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Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment

Home > Sea Fishing & Aquaculture > Fishing > Recreational Fishing > Aboriginal Fishing

Aboriginal Fishing Activities


Aboriginal flagAborigines engaged in non-commercial fishing activities are exempt from requirements to hold a sea fishing licence but must comply with all other fisheries rules, such as bag and possession limits, size restrictions and seasons. The only exemption applies to the making of artifacts such as shell necklaces and kelp baskets. The species that may be taken for these purposes commercially have been prescribed in the Fisheries (General and Fees) Regulations 2006.

It is up to people involved in Aboriginal activities associated with fish to be able to prove that they are Aboriginal and that their fishing activity is non-commercial. There is now provision in the Act that an exemption or permit may be issued for fishing activities that are likely to be contrary to the existing "recreational" provisions. For these it is necessary to demonstrate that the activities are associated with Aboriginal cultural or ceremonial activities.

Gear Marking

There are options available to Aborigines for marking their gear and these include:
  • Obtaining a number from the Office of Aboriginal Affairs (OAA) for marking buoys in accordance with the relevant law. This is a free service and is recognised by Fisheries Officers. The register of numbers is held by OAA (ph 6233 3671)
  • Obtaining a gear tag from one of the Aboriginal Organisations that is authorised to issue their own gear tags to persons whom they recognise as being Aborigines in accordance with the definition in the Act:
      • Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre; and the
      • Flinders Island Aboriginal Association.
  • Place a plaque or some other identification on the buoy or buoy line with name, phone number or address and “Aboriginal”. This would at least be an aid to the Fisheries Officers.
  • You can remain with your gear (but this may not always be practical).
The Government will be working with the Tasmanian Aboriginal community to explore possibilities for further legislative amendments and/or the option of a specific management plan for Aboriginal activities, however this may take some time to complete.

For inquiries relating to marking Aboriginal fishing gear, please contact the office of Aboriginal Affairs on 6233 3671. Copies of the Recreational Sea Fishing Guide are also available free from Service Tasmania.
Contact: Recreational Fishing
Recreational Fisheries Section
1 Franklin Wharf
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 7042
Fax: 03 6223 1539
Email: Fishing.Enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au
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This page - http://www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/HMUY-5TD8PT?open - was last published on 16 July 2009 by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Questions concerning its content can be sent to Fishing Enquiries by using the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001, or by telephone to 03 6233 2147.

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