Arabic version: تحقيق في تسمانيا ينتقد إدارة حظر صيد السمك المفلطح الرملي

According to ABC News, a Tasmanian parliamentary inquiry has found years of shortcomings in the management of south-east sand flathead stocks before the government imposed a fishing ban in March.

The closure covers a large area of southern Tasmania between Whale Head and Cape Pillar, where stocks had severely declined. The committee found there was agreement the fishery was under pressure and that the precautionary principle informed the closure, but said the ban reflected a failure in long-term planning and management.

Evidence to the inquiry showed stock assessment modelling begun in 2014–15 had found fishing mortality exceeded sustainable levels. The fishery was classified as depleting in 2016 and depleted in 2021. Primary Industries Minister Gavin Pearce said the south-east stock was critically depleted, with about 1 per cent of fish above the legal size limit.

The report also criticised consultation, finding fishing bodies had little opportunity to provide feedback before the announcement and that the process created concern over decision-making. It said the government had not modelled the economic impact of the closure and had not yet done so.

Among 20 recommendations, the committee urged the government to publish, as a priority, criteria for reopening the fishery. It also called for faster action on expert advice, more comprehensive stock assessments and genuine targeted consultation before major announcements. Mr Pearce said the closure was difficult but necessary to support recovery and the state’s $1.2 million restocking program.