DRAFT TARFish positions in response to Scalefish Fishery Rules Review Proposals

The package of proposals in the current Scalefish Fishery Rules Review would be the single largest group of cuts and restrictions to recreational fishers at a single point in time that TARFish is aware of. 

Based on the currently available information, TARFish does not support the proposed reduction of the current flathead bag limit from 10 to 2 in the south and 5 elsewhere or the proposed slot limit of 35-38cm as proposed in the current Scalefish review proposals. TARFish does support the current interim size limit increase to 35cm and the bag limit of 10.
 
TARFish completely rejects both the recreational and commercial proposals for calamari on the basis they are unfair and will not constrain the commercial catch to within the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY).
 
It is TARFish’s view that the package of proposals does not adequately recognise the benefits of recreational fishing in Tasmania which contributes $270m to Gross State Product (GSP) and supports 2,670 FTE jobs in Tasmania.
This is more than commercial abalone, rock lobster and scalefishing combined deliver, contributing $186m and supporting 1,052FTE’s.
 
Whilst we welcome the new-found commitment of the Tasmanian Government to sustainable fisheries management, TARFish is concerned that the proposals fail to consider collective impacts. For example, southern calamari, sand flathead and striped trumpeter are 3 of the top 5 consumed recreationally caught species.
 
Specific concerns of the package of the proposals:

1. There is no information provided on what contribution each of the proposed changes (singly and collectively) will deliver toward rebuilding the target biomass and over what time frame. It is unlikely that the Government is proposing them without any insight into this and any modelling undertaken should be provided publicly. If modelling hasn’t been undertaken by the Government, it should be, and provided publicly. 

2. There is no evidence of any modelling, or indeed any discussion, on the totality of the impact on recreational effort, including unintended consequences such as the potential impact on other species through displaced effort (if effort does not reduce). For example, increased retained catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) or other deepwater species such as blue-eye trevalla if the striped trumpeter bag limit is reduced by half.

3. No modelling has been undertaken on the potential economic and jobs impact of the collective changes on recreational fishing at a state-wide and regional level.

4. Consultation on the package of proposals is short and complex and should be over a longer period.

5. A further concentration of the Minister’s decision-making powers is a reduction in democratic process that would remove appropriate checks and balances and should not be supported. TARFish notes that the Abalone Rules were overturned in the Tasmanian Parliament in 2021 which provided the only opportunity for scrutiny of government decision making. This is consistent for Scalefish Fisheries Rules.

 
The risk of fisher disenfranchisement from the combined proposals is high and we will be undertaking consultation in coming weeks, seeking fisher feedback on TARFish’s draft and preliminary positions.
 
The overall package of proposed management changes for recreational fishers is very restrictive and we encourage the Government to give some relief by providing alternative fishing opportunities.  TARFish has identified a range of alternatives to support recreational fishing and encourages recreational fishers to suggest others.
 
Potential options to support recreational fishing:
Rock lobster

• Establishment of recreational only fishing areas on the East Coast for rock lobster

• Implementing a winter rock lobster season

Calamari

• Establishment of recreational only areas for calamari at Port Sorrel and in the south east

• No change to calamari management settings for recreational fishers noting the combination of the two is likely to have a very high impact, particularly in the south east

Gummy shark

• Interim increase of the bag, boat and possession limits of gummy shark to 3/3/6 from 2/2/5.

FAD’s

• Rapid deployment of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs), particularly in the south east to provide alternate fishing activities

 
Finally, we remain very concerned with the chronic underfunding of sand flathead recovery and fisher stewardship. TARFish has requested additional funding for the recovery of sand flathead over a number of years. The $250,000 committed at the last state election is not sufficient and we are seeking a Government commitment to adequately fund the recovery of Tasmania’s favourite fish.
We reiterate our Tasmanian budget submission request of $5 million over 5 years.  
Additionally, stewardship programs like the world-renowned Tuna Champions (delivered from Tasmania by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS)), shows that stewardship programs can and must play a role in Tasmanian fisheries going forward – with programs developed by recreational fishers for recreational fishers.

Next steps:

We want to hear from you to get your feedback and input on the draft position to help us shape our final position. We will be at AgFest next week (4-6 May at the Fishing Hub), we will also be holding online community consultation sessions from the 9th of May (dates, times and registration details will be sent out next week) and will be distributing a feedback survey soon. You can also email us at info@tarfish.org 

You can read our full draft position(s) below.