to participate in marine stewardship projects
​Promote citizen science and stewardship projects
​Investigate fishers nominating partial fees for specific activities
4. Value recreational fishing
​Develop an overarching fisheries resource sharing policy
​Develop resource sharing arrangements including area management for priority species.
​Include recreational fishing performance measures in harvest plans
​Conduct a statewide socioeconomic study of recreational fishing
​In the LMRMA review, emphasise the importance of recreational fishing and update recreational fisheries management processes to reflect Strategy principles
​Monitor developments shaping the future of recreational fishing
​Promote the importance and benefits of recreational fishing
5. Make it easier for people to go fishing
​Hold a stakeholder workshop to identify participation barriers and fishing access needs
​Draft a ‘No Barriers’ policy
​Establish a female fishing network
​Sponsor a a ‘buddy style’ program for mobility impaired fishers
​Complete an audit of recreational fishing infrastructure
​Establish a Recreational Infrastructure fund and program
​Conduct a study on artificial reefs and FADs to better understand their impacts and value
​Develop a fishing code of practice for FADs and artificial reefs
​Review rock lobster and scallop fishing rules to enable catch sharing
​Develop Fishcare programs targeting young people, women and girls and mobility impaired persons
​6. Improving capacity to support recreational fishing
​Consult with fishers on options to improve recreational fisheries management
​Improve service delivery to inland and marine fishers by collaborating with IFS, MAST and Tasmania Police
​Develop educational partnerships with the IFS and MAST
​Partner with TARFish and IMAS to deliver Strategy actions
​Establish a recreational fishing stakeholder service provider committee
​Identify co-investment opportunities with other agencies and partners
​Partner with fishing sponsors and philanthropic organisations
​Increase staff capacity to progress Strategy priorities and emerging management issues


View the 10-Year Action Implementation Table:



    Contact

    Recreational Fishing Enquiries
    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St
    Hobart TAS 7000
    Phone: 03 6165 3233, 1300 720 647
    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Hotline

    Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

    0427 655 557

    What to report? arrow button

    Contact us

    Recreational Fishing

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    Hobart TAS 7000

    Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries Licensing

    Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: fishing.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au