Long-awaited lifting of boat launch restrictions

The long-awaited relaxation of the boat launch restrictions is finally here for the long weekend.

“Tasmania’s recreational fishers are to be congratulated for their patience and understanding,” said TARFish CEO, Jane Gallichan.

“We’re a passionate lot and for so many recreational fishers to be landlocked for weeks on end has been tough but the end is in sight and I expect that boat ramps will be busy as fishers get out and back on the water this weekend.

“Recreational fishers will play an important role in rebuilding Tasmania’s economy and supporting Tasmania’s coastal communities that have been hit hard economically from the covid-19 restrictions.

“From buying tyres for boat trailers to fishing equipment, fuel and bait – every bit counts in getting Tasmania back on its feet,” she said. Whilst the relaxation of the boat launch restrictions is a welcome change, there is no word yet on when the recreational scallop season will open.

“There are over 8,000 recreational scallop licence holders in Tasmania and each one wants to know when they can put it to good use. TARFish went firmly on the record with Minister Barnett today that now there is equal access due to the lifting of restrictions, it’s time to open the scallop fishery.

“Recreational scallop fishers rightly want to know when it will open and I ask Minister Barnett to open it from 15 June unless there is a health or safety reason not to,” she concluded.

ENDS