Primary Fishery – Pale Octopus (Octopus pallidus)

The primary fishery for octopus in Tasmanian waters is the unbaited trap fishery targeting Pale Octopus in northern Tasmania, primarily Bass Strait, operating under fishing licence (octopus). This fishery is known as the Tasmanian Octopus Fishery (TOF). Minor catches of Pale Octopus are landed under developmental permits allowing the use of octopus traps on the east and south coasts of Tasmania (from south of Eddystone Point and east of Whale Head).