Fisheries management with particular reference to commercially exploited stocks around Tasmania

Multipurpose usage of the sea, including its major Role as a source of high quality protein,demands the development and implementation of scientifically based management programmes. Technological advances in fishing have exaggerated the need for fisheries management based on stock assesment. A fish stock as a naturally renewable natural resource behaves generally in a manner susceptible to prediction by mathematical modelling. The work of Schaeffer and of Beverton and Holt is the basis of most currently used models. Economics play a major role in controlling commercial fisheries are discussed in detail. A pot fishery for southern rock lobster is slightly over exploited and a reduction in the amount of effort seems to be required if production is to return to peak levels. A relatively new fishery for abalone based on collection by divers shows little sihn of reaching maximum production although a previously steady increase in fished area now has ceased. The scallop fishery in D’Entrecasteaux Channel has collapsed and overfishing seems to have been a factor but other factors unrelated t fishing play some part.