TARFish submission - response to draft “Tasmanian recreational sea fishing strategy”

TARFish made a detailed submission to the State Government’s draft strategy. TARFish is supportive of the strategy overall and has considered it in light of what policy and strategy exists in other jurisdictions, feedback from recreational fishers and TARFish’s own policy positions.

In offering that support, TARFish has identified several critical issues and opportunities that have not been considered or not sufficiently addressed in the draft strategy.

1. The vision should be strengthened and broadened, and the alternative vision proposed by TARFish adopted.

“To deliver the best recreational fishing to Tasmanians by ensuring; fair, safe, and protected access to abundant fisheries and healthy habitats consistent with community values.”

2. The draft strategy does not include any relationship to any other policy framework for fisheries management in a broad and sustained way. Specifically;

a. No integrated marine and coastal policy

b. No resource sharing framework to guide development of resource sharing arrangements

3. Does not sufficiently approach the need for habitat restoration and pest management, particularly in terms of actions and in light of climate change impacts.

4. Needs to be affirmative in the protections for recreational fishers which are currently insufficient

5. The aim should be for long-term abundance, not just sustainability of fish stocks