Guy Barnett,Minister for Primary Industries and Water
The Tasmanian Liberal Government knows that trout fishing is a way of life for thousands of Tasmanians and we want to ensure access to fishing our inland lakes and waterways remains free for junior anglers.
The Government is delivering on its election commitments by waiving junior angling fees for the next four years.
Junior anglers (from 14 up to and including 17 years of age) are still required to hold an inland angling licence but can now apply for free online on the Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) website (https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/anglers/manage) and through agents.
Junior anglers under 14 years old do not require an angling licence.
Waiving these fees will encourage more young people to enjoy the state's world class trout fishery and increase angling participation and time in our beautiful outdoors.
Tasmania's wild brown trout fishery is one of the best in the world with around 24,000 recreational anglers each year, generating an estimated $90 million for the economy.
More than 1000 angling licenses sold each year are to junior anglers and we encourage all juniors, and their families, to apply for or renew their licence early and be ready when the majority of waters open on Saturday 7 August.
Also, to ensure best practice recreational fishery management, the IFS has developed a Draft Strategy to Increase Participation in Tasmania's Inland Recreational Fishery 2021-28.
The Draft Strategy outlines the goals, strategies and actions that will be used to increase participation of inland fisheries and will put in place measures to ensure informed fisheries management decisions.
The Draft Strategy also allows for continued development of infrastructure, facilities and access to support the fishing experience, as well as supporting angling clubs to promote junior angling, encourage female participation and engage anglers in the stewardship of the state's inland fisheries and waterways.
The Draft Strategy is open for public consultation from today (Saturday 3 July) until midnight Friday 13 August 2021 and is on the IFS website: https://www.ifs.tas.gov.au/draft-strategy-to-increase-participation-in-tasmanias-inland-recreational-fishery
Feedback and consultation from this will help guide the final Strategy to Increase Participation in Tasmania's Inland Recreational Fishery 2021-28.
