TARFish Rec Fisher Hubs - working with rec fishers on what matters

TARFish has wrapped up a successful run of Rec Fisher Hubs, held across the state in Hobart, Launceston, and Burnie.

Each region had its local flavour, but the conversations carried one unmistakable theme: Tasmanian fishers feel increasingly misunderstood. There is a belief that those making decisions about our waters and our access often fail to grasp what recreational fishing truly means to Tasmanians. Many spoke of feeling sidelined in policy discussions or misunderstood in public debates about sustainability and access.

For many of us, recreational fishing is not just as a pastime, but part of our identity, our family time, and our connection to Tasmania.

Alongside that frustration came constructive ideas, genuine goodwill, and growing appreciation for the role TARFish maintains. It was encouraging to see more fishers recognising that TARFish’s professional engagement with government, science agencies, and industry are what give the Rec Fishing community a real seat at the table.

Key Topics Discussed

1. Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy (Draft)
The Government’s proposed Rock Lobster Harvest Strategy generated thoughtful discussion. Fishers shared valuable insights based on decades of lived experience, and TARFish will continue ensuring those local perspectives are considered alongside the science before final decisions are made.

2. Proposed Sardine Fishery in Bass Strait
At both Launceston and Burnie, fishers voiced strong concern about the potential impact of a new sardine fishery on Tasmania’s Southern Bluefin Tuna stocks . The southern Bluefin  fishery has become a major recreational drawcard and economic driver for the North Coast.
While NRE Tasmania has acknowledged community concerns and made amendments to early proposals, the sentiment at hubs was clear: fishers will be watching closely. Any move that risks this fishery will be met with serious opposition, and TARFish will continue to push for full transparency and ongoing consultation.

3. Growth of the Snapper Fishery
In contrast to some frustrations, there was real excitement around the emerging Snapper fishery. Once considered a rare catch, Snapper are now being consistently targeted by both boat and land-based anglers who have refined their techniques.
This growth prompted calls to review the current 30 cm size limit, which was set back when it was thought Snapper didn’t spawn in Tasmanian waters. Fishers suggested a modest increase — to 32 cm or more — to allow spawning at least twice before harvest. It’s a conversation grounded in stewardship and sustainability, and one TARFish welcomes as part of ongoing consultation.

4. Squid Spawning Closure and Frozen Bait Rules
A consistently raised concern was the ban on using frozen squid bait during spawning closures. Many anglers store squid caught outside closure periods for later use, and feel unfairly penalised by a rule that wasn’t designed with practical fishing realities in mind. TARFish has raised this issue with NRE and will continue to advocate for a common-sense revision that protects squid populations without punishing responsible fishers. We remain hopeful that this is one we can get changed.

Working Together for Common Sense Outcomes
These hubs reaffirmed that TARFish’s strength lies in connection
A connection between fishers, between science and policy, and between the Rec Fishing community and decision-makers. We understand both worlds: the lived experience of the person with a rod in hand, and the structured policy environment of government departments. By combining on-water knowledge with scientific data and constructive relationships, TARFish continues to advocate for outcomes that are fair, sustainable, and make sense to everyday Tasmanians.

Next Steps

The input, ideas and feedback TARFish receives at fisher hubs helps us in so many ways - it helps us to focus on the issues that are important and it shapes the positions we take to government and Ministers and that means fishers’ voices are heard in future policy decisions.

We thank everyone who attended, contributed, and shared their experiences. The conversations were robust, passionate, and full of insight.|

Coming up

We’ll be sending out notices for our upcoming hubs that will happen before Christmas - so please KEEP YOUR EYES OUT FOR A REC FISHER HUB NEAR YOU AND COME ALONG!