The Tasmanian Government will maintain the opening dates for this year’s recreational and commercial Rock Lobster fishery season as similar to the past two years.
The recreational fishery will open on Saturday, 6 November 2021, except for the East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone (ECSRZ), which extends from Eddystone Point in North Eastern Tasmania to the southern end of Bruny Island.
The commercial fishery season (outside of the ECSRZ) will open on its traditional date of November 15.
The decision on opening dates was made after consultation with peak fishing industry bodies and relevant fisheries advisory committees.
The seasons for the East Coast Stock Rebuilding Zone (ECSRZ) for the recreational fishery will open on 4 December and the commercial fishery is scheduled to open on 7 December.
However, the commercial fishery may not open in the ECSRZ for the summer period as the total commercial catch for the area for the current quota year is approaching the commercial catch cap trigger.
The catch cap mechanism has seen the commercial fishery open for only four days of summer fishing in 2019 and 2020. Commercial fishers have been advised by the DPIPWE that the catch cap trigger may be close to being reached.
The Tasmanian Government continues to support and monitor stock in the East Coast through the 10-year stock rebuilding strategy that was implemented in 2013.
For more information on the recreational fishing seasons visit the DPIPWE website: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/rec/seasons and for more information on the commercial fishing seasons visit: www.fishing.tas.gov.au/com/seasons
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water