Report criticises Tasmanian Government's managment of sand flathead fishery

A report has found that Tasmania’s sand flathead fishery has failed to be properly managed by the state government.

The House of Assembly Standing Committee on Government Administration B conducted an inquiry into the south-east sand flathead fishery closure.

The fishery has been closed since March 1 due to low stock levels, with the south-eastern zone covering waters between Whale Head and Cape Pillar.

It is unclear how long it will remain closed, with information on the Fishing Tasmania website saying it “will reopen when data indicate that the size and structure of the sand flathead population in the area can sustainably support fishing again”.

Labor has opposed the fishery closure and has pushed for a parliamentary inquiry into the government’s decision, which eventually occurred.

The final report for the inquiry has now been handed down.

“The Tasmanian Government has repeatedly taken insufficient action in response to expert scientific advice in its management of the sand flathead fishery over more than 10 years,” the report said.

“The Tasmanian Government’s lack of appropriate action on the sand flathead fishery has contributed to the ongoing deterioration of the fishery.”

The inquiry also found that the Tasmanian Government's lack of consultation with the community and stakeholders about a potential closure of the sand flathead fishery in south-east Tasmania raised concerns about the decision-making process. 

“Deterioration of the sand flathead fishery has caused negative environmental, social and economic impacts,” the report said.

“The closure of the sand flathead fishery in the south-east has positive environmental benefits, but it also has negative social and economic impacts.

“The Tasmanian Government did not model the economic impact of closing the sand flathead fishery in south-east Tasmania and has not undertaken any assessment to date.”

The report recommends that the government take more immediate action when presented with expert advice on fisheries, and prioritise the development and publication of criteria for reopening the sand flathead fishery in south-east Tasmania.

Labour Primary Industries spokeswoman Janie Finlay said the report had proved concerned recreational fishers right.

“The Rockliff Government ignored expert advice, failed to act early enough and failed to properly fund the science and management needed to protect the fishery,” Ms Finlay said.

“Then, after years of poor management, they shut it with inadequate consultation, poor communication and no modelling of the economic impact.

“And even now, there is still no clear plan to reopen the fishery and no public benchmarks for fishers to know what recovery actually looks like.”

Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said actions to protect Sand Flathead levels over the past decade had always been made based on the best available science at the time.

“Closing the south-east sand flathead fishery was an extremely tough decision to make, but it was the right one.

“We want to see our future generations fishing for Sand Flathead, and this decision provides the best chance for our $1.2 million restocking program to get sand flathead back to manageable levels.”