The annual Fishwise Community Grants Program has opened for 2010 with applications closing on 30th September. Fishwise Community Grants provide funding for individuals and community groups to conduct projects that improve the management of marine resources or improve the awareness and knowledge of our fisheries. Further details are in the the Fishwise Guidelines. If you would like to apply for a grant simply fill in a Fishwise Application and make sure you have a look at the Fishwise Application Guide for assistance when filling in the application. TARFish are offering assistance to prospective applicants as a measure to ensure suitable project applications are completed as required. If you have any questions or need some assistance on the grants scheme don't hesitate to contact us. 

The annual seasonal closure for striped trumpeter comes into effect from 1st September to 31st October inclusive. The annual closure is put in place to protect breeding stock in what is believed to be the peak spawning period for this species. TARFish strongly supports protecting spawning fish species as this has been shown to be a positive action that supports sustainable fishing. The Tasmanian seasonal closure makes it illegal to fish and keep striped trumpeter in state and commonwealth waters for all Tasmanian recreational and commercial fishers. Combined state and commonwealth waters extend out to 200 nautical ,miles from the Tasmanian coast. Scientists tell us that recruitment to the adult striped trumpeter population has been poor for over a decade and this means that if we want to continue to have this iconic fish species in the future we must support measures that contribute to building future populations.

The long overdue approval of legislation to overturn the Rudd Labor Government's ban on Mako Sharks has been passed in the Senate on 21st June with the support of the Federal Government. Click here to see full details.

TARFish is the government recognised, fully independent peak body which was established to look after the interests of recreational marine fishers in Tasmania. TARFish continues to grow and mature as an association and remains committed and flexible to the needs of Tasmania's recreational marine fishing community. If you would like to join TARFish and support the association setup to look after your interests then simply print the Associate Member Application Form, complete the details and post the completed application to TARFish.

The Rock Lobster Management Plan Review commenced in April 2009 with the current set of rules in place until February 2011. The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment, DPIPWE, released a Discussion Paper - Preliminary Proposals for New Management Measures for the Tasmanian Rock Lobster Fishery and completed public meetings in May 2010 at Strahan, Smithton, Burnie, Launceston, Taranna, Hobart, St Helens and Dover explaining a range of DPIPWE proposed preliminary changes for recreational fishers. TARFish had representation at all public meetings held during May. Public submissions on the DPIPWE proposed changes closed on 8th June 2010. A copy of our submission can be downloaded by clicking here.