Why Tasmania Doesn’t Need a Sardine Fishery
By Adam Martin, Independent Federal Candidate for Braddon & Recreational Fishing Advocate

For over 15 years, I’ve held multiple roles in recreational fishing leadership and been advocating for recreational fishers on the mainland and Tasmania, listening to their concerns, and fighting for their rights. I’ve seen firsthand how governments repeatedly dismiss our voices in favour of corporate interests. Now, with a proposed sardine fishery on the horizon, I feel compelled to speak up. This isn’t just a debate about sardines—it’s about protecting Tasmania’s waters, our recreational fishing industry, and the ecological balance that supports it all.

Here’s why I’m opposed to this fishery and why Tasmanians should be deeply concerned.

A Threat to the Bluefin Tuna Fishery

Tasmania’s recreational bluefin tuna fishery is more than just a pastime; it’s an integral part of our coastal identity and economy. Every year, thousands of fishers take to the water to chase these magnificent fish, generating millions for local businesses and tourism. But the success of this fishery depends on sardines, a key baitfish species that sustains bluefin tuna and other marine predators.

If we start harvesting sardines on an industrial scale, what happens to the bluefin tuna? My simple answer is the SBT fishery will be screwed. Sardines are one of their primary food sources, and depleting this resource could lead to declining tuna stocks. This isn’t fearmongering; it’s a lesson we’ve seen play out in fisheries worldwide. Overfishing baitfish leads to the collapse of predator species and, eventually, the entire ecosystem. Remember rallying against the Geelong Star?

Ecological Domino Effects

Sardines are critical to Tasmania’s marine food web, supporting not just tuna but seabirds, seals, and other fish species. Harvesting sardines at industrial levels risks upsetting this balance. It’s not just a question of sustainability—it’s a question of whether this fishery should exist at all.

Globally, sardine fisheries have a track record of collapse. Just look at the Pacific sardine fishery off California, which went from booming to bust in less than a decade due to overfishing. Similar stories have played out in Europe and Africa. Sardines might seem abundant now, but ecosystems can only take so much pressure before they fail. Is that a risk Tasmania is willing to take?

Who Really Benefits?

Let’s talk about who stands to gain from this fishery. Spoiler alert: it’s not the average Tassie punter. From what I can see, this fishery is designed to benefit a handful of foreign-owned fish farms and the wealthiest one percent that operate in the commercial fishing space. These are the same players who’ve been pushing the limits of our natural resources for years, prioritising profit over sustainability.

The sardines won’t end up on our dinner plates. They’ll likely be processed into feed for salmon farms—an industry already under intense scrutiny for its environmental practices. Do we really want to sacrifice another part of our ecosystem to prop up an industry that ships most of its profits overseas? And for those who criticize me about the Salmon Farms and may have missed my proposed future of Salmon Farms, here’s the link to my plan where all the workers are retained and get a pay bump with the certainty of long-term work farming salmon.

The Role of Research

Let me be clear: I’m not blaming organisations like the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) or IMAS for doing their jobs. Research is essential, and I respect the scientists who dedicate their careers to understanding our marine resources. Over the years, I’ve had beers with researchers who’ve confided that some fisheries should simply be left alone. They produce the data because governments demand it (because of lobbying), but just because something can be done doesn’t mean it should be done.

This brings us to the question of sustainability. Who gets to define it? Is it the corporate executives looking to maximize profits? The politicians benefiting from campaign donations? Or should it be the communities who rely on these resources for recreation, livelihoods, and cultural heritage? For me, sustainability must prioritise long-term ecological health and the well-being of local communities—not the short-term gains of a few.

NRE Tasmania: A Flawed Regulator

If this fishery goes ahead, it will fall under the watch of NRE Tasmania. Forgive me for not feeling reassured. I’ve heard too many stories from farmers, fishers, and producers about being mistreated by this department. Whether it’s heavy-handed regulation or outright neglect, NRE’s track record doesn’t inspire confidence.

How can we trust a regulator that seems more interested in appeasing corporate interests than supporting the people it’s supposed to serve? Between a flawed regulatory framework and a political system deeply intertwined with big money, it’s hard to see how this fishery could be managed in a way that benefits everyday Tasmanians.

A Pattern of Neglect

This isn’t just about sardines. It’s part of a broader pattern where governments, regardless of party, fail to listen to recreational fishers. Labor and Liberal have both shown that when push comes to shove, they’ll side with big business over grassroots communities. Whether it’s housing policy, healthcare, or now fisheries, Tasmanians are left wondering: who is the government really working for?

The answer is clear: not us. Between backroom deals, weak transparency laws, and a lack of accountability, our leaders have repeatedly put profit over people. This proposed sardine fishery is just the latest example.

What Should We Do Instead?

So, if not a sardine fishery, what’s the solution? For starters, we need to focus on ethical and responsible management of our existing fisheries. Tasmania has a world-class recreational fishing industry that supports local businesses and provides immense social and economic benefits. Let’s build on that success rather than risk undermining it.

We also need a broader conversation about what sustainability really means. It’s not just about quotas or catch limits. It’s about ensuring that our ecosystems remain healthy and productive for generations to come. That means listening to recreational fishers, scientists, and local communities—not just corporate lobbyists and their political allies.

Your Vote Matters

At the end of the day, governments work for us—or at least they’re supposed to. But when they’re in bed with big corporations, it’s up to us to hold them accountable. Recreational fishers make up a significant portion of Tasmania’s population. If we stand together, we have the power to make our voices heard.

Don’t waste your vote on parties that sell out our resources and ignore our concerns. Vote for leaders who prioritise transparency, accountability, and the long-term health of Tasmania’s waters. This isn’t just about fishing—it’s about the future of our state.