The Tasmanian Government highly values both our commercial and recreational fishing industries.
We will carefully consider the recommendations in the Productivity Commission’s Draft Report on Marine Fisheries and Aquaculture that are relevant to Tasmania.
The Tasmanian Government also has a clear policy that it will not implement a licence fee for saltwater rod and line fishing in Tasmania.
The most recent 5-yearly survey of the recreational fishing industry (2012-13) shows a $93 million investment by Tasmanians in boats, fuel, fishing gear and other equipment and that 1 in 4 Tasmanians went fishing in 2012 and spent, on average, $1000 a year.
This is a significant industry and also a way of life for many Tasmanians, and not implementing a fishing licence for salt water rod and line has been our clear position both in Opposition and now in Government.
More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water