The Tasmanian Government welcomes the latest scientific data which demonstrates the potential for an exciting new sustainable fishery which would support jobs, provide new opportunities and maintain the right balance for recreational fishers.
Through independent research supported by the Tasmanian Government and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) has confirmed there is a sizeable population of Australian sardine in Tasmanian and Bass Strait waters.
Minister for Business, Industry and Resources, Eric Abetz, welcomed the report, noting the research concludes that the biomass of Australian sardine is large enough to sustainably support a commercial Tasmanian sardine fishery.
"The comprehensive survey of Australian sardine estimates the spawning biomass of the South-eastern sardine stock to be more than 200,000 tonnes, with the highest densities present in Bass Strait," Minister Abetz said.
"Tasmania's wild fisheries are invaluable to our great State and as such are managed according to international best practice to ensure their ongoing sustainability.
"This latest report builds on previous research and understanding of the species, including baseline data of the predominantly unfished population.
"The Tasmanian Government will use the independent research to develop a Tasmanian sardine fishery, ensuring it is one that would minimise environmental impacts and maximise benefit to Tasmanians.
"Importantly, a sardine fishery would be developed in accordance with Tasmanian Government policy and legislation, including no trawl fishing and maximising the benefits to the State, Tasmanian fishers and local communities.
"This is an exciting and rare opportunity for Tasmania to develop a local, sustainable commercial sardine fishery while creating jobs in the process."
The Final Report on the FRDC project 2023-005 Research to support the development of a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery, can be found on the FRDC website: Research to support the development of a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery | FRDC
The Government's 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future is all about backing in jobs, keeping the economy strong and delivering for our regions.
