AFTA expresses profound concern over announced sand flathead closure in Tasmania

The Honourable Gavin Pearce MP
Minister for Primary Industries and Water
Parliament House
Hobart TAS 7000

Dear Minister Pearce,

Re: Closure of Sand Flathead Fishery in South-Eastern Tasmania

I am writing on behalf of the Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) to express our profound concerns over the announced closure of the sand flathead recreational fishing zone in south-eastern Tasmania, effective from 1 March 2026. As the peak national body representing the fishing tackle trade and associated industries, AFTA is dedicated to promoting sustainable fisheries management that safeguards stock health while supporting the economic vitality of recreational fishing communities.

AFTA fully supports the position taken by TARFISH, the Tasmanian Association for Recreational Fishing, in calling for an immediate pause on this closure to enable a proper, promised review of sand flathead management settings. Like TARFISH, we acknowledge the challenges facing sand flathead stocks and have backed previous measures, such as the 2023 management changes including reduced bag limits, as essential steps toward recovery. However, we strongly reject the notion of an “emergency” justifying this abrupt closure, the complete lack of consultation with stakeholders, and the disregard for the severe economic impacts on businesses reliant on recreational fishing in the south-east.

The decision to invoke emergency powers under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 appears unwarranted based on the available science, which indicates strong recruitment, multiple reproductive year classes under the current size limit, and no evidence of recruitment overfishing or imminent collapse. TARFISH’s report, “A response to management changes for sand flathead in Tasmania,” authored by respected fisheries scientist Dr. Paul McShane, clearly states there is no immediate danger to the viability of sand flathead stocks, with recent surveys showing continued strong recruitment. This contradicts the justification for emergency measures and underscores that the closure is disproportionate and unnecessary.

Furthermore, this action contravenes commitments made during the 2025 election campaign, where the Liberal Party, Labor Party, and Independent Member for Franklin David O’Byrne all pledged support for a 2026 review of sand flathead settings. What has been implemented is not a genuine review but a secretive fishery recovery experiment based on flawed information, bypassing key advisory bodies such as the Flathead For the Future Working Group and the Scalefish Core Group. Neither these groups nor TARFISH were consulted, eroding trust in the process.

The closure risks devastating local economies, particularly tackle shops, charter operators, and tourism businesses that depend on accessible recreational fishing. We echo TARFISH’s call for:

• An immediate pause to the planned closure;
• The promised independent review of management settings, the monitoring program, and compliance;
• A transparent, consultative process to develop a recovery plan and harvest strategy, backed by rigorous monitoring;
• Meaningful engagement with stakeholders, including recreational fishers, scientists, Tasmania Police, and fisheries managers.

AFTA urges you to delay the closure, rebuild trust through stakeholder collaboration, and fulfil the election promises for a comprehensive review. This approach would allow ongoing research to inform decisions, evaluate the effectiveness of recent changes, and ensure sustainable outcomes without undue hardship. We encourage recreational fishers and supporters to contact their local members of parliament to advocate for this pause, visit local tackle shops, and support coastal businesses.

AFTA is committed to constructive engagement and stands ready to contribute to solutions that balance conservation with the needs of our industry and communities. We look forward to your prompt response and the opportunity for further discussion.

Yours sincerely,

Bob​

The Hon Bob Baldwin

Chair

Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA)

Ph: +61 419694620

Mail: PO Box 3310,

Thornton NSW 2322

C.C. Jane Gallichan, CEO TARFish 

OFFICIAL

Good morning

On behalf of the Hon. Gavin Pearce MP, I would like to acknowledge and thank you for your email.

Your correspondence is currently being considered.

Kind regards,