The recreational catch sharing of scallops is now permitted in Tasmania, ahead of the start of scallop fishing season on Saturday.
The reform is one of several amendments announced today to the Fisheries (Scallop) Rules 2020, also known as the Tasmanian Scallop Management Plan.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said that the reforms will enable the benefits of scallop fishing to be more widely shared by Tasmanians.
"As part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future, we're committed to both increasing opportunities for outdoor recreation and sustainably managing our marine resources for generations to come," Mr Abetz said.
"Licensed scallop fishers who have dived will now be able to share their catch among themselves, and with up to one licence holder who remained on the boat and did not dive.
"To support the sustainable management of our marine resources, we've also introduced a boat limit of five times the bag limit, 250 scallops.
"I am sure that many recreational fishers will take the opportunity to enjoy freshly caught Tasmanian scallops around the dinner table with their friends and family this Easter."
The amendments follow a review of the plan, the consultation period for which was open between December 20 and February 7, and deliver an outcome identified in the Tasmanian Recreational Sea Fishing Strategy 2021-2030.
The full list of amendments can be viewed on the website of Fishing Tasmania located at https://fishing.tas.gov.au/scallop-consultation
