Tasmanian sand flathead ban: inquiry slams years of mismanagement and 'perfunctory' consultation

A parliamentary committee finds government neglected scientific warnings before rushing through the fishery closure in the state's south-east.

edit

By LineZotpaper

Published1 September 2026

Read Time2 min

Sources2 outlets

A Tasmanian parliamentary inquiry has found the state government failed to properly manage sand flathead stocks for years, contributing to a severe decline that prompted a rushed fishing ban in the south-east, and criticised a 'perfunctory' community consultation process.

An inquiry into the ban on fishing sand flathead in Tasmania's south-east has found the state government failed to properly manage the species for years before rushing through the ban, and lacked adequate consultation with the community and stakeholders.

The lower house committee, formed following community frustration over the closure, tabled its report on Tuesday. It found there was a consensus the south-east sand flathead fishery was 'under pressure' and that the 'precautionary principle' was employed in the decision to close it. However, it did not explicitly state the decision was incorrect.

The committee found the state government had failed to quickly act on scientific advice about the species over several years, contributing to its ongoing deterioration. Gavin Pearce, the state's primary industries minister, told the inquiry in June the decision was 'not taken lightly' and necessary to 'support recovery of the stock' because the south-east stock is 'critically depleted — with around only 1 per cent of fish above the legal size limit and breeding potential reduced significantly to very low levels.'

The Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS) said in its submission that modelling began in 2014–15 and immediately determined that 'long-term fishing mortality has exceeded levels consistent with sustainability targets.' The committee also heard the species was classed as 'depleting' in a 2016 report and upgraded to 'depleted' in 2021. Mr Pearce acknowledged the data 'go way, way back. This has been evident for a long period of time.' The inquiry found the closures were 'reflective of a failure in long-term planning and management.'

The Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE) said relevant fishing bodies were contacted in February and given a consultation period of about two weeks. The inquiry found this lack of consultation 'raised concerns about the decision-making process.'

Analysis

Why This Matters

The sand flathead is a popular target for recreational fishers in Tasmania; the ban affects local anglers and the broader fishing community.
The inquiry's findings reveal systemic failures in fisheries management, raising questions about how the state handles other at-risk species.
The lack of meaningful consultation could erode trust between the government, scientists, and the public.

Background

Sand flathead are a brown, ray-finned fish found at the bottom of inshore waters across Tasmania. In March, the state government imposed a ban on fishing the species across a large part of Tasmania's south, between Whale Head and Cape Pillar, due to a severe decline in stock. The ban sparked frustration from the community, prompting the formation of a lower house committee to scrutinise the decision.

Key Perspectives

Recreational fishers and community: Expressed frustration over the sudden closure, feeling they were not adequately consulted. The inquiry found the two-week consultation period was insufficient. State Government (Primary Industries Minister): Argues the ban was necessary and based on the precautionary principle, with Minister Pearce noting the data on stock decline has been known for a long time. Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS): Provided scientific evidence showing fishing mortality exceeded sustainable levels as early as 2014–15, indicating years of overfishing.

What to Watch

Whether the government will implement the committee's recommendations on long-term planning.
The recovery trajectory of the sand flathead stock in the closed area.
Potential legal or political fallout from the committee's criticism of the consultation process.

Sources

Inquiry slams years of government failure before rushed fishing ban — Just In
Inquiry slams years of government failure before rushed fishing ban — Latest business news