RECREATIONAL SEA FISHERIES NEWS NOVEMBER 2020
Lets Talk Flathead
What’s happening with flathead stocks?
Flathead is the backbone of the Tasmanian recreational fishery accounting for 70% of all recreational fish caught each year. Most of the 100,000 or so people who go fishing in Tasmania started out catching a flattie as their first fish.
The latest survey showed that recreational fishers keep over 700,000 flathead every year, the majority of which is sand flathead. In recent years, many fishers have been experiencing declining catches. The relative recreational catch of the main flathead species and their stock status was reported in the latest IMAS Scalefish Fishery Assessment:
Why are sand flathead stocks declining? While tiger flathead stocks are assessed as sustainable, unfortunately sand flathead are assessed as depleting. The relatively easy catchability of sand flathead in inshore waters and an increasing number of fishers are putting stocks are under immense fishing pressure. Over 50% of flathead are caught in the south-east. The lower bag limit and increased size limit introduced in 2015 has reduced the rate of stock decline. Fishing pressure remains high however, particularly on faster-growing females. We are working with IMAS to gather more information including applying for funding to improve stock monitoring and review whether environmental changes are influencing flathead biology in combination with current fishing levels.
What can recreational fishers do? 96% are sand flathead: Stock status = Depleting
3% are tiger flathead: Stock status = Sustainable
• Only take what you need for a feed • NEVER use undersize flathead for bait. • Release small flathead so they survive - use a dehooker or wet hands. • Target other species. Instead of sand flathead, try for tiger flathead in deeper water. Target species such as gurnard, Australian salmon and mullet. Challenge yourself and spend time catching a new species such as yellowtail kingfish or snapper. • Spread out your fishing activities. Fish away from popular areas. Remember, sand flathead are mainly caught by recreational fishers. If you look after them, recreational fishers benefit.
1% are bluespot flathead: Stock status = Not Assessed Fishing News - Page 54 www.tasfish.com - Get the knowledge - Get the fish.
