Super-trawlers are set to be permanently banned from operating in Tasmanian waters when Parliament resumes in March.
The Hodgman Liberal Government proudly supports recreational fishing in Tasmania which is a way of life for many people and a significant contributor to our growing economy and jobs in regional Tasmania.
Recreational fishers have been extremely concerned about the potential impact super trawlers could have on the small pelagic fishery and depletion of local fish stocks.
Currently the Fisheries (Scalefish) Rules 2015 prohibit trawling in State waters.
However, the level of contention has increased in recent years with the advent of large factory super trawlers.
As a result, the Government has decided to move immediately to strengthen the ban and to give greater certainty that their industry and favourite past time has long term protection.
The Government will amend the Living Marine Resource Management Act 1995 to put into primary legislation the ban on all trawling in State waters. This means it would then take an Act of the Parliament to reverse that ban.
Super trawlers are a threat to Tasmania's fisheries and to our recreational lifestyle, and the Government is committed to seeing the back of them.
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.
The Tasmanian Government also has a clear policy that it will not implement a licence fee for saltwater rod and line fishing in Tasmania and is committed to protecting the rights of all recreational fishers to enjoy their favourite activity in Tasmania.
The legislated ban on super-trawlers in state waters also fulfils a 2014 election promise.
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