Today I had the pleasure of joining enthusiastic locals at Port Sorell for Gone Fishing Day.
This is one of several events held across Tasmania celebrating national Gone Fishing Day, an initiative of the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, which encourages people to get outdoors, drop a line and enjoy time with family and friends.
Those trying fishing for the first time were able to attend Fishcare clinics and borrow Fishcare fishing rods. Fishcare were also in several other locations around the state providing advice to fishers using their own gear.
The Hodgman majority Liberal Government recognises recreational fishing and boating is an important way of life for over 100,000 Tasmanians.
The state’s world class sea and inland fisheries provide superb opportunities for locals and anglers from around the world, and recreational fishers contribute an estimated $90 million into the Tasmanian economy each year.
The government is investing significantly in improving recreational fishing facilities and improving anglers access at fishing hotspots, as well as supporting TARFish and Anglers Alliance Tasmania who represent salt and freshwater fishers.
We have also made it cheaper for Tasmanians to go trout fishing by freezing licence fees for four years at the 2017-18 level.
We are very proud of the fact Tasmania’s world class inland trout fishery attracts thousands of anglers annually, including from interstate or overseas; a fact recognised with the state again selected to host the 2019 World Fly Fishing Championships this November.
Recreational fishing underpins many local businesses and jobs.
Tasmania’s first Recreational Sea Fisheries Strategy will be developed with fishers to guide the future of our recreational sea fishing sector to meet the needs of all Tasmanians, whilst maintaining healthy fish populations.
I thank the many volunteers who contribute to making Gone Fishing day such a success.
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