Recreational Sea Fishing Guide

1 NOVEMBER 2006 – 31 OCTOBER 2007 > RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING GUIDE

Minister’s Message

Recreational fi shing is one of the most Importantly new rules include changes to popular pastimes for Tasmanians. It is the special rock lobster licence following an industry providing employment and a major review of the rock lobster fi shery economic growth for the State as well as management plan in 2005-06, and an food for the table and the pleasure of time increase in the minimum size limit for spent enjoying our magnifi cent coastline. blacklip abalone taken in all waters other With one in three Tasmanians fi shing at than the north of the State. least once a year, we must ensure that we The fi rst full recreational scallop season in all fi sh in a responsible and sustainable more than a decade occurred this year with manner. This includes only taking what recreational scallop divers reporting good you need for a feed, using good fi shing catches. The scallop dive season will be practices, and being considerate of the opening again in 2007. environment and other fi shers. Tasmania has some of the best fi shing in This guide is designed to help recreational Australia and together we can make sure it fi shers understand Tasmania’s recreational stays that way. I urge you to read this guide sea fi shing rules and regulations, as well and make sure you know the rules before as giving hints and tips on how to be a you go fi shing. responsible fi sher. Happy fi shing! It includes updates on the work currently being undertaken by the Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute, David Llewellyn, MHA information on the Fishcare Volunteers Minister for Primary Industries and Water program, and progress on Fishwise Community Grants – your sea fi shing licence fees at work to improve recreational fi shing. There are some changes to fi shing regulations that will come into effect from 1 November 2006 with the start of the 2006-07 recreational fi shing season. These changes and other recent changes are summarised in the next few pages.

David Llewellyn, MHA 2 Minister for Primary Industries and Water 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 <

Why we need Sea Fishing Rules ...... 4 New Rules for 2006-07 ...... 5 Licences...... 6 Seasons ...... 8 Fishing gear and how to mark it ...... 9 Area/location restrictions ...... 14 River mouths and estuaries ...... 15 Marine Nature Reserves ...... 18 Research Areas ...... 20 Marine Farms ...... 22 Net and line area restrictions ...... 23 Handling and releasing fi sh ...... 34 Tasmanian fi sh species – includes bag, size and possession limits...... 36 Protected and threatened species ...... 36 Marine pests ...... 37 Bait ...... 38 Finfi sh ...... 39 Sharks and rays ...... 42 Abalone ...... 45 Rock lobster ...... 47 Scallops ...... 52 Squid – including Southern calamari ...... 53 Octopus ...... 53 Crabs ...... 54 Prawns ...... 54 Shellfi sh and shell collection ...... 54 Seaweed collection ...... 55 Fishwise – sea fi shing licence fees at work ...... 56 Fishwatch – report fi shing offences ...... 57 Fishcare Volunteers ...... 58 Tasmanian Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute ...... 59 Survey...... 60 Index/Contacts ...... 62 Quick reference – bag, possession and size limits ...... 64

Disclaimer: this booklet is a guide to the tasmanian recreational fi shing rules as at 1 November 2006. As such, it does not replace the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 or the legislation made under it. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy, completeness, or relevance to the user’s purpose, of the information and those using it for whatever purpose are advised to verify it with the relevant Commonwealth or State government department, local government body or other source and to obtain any appropriate professional advice. The Crown, its offi cers, employees and agents do not accept liability however arising, including liability for negligence, for any loss resulting from the use of or reliance upon the information. Fishing laws change from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are acting within the law. Acknowledgments: this guide has been compiled by the Wild Fisheries Management Branch of the Department of Primary Industries and Water. 3 > RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING GUIDE

Why we need Sea Fishing Rules

Tasmania’s recreational sea fi sheries Why do we have size limits? are managed under the Living Marine While many species of fi sh produce Resources Management Act 1995 with large numbers of eggs, few eggs survive fi shing rules and regulations designed to become adult fi sh. Minimum (and to provide sustainable use of the fi sh in sometimes maximum) size limits are used our seas as well as sharing the resource to ensure that enough fi sh reach breeding between all fi shers. These fi shing rules size and can reproduce. ensure there will be fi sh for the future In many cases, this means that the by sustaining viable fi sh populations minimum size limit is set to allow all fi sh and protecting key habitats. to reach sexual maturity and to breed at There are rules covering licences, fi sh least once before they are able to be kept species, bag, possession and size limits, by fi shers. seasons, gear types and restricted areas. Although one or two undersized fi sh does The rules are based on ecological and not seem a lot, it is important to remember biological knowledge of Tasmanian fi sh that there are many fi shers, and, if everyone stocks and the aquatic environment and took one or two, a few would become fi shers have the opportunity to comment many. Make sure that all undersized fi sh are on any proposed rule changes via a public returned to the water and given the best consultation period. Public consultation possible chance to survive the experience. processes are advertised in all major Tasmanian newspapers. Why do we have bag Fishing is one of the most popular and possession limits? recreational activities in Tasmania and Bag and possession limits help to ensure this high level of participation could that fi shing resources are shared equally put signifi cant pressure on fi sh stocks among fi shers and that excess catch is if fi shers don’t do the right thing. Good minimised. If everyone only takes what they fi shing practices such as quickly returning need for a feed there will be plenty of fi sh undersized and unwanted fi sh will help us in the sea for another day. enjoy our fi sheries for years to come and Most bag and possession limits are can prevent the need for stricter fi shing personal limits, although boat limits apply restrictions. for some species such as shark. Possession limits apply everywhere, including the home. Sea Fishing Rules

4 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 <

New Rules for 2006-07

Rock lobster rule changes in physical contact with their line/s, or the Following a review of the Rock Lobster line/s must be attached to the boat, or they and Giant Crab Management Plan, the will be classifi ed as set lines. rules for the Special Rock Lobster Licence See page 23 for the areas where set have been changed. A recreational fi sher line restrictions apply, including many of who holds a rock lobster licence (either Tasmania’s rivers and estuaries. rock lobster dive, ring or pot) may apply Abalone area closure for one 14 day special rock lobster licence Concern at the decline of abalone stocks per season where their possession limit is on the coast north of St Helens has led 15 rock lobster instead of 10. The daily bag to closures in the area to allow rebuilding limit of 5 rock lobster still applies. The rock and research. The area between Eddystone lobster rules have also been changed to Point and St Helens Point is closed to prohibit the taking of rock lobster with commercial abalone fi shing. Within this a hook and line. area, the coast between Eddystone Point Abalone size limit changes and the southern end of Taylors Beach is also closed to recreational abalone fi shing. From 1 November 2006, the minimum From the southern end of Taylors Beach to size for blacklip abalone taken from any St Helens Point, the coast will be open to part of the State other than northern recreational abalone fi shing at a reduced Tasmania will increase from 136mm to daily bag limit of 5 abalone. These closures 138mm. The change is based on research and restrictions came into effect on on abalone growth rates which shows the 1 January 2006. For more details of the size limit needed to increase to allow fi sh research area see page 21. to spawn before they can be taken. The minimum size for greenlip abalone taken in Calamari/Squid area closure the Perkins Bay area has been reduced to A seasonal closure of the calamari fi shery 132mm. See page 45 for more information. off the east coast has been declared to protect calamari during spawning. Recent changes The closure is for three months, from Unmanned lines (set lines) 15 September 2006 to 14 December Under changes to the Scalefi sh rules 2006, inclusive. The closure applies to all introduced in 2004, there are area Tasmanian waters from Lemon Rock south restrictions on the use of set lines, which is of Wineglass Bay to the northern end of any line with one to fi ve hooks that is not in Marion Beach south of Maria Island and physical contact with a person or attached includes Coles Bay, Great Oyster Bay and to a vessel. To avoid lines being classed the Mercury Passage. No squid, including as set lines, fi shers fi shing from the shore, calamari, may be taken or possessed during rocks, jetties and wharves must remain this time period in this area. For more New Rules in physical contact with their line/s at all details on the closed area see page 53. times. Fishers fi shing from a boat must be 5 > RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING GUIDE

Licences

2006-07 recreational sea fi shing Licence fees licences are available from all Service You can buy all the types of recreational Tasmania shops and on the internet sea fi shing licences together or only select at www.fi shing.tas.gov.au/licence. the licence types you need. If you want to Licence renewals can also be done add another licence at a later date, you will by telephone on 1300 720 647 or be charged a $6.05 administration fee for (03) 6224 1931 for callers outside the cost of re-issuing a new licence card in Tasmania. addition to the cost of the new licence type. If you lose your licence card, a replacement You do not need a licence for saltwater card will cost $6.05. or marine fi shing in Tasmania’s seas with In this licensing year (from 1 November a rod and line but an Inland Fisheries 2006 to 31 October 2007) the following Licence is required for any fi shing in costs apply: inland waters, which includes some river The fi rst licence type mouths and estuaries. See page 15 for Standard Licence: will cost $42.35 (application fee of $36.30 more information. plus $6.05 for fi rst licence). Each additional licence type will cost $6.05. A sea fi shing licence is required for the Concession Licence: (Commonwealth following types of recreational fi shing: Pension card holders, Seniors Card holders • abalone; and persons under 16 years). The fi rst • rock lobster dive; licence type will cost $24.20 (application • rock lobster pot; fee of $18.15 plus $6.05 for fi rst licence). • rock lobster rings; Each additional licence type will cost $6.05. • scallop dive; Special Rock Lobster Licence: • graball net; Cost $36.30 (14 days). mullet net; and • Licence numbers beach seine net. • When you apply for a sea fi shing licence The new recreational licensing year begins for the fi rst time you will be issued with on 1 November 2006. Licences are valid a unique licence number that you will be from the date of issue to 31 October 2007, able to renew for use in future years. This although seasons apply for some species. will allow you to have the same licence The licence holder must personally set and numbers marks on buoys and other retrieve any fi shing gear that requires a sea equipment from year to year. fi shing licence. Licences

6 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 <

Licence cards Further information When you buy a licence, you will receive on licences your licence number. A plastic licence card Abalone: A recreational abalone licence listing your licence types will be mailed to is needed to take abalone. Abalone can the address provided within 7–10 days. only be taken by hand. Information on the In the interim, the licence can be used, species, areas and size limits can be found but you must carry your licence number. on page 45. If you do not receive your licence card, Rock Lobster Licence: A person under the please contact Recreational Fisheries on age of 10 years cannot hold a recreational (03) 6233 7042. If you lose your licence rock lobster licence of any type. All rock card, you can order a replacement at lobster fi shing is subject to a season. You Service Tasmania, online or by phone on can only hold one recreational rock lobster 1300 720 647 [or (03) 6224 1931 for pot, ring or dive licence. A recreational callers outside Tasmania] at a cost of $6.05. rock lobster pot licence allows you to use one pot and a recreational rock lobster Licence exemptions ring licence allows you to use up to four Aborigines engaged in Tasmanian rings. Details on the gear allowed and how cultural fi shing activities are exempt from it must be marked can be found on page requirements to hold a fi shing licence but 12. Information on rock lobster sizes and must comply with all other fi sheries rules, marking your catch is on page 47. such as gear restrictions, possession limits, Special Rock Lobster Licence: size restrictions and seasons. For inquiries A recreational fi sher who holds a rock on aboriginal cultural fi shing, contact lobster licence (either rock lobster dive, the Offi ce of Aboriginal Affairs on ring or pot) may apply for one 14 day (03) 6233 3671. special rock lobster licence per season Fishwise – sea fishing licence where their possession limit is 15 rock fees at work lobster instead of 10. The daily bag limit of 5 rock lobster still applies. Revenue raised from the sale of recreational sea fi shing licences goes into a special fund Scallop: A recreational scallop dive licence - the Fishwise fund - to cover management is needed to take scallops. Seasons, area and administration of the licences as well as restrictions, size limits, bag limits and funding programs that support recreational possession limits apply. Details can be fi shing activities. found on page 52. The recreational scallop dredge fi shery will continue to be closed during 2006-07. Netting: Licences are available for recreational mullet, graball and beach seine nets. Each separate licence entitles you to use only one of that type of net. Details on the gear allowed and how you must mark

the gear is on page 10 and information on Licences netting area closures can be found on page 23. 7 > RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING GUIDE

Seasons

Fisheries that have seasons are usually closed at times corresponding to spawning or breeding for that species to help preserve breeding stock. As spawning times can change from year to year, so to may the closed season. If you are fi shing for a species subject to periodic closures, check public notices in all major Tasmanian newspapers, look at our website www.fi shing.tas.gov.au or call the Recreational Sea Fishing Line on (03) 6233 7042 for current information.

Species Season

Abalone Open to fi shing all year round. Banded morwong Likely to be closed to fi shing from 1 March 2007 to 30 April 2007. Finfi sh Banded morwong (above) is the only fi nfi sh with a closed season. Octopus Open to fi shing all year round. Temporary closed seasons may be declared in some areas (last closed in July 2002). Rock lobster and giant crab (female) Open to fi shing between 4 November 2006 to 30 April 2007. Rock lobster and giant crab (male) Open to fi shing between 4 November 2006 to 31 August 2007. Scallops 1 March 2007 to 30 June 2007 for the dive fi shery only. Squid/Calamari Temporary closures and bag limit reductions apply for squid, including southern calamari (Sepioteuthis australis), in some east coast waters from 15 September 2006 to Seasons 14 December 2006. 8 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 <

Fishing gear and how to mark it

Rules apply to the types, size and Rod and line: You can use any number of quantity of fi shing gear that can be used lines with up to fi ve hooks, as long as you in Tasmania’s marine waters. This section are within 20m of the gear, or the lines are outlines the restrictions on commonly used attached to the boat from which you are fi shing gear. fi shing. The lines cannot be left unattended. There are also restrictions on where and Squid jigs: A squid jig is a baited or artifi cial when you can use types of fi shing gear lure with one or more sets of pointed hooks and the species that you can target. or spikes used to take squid. You can use up to 3 squid jigs per line. Gear selection Set lines: A line with one to fi ve hooks that Using fi sh-friendly tackle specifi c to the is not in physical contact with a person or species that you are targeting can improve attached to a vessel is known as a set line. post-release survival and limit your chances There are area restrictions on the use of of catching species that you do not want. set lines. • Choose equipment that enables you You can use to land fi sh quickly. Longlines and droplines: one longline or dropline, which is a line Use larger hook sizes to stop • with between 6 and 30 hooks, although undersized fi sh from swallowing area restrictions apply. There is a boat limit the hook. of 4 longlines or droplines in total. You can Use artifi cial lures or circle hooks as • join your longline or dropline to the lines there is less chance of the fi sh being of others on your boat in waters more than gut hooked. 150m deep, however, a maximum of 4 • Pull nets frequently to give undersized lines can be joined together and each line or unwanted fi sh a better chance of in the joined line is counted separately for survival. the boat limit. Longlines and droplines must For more information on good catch be marked with a buoy (a longline must be and release practices see the section on marked with two buoys – one on each end handling and releasing fi sh on page 34. of the line): • minimum diameter of the buoy is Hook and line fishing 195mm; and No licence is required to fi sh with a hook • the buoy must be marked with the and line, including: surname and date of birth of the • rod and line; person setting the line and the letters • squid jigs; and LL for a longline and DL for a dropline. • longline and dropline. Fishing gear

9 > RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING GUIDE

Spear guns and hand spears Cast net: A cast net must: (includes gaffs) • be a circular or elliptical net with Hand spears, spear guns and gaffs can be a leaded footline around the used to take squid, shark, octopus and any circumference; and fi nfi sh except bream and boarfi sh. Taking • not exceed 6 metres in diameter. rock lobster or abalone with spears or gaffs is prohibited. Spears and gaffs cannot be How to measure net mesh used in the Mersey, Leven, and Inglis rivers. Stretch mesh until upper and lower knots touch. Measure mesh at full stretch. Traps Equipment designed as a fi sh trap and octopus pots are prohibited. One bait trap per person can be used. The trap must comply with the following dimensions:

• no larger than 500mm x 350mm stretch mesh horizontally until the two diagonally x 250mm; opposite knots are touching • entrance not larger than 65mm; and • mesh between 10mm and 40mm. measure mesh Nets at full stretch No licence is required to use landing nets, 1 dip net, 1 bait net and 1 cast net. If you Beach seine net have the appropriate licence you can use A beach seine net licence is required which 1 graball net, 1 mullet net and 1 beach allows you to use one beach seine net. seine net. A beach seine net must: Landing net: A landing net is a hand-held • be an encircling net; net attached to a frame no larger than • have a bag or bunt with a mesh 600mm across. The mesh can be any of at least 30mm; size. It is preferable to use knotless landing • not exceed 50 metres in length; nets, which cause minimum damage to not be pursed or drawn through the fi sh’s protective slime and fi ns, allowing • rings into the shape of a bag; and you to return the fi sh to the water in good be emptied while in the water. condition. You can also use a landing net to • catch baitfi sh or prawns. Gillnets Dip net: A dip net is a hand held net Graball nets and mullet nets, including attached to a frame no larger than one fl ounder nets, are types of gillnet. A graball metre across with a mesh larger than or mullet net licence is required and area 20mm. restrictions apply. Bait net: A bait net is an encircling net: • A licensed fi sher may use one graball no longer than 6 metres and no and one mullet net. Fishing gear • deeper than 2 metres; and • No more than 3 gillnets may be carried on, or used from a single boat. 10 • with mesh 20mm or smaller. 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 <

Graball net: One graball net may be used and a graball net licence is required. A graball net is a single mesh net: • mesh must be between 105mm and 140mm; • must not be deeper than 33 meshes or longer than 50 metres; • is a gillnet and therefore must adhere to rules relating to area restrictions, weights, night setting and marking • Gillnets cannot be set at night, other with buoys; and than graball nets set in Macquarie • includes fl ounder nets which are a Harbour. Night is defi ned as between type of graball net. one hour after sunset and one hour Mullet and graball net buoys: Gillnets, before sunrise. including mullet and graball nets, must be All gillnets must be weighted in one of the marked with two white buoys that: following ways in order to prevent drift: • are specifi cally designed as a buoy • a weight of at least 2 kilograms tied to and fl oat on the surface of the water; the bottom line at each end of the net; • are at least 195mm in diameter; or • have no other markings other than a weight of at least 4 kilograms tied to • the licence number and ‘G’ for graball, the bottom line at one end of the net; or ‘M’ for mullet net after the licence or number. the net has a minimum weight, when • At least one of the buoys must have the dry, of at least 13 kilograms for a licence number clearly marked in fi gures 50 metre net. not less than 70mm high and 12mm wide. Mullet net: One mullet net may be It is recommended that the net be set with used and a mullet net licence is required. the marked buoy to the seaward end of A mullet net is a single mesh net: the net. • mesh must be between 60mm and 70mm; • must not be longer than 25 metres; • must not be set over a rocky bottom; and • is a gillnet and therefore must adhere to rules relating to area restrictions, weights, night setting and marking with buoys. Fishing gear

11 > RECREATIONAL SEA FISHING GUIDE

Pot: A rock lobster pot licence is required which allows you to use one rock lobster pot to take rock lobster and giant crab. The pot must: • be no larger than 1250mm x 1250mm at base and 750mm high; • have only one neck or entrance at least 200mm in diameter; • have escape gaps at least 57mm high and the lower inside edge no more than 150mm up from the fl oor of the Rock lobster fishing gear pot. If there is only one escape gap, Rock lobster buoys: Rock lobster pots and it must be at least 400mm wide and rings (if left unattended) must be marked if there are two, they must each be with a buoy that is specifi cally designed as a at least 200mm wide. There must be buoy and fl oats on the surface of the water: nothing obstructing the escape gap; • is at least 195mm in diameter at the • not contain anything likely to entangle widest point; and the rock lobster in the pot; and • has no markings other than the licence • be marked with a buoy with the licence number (and ‘P’ if it is a pot) clearly number and the letter ‘P’ for pot. marked in fi gures at least 70mm high Diving: A rock lobster dive licence is and 12mm wide. required to take rock lobster by SCUBA, Ring or hoop net: A rock lobster ring surface air and snorkelling. The only aid licence is required which allows you to that can be used for taking rock lobster is use up to four ring nets which: a gloved hand. Nooses, gaffs, nets and • must be a single ring or hoop of no spears are not permitted. more than one metre in diameter, Lines/Nets: It is illegal to take rock lobster covered with mesh; and by a hook and line or a net other than a if left unattended, each ring must • ring net. have a buoy attached that is marked with the licence number. No other markings are required. Fishing gear

12 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007 <

Fish Cauf: A cauf is a device for holding fi sh in the water. If used for rock lobster, it must be marked with a yellow buoy marked with the licence number. A cauf may be used by more than one licensed fi sher, but the licence number of each fi sher must be marked on a separate buoy attached to the cauf. All rock lobster in the cauf need to be tail-clipped and possession limits apply.

Lost, stolen and irretrievable gear If you must leave your pot or net in the water for longer than allowed due to weather conditions, illness, theft or sea conditions, you should contact the Marine Police on 0427 655 557 or your nearest Police Station and provide them with your licence number. If possible, retrieve any broken line and lost gear. Birds and mammals can easily become entangled, or accidentally swallow, abandoned fi shing gear and rubbish. Discarded fi shing gear is not only a death trap to wildlife but can also become a hazard to boats. Fishing gear

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