Tasmanian recreational fishers continue to enjoy setting cray pots and diving for abalone, with the latest 2023/24 IMAS survey revealing generally high levels of satisfaction and signs of fishery stability or improvement. Nearly 80% of recreational rock lobster fishers reported satisfaction with their catch rates, and perceptions of the fishery being stable or improved compared to previous years. This comes after the implementation of new size limits and long-term stock rebuilding efforts on the East Coast, where most of the season’s 108-tonne catch occurred—marking the highest recreational rock lobster catch since 2015. Professor Sean Tracey from IMAS highlighted that positive fisher sentiment suggests current management is proving effective, although East Coast stocks remain below target levels.

Fishing methods varied, with potting making up 75% of fishing effort and 58% of harvest, while diving contributed 25% of effort and 41% of the catch. The use of rings was minimal. The average statewide catch rate was just over one lobster per day, with divers typically having the highest success rates.

Meanwhile, abalone fishing also saw high participation, with over 11,000 licence holders completing nearly 13,000 dive days and harvesting just over 27 tonnes—well within sustainable limits. Blacklip Abalone was the dominant species caught, primarily from the East Coast.

IMAS researcher Dr Samantha Twiname noted regional variations in catch, with the North and West coasts accounting for smaller shares of abalone harvest. Both Professor Tracey and Dr Twiname emphasized the importance of accurate and timely catch reporting via the Fishing Tas app to support sustainable management of Tasmania’s iconic fisheries.

Full University of Tasmania article available here: https://www.utas.edu.au/about/news-and-stories/articles/2024/imas-scientists-capture-rock-lobster-and-abalone-recreational-fishing-trends