The Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) will feature in an upcoming episode of the AFN Fishing Show, with host Bill Classon travelling to the Arthur River earlier this month to film the ongoing fisheries management work being undertaken on Tasmania’s estuary perch population.

Scheduled to air in late 2026, the episode will delve into the history, current status, and future prospects of estuary perch in the Arthur River system. Viewers will gain an inside look at the IFS survey operations, including recent population monitoring activities carried out by IFS biologists during the filming event.

The trip also provided further information on the distribution of estuary perch in the Arthur River and provided an opportunity to tag some additional fish to assist with future monitoring.

The program will also highlight the successful estuary perch stocking initiatives currently operating in Victoria, managed by the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA). These programs have served as a model for conservation efforts in Tasmania, and the episode will explore the collaborative work between the VFA and the IFS to improve understanding and management of this iconic species.

The IFS hopes the national exposure provided by AFN will help raise awareness of the significance of Tasmania’s estuary perch population and the importance of ongoing conservation efforts.

Please remember that due to their protected status, any estuary perch caught should be released immediately. Penalties apply for taking protected fish.

To assist with ongoing research and contribute to the sustainable management of this species, please report any tagged estuary perch if caught as bycatch while fishing for other species. Take note of the tag number before release and report it to 1300 INFISH or email infish@ifs.tas.gov.au.