Tasmania’s recreational fishers have hit out at a draft report by the Productivity Commission recommending the introduction of saltwater recreational fishing licences to Tasmania, labelling the proposal a cash grab.
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Currently, Tasmanian fisherman do not require a licence to fish with a rod and line in marine waters.
The draft report proposes a raft of changes to Tasmania’s fishing industry, including introducing licensing for marine fishing charter boat operators and developing a harvest strategy policy.
Harvest strategies manage responses to levels of fish stocks by assessing risks to individual species.
Also in the report is a recommendation for fisheries to be moved to individual transferable quotas.
Australian Recreational Fishers Party president Todd Lambert called on the major parties to publicly reassure Tasmanians that licences would not be introduced.
Greens environment spokeswoman Rosalie Woodruff said the draft report identified community concern about the poor management of aquaculture in Tasmania.
Primary Industries and Water Minister Jeremy Rockliff said the state government would consider the recommendations relevant to the state in the draft report, and engage with the Productivity Commission as the inquiry progresses.
“Tasmania has had a quota management system for the high value fisheries of rock lobster, abalone, giant crab and scallops for over a decade.
“We will also consider contemporary fisheries management practices, where appropriate.”
