The Tasmanian Government recognises the importance of ensuring the viability of the recreational fishery for years to come, including its most popular fish.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said the recovery of sand flathead has been bolstered with the Tasmanian Government investing $1.2 million over four years for a stock enhancement program.
“Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future will ensure Tasmania remains the best place in the country to live, work and raise a family, and ensuring Tasmanians can enjoy the great outdoors fishing is part of that,” said Minister Abetz.
“A feasibility assessment is being undertaken for sand flathead stocking and this will consider using a marine hatchery facility to enhance recovery of sand flathead stocks and other valued recreational fishing species.
“The feasibility of other approaches for enhancing our sand flathead, rebuilding stock and assisting the recovery of this important species will also be considered through this work, with the feasibility study due to be completed by the end 2024.
“I am also pleased to join the Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies today to launch the five-yearly report into Tasmanian sea and inland recreational fishing.
“The survey provides the main source of data for understanding Tasmanian recreational sea fisheries and is used in fisheries assessments and modelling fisheries management scenarios.”
One in four Tasmanians fish recreationally and sand flathead accounts for 50 per cent of all recreational fish taken from state waters.
