Catch, Effort and CPUE

In 2020/21, total commercial catch of Australian Sardine in Tasmanian waters was negligible (86 kg) (See Figure below). Historically, this species has constituted a minor and sporadic component of the scalefish fishery, with peak catches of 15.4 t recorded in 1997/98, 14.5 t in 2008/09, and 33.3 t in 2016/17, which were interspersed among years of little or no catch and effort (See Figure below). These peak catches were largely derived from purse seine records. The earlier peak catches largely reflect incidental take of Australian Sardine by fishers targeting other small pelagic fishes (e.g., Redbait). Targeted fishing activity for the species under a developmental fishery permit commenced in 2016/17, with fishing activity in recent years based around the north coast, primarily the northeast coast.

There are no active permits for Australian Sardine currently in place.