Closing Tasmania’s scallop fishery for two years is an industry-led decision, not one caused by poor management or overfishing.
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Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania chief executive Bob Lister said the fishery needed to be closed because there was simply not enough scallops to harvest.
“It is just the way scallops breed and spawn,” Mr Lister said.
“It’s cyclical. You have good years and bad years and unfortunately we’re in a bad cycle now.”
The pre-season research conducted “identified no viable scallops for this year or next year”, he said.
A Tasmanian fishery closure does not mean no scallops though.
“Bass Strait Central Zone Scallop Fishery is likely to open in July, subject to approval by Australian Fisheries Management Authority,” Mr Lister said.
“Tasmanian’s won’t miss out on scallops.”
A Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment department spokesperson said the Scallop Fishermen’s Association of Tasmania requested the commercial scallop fishery in Tasmanian waters remain shut for a two-year period following surveys in April and May of 2017.
The association indicated “there were no scallop beds likely to be of commercial harvest quality during that period”.
Primary Industries Minister Sarah Courtney approved the request and the Tasmanian commercial scallop fishery will not be opened in 2018 or 2019.
“A decision in relation to opening a commercial season in 2019-20 will be made following review of results from targeted scallop bed surveys to be conducted in early-to-mid 2019,” the spokesperson said.
This decision does not affect the access arrangements for recreational scallop fishers.
Visit www.dpipwe.tas.gov.au/sea-fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/scallop-fishing#Arearestrictions for more information about open areas, season dates and size, bag and possession limits.