The Commonwealth Scallop Fishery in Bass Strait opened last week with a catch limit of 3,000 tonnes for the season - the highest the fishery has seen in six years.
The Australian Fishery Management Authority (AFMA) CEO, Dr James Findlay, said that the fishery is in great condition with operators set to have a strong season.
“A scientific survey conducted to assess the stock has shown that there are a good number of quality scallops available to be harvested this year in Bass Strait,” Dr Findlay said.
He said that AFMA monitors the fishing fleet 24/7 to ensure it is harvesting sustainably and a healthy scallop stock is maintained for future years. The catch limit is set by the independent AFMA Commission and, based on the scientific advice, caps the amount of stock that can be harvested. AFMA provides further stock protection by closing areas of the fishery where large scallop beds are able to spawn undisturbed.
About 12 fishing boats work out of Tasmania and Victoria during the season, which closes again on 31 December 2016.
