Thursday marked the opening of the Tasmanian scallop season, which in previous decades has opened as early as April 1.

While there was some concern among scallop fishers in some parts of the state, Mr Barnett believed a slow start to the season doesn’t mean doom and gloom for the industry.

‘‘The fish we’ve been catching are beautiful,’’ he said.

‘‘Yes, the season is a little late, but that just means the fisheries are in better condition. There will be a lot of prized fish this season.’’

Mr Barnett said weather was the main reason why the season did not begin as early as some had hoped.

He said many fishers were unable to return their quota surveys to the government in time, which delayed the beginning of the season.

Despite this, the 40-year fishing veteran maintained there was still plenty of good fishing to be had.

‘‘We’re expecting a good season. The Triabunna waters are open and there’s a fairly big TAC (total allowable catch) off King Island,’’ he said.

‘‘Things are also looking good in the markets.’’

Primary Industries Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the season had started in July in recent years, but the government was working to ensure the fishery was sustainable.

‘‘The timing of the season’s opening is critical to the sustainability of the fishery and as such is based on annual data which is assessed by scientific and industry representatives of Scallop Fishery Advisory Committee,’’ he said.

‘‘There has been no delay in this process. This process has been the same for many years, and is based on best practice to ensure Tasmania’s valuable scallop industry is sustainable. ‘‘This set process, which has again been followed this year, has determined that the season open today [Thursday].’’