Environment Tasmania commends Minister Pearce on the difficult decision to close the Sand flathead recreational fishery today.
"This difficult decision was a necessary one to make to avoid the total collapse of the fishery, and for that we commend Minister Pearce. We understand that this will be a blow to the recreational fishing community, but will hopefully ensure a swifter recovery of stocks in the long-term." says Rebecca Howarth, Marine Campaigner for Environment Tasmania.
“The closure of the Sand flathead fishery underscores the systemic failures in managing our marine environment and the need for moving towards a holistic Marine Act for Tasmania.”
"Sand flathead was listed as Depleted in the 2020–21 Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery Assessment Report, indicating that strong management action was already overdue. While the fishery was closed to commercial fishing in 2023 and recreational bag limits were reduced to as low as two fish in some regions in 2025, the species is clearly still in trouble."
"A healthy marine environment matters to Tasmanians every day — for recreation, wellbeing and livelihoods. Recreational fishing alone contributes around $270 million to Tasmania’s economy each year. Getting the balance right is essential, and that means putting sensible fishery measures in place when needed and protecting habitats and fish nurseries. After years of mismanagement it is time to move toward a more holistic and forward-thinking Marine Environment Act for Tasmania."
Media contact: Rebecca Howarth, 0493395868