Almost all catch (over 95%) is for the domestic live fish trade, particularly Asian restaurant markets in Sydney and Melbourne. The fishery maintains its market position through premium live product delivery, which requires specialised handling and transport throughout the supply chain to maintain fish quality and condition.

The concentration on domestic markets provides strategic advantages including reduced export compliance requirements, shorter supply chains enabling better quality control, and direct relationships with end-users. Live fish command price premiums over fresh or frozen product, though market access requires consistent supply and quality standards. The domestic focus also exposes the fishery to localised market disruptions, as demonstrated by the significant undercatch during the COVID-19 pandemic when restaurant closures reduced demand.

Economic contribution extends beyond direct landing values to include specialised employment in fishing operations, live fish handling and transport services, and supply chain activities throughout Tasmania’s coastal communities.

The Tasmania Banded Morwong Fishery management unit is classified as a sustainable stock. This classification indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired under current management arrangements.

Assessment Evidence

A fishery-independent sampling program implemented early in the fishery’s development has revealed demographic changes in the Banded Morwong stock. The length and age composition has been truncated compared to historical baselines. In recent years, although age compositions appear to have stabilised, old fish (greater than 20 years) are now rarely observed, while relative proportions of fish older than 8 years have increased. Increases in mean length at age of individuals aged between 2-10 years, and declines in length at maturity, have also been observed [Ziegler et al. 2007].

Current research (FRDC Project 2022-009) is addressing critical uncertainties about the relative abundance and exchange of individuals among shallow and deep-water (>30 m) reef habitat, which have fundamental implications for management decisions on current and future TACs. The project aims to quantify reef fish abundance and movements along gradients in fishing intensity and across different reef habitats to improve stock assessment approaches and establish fishery-independent monitoring programs.

Despite these demographic changes, the most recent stock assessment estimated spawning stock biomass (SSB) under current management to be at 39% of initial SSB in 2026 [Stacy and Krueck 2022]. The assessment process runs the “standard” two-area assessment and a “conservative” single-area assessment that addresses a 2021-22 external review indicated biomass could be lower at 30% of initial SSB in 2026. Both estimates indicate that the biomass is unlikely to be depleted and recruitment is unlikely to be impaired.

Total catch in 2023/24 within the TAC area was 35.704 tonnes, representing 99.9% of the TAC. Statewide fishing effort in number of days fished and gear units (100m net hour) decreased slightly compared to 2022/23.

Evidence from stock assessment modelling suggests that the current level of fishing mortality is unlikely to cause the stock to become recruitment impaired. The sustainable classification is maintained through ongoing fishery-dependent data collection, biological sampling programs operational since 1995, and stock assessment modelling designed to detect population trends and inform adaptive management responses.

Stock Structure

There is currently no information available regarding the biological stock structure across the species’ range in south-eastern Australia and New Zealand waters. However, the species’ high degree of site fidelity following settlement suggests that targeted populations in different regions likely represent distinct stocks.

Assessment Methodology

Stock assessment relies on:

Fishery-dependent catch and effort data (quota reporting system)
Biological sampling program (ongoing since 1995) providing length, age, and maturity data -biannual surveys with 2025 being a survey year
Stock assessment modelling with precautionary reference points
External peer review of assessment methodologies (conducted 2021-22)

The assessment framework accounts for the species’ complex life history characteristics, including extended longevity, demographic vulnerability, and habitat dependencies that influence population dynamics. While classified as sustainable overall, ongoing research addresses knowledge gaps regarding stock structure, migration patterns between different depth zones and habitats, and environmental influences on recruitment success.

The Tasmanian Government, Department of Natural Resources and Environment manages the Banded Morwong Fishery through comprehensive frameworks established under the Living Marine Resources Management Act 1995 and implemented through the Fisheries (Scalefish) Rules 2015.

Spatial Management Framework

The fishery operates under a dual-zone management system recognising the different stock densities and fishing pressures.

TAC Area: Concentrated primarily off Tasmania’s east coast (Assessment Areas 1-3) where fishing activity is most intensive. This area requires quota-based harvest controls and enhanced monitoring protocols to ensure sustainable harvest levels.

Non-TAC Area: Covering remaining Tasmanian waters (Assessment Areas 4-5) where fishing effort is lower and input-based controls provide adequate management oversight without requiring individual quota management.

Output Controls
Total Allowable Catch:A quota management system with a TAC was introduced in late 2008 to regulate fishing mortality at key fishing grounds on the east coast. The TAC underwent staged reductions from 38.8 tonnes in 2012-13 to 31 tonnes in 2017-18 to allow stock rebuilding. The TAC remained at 31 tonnes until 2021-22, when it was increased to 35.8 tonnes for a single year to compensate for uncaught quota over two consecutive years following COVID-19 pandemic impacts on restaurant markets. Stock assessment modelling indicated that this temporary increase was unlikely to result in concerning levels of biomass depletion [Stacy and Krueck 2022]. The TAC has been set at 33.4 tonnes for both the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons (33,376 kilograms, quota unit value of 28 kg).
Quota Allocation:Individual transferable quota units provide secure access rights while maintaining harvest accountability. Fishing for Banded Morwong within the TAC area requires holding both a fishing licence (Banded Morwong) and authorised quota units. Outside the TAC area, any holders of a fishing licence (Banded Morwong) can fish without quota authorisation, though all other management measures apply.
Size Limits:The species is subject to keyhole size limits set at a minimum legal size of 360 mm fork length and a maximum legal size of 460 mm fork length. These limits protect both juvenile fish before maturity (given 50% maturity at 320 mm) and larger breeding fish that may contribute disproportionately to reproductive output.
Input Controls
Licensing:Access is controlled through gear licensing requirements within the Scalefish Fishery framework and species-specific licensing for Banded Morwong targeting, restricting participation to qualified operators meeting competency and equipment standards.
Temporal Closure:A seasonal closure is in place from March 1 to April 30 each year, encompassing the species’ peak spawning period. This closure protects spawning aggregations and reproductive processes across all Tasmanian waters regardless of zone.
Gear Restrictions:The fishery primarily employs large mesh gillnet systems (typically 130-140 mm stretched mesh) designed for selective harvest of target-sized Banded Morwong while allowing smaller individuals and non-target species to escape. Shallow deployment depths (5-20 meters) minimise barotrauma effects, supporting both live fish quality for the target species and high post-release survival for incidentally captured individuals [Lyle et al. 2014].
Recreational Controls:Recreational fishing is managed through a bag limit of two fish per day and a possession limit of four fish, combined with the same size limits and seasonal closure applying to commercial operations.
Adaptive Management

The management framework continues to evolve through evidence-based adaptive management. The 2021-22 external review of stock assessment methodologies generated recommendations for model improvements to enhance future assessment accuracy and management effectiveness [Stacy and Krueck 2022]. Management responses incorporate findings from periodic stock assessment reviews, ecological risk assessments, industry feedback, and ongoing monitoring data to enhance sustainability outcomes and operational efficiency.

For management and assessment purposes, a limit reference point has been established whereby spawning stock biomass must not drop below 30% of initial spawning stock biomass in the next five years with 90% probability. This limit reference point exceeds commonly applied thresholds of 20% to account for the longevity and potentially high vulnerability of Banded Morwong to fishing pressure.

The Tasmanian Banded Morwong Fishery employs gillnet harvesting methods within the broader multi-gear Scalefish Fishery framework, representing one of several gear types permitted under scalefish licensing arrangements.

Large Mesh Gillnet Systems

The primary harvesting method utilises large mesh gillnet configurations. Typical mesh sizes range from 130-140 mm stretched mesh, providing selective retention of commercially sized Banded Morwong (above 360 mm fork length minimum) while allowing smaller individuals and many non-target species to pass through or escape.

Gear is deployed on inshore rocky reefs where Banded Morwong aggregate, typically in depth ranges of 5-20 meters. The shallow deployment strategy serves dual purposes: targeting the depth distribution where Banded Morwong are most accessible and minimising barotrauma (pressure-related injuries) in captured fish. This is particularly important for maintaining live fish quality for market but also supports high post-release survival rates for non-target species and undersized individuals.

Post-release survival of Banded Morwong under current maximum permitted gillnet soak durations is very high [Lyle et al. 2014]. The selectivity of large mesh configurations substantially reduces bycatch of smaller, non-target species while maintaining effective harvest of target individuals. Handling protocols emphasise careful extraction and immediate processing procedures to maintain live product quality, which simultaneously benefits conservation objectives through reduced handling mortality.

Gillnetting was assessed as a medium risk activity to Banded Morwong populations in the Ecological Risk Assessment [Bell et al. 2016], with recognition that current management arrangements, particularly the TAC and individual catch quotas, have the objective of gradually rebuilding biomass. The gear’s limited bottom contact compared to trawl or dredge methods results in minimal direct habitat disturbance to reef substrates.

The fishery operates under comprehensive ecological risk assessment protocols that evaluate potential impacts on marine ecosystems and non-target species. Gillnetting was assessed as medium risk in the most recent Ecological Risk Assessment [Bell et al. 2016], with current management arrangements recognised as appropriate for maintaining sustainability objectives.

Selectivity and Bycatch Reduction: Large mesh gillnet configurations (130-140 mm stretched mesh) provide inherent selectivity that substantially reduces capture of non-target species while maintaining efficient harvest of target-sized Banded Morwong. Post-release survival rates for both Banded Morwong and incidentally captured species are very high under current soak time regulations [Lyle et al. 2014]. The gear’s selectivity characteristics, combined with shallow deployment depths minimising barotrauma, support ecosystem conservation objectives alongside commercial fishing operations.

Spawning Protection: Implementation of temporal closures during the March-April peak spawning period ensures protection of reproductive aggregations and recruitment processes. This seasonal closure applies across all Tasmanian waters and is supported by keyhole size limits that protect both pre-recruit juveniles and large spawning individuals.

Monitoring and Data Collection: Comprehensive biological sampling programs operational since 1995 provide essential data for stock assessment and ecosystem monitoring. These programs track demographic changes in the population including length distributions, age structures, and maturity patterns, enabling early detection of concerning trends and supporting adaptive management effectiveness.

Habitat Conservation: Gillnet deployment methods result in minimal direct disturbance to reef substrates compared to mobile gear types. The fishery operates within broader marine spatial planning frameworks including marine park networks, with fishing activity fully excluded in some zones.

Protected Species Considerations: The fishery experiences interactions with Australian and New Zealand fur seals, with 10-35% of net shots reporting seal encounters. These interactions present both operational challenges and conservation considerations. A 2025 Operational Guide provides comprehensive guidance for reducing risks to Endangered, Threatened or Protected Species (ETPS), including deployment protocols, escape mechanisms, and mandatory reporting requirements. Ongoing research initiatives address seal-safe fishing technologies and operational modifications to reduce interaction risks while maintaining fishing efficiency.

The fishery operates under comprehensive ecological risk assessment protocols that evaluate potential impacts on marine ecosystems and non-target species. Gillnetting was assessed as medium risk in the most recent Ecological Risk Assessment [Bell et al. 2016], with current management arrangements recognised as appropriate for maintaining sustainability objectives.

Selectivity and Bycatch Reduction: Large mesh gillnet configurations (130-140 mm stretched mesh) provide inherent selectivity that substantially reduces capture of non-target species while maintaining efficient harvest of target-sized Banded Morwong. Post-release survival rates for both Banded Morwong and incidentally captured species are very high under current soak time regulations [Lyle et al. 2014]. The gear’s selectivity characteristics, combined with shallow deployment depths minimising barotrauma, support ecosystem conservation objectives alongside commercial fishing operations.

Spawning Protection: Implementation of temporal closures during the March-April peak spawning period ensures protection of reproductive aggregations and recruitment processes. This seasonal closure applies across all Tasmanian waters and is supported by keyhole size limits that protect both pre-recruit juveniles and large spawning individuals.

Monitoring and Data Collection: Comprehensive biological sampling programs operational since 1995 provide essential data for stock assessment and ecosystem monitoring. These programs track demographic changes in the population including length distributions, age structures, and maturity patterns, enabling early detection of concerning trends and supporting adaptive management effectiveness.

Habitat Conservation: Gillnet deployment methods result in minimal direct disturbance to reef substrates compared to mobile gear types. The fishery operates within broader marine spatial planning frameworks including marine park networks, with fishing activity fully excluded in some zones.

Protected Species Considerations: The fishery experiences interactions with Australian and New Zealand fur seals, with 10-35% of net shots reporting seal encounters. These interactions present both operational challenges and conservation considerations. A 2025 Operational Guide provides comprehensive guidance for reducing risks to Endangered,L2 Threatened or Protected Species (ETPS), including deployment protocols, escape mechanisms, and mandatory reporting requirements. Ongoing research initiatives address seal-safe fishing technologies and operational modifications to reduce interaction risks while maintaining fishing efficiency.

Regular engagement between industry operators and government regulatory authorities occurs through established consultation mechanisms and advisory processes. Management decisions incorporate independent scientific assessment, industry operational knowledge, and stakeholder input through transparent consultation frameworks. Fishery consultative groups were established from 1 July 2023 to allow communication between NRE Tas fishery managers, fisheries scientists and industry. Traditionally an annual forum is held for the Banded Morwong fishing industry to share fishing observations and for scientists to present the latest scientific information.

Stock assessment processes utilise external review mechanisms to validate modelling approaches and management recommendations. The 2021-22 external review of assessment methodologies exemplifies this commitment to independent scientific scrutiny, with recommendations being progressively implemented to enhance assessment reliability [Stacy and Krueck 2022].

Stock Assessment Uncertainty

The fishery faces ongoing uncertainty in stock assessment models regarding absolute abundance estimates and movement patterns between depth zones and habitat types, reflecting the complexity of assessing long-lived, reef-associated species with limited stock structure information. Precautionary management addresses these uncertainties through a 30% initial spawning stock biomass limit reference point (exceeding the standard 20% threshold) and implementation of recommendations from the 2021-22 external review of assessment methodologies [Stacy and Krueck 2022]. Ongoing research funded through the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation continues to refine assessment models, understand demographic changes, and investigate environmental influences on recruitment variability. Current research includes a postgraduate project (FRDC 2022-009) quantifying Banded Morwong abundance and movements.

Marine Megafauna Interactions

Australian and New Zealand fur seal interactions occur in 10-35% of net deployments, presenting operational difficulties, gear damage, economic impacts, and conservation concerns for protected species. The 2025 Operational Guide provides protocols for risk reduction including deployment strategies, escape mechanisms, and mandatory reporting of all interactions, enabling monitoring of mitigation effectiveness. Research continues into seal-safe technologies and operational modifications including alternative gear configurations, deployment timing, and deterrent methods, though elevated interaction rates may persist given substantial seal population recovery in Tasmanian waters. Operators wishing to use seal deterrents must contact NRE Environment Business Unit for permit training and compliance with Nature Conservation (Wildlife) Regulations 2021 and Firearms Act 1996.

Marine Spatial Planning

While the distributed nature of Banded Morwong habitat provides some flexibility, cumulative closure effects can substantially reduce available fishing area. The historical introduction of restrictions in East and North Coast Shark Refuge Areas led to modified practices and seasonal adjustments. Spatial restrictions from Commonwealth and Tasmanian marine parks, reserves, and research zones continue to further limit access to traditional fishing grounds.

Population Demographic Changes

Significant age structure changes since the 1990s show old fish (>20 years) are now rarely observed, while relative proportions of fish older than 8 years have increased, and mean length at age for 2-10 year individuals has risen [Ziegler et al. 2007]. These demographic shifts indicate fundamental changes in population dynamics potentially reflecting altered fishing mortality, recruitment processes, or environmental influences on growth and survival. While current assessment modelling confirms the population remains sustainable, the truncated age structure reduces resilience to environmental variability and may affect reproductive output if older individuals contribute disproportionately to recruitment. Ongoing biological sampling enables continued demographic tracking, with precautionary management approaches including conservative reference points and responsive TAC adjustments providing mechanisms to address concerns if stock resilience declines.

Climate Change and Environmental Variability

Tasmania’s marine ecosystems are experiencing rapid warming rates with potential impacts on Banded Morwong distribution, recruitment, habitat availability, and productivity through ocean warming, altered currents, and ecosystem shifts. Temperature effects on this temperate reef species are not well understood, though distributional shifts, altered growth rates, or changed reproductive success are possible, while high site fidelity following settlement may limit rapid distributional responses. Environmental monitoring integrated into stock assessment provides capacity to detect correlations between environmental conditions and population parameters, and the adaptive management framework enables responsive catch limit adjustments if productivity effects are detected, though limited understanding of environmental drivers constrains predictive capacity for climate change effects. Marine heatwave conditions occurred on the east coast in 2023/24, and operators are encouraged to report signs of marine heatwave impact to NRE Tas.

Market Development Opportunities

Concentration on domestic Asian restaurant markets in major metropolitan centres presents both opportunities and vulnerabilities, with potential to expand buyer networks, develop new product forms, or access premium market segments valuing demonstrated sustainability credentials. Value-adding opportunities exist through enhanced quality assurance, traceability systems demonstrating wild-caught origin and sustainable management, or marketing initiatives emphasising Tasmania’s environmental stewardship reputation, though live fish focus constrains product development compared to frozen or processed options. Market vulnerability demonstrated during COVID-19 when restaurant closures caused 23.9% TAC undercatch in 2020-21, affecting fisher viability and requiring subsequent TAC adjustment for catch recovery, highlights the need for diversified market channels or buyer networks to enhance resilience to localised disruptions.

Industry is represented in the Government run planning and management process via recognised fishing bodies. The peak bodies represent industry at all ‘fishery consultative group’ meetings.

Industry is represented by the Tasmanian seafood industry peak body, Seafood Industry Tasmania (SIT). An annual levy is charged by the Tasmanian Government during the renewal of each fishing licence (personal) to fund SIT and all persons who hold a fishing licence (personal) are automatically members. The Government consults with SIT on a broad range of issues relating to the fishery.