The Tasmanian Government continues to explore new opportunities that strengthen both the seafood sector and the overall economy.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, welcomed the opportunity to develop a sustainable sardine fishery that can maximise return for Tasmanian businesses and commercial fishers while maintaining the right balance for recreational fishers.
"We have an exciting and rare opportunity for Tasmania to develop a local, sustainable commercial sardine fishery – the first new commercial fishery in decades," said Minister Abetz.
"Research has been underway to assess the full extent of sardine stocks in Bass Strait and the results of this independent science will be used to underpin the development of a management plan for a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery, ensuring it is one that will minimise environmental impacts and maximise benefit to Tasmanians.
"Guidelines to support development of the management plan will be released before the end of the year. Importantly, development of the fishery will be consistent with Tasmanian Government policy and legislation.
"I would like to make it absolutely clear that commercial trawling is prohibited in Tasmanian commercial fisheries. This position will remain for any future sardine fishery – no trawling will be permitted.
"A sardine fishery in Tasmania would be based on purse seining methods and build on the learnings from other successful fisheries such as the South Australian fishery.
"Australian sardines, a highly nutritious species found in temperate waters, have long been fished commercially in other parts of the country. Tasmania now has the opportunity to build on the extensive research and management experience from established fisheries, ensuring that the development of the new sardine fishery adheres to best practices for sustainability.
"To further support the development of a commercial sardine fishery the Tasmanian Government is committing $250,000.
"I will be overseeing a strategic and carefully managed approach by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania in developing this fishery.
"As part of establishing a potential new fishery, we will undertake an extensive public consultation process including with commercial and recreational fishing bodies such as Seafood Industry Tasmania, TARFish and others.
"Our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is committed to a commercial fisheries resource allocation model that maximises the benefit to Tasmania, Tasmanian fishers, their families and the communities they live and work in."
