The Tasmanian Government has invested $1.2 million over the next four years to support the development of a sand flathead stock enhancement program.
To guide the program, a feasibility study is being conducted by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. A key focus of the study is determining the best way that areas with genetically stunted stocks of sand flathead could be boosted through the release of hatchery bred fish that grow larger and faster.
By finding the best way to do this considering biological, economic and logistical complexities, an enhancement program could speed the recovery of sand flathead stocks, particularly in hard-hit areas like the south east.
However, the decisions of everyday fishers to care for their catch and follow the rules still remain central to stock recovery. Every fisher can make a difference and help sand flathead stocks recover.
The results of the feasibility study are expected to be released late 2024.