The Tasmanian Government is pleased to announce that the recreational scallop season will open in Tasmania from 3pm on Friday, 5 June.
The season was due to commence before Easter, however it was closed following a COVID-19 health directive to limit travel to coastal communities.
The season will now close at midnight on 30 November 2020. The D’Entrecasteaux Channel will remain closed for the year due to current stock depletion.
This late season start provides opportunity for our almost 3000 recreational scallop divers to access scallops when they are approaching peak condition, and it will also help support jobs in regional communities.
Peak scallop meat recovery and roe condition is around July to September in Tasmanian waters and starts to taper off toward the end of the year.
DPIPWE has worked with the Recreational Fisheries Advisory Committee (RecFAC) and the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing (TARFish) to prepare an alternative late season date and we thank them for their advice.
Recreational scallop divers are reminded to consider the risks of diving in cold water in the upcoming winter waters and they should also observe social distancing and health rules.
The season extension to 30 November will allow access later when the waters are warmer for diving.
A recreational sea fishing licence is required to participate in the recreational scallop fishery. Scallops may only be taken by hand and only the licence holder can dive for scallops.
Divers cannot take scallops on behalf of another scallop licence holder. Aboriginal people engaged in aboriginal fishing are exempt from holding a recreational fishing licence but must comply with all other rules.
Once again, thank you to Tasmania’s anglers and boaties for your patience over the past several weeks and we hope you get the opportunity to get out on the water this long weekend and support our regional communities.
For more information, go to the DPIPWE website: https://dpipwe.tas.gov.au/sea-fishing-aquaculture/recreational-fishing/scallop-fishing
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
More Media Releases from the Minister for Primary Industries and Water