Hundreds of struggling fishers, who have been hard hit in recent months, have received a much-needed cash relief.
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The state government announced a fee relief package of $663,000 for rock lobster and other commercial wild fishers.
Tasmanian Seafood Industry Council's chief executive Julian Harrington said the seafood industry - even more so, the rock lobster industry - were still recovering from the impacts of COVID-19.
He said the rock lobster industry had a double hit with market disruptions after it was locked out of China.
"It is no doubt the hardest period the industry has faced in recent years. It is a very challenging time," he said.
"Cash flow margins for fishermen are very narrow and any financial support and fee relief is welcomed."
However, Mr Harrington said that while this was "a great starting point," it was by no means enough to see the industry overcome the challenges ahead.
"We certainly welcome and thank the state government for this, but there is far more to travel in this journey," he said.
"This is going to be an ongoing issue and we need to support the fisherman with cash flow in the future and we need to consider a structural readjustment for the rock lobster sector."
IN OTHER NEWS:
Primary Industries and Water Minister Guy Barnett said lobster fishers and processors have not been able to access the primary export market of China since October last year, which has heavily impacted an industry that employs hundreds of fishers and supports many other jobs in processing, transport and supply chain areas.
He said the new funding builds on the comprehensive $5.5 million support package provided to the fisheries sector in 2020.
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