RECREATIONAL SEA FISHERIES NEWS

NOVEMBER 2021

Tasmania’s First Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy Released

The Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy was launched by the Fisheries Minister Guy Barnett on 20 October. Guided by a vision statement and a set of principles, the Strategy provides a roadmap for actions over the next 10 years.

The Wild Fisheries Management Branch of DPIPWE started work on the Strategy in January last year. As such, the launch marks the ‘end of the beginning’ in a new era of marine recreational fisheries management in Tasmania.

The Strategy was inspired by a need to support recreational sea fishing into the future. A long-term, strategic approach was considered necessary to effectively deal with a range of issues. These include engaging fishers, strengthening partnerships, providing fishing opportunities, promoting stewardship, and ensuring fisheries are managed sustainably.

The Strategy will progress existing issues and meet future challenges. To identify issues and challenges, and how to progress them, DPIPWE consulted extensively with recreational fishers and other stakeholders. This included a survey of recreational fishing issues (which received over 3200 responses), plus public feedback on a discussion paper and the draft Strategy.

This feedback helped develop six outcomes:

• Ensuring the long-term sustainability of fish stocks and habitats

• Promoting responsible recreational fishing

• Involving the community in fisheries management

• Valuing recreational sea fishing

• Making it easier for people to go fishing

• Improving capacity to support recreational fishing

Across these Outcomes, 54 actions have been identified in the Strategy. These include installing and upgrading fishing infrastructure, addressing flathead stock challenges, and making fishing easier for women, youth, and people of all abilities.

Also planned is the development of harvest plans for key species and a fisheries resource sharing policy framework. This will guide catch and access sharing between recreational and commercial fishers and will enable recreational only fishing areas to be implemented.

Some actions have already started. A description of these, and the Strategy document itself can be found at www.fishing.tas.gov.au/rec-strategy. More actions will be added over the life of the Strategy.

Love Fishing? Volunteer for Fishcare

Fishcare needs new recruits. Becoming a volunteer is a great way to meet people and do your bit for Tasmania’s fisheries. There’s a statewide volunteer training session being held in St Helens in December so enquire now.

What volunteers do:

• Attend fishing and community events including boat shows, fishing competitions and Agfest;

• Pass on practical fishing knowledge and information; and

• Maintain local fishing signs and rulers. Want to know more? Email us at fishcare@ dpipwe.tas.gov.au, ring the Fishcare Coordinator on 6165 3039 or go to: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/ fishcare

Need more information?

• Get a copy of the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide from Service Tasmania

• Download the Tasmanian Sea Fishing Guide app

• Go to www.fishing.tas.gov.au or www. facebook.com/FisheriesTasmania

• Phone: 1300 720 647 or 03 6165 3233

• Email: fishing.enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

Mark - the Miracle Worker

Mark can repair, renovate, rebuild, replace, redesign or renew just about anything to do with boats, trailers, propellers and other general engineering stuff. If it is busted, bent, broken or dinged Dr Mark can fix it.

Spongers, idiots and time wasters are not welcome.