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| Code on Sea Fishing for the Future
The Code on Sea Fishing for the Future was developed in 1995. Around the world, more and more laws are being developed to protect fewer fish and their dwindling habitat. Why? Because there is growing recognition that without action the marine resource as we know it now will not be there for future generations.
You might think that the way you fish and the amount of fish you take will have little impact on fish stocks. If you were the only one, you would be right, but there are over 125,000 people in Tasmania who recreationally fish in our marine waters. Together we can have a big impact, and this is why we must all share not only the catch but also the responsibility for looking after the resource.
The code is not law but a responsible guide to fishing practices so we will have fish for the future. If you follow these guidelines you can feel pretty confident that your fishing will not only be enjoyable, but it will also show consideration for other fishers, for other people who enjoy the marine environment and the Tasmanians of the future.
Responsible recreational fishers try to follow these general principles, and encourage others to do so as well. They:- Understand and observe the fishing regulations by obtaining up-to-date Recreational Sea Fishing Guides and by accessing the information on this website.
- Take only enough fish to meet their immediate needs.
- Carefully release all undersized or juvenile fish, and quickly dispatch fish to be kept.
- Respect the welfare of fish and the marine environment.
- Avoid spreading marine pests and diseases by not moving water, fish or fish products (including bait, shells and offal) between areas.
- Learn about the life cycles of targeted fish species to improve fishing skills and to understand sustainable fishing practices.
- Help other users in the enjoyment of our magnificent marine resources.
- Encourage others to do the right thing.
- Give due regard for owners of land and marine farms and respect their rights.
- Leave fishing areas as they would like to find them when they return.
- Fish safely and do not risk lives trying to catch a fish.
- Report illegal fishing to Fishwatch 0427 655 557.
Bearing these general principles in mind, there are other good practices that are specifically relevant to the various types of fishing. These are outlined in the next few pages. These are the guidelines that individuals should aim to follow, and which they should encourage others to also follow.
Responsible recreational net fishers:- Learn and observe Net Fishing regulations including which areas net fishing is allowed, and the number, type and length of nets which can be used.
- Learn how and when to use nets to target particular species and reduce the take of non-target species, including bird life.
- Learn how to use nets so that unwanted fish can be released with the best chance of survival.
 Use only enough nets to meet immediate needs.- Use quality nets which are properly weighted.
- Mark nets appropriately for easy identification and retrieval.
- Set nets in the right place, avoiding strong currents and tidal flows that can lead to net loss and ghost fishing.
- Extract catches at sea and return unwanted fish to the water as soon as possible.
- Do not to set nets across navigation channels.
- Leave at least 50 metres between nets.
- Do not set nets within 50 metres of divers.
- Attend nets so they can be pulled quickly if the weather looks like breaking up, thus avoiding loss or damage to the net and catch.
- Pull nets at least every 2-3 hours where possible.
- Set mullet nets only over sandy bottom in order to catch mullet and mackerel (it is illegal to set mullet nets over a rocky bottom!).
- Don't have too much slack line on buoy lines to avoid boats getting hooked up on the lines.
Responsible recreational rod and line fishers:- Learn to use the right hooks and rigs to target specific species.
- Attend rods and lines and use no more than two rods or hand lines per fisher.
- Secure hooks and lures properly to avoid loss of tackle and catch.
- Take only enough bait for their fishing needs and try alternatives, including lures.
- Use appropriate footwear when rock fishing and avoid fishing alone at dangerous fishing spots.
- Use appropriate gear to dispatch fish quickly, and learn how to remove hooks to avoid damaging fish.
- Retrieve broken and snagged lines where this can be done safely.
Responsible recreational rock lobster fishers:- Learn and understand the regulations relating to rock lobster fishing, particularly those concerning undersized and berried females, always releasing them when caught, carefully and as soon as possible in the area from which they were taken, and not over sandy bottom.
- Learn and observe the specified bag and possession limits.
- Learn how to bait pots properly.
- Recognise that fish heads and fish frames are good bait and their use can avoid wasting valuable scalefish.
- Pull pots regularly.
- Don't have too much slack line on buoy lines to avoid boats getting hooked up on the lines.
Responsible recreational divers and snorkellers:- Enjoy watching and learning about the marine environment.
- Dive with a friend who can help if they get into trouble.
- Use dive flags so others know where they are diving.
- Use neutral buoyancy and know where their fins are, to avoid damaging the surroundings.
- Snorkel where practical, for abalone and crayfish instead of scuba diving, to give the fish a sporting chance.
- Do not spear fish on scuba or hookah gear.
- Try to assess if a fish is of legal size before attempting to take it.
- Put back undersized fish where they are found, handling them in a way which avoids damage.
- Place rock lobster back in their holes and shellfish the right way up, so they are less vulnerable to predators.
- Keep a cap on the spear head whilst not in use.
- Do not carry fish on belts.
- Detach fish bags before entering heavily kelped areas.
- If lifting a heavy bag, use an inflatable parachute or buoy.
- Stay clear of nets because of the danger of entanglement.
- Look out for and report ghost nets to the authorities.
- Do not attempt to recover ghost nets while diving as they might get entangled.
- Leave shipwrecks as found, since they are important archaeological treasures.
- Are aware of hypothermia signs and symptoms.
- They also appreciate the importance of training and club membership as a way of learning the correct methods, safety and appreciation of the underwater environment. Contact Australian Underwater Federation for more information: www.geocities.com/collinsali/AUF/index.html
Responsible gatherers of shellfish aim to:- Learn and observe bag and possession limits.
- Carry a measuring device and respect size limits.
- Check the size before removing the shellfish and, where possible, replace the small ones immediately and where they are found, shell side up.
- Handle all your catch carefully to avoid breaking the shell which protects shellfish from predators and disease.
- Respect the habitat when collecting shellfish and put things back as they find them.
- Consider the quality of the water in the area they are taking shellfish from.
Responsible fishing people think seriously about their own safety and the safety of others, and they:- Consider the risks of excess alcohol.
- Watch the weather and check the forecast. Marine & Safety Tasmania offers a telephone boating weather update three times a day, after the issue of forecasts, at approximately 5am, 11am and 4pm:
Southern Tasmania: (03) 6233 9955
Northern Tasmania: (03) 6323 2555
Eastern Tasmania: (03) 6376 0555
North-West Tasmania: (03) 6498 7755 Or view the weather on the Bureau of Meteorology website - Fish in safe and sheltered spots.
- Learn and comply with the minimum safety equipment requirements.
- Install radio equipment in sea going boats.
- Carry safety equipment including flares to help identify their location if they get into difficulty.
- Learn swimming, safety and survival skills; these skills could save a life.
- Use life jackets, preferably ones which offer thermal protection.
- Undertake appropriate courses to improve their knowledge of boat handling and water safety.
- Do not overload boats.
- Tell others where they are going and when they expect to return.
- For further information, contact Marine and Safety Tasmania: www.mast.tas.gov.au
Responsible Tasmanian recreational fishers value the unique environment in which they fish, and seek to preserve it by following these guidelines:- Learn about the environment.
- Take rubbish home.
- Are aware that it is an offence under the Litter Act 1973 to clean fish on wharves and boat ramps, and therefore use areas that will not disadvantage other users of our marine environment.
 Refuel with care, as fuel and oil can be toxic to fish and other aquatic life.- Clean out their bilges and toilets and dispose of wastes in a responsible manner.
- Keep fuel lines and engine seals in good repair and refuel on land where possible.
- Report pollution by phoning the Department on 1800 005 171 so that correct action can be taken.
- Are aware of introduced species with potential to damage our natural resources and habitat, reporting them on 62336555
- Be aware of toxic dinoflagellates.
- Realise that excessive noise can spoil other people's enjoyment and fishing, so ensure that their motors are in good working order and not unnecessarily noisy, and avoid playing loud music (it scares the fish).
- Use burley sparingly - especially in inshore waters.
Responsible charter operators promote and encourage:- Sport fishing and catch and release.
- Responsible environmental practices to sustain fish stocks.
- Taking only enough fish to satisfy immediate client needs.
- Clients to observe regulations and codes that apply to their activities including bag limits.
- Careful handling of fish for release, and quick dispatch of fish to ensure a quality product.
- Will not buy fish or accept fish as a basis of payment.
- Establish client needs for fish early to avoid waste.
- Provide advice on catch preparation, storage and cooking.
- Participate in research and education programs.
- Share their knowledge about the marine resource.
- Reserve the right to cancel to protect the safety of clients.
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