Recreational Fishing Sector Overview

People fish for a variety of reasons including food, sport, relaxation, enjoyment of the marine environment, friendship, family and excitement. The size of the catch is not therefore the only measure of quality fishing. The anticipation, the preparation, and the experience itself can be equally important.

The main distinction between recreational and commercial fishing is that people fishing recreationally take fish for enjoyment and their own use whereas commercial fishers take fish for sale. Under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 no person can use a fishing boat to take fish for the purpose of sale or business unless they hold the appropriate commercial licences.

Management

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment is responsible for the management of fishing in State marine waters whilst the Inland Fisheries Service has jurisdiction over freshwater fishing in defined inland waters. For Inland Fisheries information see: www.ifs.tas.gov.au

Tasmania has a wide range of fish species and for most there are rules and regulations to follow when fishing.

Management aims to ensure that there are fish for the future and that all Tasmanians have the opportunity to go fishing. The Marine Resources group of the Department also runs a major program to make sure people know about fisheries management and how to fish responsibly. We have more than 75 Fishcare Volunteers working around the state to help achieve this.

Licensing

No licence is needed to fish with a rod and line in marine waters in Tasmania. A licence is necessary to use rock lobster pots and rings, graball, mullet or beach seine nets, set lines (an unattended line with up to 30 hooks) and to dive for abalone, rock lobster or scallops.

There are limits on the number of nets, posts and rings per person and seasons apply. There are also area restrcitions, bag, size and possession limits for abalone, rock lobster, shellfish and scalefish. Licences are available online at www.fishing.tas.gov.au/licence and Service Tasmania. A guide to Tasmania's recreational sea fishing rules and regulations is also available along with rulers and gauges to measure your catch. Fishers are encouraged to collect these items with their licences.

See the following pages for more information on recreational fishing rules and regulations:
Seasons
Size Limits
Bag and Possession Limits
Gear Restrictions
Area Restrictions

Contact: Recreational Fishing Enquiries

Recreational Fisheries Section
1 Franklin Wharf
GPO Box 44
Hobart TAS 7001
Phone: 03 6233 7042 or 1300 720 647
Email: Fishing.Enquiries@dpipwe.tas.gov.au

This page - http://www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/inter.nsf/WebPages/LVAE-4ZP9F3?open - was last published on 18 October 2012 by the Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment. Questions concerning its content can be sent to Internet Coordinator by using the feedback form, by mail to GPO Box 44, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia 7001, or by telephone.

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