Latest research shows more Tasmanians fishing more often!

Over 130,000 Tasmanians goes fishing, that’s one in four Tasmanians. Recreational fishing is part of the Tasmanian way of life and contributes $270 million to the state economy and 2,670 jobs.

Importantly, we spread city dollars into rural areas, highlighting the importance of fishing as a way of generating economic activity in regional areas.

The IMAS survey shows that 50% of all fish caught and kept are sand flathead and almost 60% of those come from the south east. We want to make sure that the kitchen sink is being thrown at flathead recovery so the next generation doesn’t miss out.

“The dramatic cuts to the bag limit and changes to the size limits in November last year was a bitter pill but we’ve swallowed it so we can get this fishery back on track, said TARFish CEO, Jane Gallichan.

“That’s why TARFish has been advocating for sand flathead stocking and translocation to be squarely on the agenda.

“We welcome the $1.2 investment in flathead stocking and translocation and we’re very hopeful that the feasibility study being undertaken by IMAS will show that it will be both effective and affordable,” she concluded.