Anglers encouraged to become champions for the Southern bluefin tuna to help their recovery

While some trophy species are recovering, stock levels of other dinner-plate favourites remain a problem. Recreational anglers have been urged to further help species rejuvenate by not only staying within catch limits but below them.

WHILE stocks of many of Tasmania’s favourite fish remain depleted, one of the most sought-after species is beginning to recover.

The Status of Australian Fish Stock report has updated the status of southern bluefin tuna from heavily depleted to recovering.

But stocks of some of the most popular recreational species, such as southern calamari and sand flathead, are not faring as well.

Southern bluefin tuna stocks are now at 13 per cent of their original pre-fishing population — compared with 5 per cent at their most critically endangered levels.

A Southern bluefin tuna. Picture: Al McGlashan

The report describes sand flathead as “depleting”, as well as southern calamari and banded morwong.

But tiger flathead are considered sustainable, as is southern rock lobster and Australian salmon.

Recreational anglers have been urged to further help species rejuvenate by not only staying within catch limits, but below them.

Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies researcher Sean Tracey said anglers needed to be stewards of recovering species when considering catch limits.

“It’s a limit, not a challenge,” Dr Tracey said.

Banded morwong. Picture: ELAINE REEVES

Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation chairman Brett Clearly said some further measures might be needed to help southern calamari recover.

“We would like to see firmer action to reverse that trend more quickly — perhaps tighter controls until the levels come back,” he said.

Dr Cleary said sand flathead should start to recover soon because last year the Government reduced the species’ bag limit and increased the legal size.

“Positive changes should start to take effect in the next couple of years,” he said.

Dr Tracey said recovering stocks, including bluefin tuna, still needed to be treated with respect because their numbers remained low.

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Dr Tracey encouraged anglers to become champions for the southern bluefin tuna to further help their recovery.

IMAS has partnered with the recreational fishing foundation to create a “Tuna Champions” program, which encourages anglers to reduces unnecessary mortality and waste.

Dr Tracey said the species had only become available to recreational fishers in recent times, because the commercial sectors had a “free for all” during the 1980s and 1990s.

Since then international fishing agreements, aimed at conserving the species through strict management, has helped the stocks recover.

Dr Tracey said the current level of 13 per cent for southern bluefin tuna was an improvement, but the aim was for the species to reach 20 per cent by 2035.

Masaaki Koyama of Masaaki Sushi.

He said the Tuna Champions program was aimed at raising awareness about responsible practices, to help anglers respect the fish and reduce waste.

“Consider how to make the most out of the meat,” he said.

The program has a series of ambassadors, including renowned Geeveston sushi chef Masaaki Koyama.

“It is best to fillet it straight away in a clean environment, then chill it and let it rest for a day or two,” Mr Koyama suggests.

“That way you get the full flavour of the meat.

“There’s many ways to eat bluefin. My favourite is as sashimi with fresh soy sauce and fresh wasabi, and I like to keep the cheeks and sear them for my breakfast.”

For more go to www.tunachampions.com

LIST OF POPULAR RECREATIONAL SPECIES AND HOW THEY ARE FARING IN LATEST STOCKS REPORT:

Australian salmon — sustainable

southern calamari — depleting

southern rock lobster — sustainable

sand flathead — depleting

tiger flathead — sustainable

gummy shark — sustainable

bastard trumpeter — depleted

banded morwon — depleting