David O’Byrne supports first access for recreational fishers to rock lobster on the East Coast

David O’Byrne, Independent Member for Franklin, is the first to respond to TARFish’s recreational fishing priorities, supporting first access for recreational fishers to rock lobster on the East Coast and setting the bar for the major parties and other key independents to meet.

“David O’Byrne has done a mic drop with his support for recreational fishers,” said TARFish CEO, Jane Gallichan.

“David O’Byrne may well play an important role as an independent on the cross bench in a new parliament. His support for first access to available rock lobster on the east coast, prohibiting further expansion of commercial fishing for emerging species such as snapper, King George Whiting and yellowtail kingfish, and protecting our rights in legislation is a tremendous step in the right direction for recreational fishers and we applaud his position,” she said.

Mr O’Byrne has specifically supported the following priorities for recreational fishers:

• No further cuts or restrictions to recreational rock lobster fishers who should be given first access to available total allowable catch on the East Coast

• No general saltwater rod and line licence for recreational fishers

• No recreational licence fee increases until commercial fishers are on full cost recovery

• A review of sand flathead management setting in 2026 with the overarching aim of relaxing restrictions once stocks have recovered

• Protection of fishers rights through legislation

• Protection of rec fisher access to emerging species and a prohibition on further expansion of commercial fishing for emerging species such as snapper, King George Whiting and yellowtail kingfish, together with the implementation of commercial fishing exclusion zones around Fish Aggregation Devices (FADs)

• Fast-tracking resource sharing agreements for rock-lobster, calamari and scallops

• Providing fisheries officers with additional powers and support to combat illegal fishing through increased compliance checks

TARFish has also asked all parties and candidates to rule out support for Peter George’s disastrous recreational fishing policy and in response David O'Byrne said this:

Recreational fishing is an inherent feature of the Tasmanian way of life, and it is crucial that we do not allow ourselves to be dictated to by those who do not appreciate it’s significance. It’s understandable that recreational fishers are alarmed by Peter George’s recreational fishing policy. This ill-conceived policy demonstrates that Mr George does not truly appreciate the importance of recreational fishing in Tasmania.

“The bar has been set, and we are looking forward to how the major parties and other key independents will support recreational fishers this election,’ she concluded.

TARFish will publish a scorecard of all responses next week.