The Tasmanian Government is continuing to invest in recreational fishing, preserving this important Tasmanian way of life for generations to come.
To further support recreational fishers, the Tasmanian Government is increasing funding to the peak body, Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish), to $700,000 over three years.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, said this increase in support for TARFish will support recreational fisher advocacy, stewardship activities and the promotion of sustainable fishing practices across the recreational fishing community.
"Tasmanians for generations have taken advantage of the incredible recreational fishing our island home offers," Minister Abetz said.
"It is important that we act today to preserve and improve the sustainability of these fisheries for tomorrow, such as sand flathead.
"By supporting TARFish through this increased investment we are enabling them and our community to have better input to the management of fishery resources, our marine facilities and education programs, meaning we can promote best-practice and responsible fishing practices.
"Local communities will also continue to benefit through improved facilities for recreational fishers, delivered through a $1 million extension to the Better Fishing Grants program, with the successful candidates of the third round of Better Fishing Grants recently announced.
"Dorset Council will receive $15,000 for two new fish cleaning stations and the Sandy Bay Rowing Club will receive $32,500 to go towards amenities that will make accessing a fishing pontoon easier.
"The Tasmanian Government has also committed $175,000 for the maintenance and deployment of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs).
"These structures attract different fish species which provide fishing opportunities for anglers offshore.
"Recreational fishing is here to stay in Tasmania, supported by our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future."
TARFish CEO, Jane Gallichan, welcomed the Government's investment in recreational fishing.
"Recreational fishing, part of the Tasmanian way of life, contributes $270 million to the state economy and 2,670 jobs," Ms Gallichan said.
"It is vital that recreational fishers have a strong voice in decisions that will impact them and as a volunteer-led organisation, this funding will support us to deliver better decisions, and better programs and services that fishers want," she said.
