Recreational fishers gain guaranteed slice of southern bluefin tuna catch

The decision, based on the results of a University of Tasmania Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies survey, means Australia’s recreational fishers will be guaranteed a five per cent share of the annual global southern bluefin tuna allowable catch.

This year’s allowable catch for Australia is capped at 6165 tonnes, giving recreational fishers a guaranteed 300-plus tonne haul of southern bluefin tuna – the equivalent of more than 1000 fish.

“This means there will be no new restrictions or reductions in recreational fishers catch limits – SBT fishers can continue to fish into the future, just as they are today,” the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment said in an announcement flagging the change.

“This is a great result for both our recreational and commercial SBT fishers, providing them with certainty for the future while also meeting Australia’s international obligations.”
Driving the decision to guarantee a recreational catch was the eagerness of anglers to take part in the survey.

The department said the 2019 survey recorded a “near 100 per cent response” from key recreational SBT hotspots including South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Tasmania, helping the survey to make accurate findings.

“Importantly, the survey clearly shows that Australia’s Tuna Champions program, which encourages responsible SBT fishing, is working well with great participation in the survey and many fishers releasing fish and only catching what they need for a feed,” it said.

The survey also showed differences in the southern bluefin tuna caught around Australia.

If you’re after big barrels, the survey showed NSW on average recorded the largest SBT caught. However, if you wanted to increase your chances of snaring one, more tuna were caught in areas including South Australia’s Fleurieu Peninsula and off Portland in south-west Victoria.

Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association chief executive Brian Jeffriess said settling on a catch-sharing agreement for southern bluefin tuna had been a priority for the industry “for many years”.

“We would also like to thank all those involved in the recreational fishing survey, which was based on world-leading scientific work, which is critical for good fisheries management.

“This decision provides great certainty for both the commercial and recreational sectors about ongoing access to this important resource.”

Southern bluefin tuna historically has been heavily fished with more work needed to return to sustainable levels. However, the survey shows the stock is showing “strong signs of recovery”, the department said.