15/09/2026
Perhaps the most important issue facing our sport going forward is the current review of the Australian Marine Parks. It affects every state and most of the treasured fishing grounds that we take for granted. The importance and urgency of this campaign cannot be underestimated. The future of our sport is in jeopardy unless we get significant concessions.
The Australian Government has committed to reviewing management plans for Australia’s marine park networks. The government has also committed to expanding the area of Australian waters classified as “Highly Protected” to at least 30% by 2030. Meeting that target will require at least a further 523,980 km² of Australian waters to be declared no-fishing areas. It is important these additional no-fishing areas do not include your favourite fishing spots.
The Tasmanian Game Fishing Association in conjunction with the Game Fishing Association of Australia supports well-managed marine parks that protect Australia's unique marine environment while providing for sustainable recreational fishing. As new management plans for Australia's Commonwealth marine parks are developed, we encourage Parks Australia to:
Recognise recreational fishing as a valued low-impact activity in Commonwealth marine parks that provides significant social, cultural, economic and wellbeing benefits.
Retain access to important recreational fishing grounds, including reefs, canyons, banks, seamounts, game fishing grounds and offshore locations important to local fishers.
Only restrict recreational fishing where there is clear scientific evidence that fishing presents an unacceptable risk to a specific conservation objective of the marine park.
Where restrictions on fishing are demonstrated to be necessary, apply the least restrictive measures capable of achieving the specific desired conservation outcome.
Work collaboratively with recreational fishers to develop simple, practical management that is easy to understand, and regularly reviewed to ensure it delivers conservation outcomes and supports quality fishing experiences.
Recognise and support fishers as partners in marine conservation by investing in amenities to support recreational fishing and collaborative citizen science programs that harness the knowledge, experience and stewardship of fishing clubs and recreational fishers.
The Tasmanian Game Fishing Association stands with the Game Fishing Association of Australia and believes healthy marine ecosystems and quality recreational fishing experiences are complementary objectives. Well-designed marine parks should protect Australia's marine environment while celebrating recreational fishing as a valued and sustainable low-impact activity within Australia's Commonwealth marine parks.
By completing and signing one or both of the optional submissions below, you will be supporting the submission statement above being lodged on behalf of the Game Fishing Association of Australia. Whether anglers live or regularly fish in any of the marine parks, their voice is important to prevent the encroachment of exclusion zones.
The online version of the submission is designed for clubs to use through social media, circulated to members.
Online option link
https://www.gfaa.asn.au/marine-parks-submissions.php
For states, clubs, and individuals who choose to make a more comprehensive submission, the toolbox link, which includes maps and more background information, can be used. This is a coordinated effort from GFAA and the national peak recreational fishing body, Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF).
Toolbox option link
https://www.gfaa.asn.au/marine-parks
The links are embedded in the website but are not public at this stage.
Submissions to Marine Parks close 4:00pm AEST, 30 September 2026. GFAA needs completed submissions before 23rd September.
Game Fishing Club of Northern Tasmania
St.Helens Game Fishing Club
Southern Gamefish Club Inc
Sports Fishing Club of Tasmania Inc.
The Tuna Club of Tasmania inc
Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation
GFAA - The Game Fishing Association of Australia
TARFish
