Government Sneaks Sardine Policy in Before Xmas

Gavin Pearce, Minister for Primary Industries and Water has released a policy paper for a new sardine fishery and the subsequent opposition from environmental advocates. Measnwile the Bob Brown FoundationBob Brown Foundation is calling for the proposal to be abandoned.

Media release – Bob Brown Foundation, 23 December 2025

Government releases controversial sardine fishery policy proposal just days before Christmas.

In an all-too-familiar move, the Tasmanian Government has released its proposed policy to open a controversial and strongly opposed sardine fishery, with requests for feedback, days before Christmas.

This is a calculated and deliberate move by the government to avoid meaningful public consultation and to try and ensure that it slips under the radar.

Bob Brown Foundation is calling for the proposal to be abandoned entirely due to the unacceptable impacts of an industrial sardine fishery.

“There is no limit to the contempt this Liberal government has for the public as they seek input on a controversial and environmentally damaging project two days before Christmas,” said Alistair Allan, Antarctic and Marine Campaigner at Bob Brown Foundation.

“The proposed sardine fishery should be abandoned. Targeting a forage fish upon which our marine ecosystems rely is an environmental crime. It has been stated that the fish caught are to be used as feed for the factory fish farms around Tasmania, which are themselves an environmental disaster. It’s lose, lose.”

“Recreational fishers are very concerned about this proposal, which is why the government is asking for feedback over Christmas. It’s time Premier Rockliff stopped allowing big industry to destroy our waterways and started protecting them instead.”

Media release – Gavin Pearce, Minister for Primary Industries and Water, 23 December 2025

Sardine Fishery Policy Paper released

Consultation is now open on the proposed development of a sustainably managed, environmentally sound Sardine Fishery.

The Policy Paper released today outlines the Tasmanian Government’s intention to work hand-in-hand with the community and industry to deliver a sustainable, best practice-managed commercial Tasmanian Sardine Fishery.

Gavin Pearce said the Tasmanian Sardine Fishery Policy Paper was a significant step forward for the development of the fishery.

“This Policy Paper is the next stage in providing clarity, transparency and certainty for the community about our Government’s intentions for the fishery,” Pearce said.

“The development of this fishery is important for our state, but we must ensure it is socially responsible, ecologically sustainable, and delivers tangible long-term economic benefits back to Tasmanians.

“The paper outlines proposed policies for the fishery based on significant scientific research and recommendations, principles of best-practice governance and sustainability, as well as industry and community input.

“I look forward to seeing the development of this exciting opportunity progress under a precautionary approach.”

Tasmanians are encouraged to have their say on the Policy Paper to help shape the draft management plan, which will be developed and released for public consultation in 2026.

To make a submission and to read the Policy Paper, visit the Fishing Tasmania website.

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