Sea Fishing Guide 2017-18 - Recreational
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Recreational
Sea Fishing Guide
2017-18
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018
Wild Fisher
Depar tmentiesofManagement Br anch
Depar
Pr imartment of ies,
y Industr Pr imar
Paryks,Industr
Wateries,
andParEnvironment
ks, Water and Environment
Is your catch
from the nose to the end of the tail except:
SHARKS AND RAYS BOAT LIMIT
shark: nose to tail or back gill slit to base of
banded morwong: nose to fork of the tail
Catch limits are a combined total
79
garfish: upper jaw to the end of the tail
5
for all species in a fish group.
MEASURE SCALEFISH
78
(all species combined)
77
tail if headed and tailed
legal size?
76
75
or 45cm headed and tailed
School and Gummy shark
74
except ornamental species
Sharks and Rays, other
75cm
73
*Other fish not listed,
2
72
4
10
2
71
2
5
70
Shark (Mako and Blue)
2
Whiting, other
69
39
30
36 37 38
33 34 35
30
32
2
30 31
68
28 29
15
26 27 Bastard
23 24 25 Whiting trumpeter Flathead,
22
15
21 Snapper - King George Bluespotted
1
20
Cod
18 19 38cm
67
15 16 17 Warehou Wrasse 35cm and Rock.
12 13 14 Only 1 over 60cm
9 10 11 n Bream 30cm
8 Australian salmo
25
6 7 Flounder 40cm
66
3 4 5 Leatherjacket Garfish and Tiger
Flathead, Sand
Tuna, Skipjack
2
l Fish Ruler
0 1 Silver trevally
20
Blue-eye trevalla
s ong
Morwong, Jackas 32cm Banded morw
Recreationa
65
20cm Mullet and tailed) 45cm
10
36 - 46cm
10
shark (headed
l and Gummy eter 55cm
10
BL11180
25cm tail kingfish, Schoo Striped trump
Boarfish, Yellow y shark 75cm
School and Gumm
64
Snook
.
FISH WATCH
ber 2015.
No Minimum Size
limits may change
5
5
Valid as of 1 Novem and possession L FISHING
guide only. Size .fishing.tas.gov
.au REPORT ILLEGA
This ruler is a 0427 655 557
ation go to www
63
For updated inform Fish Guide app.
Tas
or download the and Environment
Tuna, Albacore
ries, Parks, Water
62
y Indust
10
Primar
Depar tment of FEM
Pike, Longfin
30
30
ALE
Barracouta
61
5
15
15
60
Tuna (Bluefin, Yellowfin, Bigeye)
over 1.5m)
4 (Only 2
59
2
Swordfish or Marlin
Atlantic salmon
58
105m
(marine waters)
24
m
1
57
2
al
the s.
12
read
ation uge
1
1. Sp tennal horn rd
TC H
Recre ster GaLY
an tip ha
gauge notch.
56
WA FISHING
2
F ISRTHILLEGAL 557
ce the le
2. Pla o the midd
Mackerel and Redbait
int
L o b GUIDE ON REPO
0427
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Rock
55
t
n
u
Trout (marine waters)
e nl a r ge m e
ov.a
A
GE IS
60
.tas.g
20
IS GAU
54
ing
Striped trumpeter
TH
.fish
www
24
30
m
53
110m
8
12
Gurnard and Ocean Perch
52
145mm
4
waters
55cm
Other
51
Squid, Calamari
notch
from
easure ace.
20
30
to Bridport
3. M end of carap
50
to 132mm Montagu Island east
10
15
E
MAL
GREENLIP
49
Recreational
48
1. Check size before
Abalone Gauge FISHWATCH
Squid, Goulds
detaching from rock.
30
Elephantfish
4
REPORT ILLEGAL FISHING
47
2. Measure the widest
part of the shell. THIS GAUGE IS A GUIDE ONLY 0427 655 557
15
Banded morwong
2
46
www.fishing.tas.gov.au
maximum size for
BLACKLIP
45
m
80m Arthur River east to 120mm
44
Longsnout boarfish
Musselroe Point
Yellowtail kingfish
45cm
43
138mm
10
4
Other waters
42
2
5
OY
GHB
41
DOU
Re
Scall creationa
40
Measu
re
part of the widest
op G l
auge
Bluespotted and Rock
the sh THIS
39
ell
GAU
Only 1 over 60cm
GE IS
ww w.fis A GU
Banded morwong
IDE O
h ing.t
38
10
COM
36 - 46cm
N
MER as.go LY
Flathead,
& QU CIAL v.au
4
EEN F IS H
WA
Bastard trumpeter
37
REPO
5
RT T
0427ILLEGAL FISCHIH
2
38cm
655
40cm
10
NG
557
36
5
35
100m
King George Whiting
34
m
35cm
33
10
Fla th ea d
32
5
d survive
Help released flathea
31
Flathead ID Guide
Flathead catch limits
Flathead, Sand and Tiger
and black • Use a de-hooker
dark bands on the body
30
Sand flathead: Sandy brown, is longer to quickly release
lower spine on the gill cover
32cm
Size limits: blotch on the tail fin. The unwanted fish
32cm than the upper. • If the hook is
Flathead, Sand and Tiger
29
30
Flathead, Bluespotted and
Rock 40cm swallowed, cut the line
with darker bands and orange
Po ck et
Tiger flathead: Grey brown body and • Choose circle or
30cm
gill cover no markings. A rounder
spots. Lower tail fin has
28
10
10
on the gill barbless hooks to
20
spines flathead. The lower spine
larger teeth than the sand
increase survival
Snapper
cover is longer than the upper.
Wrasse
• Use a damp cloth or
Ru ler
27
5
5
brown body scattered with
wet hands if you must
Bluespotted flathead: Light spots handle fish
d with dark blotches. Dark
26
small blue spots intermingle spines
the tail fin. The two gill cover
surrounded by white on
are a similar length.
25
Possession limits: 20 30
(combined) y Industr ies,
Flathead, Sand and Tiger
Illustrations by Peter Gouldthorpe
with rows Depar tment of Pr imar
Valid as at 1 November 2015.
10
Rock (combined) 5 dark greenish brown body ent
Flathead, Bluespotted and Rock flathead: A mottled
fin. The lower gill cover spine
is shorter This ruler is a guide only. Par ks, Water and Environm
24
(only 1 over 60cm) of dark spots on the tail www.fishing.tas.gov.au
than the upper.
30
30
20
GUIDE TO SYMBOLS
23
Warehou
Possession limit
Flounder
Bag limit
Mullet
15
15
Minimum legal size
10
22
32cm
BL11180
Sand flathead
21
Jackass morwong
Gouldthorpe
25cm
30
20
20
by Peter
Garfish
15
10
19
BL10985 Illustration
Silver trevally
20
18
10
10
17
Bream
16
5
Use this ruler to measur
e your catch.
Don’t keep flathead
15
1 2 3 4 smaller than this.
Leatherjacket
5 6
20cm
7
20
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15
14
16 17 18 19 20
10
REPORT ILLEGAL FISHING
21 22 23
0427 655 557
24
FISHWATCH
25 26 27 28 29
13
30 31 32 33 34 35
12
There are no excuses
Australian salmon
30
11
15
10
This ruler is a guide only. Size and possession limits may change.
Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment
9
For updated information go to www.fishing.tas.gov.au
8
Boat
limit
7
Recreational
Possession
6
or download the Tas Fish Guide app.
for undersize fish.
GUIDE TO SYMBOLS
Fish Ruler
limit
5
Valid as of 1 November 2015.
limit
4
Bag
3
20cm Minimum
2
size
Rulers and gauges available free from Service Tasmania shops.
1
0
CONTENTS
MINISTER’S MESSAGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017-18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
FISHERY NEWS AND RESEARCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3
FISHING AND THE COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
LICENCES AND SEASONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
LICENCES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
SEASONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
SCALEFISH AND SHARK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
SCALEFISH - SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
BAIT AND BERLEY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
SHARK - SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
SCALEFISH FISHING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
RESPONSIBLE FISHING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
ABALONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
SIZE, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
MEASURING AND HANDLING ABALONE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
ROCK LOBSTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
SIZE, BAG AND POSSESSION LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
ROCK LOBSTER FISHING GEAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
ROCK LOBSTER AREA RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
OTHER FISHERIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SCALLOPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
SQUID, CALAMARI AND OCTOPUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
CRABS, PRAWNS AND SEAWEED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
SHELLFISH AND SHELL COLLECTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
MARINE PESTS AND DISEASES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
PROTECTED AND THREATENED SPECIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
AREA RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
MARINE NATURE RESERVES AND RESEARCH AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
SHARK REFUGE AREAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
NET AND LINE AREA RESTRICTIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
ESTUARIES, RIVERS AND LAGOONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
CONTACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
BAG, POSSESSION AND SIZE LIMITS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018
MINISTER’S MESSAGE
Welcome to the 2017-18 The aim of this Guide is to present fishing
edition of the Recreational laws in an easy to read way. Please use it
to check up on the basic rules before you
Sea Fishing Guide. go fishing and play your part in protecting
4 Recreational sea fishing is one of our the long-term sustainability of our valuable
state’s fantastic experiences enjoyed fisheries.
by thousands of Tasmanians. Now The Guide includes the latest marine
it’s also attracting record numbers of research news such as the East Coast
fishers from interstate and overseas rock lobster stock rebuilding assessment
generating economic benefits in regional and the recent scallop survey of the
communities. D’Entrecasteaux Channel conducted by
Recreational fishers make a significant the Institute for Marine and Antarctic
contribution to our local economy, Studies. You can also visit
spending an average of $1,000, or a total www.fishing.tas.gov.au to keep up
of $93 million on boats, fuel and fishing to date on the latest information about
gear annually. seasons, catch limits and area changes.
Your fishing licence fees continue to be Finally, in 2018 the Fishcare Tasmania
put to good use, paying for recreational program turns 20. Congratulations
surveys and research to better manage and thank you to all past and present
fish stocks. Licence fees also pay for volunteers for doing an amazing job
products that protect this resource educating fishers around the state.
through education such as Guides, rulers, Happy Fishing!
signs and brochures.
Jeremy Rockliff MP
Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Recreational Sea Fishing Guide
WHAT’S NEW FOR 2017-18
Northern Calamari New measuring gauges
Spawning Closure available
2017: Two areas in the north of the state New stocks of plastic fish measuring
closed from 6-22 October to protect gauges are available this season with a 5
spawning squid including calamari. The refreshed design featuring black gauge tips
areas were (1) from Woolnorth Point east to make measuring your catch underwater
to Table Cape and (2) from Point Sorell east easier.
to Stony Head including Port Sorell and the An abalone multi-gauge now replaces the
Tamar River. These areas were different to previously separate blacklip and greenlip
the larger area originally proposed. gauges. It has been updated with the new
2018: The effectiveness of the closure northern waters blacklip size limit.
areas and dates will be reviewed based The rock lobster gauge includes a diagram
on IMAS research findings. Confirmation of how to measure rock lobster correctly
about closures applying in 2018 will be using easy to follow instructions.
available by mid-2018.
A reminder that the plastic gauges
See www.fishing.tas.gov.au or follow are a guide only. If fishing close to the
Fisheries Tasmania Facebook for maps and size limit, use a certified metal gauge.
more information.
Northern Abalone Size
Limit Reduced
The recreational size limit for blacklip
abalone in northern waters (Arthur River Available free from Service Tasmania shops
east to Musselroe Point) has been reduced and Fishcare Tasmania.
to 120mm (previously 127mm), effective
from March 2017. The new size limit
better reflects the growth rate of abalone
across the north coast.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018
FISHERY NEWS AND RESEARCH
East Coast Rock Lobster • An estimated total recreational catch of
Stock Rebuilding Strategy 87,650 lobster equating to 87.9 tonnes.
The East Coast Rock Lobster Stock • 68% of the total catch taken by pot,
6 Rebuilding Strategy aims to rebuild rock 29% by dive and 3% ring.
lobster biomass on the East Coast to • The average catch rate was 1.07
greater than 20% of virgin (unfished) lobster per day fished - 0.87 for pots,
biomass by 2023. To achieve this target, 1.90 for dive, and 1.88 for rings.
the total recreational and commercial • 43% of active fishers retained 1-5
catch needs to be limited. IMAS will lobsters for the period; 6% took more
continue to monitor the recreational and than 20.
commercial catch and stock status against • The total recreational catch was 52%
the rebuilding targets. As stocks rebuild of the total allowable recreational catch
and catch rates improve, further adaptive (TARC) of 170 tonnes.
management may need to be considered
in the future to limit the catch to the Just over 50 tonnes, almost 60% of
predetermined level. the total recreational catch was taken
from the East Coast (Eddystone Point
to Southport). This exceeded the
recreational notional catch share of 42
2016/17 Rock Lobster
tonnes, as outlined in the East Coast
Season - survey and catch Stock Rebuilding Strategy (April 2017)
estimates by 8.2 tonnes. This compared with an
18,000 individuals held a rock lobster licence ‘under-catch’ of 6.3 tonnes in 2015-16
- 15,200 pot, 8,000 dive and 4,400 ring. and an ‘over-catch’ of 13.6 tonnes in
2014-15. The lower catch in 2015-16 was
The annual IMAS survey of rock lobster
influenced by extensive biotoxin closures.
licence holders for the period 1 November
2016 to 30 April 2017 reported: Read the IMAS report at:
www.fishing.tas.gov.au/
recreational-fisheries-research
Photo: Emma Flukes
Recreational Sea Fishing Guide
FISHERY NEWS AND RESEARCH
Rock Lobster Fishery - Stay Informed
Biotoxin Information DPIPWE has developed the Recreational
Rock Lobster Fishery Biotoxin Events
Background Policy in consultation with stakeholders to 7
Extensive algal blooms affecting the rock determine management responses during
lobster fishery occurred off the East Coast a PST event in the rock lobster fishery.
of Tasmania during 2012/13 and 2015/16 Read this policy and stay informed about
seasons, with a minor bloom in 2017. biotoxin events at:
Cysts of toxic alga can lie dormant on Web: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/sea-
the seabed until favourable environmental fishing-aquaculture/sustainable-
conditions return meaning there is a fisheries-management/Biotoxin-
higher probability of future blooms. Fishery-Events
What are Paralytic Shellfish Toxins Facebook: www.facebook.com/
(PSTs)? FisheriesTasmania
Paralytic shellfish toxins are produced Email alerts: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/
by naturally occurring algae that are emailnews
consumed by shellfish including mussels, Public health information on eating
oysters, clams, scallops, abalone and pipis. recreationally harvested wild shellfish:
Rock lobster feed on shellfish and can www.publichealthalerts.tas.gov.au
then become contaminated. PSTs build up
in specific organs (rarely in the flesh) and
can be dangerous to humans when eaten.
Can I transit through a biotoxin
closed zone to an open zone?
Yes you can transit during a biotoxin closure,
for example if an Eastern Region zone is
closed for biotoxin reasons, fishers can
possess pots, rings and lobster in their
boats and transit the closed area. This
is different to the rules applying during
a seasonal closure when Eastern Region
waters are not open so fishers cannot
transit through them carrying rock lobster,
pots or rings, for example to access an
open area in the Western Region.
Why can’t I have a licence refund if
I fish in a biotoxin closure area?
Licences grant access to all Tasmanian
waters and biotoxin closures apply only
to specific zones within those waters.
Licence holders can still fish in other areas
of the state outside any closed areas.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018
FISHERY NEWS
D’Entrecasteaux Channel would be over the possession limit.
Scallop Fishery remains If you caught 20 previously and ate 10
last night or gave 10 away, you now only
closed possess 10. You can still go out the next
8 An Institute for Marine and Antarctic day and catch your daily bag limit of 20.
Studies survey conducted in 2017 has The other fishers in your house can also
found no scientific basis to justify a scallop possess up to 30 fish and do not affect
fishery in the Channel for the next 3-5 your individual limits.
years because:
If I am fishing with mates, is there
• Commercial and doughboy scallops an overall boat limit?
remain in very low densities; and
There is no boat limit for flathead.
• Moderate densities of queen scallops Only individual bag limit and possession
are present but restricted to small, limits apply. If there are 2 or even 5
isolated beds. fishers on a boat, then each fisher can
To read the IMAS report to to the take up to the bag limit of 20 sand and
Recreational Fisheries Research webpage tiger flathead. Each person must take
at www.fishing.tas.gov.au. into account what they possess in total,
which is what they have caught today and
what they possess back at the camp or
home. You cannot exceed your individual
possession limit of 30 flathead.
How many flathead can we have
when returning from the shack?
If you have been fishing with a group
and you are travelling back in a car, your
Understanding Flathead individual catch limits are not affected. For
Possession Limits example, for 4 fishers in a car, each fisher
Sand and Tiger Flathead (combined) can have their bag limit of 20 providing the
20 30 individual does not possess more than 30
Bluespotted and Rock (combined) anywhere in the State. If you have been
(only 1 over 60 cm) on a camping trip fishing over a few days,
5 10 each person can have 30 if they don’t
possess flathead elsewhere.
How many flathead can I keep?
Per day, as an individual, you can keep up
to a total of 20 for the sand and tiger
flathead group. You also need to consider
what you possess at home. If you already
have 10 or less at home you can keep all
20 that you caught as you are within your
daily bag limit and your possession
limit. But if you have 20 in the freezer,
you can only keep 10 otherwise you
Recreational Sea Fishing Guide
FISHWISE – Your licence fees at work
9
Revenue from the sale of sea fishing
licences supports the Fishwise fund. This
pays for the management of recreational
fishing, including licensing and provides
funds for programs that support
recreational fishing activities including:
• Communication – fisheries awareness
and education such as this sea fishing
guide, rulers, gauges and brochures. Fish ID sign at Coles Bay
Recreational Fisheries
Advisory Committee
The Recreational Fisheries Advisory
Committee (RecFAC) provides advice
to the Minister on recreational fisheries
matters including fishery management plan
reviews and Fishwise Grant applications.
Most members are recreational
fishers as well as a member each from
DPIPWE, IMAS, TARFISH, the Tasmanian
Conservation Trust and the Marine Police.
• Fishcare – promotes community Membership is renewed every 2-3 years.
involvement in fishing, better fishing
practices and protecting fish resources. Fish measuring rulers and gauges are
• Resource sustainability – funds available at Service Tasmania shops.
scheduled recreational fishing surveys
and other research.
Fish measuring rulers are funded by licence fees
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018
FISHCARE TASMANIA
Fishcare Schools Program
Fishcare operates a free schools program
and fishing clinics for children of all ages
10 which aim to increase responsible fishing
behaviours. Our volunteers are schools-
trained and have resources such as fishing
gear available for students to use.
Promoting Responsible
Recreational Fishing
Fishcare Tasmania is a volunteer program
that educates the community about
sustainable recreational fishing practices.
Fishcare’s key messages are:
• releasing undersize fish;
• handle fish with care; and
• only take what you need for a feed.
Fishcare volunteers attend community
events such as fishing clinics, boat shows In-school presentations are available
and AgFest. They also maintain Fish
Measuring and ID signs around the state.
Become a Fishcare
Volunteer
As a recreational fisher, you may be
interested in becoming a Fishcare
Volunteer. If you like talking to adults
and children about responsible fishing
and can volunteer for around 2-3 hours
per month, please contact the Regional
Fishcare Coordinator in your area.
Contacts
www.fishing.tas.gov.au/fishcare
Book a fishing clinic for your school email: fishcare@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
Southern Tasmania Ph: (03) 6165 3039
The program is funded by Fishwise - your
Northern Tasmania Ph: (03) 6777 2082
licence fees at work.
Northwest Tasmania Ph: 0408 337 317
Recreational Sea Fishing Guide20 YEARS OF FISHCARE
In February 2018, the What has Fishcare achieved?
Fishcare Tasmania • Greater awareness of responsible
fishing practices and fishing rules.
program turns 20.
• Increased levels of voluntary 11
The program was set up in 1998 to
compliance with rules by recreational
drive stewardship of responsible fishing
fishers.
practices by Tasmanian recreational fishers.
Volunteers engage the community by • Lasting impact on young fishers
conducting fisheries awareness activities behaviour through the Fish for the
and schools-based activities for young Future program.
fishers. • Intensive fisheries education coverage
in urban and regional areas.
Since the first intake of southern
volunteers 20 years ago, hundreds
more have participated in the statewide
program, spending thousands of hours
at events including fishing clinics, boat
shows, community events and Agfest.
Today, surveys document a high level
of recognition of Fishcare volunteers
and activities by the recreational fishing
community.
Thank you to our many Fishcare
volunteers, past and present.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018INSTITUTE FOR MARINE AND ANTARCTIC STUDIES
S P O T. LOG. M A P.
12
www.redmap.org.au
The Institute for Marine and Antarctic
Studies (IMAS) collaborates with the
Tasmanian Government to deliver
research relevant to recreational fishing
including biology of important species,
estimating recreational catch and social
and economic assessments.
What if I catch a tagged fish?
IMAS have a number of tagging programs
underway, such as rock lobster, mako
shark, flathead, southern blue fin tuna,
trumpeter and banded morwong. For
either t-bar and acoustic tags, please
record the species, area of capture, fish
length, tag number and date of capture
then call IMAS on (03) 6226 8280 or email
fish.tag@utas.edu.au
Tailor, yellowtail kingfish and eastern rock
lobster are examples of range-extended
species that can be mapped on Redmap
REDMAP invites the Tasmanian community
All t-bar tag information returns will go
to spot, log and map marine species
into a draw to win a prize. Every acoustic
considered uncommon in their local seas.
tag returned automatically receives a
reward. Your sightings are mapped on the site,
demonstrating how species distributions
may be changing in time.
To register your sighting please download
our smartphone app, visit the Redmap
website at www.redmap.org.au or
contact the Redmap Team at
enquiries@redmap.org.au.
Acoustic tag T-bar tag
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideFISHERIES ENFORCEMENT
How to Report Illegal Buying or Selling
Fishing Recreational Fish is
Fishwatch is a 24-hour hotline run by Illegal
Tasmania Marine Police for information 13
You are not allowed to sell, buy,
on illegal fishing activities. Help combat barter or raffle recreationally caught
illegal fishing by reporting: fish. Both the seller and purchaser
• The time and location of the offence; are liable for prosecution and heavy
• Fishing gear used including licence or fines may apply. Offenders may face
ID numbers; confiscation of boats and fishing gear
and be prevented from holding a
• Car registration numbers and boat
fishing licence in the future.
names, descriptions or distinguishing
marks; and Can I give fish away?
• The name or description of person/s If you give fish away, make sure the
involved. receiver understands the possession limits
Information can be given anonymously. for that species. Proof of purchase is
required if you have fish in excess of the
possession limit.
Fisheries legislation
FISHWATCH Tasmania’s recreational sea fisheries are
REPORT ILLEGAL FISHING
managed under the Living Marine Resources
0427 655 557 Management Act 1995.
Tasmanian fisheries legislation
For general fishing enquiries, see Contacts can be viewed at
on page 77. www.fishing.tas.gov.au/legislation
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018LICENCES
What type of fishing needs Where do I buy or renew a
a licence? licence?
You need a licence for the following types Fishing licences are available from all
of recreational sea fishing: Service Tasmania shops and on the
• abalone; internet at
www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence.
• rock lobster dive;
14 • rock lobster pot; When will my licence
• rock lobster ring; expire?
• scallop; The recreational licensing year begins on
• graball net; 1 November each year. Licences are valid
from the date of issue to 31 October.
• mullet net;
• beach seine net; and Age Restrictions
• set line (includes longline and dropline). You must be at least 10 years of age to
You don’t need a licence for rod and line hold a rock lobster, graball net, mullet net
fishing in marine waters but an Inland or set line licence.
Fisheries Licence is required for any
fishing in inland waters including some
Biotoxin closures
river mouths and estuaries. See page 72. Please note refunds are not granted if you
are unable to fish due to biotoxin closures.
Licence Fees
From 1 November 2017 to 31 October 2018, the following costs apply:
Standard Licence: $54.25 - first licence (base fee of $46.50
plus $7.75 for first licence). Each additional
licence type - $7.75.
Concession Licence: Commonwealth $31.00 - first licence (base fee of $23.25
Pension, DVA Concession, Government plus $7.75 for first licence). Each additional
Seniors cardholders and persons under 16. licence type - $7.75.
Health Care cardholders are not eligible.
Additional Licence: $7.75 - add a licence type plus the cost of
the new licence.
Replacement Licence: $7.75 - replacement licence card. Order
online or from Service Tasmania.
Special Rock Lobster Licence: $46.50 - must hold a recreational rock
(increased possession limit for 14 days) lobster licence. Western Region only.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideCheck your existing Marking Your Gear
licence online When you apply for a licence you will be
To check your existing licences or your issued with a unique licence number (two
licence number go to: letters and four numbers) that you can
www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence and continue to use in future years. You must
select ‘Check my existing licence’. mark your buoy with this number for rock
lobster pots, caufs and unattended rings
(see page 41), graball and mullet nets (page 15
31) and setlines (page 28).
Your Contact Details
Please keep your contact details up to
date. They are used to return lost gear A marker buoy with licence number
and contact you about fishery matters
such as surveys. Aboriginal Fishing
Aboriginal persons engaged in aboriginal
fishing activities in marine waters are
Digital licences exempt from holding a fishing licence but
When you buy a licence online, you can be must comply with all other fisheries rules
emailed an image of your licence. as if they were licensed. If using pots, caufs,
unattended rings, gillnets or set lines, they
must mark and display on their gear a
unique identifying code (UIC). Further
details about aboriginal fishing and how to
apply for a UIC are available at
www.fishing.tas.gov.au.
Save a copy of your licence on your phone.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018SEASONS
Species Season
Banded morwong Closed from 1 March to 30 April inclusive each year.
Striped trumpeter Closed from 1 September to 31 October inclusive each
16 year.
Rock lobster and giant crab Females
Western Region Open from 4 November 2017 to 30 April 2018 inclusive.
Males
Open from 4 November 2017 to 31 August 2018
inclusive.
Rock lobster and giant crab Open from 18 November 2017 to 30 April 2018
Eastern Region inclusive.
Scallops Open from 24 March 2018 to 31 July 2018 inclusive.
A closure for scallop fishing remains in place for the
D’Entrecasteaux Channel for the 2018 season.
Squid / Calamari East Coast
Upper south east coast waters including Great Oyster
Bay and Mercury Passage closed from 15 October to
14 November each year.
North Coast
A 2017 closure applied from 6 – 22 October 2017 –
see page 5.
For 2018 dates, check www.fishing.tas.gov.au.
Fisheries may be closed at spawning times for some species to protect breeding stock or
to limit the catch for a fishery. There may also be closures under emergency provisions for
public health reasons.
If not listed, no recreational season applies. Any changes to published fishing seasons or
biotoxin closures will be posted at www.fishing.tas.gov.au.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideSCALEFISH
Licence Area Restrictions
Recreational licences are required to use a See page 50.
gillnet (graball or mullet net), a beach seine
net and a setline (longline or dropline).
You must be 10 years or older to hold a Safe Eating of Scalefish
gillnet or set line licence. More details on
Derwent Estuary
page 28.
• Heavy metal contamination in the
Measuring Scalefish Derwent Estuary affects the type and
amount of seafood caught in the area
Most scalefish are measured from the
that you should eat.
nose to the end of the tail. Get a free
scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any • The Director of Public Health advises
Service Tasmania or local tackle shop. people not to eat bream caught in the
Derwent Estuary and Browns River. 17
The exceptions are:
Banded Morwong: Nose to caudal fork
• Limit meals of Derwent caught scalefish
to no more than two per week or
one meal per week for pregnant and
breastfeeding women, women planning
to become pregnant and children aged
6 years and younger.
• More information at
www.derwentestuary.org.au/
seafood-safety
Other Areas
• For areas outside the Derwent Estuary,
fish can be eaten as part of a balanced
diet in line with Food Standards
Garfish: Upper jaw to end of tail Australia New Zealand advice – see
www.foodstandards.gov.au/
Filleting Fish at Sea consumer/chemicals/mercury/
You can clean fish at sea although special pages/default.aspx.
rules apply for striped trumpeter and See page 47 for information on eating
shark. For fish that have been filleted, two shellfish safely.
fillets are deemed to be the equivalent of
one fish.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018SCALEFISH - SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
Fish Group
FLATHEAD
Flathead - Sand and Tiger
32cm 20 30
(sand & tiger flathead combined). Sand flathead
Identifying features: Sandy brownish colour covered in spots that vary from white to black
with occasional reddish brown spots along the sides. May also have dark bands across the
body and a distinctive large black blotch on the tail fin. There are two prominent spines
18 on the gill cover, the lower spine being longer than the upper spine.
Tiger flathead
Identifying features: A light brown or pinkish grey colour on the body with orange-brown
spots. Dark bands of colour may also be present on the body and the lower rear part of
the tail has no markings. Has a rounder body shape and larger canine teeth than the sand
flathead. The lower spine on the gill cover is longer than the upper spine.
Flathead - Southern Bluespotted and Rock
40cm 5 (only 1 over 60cm) 10
(bluespotted and rock flathead combined). Southern Bluespotted flathead
Identifying features: Lighter sandy brown body with scattered small blue to white spots
intermingled with dark blotches. The lower tail fin has dark spots surrounded by white.
The two spines on the gill cover are of a similar length.
Rock flathead
Identifying features: Has a dark mottled appearance including a greenish to pale brown
rounded body and several rows of dark spots on the rays of the yellowish tail. Two prominent
spines on the gill cover with the lower spine shorter than the upper spine.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideFish Group Tasselled anglerfish
Anglerfish, Prowfish and
Red Velvetfish (ornamental species) Red velvet fish
No minimum size.
2 4
Barracouta
No minimum size.
15 30
19
Boarfish
45cm (longsnout boarfish only).
2 4
No spearing.
Bream (marine waters)
25cm 5 10
No spearing.
Cod
No minimum size.
15 30
Flounder
25cm 15 30
GUIDE TO SYMBOLS
20cm Minimum size Bag limit Possession limit Boat limit
Catch limits are a combined total for all species in a fish group.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018SCALEFISH - SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
Fish Group
Garfish
25cm 15 30
male
Groper, Blue female
0 0
*Zero catch limits to protect this
predator of long-spined sea urchins.
Common Gurnard
Perch
20 Gurnard and Ocean Perch Ocean Perch
No minimum size.
15 30
Be careful of venomous spines.
Herring Cale
No minimum size.
5 10
Kingfish, Yellowtail
45cm 5 10
Leatherjacket
20cm 10 20
Mackerel and Redbait Jack mackerel
Redbait
No minimum size.
30 60
Blue mackerel
Morwong, Banded
Legal size between 36 - 46cm
2 4 Season applies.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideFish Group
Morwong, Jackass and Other
25cm 10 20
Mullet
25cm 15 30
Pike, Longfin
No minimum size.
15 30
21
Salmon, Atlantic
No minimum size.
12 24 (marine waters).
Salmon, Australian
20cm 15 30
Snook
No minimum size.
5 10
Snapper
30cm 5 10
Tailor
No minimum size.
5 10
Trevalla, Blue-eye
No minimum size.
5 10 25
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018SCALEFISH - SIZE AND POSSESSION LIMITS
Fish Group
Trevally, Silver
20cm 10 20
Tuna, Bluefin, Yellowfin and Bigeye Bluefin tuna
No minimum size.
2 2 4
(only 2 over 1.5m in a boat)
Tuna - Albacore
Albacore tuna
22 No minimum size.
5 10
Skipjack tuna
Tuna - Skipjack
No minimum size.
10 20
Swordfish
No minimum size.
1 1 2
Marlin
No minimum size.
1 1 2
Trout
12 24 (marine waters).
Specific bag limits apply in inland waters.
Refer to Inland Fisheries Code.
GUIDE TO SYMBOLS
20cm Minimum size Bag limit Possession limit Boat limit
Catch limits are a combined total for all species in a fish group.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideFish Group
Trumpeter, Bastard
38cm 5 10
Trumpeter, Striped
55cm 4 8 20
Must be landed whole with head and tail
attached, or as fillets with the frames.
Season applies.
Warehou 23
25cm 10 20
Whiting, King George
35cm 5 10
Whiting, Other
No minimum size.
15 30
female
Wrasse
30cm 5 10
male
Other Scalefish Species
For species not listed above:
5 10
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018BAIT AND BERLEY
What can I use as Bait? Bait Invertebrates
It is an offence to use any part of the No minimum size.
following species for bait or berley, 50 100 (species combined)
including baited hooks, bait traps and rock
lobster pots and rings: Includes soldier crabs, marine worms and
burrowing shrimp.
• rock lobster;
• abalone; and Whitebait
• any species listed as protected, For information on the whitebait fishery
including limpets (see page 49). contact the Inland Fisheries Service on
Only the heads and frames of the (03) 6165 3808.
following highly valued fish species may
be used for berley or baiting rock lobster
Using Biosecure Bait
24 pots and rings, unless you have a receipt Only buy bait from locally supplied
for purchasing the fish: sources. Bringing dead or live bait to
Tasmania is prohibited in most instances.
• bastard or striped trumpeter;
Bait originating from other states or
• banded morwong; countries may contain pests and diseases
• boarfish; that do not occur in Tasmania. Call
• tuna other than skipjack; Quarantine Tasmania on 1800 084 881 for
more information.
• trout;
If you catch your own bait, try to source
• school, gummy, blue and mako shark;
it from the same area where you fish.
• yellowtail kingfish. Moving fish including frames, offal and
It is illegal to use undersized fish shells, between locations can spread
for bait. diseases and pests.
Baitfish Species Animal Bait and Berley
No minimum size. Only native animals that have been lawfully
50 100 (species combined). taken (eg. by licensed shooters) can be
used for bait. Road kill may not be used.
Blue Sprat Phone the Nature Conservation Branch
Game Management Officer on
Australian
Anchovy (03) 6777 2084 for more information.
Mammal flesh, blood or offal other than
pellets cannot be used as berley.
Smallmouth Bait Nets & Pumps
hardyhead
Australian See page 29 for bait net specifications.
sardine Sort your catch quickly and release
unwanted fish in good condition.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideSHARKS AND RAYS
Size and Possession Limits Other Sharks, Skates and Rays
The only shark species which have a size No minimum size.
limit are school and gummy shark. Sharks 2 4 Overall shark boat
should be kept as trunks or whole until limit – see below.
landed.
School and Gummy Shark
(combined)
75cm or 45cm if headed and tailed.
2 2 Overall shark boat Smooth stingray
limit – see below
Boat Limit 25
There is a boat limit of 5 shark, skates and
School shark rays combined, excluding elephantfish. This
includes mako and blue sharks which also
have their own combined boat limit of 2
(which is counted in the overall shark boat
Gummy shark
limit of 5). For example, a boat can have
Mako and Blue Shark (combined) two makos and three gummies.
No minimum size. Shark Refuge Areas
1 2 2 No shark and ray fishing in Shark Refuge
Mako shark Areas (except elephantfish). See page 57
for a full list of area restrictions. Do not
target sharks at all in Shark Refuge Areas.
Elephantfish
No minimum size.
2 4
Elephantfish Release sharks quickly if you’re not going to
keep them
GUIDE TO SYMBOLS
20cm Minimum size Bag limit Possession limit Boat limit
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018Measuring Shark Shark Fins
You can measure shark species either The dorsal and pectoral fins must remain
from the tip of the nose to the tip of attached to all shark until they are landed.
the tail or for headed and tailed shark, Refer to the diagram for details of which
measure from the back gill slit to the start fins you can remove to bleed the shark.
of the tail.
Draughtboard Shark
26
Protected Sharks and Rays
Great white shark, Maugean skate, grey
nurse, megamouth, whale and basking Whitespotted Dogfish
shark are protected species.
Broadnose Shark
Port Jackson Shark
(Sevengill)
Shark Fin Removal
Caudal fin
Dorsal fins (may be removed)
(must not be removed)
Sub-terminal
notch
Pelvic fins
(may be removed)
Pectoral fin
(must not be removed)
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideSCALEFISH FISHING GEAR
Unless gear is specified in this section, it Auxiliary Fishing Gear: Auxiliary
may not be used. Where gear must be fishing gear such as kites and balloons may
marked with a licence number, Aboriginal be used to deploy or retrieve not more
fishers should use an unique identifying than 200 metres of fishing line with 5
code as specified on page 15. The licence hooks or less. This gear is not permitted
holder must personally set and retrieve in rivers or shark refuge areas. To reduce
any scalefish fishing gear and another the risk of interactions with other water
person may assist them if needed eg. to users or losing gear near them, you can
haul the net. not use auxiliary gear within 100 metres
of swimmers, or any vessel or within 400
Hook and Line Fishing metres of a boat ramp, jetty or mooring.
No licence is needed to fish with a hook Auxiliary gear can be used on a boat. If
and line in marine waters, including rod using auxiliary fishing gear from land you
and line, and squid jigs. must remain within 20 metres of the gear 27
Rod and Line: You must attend the and not use the gear more than 20 metres
lines that you are using.You can use any from the high water mark. Auxiliary gear
number of lines with up to 5 hooks, as does not include electric reels or capstans
long as you are within 20 metres of the or haulers used for set lines.
gear, or the lines are attached to the boat Squid Jigs: A squid jig is a baited or
from which you are fishing. artificial lure with one or more sets of
pointed hooks or spikes used to take
squid.You can use up to 3 squid jigs per
line.
Electric reels: Electric reels can be
used with no more than 5 hooks. You
must remain within 20 metres of your
gear.
Set Lines
A set line is an unattended line, either
a dropline or a longline, with up to 15
hooks. A licence is required to use this
gear and area restrictions apply.
• A person may only use one set line at a
time.
• In waters less than 150 metres deep,
you can join your set line to the line
of one other person on your boat,
provided no person uses more than 15
hooks and not more than a total of 30
hooks are used.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018SCALEFISH FISHING GEAR
• In waters more than 150 metres deep, Spear Guns and Hand
you can join your set line to the lines of Spears (includes Gaffs)
up to 3 others on your boat, provided
no person uses more than 15 hooks Hand spears, spear guns and gaffs can be
and not more than a total of 60 hooks used to take squid, shark, octopus and
are used. any scalefish except bream and boarfish.
Taking rock lobster or abalone with spears
• Set line marker buoys must be clearly or gaffs is prohibited. Spears cannot be
marked with your licence number and used in the Mersey, Leven, and Inglis Rivers
either the letters “LL” for longline or other than to spear flounder.
“DL” for dropline. The buoys must be
at least 195mm in diameter.
• Not more than 4 set lines are
permitted on a boat.
28
• Set lines cannot be set at night. Night
is defined as from one hour before
sunset to one hour before sunrise.
A dropline is set
DL
vertically with one end
weighted and a marker
buoy attached to the
other. When droplines
are joined together,
each fisher must have a
separate marker buoy
attached.
A longline is set
horizontally, weighted
at both ends and with a Flounder spearing tip:
marker buoy attached It is your responsibility to size up
at each end. When flounder before you spear it to be
longlines are joined confident that it is legal size.
together, each fisher must have a separate
marker buoy on each end of the line.
LL
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideBait Traps Nets
The only trap allowed is one bait trap per No licence is required to use landing nets,
person. These are used to take baitfish, dip nets, bait nets and cast nets.You can
crabs and prawns. The trap must comply only use one of each of these net types.
with the following dimensions: A separate licence is required to use a
• no larger than 500 mm x 350 mm x graball net, mullet net or beach seine net.
250 mm; Landing Net: A landing net is a hand-
• not more than two entrances that are held net attached to a frame no larger
not larger than 65 mm; and than 600 mm across. The mesh can be any
size. It is preferable to use knotless landing
• mesh between 10 mm and 40 mm.
nets, which cause minimum damage to the
Unattended bait traps must have a buoy fish.You can also use a landing net to catch
or tag attached marked with ‘BT’ and the baitfish or prawns.
user’s surname, initials, year of birth and 29
Dip Net: A dip net is a hand held net
postcode.
attached to a frame no larger than one metre
across with a mesh larger than 20 mm.
Bait Net: A bait net is an encircling net:
• no longer than 6 metres and no deeper
than 2 metres; and
• with mesh 20 mm or smaller.
Bait Pump Cast Net: A cast net must:
A hand-operated bait • be a circular or
pump with a barrel of oval net with a
less than 85 mm may leaded footline
be used. around the
outside; and
• not exceed
6 metres in
diameter.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018SCALEFISH FISHING GEAR
How to Measure Net Mesh Gillnets
Stretch mesh until upper and lower knots Graball nets and mullet nets, including
touch. Measure mesh at full stretch. those being used as a flounder net, are
types of gillnet. A graball net licence or
mullet net licence allows you to possess
and use only one graball net or one mullet
net in state waters.
• No more than 3 gillnets may be carried
on, or used from a single boat.
• A gillnet cannot be used as an
encircling net eg. as a beach seine net
GILL NET
G
30
Soak times
Beach Seine Net
• Gillnets cannot be set at night
A beach seine net licence allows you to (between one hour before sunset to
possess and use one beach seine net in sunrise), other than graball nets set in
state waters. A beach seine net must: Macquarie Harbour (see next page).
• be an encircling net that does not • Gillnets may be set for up to 6 hours,
exceed 50 metres in length; except in Shark Refuge Areas where
• have a bag or bunt or a panel that they may only be set for up to 2 hours.
forms a bunt and a mesh size at least
30 mm;
• not be pursed or drawn through rings Weighting your net
into the shape of a bag; and All gillnets must be weighted in one of the
• be emptied while in the water. following ways in order to prevent drift:
• a weight of at least 2 kg tied to the
bottom line at each end of the net; or
• a weight of at least 4 kg tied to the
bottom line at one end of the net; or
• the net has a minimum weight, when
dry, of at least 13 kg for a 50 metre net.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideMacquarie Harbour Graball Net: One graball net may be
• Night nets may be set in Macquarie used and a licence is required. A graball
Harbour from one hour before sunset net is a single mesh net:
and must be removed from the water • mesh must be between 105 mm and
by one hour after sunrise. A red buoy 140 mm;
not less than 90 mm in diameter must • must not be deeper than 33 meshes or
be attached to each end of all night longer than 50 metres;
nets in addition to 2 white marker
• is a gillnet and
buoys.
therefore must
• Day nets may be set from sunrise and adhere to rules
must be removed from the water by relating to area
one hour before sunset. They may be restrictions,
set for up to 6 hours and no red buoy weights, night
can be attached. 31
setting and
marking with
Help protect threatened Maugean skates buoys; and
in Macquarie Harbour. See page 49. • includes flounder nets, which are a type
Netting area restrictions for Macquarie of graball net.
Harbour are on page 71.
Gillnet Buoys: Gillnets, including mullet
and graball nets, must be marked with two
Mullet Net: One mullet net may be white buoys, one at each end of the net,
used and a licence is required. A mullet net both that:
is a single mesh net: • are both marked with only the licence
• mesh must be between 60 mm and 70 number and ‘G’ for graball or ‘M’ for
mm; mullet net in figures not less than 70
mm high and 12 mm wide;
• must not be longer than 25 metres;
• are at least 195 mm in diameter; and
• must not be set over a rocky bottom
or reef; and • are specifically designed as a buoy and
float on the surface of the water.
• is a gillnet and therefore must adhere
to rules relating to area restrictions, Additional buoys may be used for visibility.
weights, night setting and marking with
buoys.
Lost, Stolen and
Irretrievable Gear
If you leave your net in the water for
longer than allowed due to bad weather,
illness or theft, contact the Marine Police
Fishwatch line on 0427 655 557 and
provide them with your licence number.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018RESPONSIBLE FISHING
Increasing Fish Survival
• Minimise the time spent to land the fish
and don’t leave fishing rods unattended.
• Use barbless or circle hooks when
possible to minimise hook damage.
• Where possible release fish while still
in the water or minimise the time they
are out of the water.
32
De-hooking a flathead
Circle and barbless hooks can increase survival
If the fish has swallowed the hook, it has the
rates of released fish
best chance of survival if you cut the line
Handling Fish and release the fish.
• Return the fish to the water quickly Retaining Fish
and gently - don’t throw it - in the area
All fish that are to be kept should be killed
it was caught.
quickly and humanely. The best method
• Use fish-friendly landing nets with soft is by spiking the fish in the centre of the
knot-free mesh to reduce harm to a head immediately behind the eyes with a
fish’s scales, eyes and fins. sharp instrument.
• Handle fish with wet hands or a wet See www.ikijime.com
cloth and don’t place them on hot
surfaces as it damages their protective Fish Waste and Rubbish
slime. Take your whole catch home and
• Hold large fish horizontally, not by the dispose of the waste and shells with your
jaw or gills. household rubbish. If you clean fish at sea,
dispose of fish waste away from shore in
Make your own barbless
the same area you caught it.
hooks by using pliers to
crush the barb
Unhooking Fish Measure
If the fish is hooked by the mouth, tools your
catch
such as de-hookers can make unhooking
the fish safer and easier.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideRESPONSIBLE NETTING PRACTICES
If you use a gillnet, be responsible for Avoid Wildlife When
your actions. Know and follow Netting
the netting rules-see page 29 and 59.
• Avoid setting nets near seabird
Netting Preparation rookeries or where mammals are
• Check the length of the buoy lines. Too active.
much line is a hazard to wildlife and • Whale and dolphin viewing guidelines are
other boats. available from www.parks.tas.gov.au.
• The weight bridle should be the • Visible panels on nets are seen by
weakest line in the net, so if it becomes seabirds so mark your net in as many
snagged, the net can still be recovered. places as practical.
• Don’t set your net near fast flowing • Don’t set your net in rough weather
waters, divers or across boating conditions. Lost gillnets can continue
channels. to “ghost net” in the marine 33
• Be aware of other net users and leave environment.
at least 50 metres between nets.
• Identify a landmark or use a GPS when Reducing Seal Interactions
setting your net so you don’t forget
where it is.
• NEVER FEED SEALS! Never use fish
Setting and Pulling the for a decoy or throw fish waste to
seals. This is training them to associate
Net
boats with an easy feed.
• Check the weather and tides so you
• Try to avoid areas where seals are
can safely retrieve the net.
known to interact with fishers and if a
• Check your net regularly to increase seal takes your fish move away.
the survival of unwanted bycatch.
• Keep noise to a minimum because seals
• Ensure the propeller is clear of any have good hearing eg. use matting on
slack net or ropes. your boat and set gear quietly.
• Seals are curious and may approach and
potentially swamp vessels, so be alert
and observe marine safety rules.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018ABALONE
Licence: abalone licence required Size Limits
Size limit: varies by species and location The minimum size for abalone varies
Daily bag limit: 10 abalone around Tasmania for both blacklip and
Possession limit: 20 abalone greenlip. The maps show the areas
Non-licensed possession limit: 0 corresponding to the different size
abalone on state waters; 5 abalone on land limits. Please note that recreational and
Season: open all year commercial size limits may not be the same.
Get a free abalone multi-gauge from Service
Licence Tasmania outlets.
A recreational abalone licence is required
to fish for abalone.You cannot take abalone
on behalf of another licence holder.
Blacklip size limits
34
Greenlip size limits
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideMeasuring Abalone Area Restrictions
Abalone are measured across the widest Closed areas and no possession zones
part of the shell. You must carry a apply in northern Bass Strait to lower the
measuring device while taking risk of AVG entering from Victorian waters
abalone. Measure the abalone before (see page 36). See page 50 for a full list of
detaching it where possible as abalone area restrictions including the Bay of Fires.
that have been cut will bleed.
Public Health Restrictions
Check for any current public health alerts
relating to eating wild shellfish at
www.publichealthalerts.tas.gov.au.
widest point
Before you shuck or shell abalone, they 35
must be brought ashore above the high
water mark. Greenlip abalone
Bag and Possession Limits
Fishers with a recreational abalone fishing
licence have:
• A daily bag limit of 10 abalone.
• A possession limit of 20 abalone. This
possession limit applies everywhere
including the home.
If you do not have a licence you can not Blacklip abalone
take abalone, however, you can possess 5
abalone without a receipt while on land.
If you possess more than this number
keep your receipts for purchases. If you
don’t have an abalone licence you cannot
possess abalone while on State waters.
1 November 2017 - 31 October 2018ABALONE
Abalone Viral Recreationally caught abalone cannot
Ganglioneuritis be on board any vessels, other than
commercial trading vessels, in the
Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) is a Biosecurity Area unless within 50 metres
viral disease affecting the nervous system of the shore of any island.
of abalone resulting in weakness and
death. AVG only affects abalone and there Help prevent the spread of AVG
are no human health implications from The virus only survives a short time in
handling or eating infected abalone. the water so the most likely method of
Signs of AVG disease spread is through contact between
infected abalone and healthy abalone
• Patches of weak or dead abalone; (including offal, mucus, shells, contaminated
• Abalone with protruding mouth parts; fishing equipment or people).
and / or
• Abalone with the edges of the foot • No abalone or abalone products can be
curling inwards, exposing clean shiny brought into Tasmania from interstate.
shells.
• RETAIN all abalone waste, including
shells and offal and dispose of it in land-
36 Greenlip abalone based facilities or with your household
showing the rubbish. It is illegal to shuck abalone
symptoms of AVG at sea or use abalone viscera as fishing
bait.
• CLEAN and DRY all boats, fishing
Abalone Biosecurity Area and diving equipment between fishing
To lower the risk of AVG entering from trips. This includes catch bags, gloves,
Victorian waters, an abalone biosecurity knives, measuring devices, wetsuits,
area has been declared north of Flinders buoyancy vests, masks, regulators, tanks,
and King Islands. boats and people who have come into
contact with abalone. Allow equipment
to dry in the sun.
• REPORT any suspected signs of AVG
to the Disease Watch Hotline
1800 675 888 (24-hours).
You are allowed to take abalone within 50
metres of the shore of any island in the
Biosecurity Area, but the abalone cannot be
taken or possessed elsewhere in the area.
Recreational Sea Fishing GuideROCK LOBSTER
Licence: rock lobster licence required
Size limit: males 110mm, females 105mm
Daily bag limit: Eastern Region - 2 rock
lobster; Western Region - 5 rock lobster;
northern Bass Strait - 2 rock lobster
Possession limit: Eastern Region - 4 Southern rock lobster Eastern rock lobster
rock lobster; Western Region, mainland
Tasmania, Flinders, Cape Barren and Bruny Special Rock Lobster Licence
Islands -10; northern Bass Strait - 4 rock
The holder of a recreational rock lobster
lobster
licence can buy a special rock lobster
Non-licensed possession limit: 0 rock licence which allows you to possess 15
lobster on state waters; 2 rock lobster on rock lobster in the Western Region and
land on mainland Tasmania for a 14 day period
Boat Limit: Eastern Region - 10 rock nominated by the fisher. During this 14 day
lobster; Western Region - 25 rock lobster period, you are not allowed to fish for
Boat Gear Limit: 5 rock lobster pots rock lobster in the Eastern Region.
and 20 rock lobster rings Daily bag and boat limits still apply.
Season: Setting gear at season
Western Region
Females- open from 4 November 2017 to
opening
30 April 2018. You can only possess a rock lobster pot
Males – open from 4 November 2017 to on state waters from 6am the day
before the season opens and only set a 37
31 August 2018.
Eastern Region pot after 1pm on the same day. Pots
Open from 18 November 2017 to 30 can then be pulled after midnight.
April 2018.
Size Limits
Biotoxin Status:
There are different minimum size limits
To check closures, see page 7.
for female and male rock lobster:
• Female rock lobster – 105mm.
Licences • Male rock lobster – 110mm.
A rock lobster dive licence allows you to Get your free rock lobster measuring
take rock lobster by hand, a rock lobster gauge at any Service Tasmania outlet.
pot licence to use one pot and a rock
lobster ring licence to use up to four rings.
Aboriginal fishers should use a unique
You must be 10 years old or older to hold
identifying code to mark their gear as
a rock lobster licence. The licence holder
specified on page 15.
must personally set and retrieve any rock
lobster fishing gear and another person
may assist them if needed eg. to lift the
pot. The rules apply to both southern and
eastern (green) rock lobster.
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