The Australian Government is delivering on its commitment to undertake a survey of the recreational catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT).

 

Assistant Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources, Richard Colbeck, announced that the survey will be conducted by the University of Tasmania, starting 1 December 2018 and concluding on 30 November 2019.

 

“This survey will encapsulate recreational fisher efforts, catch, release and harvest estimates of SBT and other large tuna and billfish,” Minister Colbeck said.

 

“As we have said all along, the survey will begin in December. The results of the survey of recreational catch will inform future resource sharing arrangements for this iconic fish between sectors.

 

“It is important that this survey provides data that will be informative and useful. The survey data will also be used for international reporting and stock assessments.

 

“The University of Tasmania will undertake the survey in Tasmania, South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales using a variety of techniques appropriate to each state.

 

“Nobody should forget the perilous position this species was in not so long ago.

 

“We need responsible, equitable and harmonised management of recreational catch of SBT across all states, so rec fishers can continue to enjoy catching SBT.

 

“State government support, backed by informed data, is vital for the rebuilding of the single, shared stock of SBT.”

 

The survey results are expected to be available mid-2020.

 

More information, including survey methodology is available at: http://www.agriculture.gov.au/fisheries/international/ccsbt/southern_bluefin_tuna/nat-recreational-fishing-survey-sbt