Crayfish cheats caught in police blitz

About half of all recreational rock lobster fishers have failed to report their catch since the season opening last weekend, according to Tasmania Police Marine and Rescue Services.

Reporting catches is now mandatory through the Fishing Tas app, however checks have revealed 118 offences in waters outside the East Coast stock rebuilding zone during what was a long weekend in the north of the state. 

Acting Sergeant Ben Cunningham said Police want everyone to enjoy waterways safely and comply with fisheries regulations.

"Disappointingly a review of rock lobster catch reports over the weekend, indicated that approximately 50 percent of fishers did not report their catch." 

Offences included:

• Taking undersize and excess rock lobster

• Fishing in closed areas

• Taking undersize sand flathead

• Various marine safety breaches.

"Police Marine and Rescue Services will continue to monitor compliance throughout the season to ensure adherence to fisheries and marine safety regulations, and we urge all fishers to report their catch," Acting Sergeant Ben Cunningham said.

"Catch reports must be made immediately after tail-marking your last lobster, or if no catch, immediately after pulling your pot, checking your ring or finishing your dive. Catch reporting assists in managing a sustainable rock lobster fishery." 

"Our patrols over the weekend were supported by new technology - including Starlink satellite communications - which enabled real-time data transfer and improved connectivity in areas outside normal coverage. This innovation assisted police in detecting offences and enhancing compliance checks." 

Meanwhile some fishing enthusiasts reported having issues using the app, with glitches, lack of service and simply forgetting being among the excuses.

For more information on fishing regulations and reporting requirements, visit www.fishing.tas.gov.au or download the Fishing Tas app.