TARFish submission to sand flathead ban

Government sells out Tasmania’s recreational fishers with planned sand flathead closure.

We all share the commitment to rebuilding sand flathead stocks to a sustainable and healthy level.

But the decision to close the entire south‑east region from 1 March 2026 has been framed as an emergency measure by spinning the science.

The decision has been made without consultation, without scientific need, without consideration of less disruptive alternatives and without any consideration of the businesses and communities that will be affected.  

There is no commitment to reopen it either.

We call on all recreational fishers to see through the Government’s spin and get the facts right here in our submission.

And if it makes you angry, good. Here’s the link to our petition calling on the Government to pause this putrid decision.

TARFish is calling for a 12‑month pause, a proper review, a recovery plan, a harvest strategy, and genuine engagement with rec fishers.

Rec fishers want sustainability and they deserve honesty, evidence, and a say in decisions that affect them.