Photo: Stockfile/FIS

Sustainable Tasmanian Sardine Fishery a Step Closer

AUSTRALIA
Monday, December 02, 2024, 02:00 (GMT + 9)

The Tasmanian Government is pleased to announce promising developments toward the establishment of a sustainable sardine fishery, an initiative that would bolster job creation, open new economic opportunities, and maintain a balanced approach to recreational and commercial fishing.

Independent research, supported by the Tasmanian Government and the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC), has confirmed a significant population of Australian sardines in Tasmanian and Bass Strait waters. This finding marks a key milestone in the journey toward a viable, sustainable fishery.

Minister for Business, Industry, and Resources, Eric Abetz, highlighted the importance of the research, noting that the biomass of Australian sardines is robust enough to sustain a commercial fishery.

“The comprehensive survey estimates the spawning biomass of the South-eastern sardine stock to exceed 200,000 tonnes, with the highest concentrations in Bass Strait,” Minister Abetz stated.

“Tasmania’s wild fisheries are invaluable to our State and are managed according to international best practices to ensure their sustainability. This report enhances our understanding of Australian sardines, building on previous research and baseline data from what is largely an unfished population.”

The Tasmanian Government plans to use this independent research to guide the development of a sustainable sardine fishery. Emphasis will be placed on minimizing environmental impacts while maximizing the benefits for Tasmanians, local fishers, and regional communities.

Map showing the location of sites at which plankton samples were collected from the FV Dell Richey II during 1-20 December 2023 as part of FRDC Project 2023-005 (orange circles) and 6-22 January 2024 as part of AFMA Project 2022/0805 (blue circles). 

The initiative will adhere to stringent government policies and legislation, explicitly ruling out trawl fishing and prioritizing practices that protect Tasmania’s marine ecosystems.

“This represents a rare and exciting opportunity for Tasmania to establish a local, sustainable sardine fishery while creating jobs and supporting our communities,” Minister Abetz said.

The Final Report for the FRDC Project 2023-005: Research to Support the Development of a Tasmanian Sardine Fishery is available on the FRDC website.

This initiative aligns with the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which focuses on strengthening the economy, supporting jobs, and delivering benefits to all regions of the State.

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