Stop the flattie steal
Minister must delay sand flathead closure so proper and promised review can take place and HOW YOU CAN HELP!
TARFish fully acknowledges and accepts that there are issues with sand flathead stocks – it’s why we supported the changes back in 2023.
Right now, what we don’t accept is:
1. That there there is an “emergency” that requires an immediate fishery closure in the south east
2. The absence of consultation
3. The lack of consideration of the serious impact this will have on businesses that rely on recreational fishing in the south east
During the 2025 election campaign, we asked political parties and politicians to support a review of sand flathead settings this year (2026).
- The Liberal Party supported it
- The Labor Party supported it
- Ind. Member for Franklin David O’Byrne supported it.
What we have right now isn’t a review, it’s a fishery recovery experiment at our expense cooked up in secret based on flawed information.
The Government’s own (1) Flathead For the Future Working Group and (2) Scalefish Core Group (a replacement consultative committee for the scalefish fishery advisory committee and recreational fishing advisory committee) was not asked to do a review or participate in a review, TARFish was not asked to participate in a review.
Minister Gavin Pearce and the Government are asking fishers to take this decision on trust.
With so much at stake, we won’t do that.
This decision requires the closest scrutiny by us as recreational fishers, a fully independent review of the current sampling program and assessment approach, and for the Government to deliver on the commitments it made to us less than a year ago.
How you can help:
Call your local member and tell them the closure should be delayed so a proper review can occur – here’s a list for the House of Assembly and the Legislative Council
Head into your local tackle shop
Support coastal businesses wherever possible