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Review of size, bag and boat limits in South Australia’s recreational fishing sector, marine and freshwater SUPPORT DOCUMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA January 2016
Review of size, bag and boat limits in South Australia’s recreational fishing sector, marine and freshwater Information current as of January 2016 © Government of South Australia 2016 Disclaimer PIRSA and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability and currency or otherwise. PIRSA and its employees expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice. In this document common and scientific fish names are, where possible, according to AS:SSA-001 Australian Fish Names Standard published by Seafood Services Australia in July 2007, as amended from time to time. The use of this standard is regulated in the South Australian Fisheries Management Act 2007. All enquiries Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) Level 14, 25 Grenfell Street GPO Box 1671, Adelaide SA 5001 T 08 8226 Objective ID: A1281801 JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 2
Table of Contents Introduction 5 This review 5 Summary of proposed changes 6 Future reviews 7 Key Marine Finfish Species 8 Southern Garfish Hyporhamphus melanochir 8 King George Whiting Sillaginodes punctatus 10 Snapper Chrysophrys auratus 11 Australian Herring (Tommy Ruff) Arripis georgianus 13 Australian Salmon - Western (Arripis truttacea) 14 Other Marine/Estuarine Finfish Species 15 Albacore Thunnus alalunga 15 Bight Redfish, Swallowtail, Redfish/Nannygai Centroberyx spp. 16 Blue Morwong Nemadactylus valenciennsi 16 Bluethroat Wrasse Notolabrus tetricus 17 Bream Acanthopagrus spp. 18 Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii 19 Flathead Platycephalus spp. 20 Flounder Family Pleuronectidae and Family Bothidae 20 Harlequin Fish Othos dentex 20 Mullet Family Mugilidae 21 Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus 21 Samsonfish Seriola hippos 22 Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex 22 Snook Sphyraena novaehollandiae 23 Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyyii 23 Sweep Scorpis spp. 24 Western Blue Groper Achoerdus gouldii 25 Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares 25 Yellowfin Whiting Sillago schomburgkii 25 Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi 26 Sharks 27 Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus 27 School Shark Galeorhinus galeus 27 Whaler Sharks (Bronze and Dusky) Charcharhinus spp. 28 Key Marine Invertebrates 29 Blue Swimmer Crab Portunus armatus (formerly P. pelagicus) 29 Southern Calamari Sepiotheuthis australis 30 Pipi (Goolwa Cockle) Donax deltoides 30 Other Marine Invertebrates 32 Abalone Haliotis spp. 32 Black cowry Zoila friendii thersites 32 Bloodworms Glycera ovigera 32 JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 3
Giant Crab Pseudocarcinus gigas 33 Sand Crab Ovalipes australiensis. 33 Cockle Katelysia spp (Mud Cockle) 34 Cuttlefish Sepia spp 34 Razorfish Pinna bicolor 34 Scallop Family Pectinidae 35 Sea Urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma 35 Southern Rock Lobster Jasus edwardsii 36 Freshwater species 37 Cooper Creek Catfish Neosiluroides cooperensis 37 Catfish - Hyrtl’s Tandan Neosilurus hyrtlii and Silver Tandan Porocilus argenteus 37 Golden Perch (Murray Catchment) Macquaria ambigua 38 Golden Perch/Lake Eyre Perch Macquaria spp. 38 Grunter Terapontidae spp. (except Silver Perch) 39 Spangled Perch Leiopotherapon unicolor 39 Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii 40 Trout, Brown Salmo trutta and Rainbow Oncorhynchus mykiss 41 Yabby Cherax destructor 41 References 42 Appendix 49 JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 4
Introduction
The most recent survey of recreational fishing estimated that approximately 277,000 South Australians
enjoyed recreational fishing in 2013/14 (Giri et al. 2015). Recreational fishing generates valuable social and
economic benefits to regional areas of the state. For future generations to continue to enjoy this activity, it
is imperative that recreational fishing is managed in a way that shares the stocks and protects the aquatic
environment.
A recent definition of recreational fishing is “fishing activities undertaken either for personal consumption or
for fun, sport, thrill of the catch or social bonding” (Arlinghaus et al. 2010). This definition highlights a social
shift in which increasing numbers of recreational fishers seek to enjoy the total fishing experience in addition
to harvesting fish. However, research has shown that a relatively small proportion of fishers account for a
significant proportion of recreational fishing effort in Australia (Henry and Lyle 2003), indicating substantial
latent effort in this sector of South Australia’s fisheries.
One of the ways that recreational fishers are able to continue to operate sustainably, and at the same time
experience high quality fishing, is through the application of personal harvest limits. Since the mid-1970s
personal bag limits (the number of fish of each species that one person can harvest in one day) have been
applied to key recreationally important species in South Australia. Boat limits, which limit the harvest per
boat trip (usually 3 times the bag limit), were introduced in 1994. Size limits, applied to both commercial and
recreational sectors, have been in place for many more years. Where possible, size limits are chosen to
allow fish at least one spawning period in which to reproduce. This information is not always known, and
some size limits have been chosen for other reasons such as precautionary approach, controlling harvest
and marketing reasons.
The first formal review of recreational regulations, including size, bag and boat limits, occurred in 1998
(PIRSA 1998). That review introduced recreational fishers to a number of innovative options for regulating
their catches, and these included simplified multi-species bag limits and commercial quantity limits.
This review
The present review aims to update the existing limits by taking into account the status of fishery stocks,
harvest shares and recent biological research, and is guided by the principle that recreational fishing is
considered a sport/pleasure activity and is not managed to provide a return on investment in boats or fishing
gear. This review takes the stance that current harvest shares between recreational and commercial fishers
should be maintained unless there are explicit reasons for changing shares1.
In preparing this review, advice has been sought from fisheries scientists, fisheries managers, compliance
officers as well as the RecFish SA and the Conservation Council of South Australia. The review covers all
recreational fishing including that undertaken as part of the SA Charter Boat Fishery. It does not include
review of gear or closures.
At the front of this document is a summary and recommendations section that highlights any changes that
have been proposed in an easy to reference section
This is followed by the detail for each species including:
• current limits
• proposed changes
• fishery biology in brief (including distribution and size at first maturity where known). Unless
otherwise specified, fish species distribution information is taken from Gomon et al. (2008) and
invertebrate distribution from Edgar (2000)
1 Catch allocation is based on catches by SA residents only, and does not include the catch taken by interstate
residents fishing in SA waters.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 5• current stock status, if known
• catch from the 2007/2008 (Jones, 2009) and 20014/2015 recreational fishing surveys (Giri et al.
2015)
• percent of total harvest, if known, from the 2013/14 (Giri et al. 2015) recreational fishing survey
• reasons for proposed changes
A list of meetings and workshops held to inform this review (Table 2) and the current recreational size, bag
and boat limits and a summary of the proposed changes can be found in Appendix 1 at the end of the
document.
For convenience the species are grouped into the following sections and listed alphabetically within each
sections:
a) Primary marine finfish
b) Other marine/estuarine finfish
c) Primary invertebrates
d) Other invertebrates
e) Freshwater species
The recreational fishery is largely regulated through size limits, bag and boat limits (which is the focus for
this review). Fishing rules also apply in relation to fishing gear, closures (spatial and temporal) and
protected species (these rules are not considered by this review). The legal minimum length is generally
set so that most fish will have the chance to reach their reproductive size. With the protection of size limits,
most fish will survive to spawn at least once before capture. This allows the replenishment of the species.
Bag limits are also a management measure for protecting and maintaining fish stocks, as this restricts the
number of fish taken by fishers.
Summary of proposed changes
The review proposes to:
reduce the bag/boat limit for Garfish, Australian Herring, Samsonfish, Western Blue Groper, Large
(>60cm) Yellowtail Kingfish, Blue Swimmer Crab/Sand Crabs state-wide (grouping of six species)
reduce the bag/boat limit for Snapper in Spencer gulf, Scallops in Coffin Bay and formalise the
reduction in the bag limit for Pipi on Gunyah Beach (grouping of three species)
increase the bag/boat limit for Spangled Perch (one species)
increase the size limit for Bream, Mulloway (Marine waters) and Samsonfish (grouping of three
species)
introduce a maximum size limit (slot limit) for Blue Throat Wrasse and Whaler Sharks (grouping of
two species)
introduce limits for Albacore, Bloodworms, Blue Throat Wrasse, Whaler Sharks, Congolli, and
Harlequin Fish (grouping of six species)
introduce boat limits/car boot limits for Pipi and Yabbies (grouping of two species)
remove limits for Yellowfin Tuna (one species)
protect Cooper Creek Catfish from fishing (one species)
Some species have more than one proposed change (e.g. changes to size limit and bag limit). These
changes are outlined in Table 1 of the Review in the Appendix (page 50) and explained under the description
for each species. There are no changes proposed for 20 regulated species. In addition, it should be noted
that a separate review document has been prepared for consultation on proposed new management options
for King George Whiting.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 6Future reviews
Future ‘Recreational Size Boat and Bag Limit Reviews’, will be undertaken as necessary as part of the
review of the ‘Management Plan for Recreational Fishing in South Australia’ (the management plan), which
is required to occur every 5 years.
In addition, individual species arrangements may be reviewed, as per the management plan, where:
• the status of the species has changed and the need for a management change in the recreational
fishery sector is identified following updated scientific information (harvest strategy)
• a change to the recreational catch is needed in order to maintain the sector’s catch within its
allocated share where updated catch information is available and a management change is
considered necessary to maintain shares (allocation)
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 7Key Marine Finfish Species
Southern Garfish Hyporhamphus melanochir
Current limits: Min Size: 23 cm. Bag: 60. Boat: 180
Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 60 to 30, and boat limit from 180 to 90.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological The status of Garfish stocks in both gulfs are currently classified as transitional
depleting.
A reduction to recreational bag limit will contribute to meeting the harvest fraction
targets in the Garfish harvest strategy.
Social The current limits (Bag: 60. Boat: 180) are considered excessive by some members
in the community, and maybe considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing.
As many recreational fishers do not reach their daily bag limit, such a reduction to the
bag limit will not impact all fishers, and/or will not impact every fishing trip. It is therefore
considered that a bag limit reduction would have limited impact on most fishers.
A bag limit of 30 and a boat limit of 90 Garfish is a moderate amount for a single day’s
fishing for immediate personal and family needs.
Other information The Garfish Harvest Strategy key aim is to recover the fishery by reducing the harvest
fraction and increasing egg production. Commercial management changes have been
implemented, including hauling net seasonal closures in the commercial Garfish
fishery to reduce exploitation. In addition, new gear restrictions on hauling nets were
implemented in 2013 to minimise and avoid the capture of undersize Garfish. In 2015,
further restrictions were introduced for haul nets combined with an increase to the
commercial size limit of Garfish to increase the age of Garfish captured in the
commercial fishery and avoid undersize Garfish.
Garfish are a schooling species and found in shallow, inshore marine waters throughout southern Australia
from Shark Bay in Western Australia to Eden in southern New South Wales, including Tasmania (Kailola et
al. 1993). Southern Garfish have been particularly abundant in the two gulf regions of South Australia.
The association with sheltered seagrass habitat is linked to diet, a hypothesis first proposed over 50 years
ago (Ling 1958). This has been supported by several more recent studies in both Victoria and South
Australia. The study undertaken in north eastern Gulf St. Vincent confirmed that Zosteracean seagrasses
were consumed in relatively large quantities during the day, followed by a switch to hyperbenthic
invertebrates in lower volumes at night (McGarvey et al. 2009).
The estimated L502 for female Southern Garfish in South Australia is 21.5 cm (total length), equivalent to
1.7 years old, which is smaller than for fish in both Victoria and Western Australia (Ye et al. 2002b). This,
along with other evidence, suggests that the size and age of first maturity have decreased over time, possibly
2 L50 is the size (length) when 50% of females are sexually mature.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 8as a result of a high exploitation rate (McGarvey et al. 2009). Southern Garfish are serial spawners with asynchronous oocyte development that occurs simultaneously in reproductively-active gonads. Spawning throughout the SA gulfs extends from October to March and during the summer of 1997/98 there appeared to be two spawning peaks, one during November/December and the other in February; mean estimate of batch fecundity is 960 oocytes (McGarvey et al. 2009). Commercial catch samples taken during the 1990s were aged for a study on age and growth (Ye et al. 2002a). Seven age classes were present in the catch, from 0+ to 6+ age classes. However the catches were dominated by 1+ and 2+ fish which accounted for 88.8% of all fish sampled. Similar breakdowns in age classes were shown in recent ageing work from the northern parts of the two gulfs (Fowler et al. 2008a). This age structure demonstrates that a single year class dominates the fishery for approximately 12 months before it is fished down and replaced by the following year class. Under such circumstances fishery productivity is driven by inter-annual variation in recruitment (McGarvey et al. 2009). The age structure described above has not altered in recent years but differs markedly from that recorded in the 1950s. This historical comparison suggests that the fished populations of the upper gulfs are now significantly truncated with respect to size and age, consistent with high, long-term exploitation rates the Southern Garfish populations have been subject to (McGarvey et al. 2009). In 2007/08, 74.82 t were harvested by recreational fishers and in 2013/14, 79.82 t were estimated to have been harvested (23.3% of the total harvest for this species). Southern Garfish are classified as transitional depleting in both gulfs (Steer.M et al. 2012). The size and age structures of the stocks are considered severely truncated as a result of high and sustained levels of exploitation. Despite a significant restructure in 2005 of the commercial fishery and spatial closures there has been little sign of improvement (Steer et al. 2011). A Garfish Harvest Strategy has been developed in the Management Plan for the South Australian Commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery. The key aim of the harvest strategy is recovery of the fishery by reducing the harvest fraction and increasing egg production. The commercial sector has implemented a series of stepped management measures (mesh size reductions, commercial size limit increase, and winter fishing closures) to reduce the commercial harvest fraction in line with the Garfish harvest strategy. Everyone who catches Garfish is contributing to the current stock issue, and as such their activities must be taken into account in developing a solution and arrangements for managing Garfish. Management changes have been progressively implemented in the commercial sector to assist in rebuilding Southern Garfish stocks in line with the Garfish Harvest Strategy. These commercial management changes, including hauling nets seasonal closures in the commercial Garfish fishery, were implemented in 2012, 2013 2014 and 2015 to reduce exploitation. A total of 40 days is now closed to Garfish fishing in the peak catching period. In addition, new gear restrictions on hauling nets were implemented in 2013 to minimise and avoid the capture of undersize Garfish. In 2015, further restrictions were introduced for haul nets combined with an increase to the commercial size limit of Garfish to increase the age of Garfish captured in the commercial fishery and avoid undersize Garfish. In line with the Garfish Harvest Strategy and maintaining each sectors catch shares, the recreational bag limit of Garfish should be reduced for sustainability reasons. A reduction to recreational bag limit will contribute to the harvest fraction targets in the Garfish Harvest Strategy which apply to all sectors in proportion to their catch share. JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 9
King George Whiting Sillaginodes punctatus Current limits: Min Size: 30 cm west of 136°. 31 cm east of 136°, Bag: 12. Boat: 36, Possession limit: 6 times bag limit 72 fish or 10 kg fillets or 36 fish and 5 kgs of fillets Proposal: Separate management review underway King George Whiting are a member of the family Sillaginidae and are endemic to the shelf waters of southern Australia ranging from Port Jackson on the east coast through Bass Strait and west to Jurien Bay on the west coast of Australia (Kailola et al. 1993). Juveniles occur in shallow waters to depths of 20 m, whilst adults are found in a range of habitats and depths from sandy patches in seagrass meadows to more exposed waters along coastal beaches and reef areas in the continental shelf waters to depths of 50 m and greater (Kailola et al. 1993). The nursery areas for King George Whiting are shallow, protected bays where the post-larvae arrive during the winter and spring each year (Fowler et al. 2008a). Spawning in South Australia occurs at the offshore grounds to which fish migrate, including Investigator Strait along the north coast of Kangaroo Island and south-eastern Spencer Gulf around Corny Point and Wardang Island (Fowler et al. 2008a). Spawning typically occurs between March and May. King George Whiting are serial batch spawners, yet the number of spawnings in a season is unknown. Batch fecundity increases as the female fish grow; from an average of 100 000 eggs at 34 cm total length to 800 000 eggs at 45 cm (Kailola et al. 1993). King George Whiting eggs are buoyant and the larvae are planktonic. The larvae move inshore to sheltered areas and settle out of the plankton between 60 and 150 days old and 15-18 mm long, depending on when spawned. Juveniles remain in protected waters for 2-3 years. King George Whiting greater than 25 cm total length generally move to deeper water, particularly during winter (Kailola et al. 1993) (Fowler and McGarvey 2000). The King George Whiting fishery is a ‘gauntlet’ fishery, which relates to their migratory behaviour and targeting by both sectors of juvenile fish on route to their spawning grounds. When the fish reach approximately three years of age and approximately 30 cm in length, they undertake a once-off migration between the shallow, protected waterways to deeper, offshore waters (Fowler et al. 2002). As they do this, they run the gauntlet of fishing lines and nets that are used to target them. Some fish must complete this migration in order to replenish the populations of mature, adult fish that undertake the reproductive activity. A maximum age of 22 years and a maximum size of 72 cm total length and 4.8 kg have been recorded. Growth rates vary from region to region, depending on the water temperature. King George Whiting grow rapidly in the summer months of December to March. They typically reach 31 cm in 3-4 years (Kailola et al. 1993). Maturity is attained at 3 or 4 years of age when males are between 27 cm and 32 cm total length and females between 32 cm and 36 cm total length. The sex ratio at that time is even but among older fish (greater than 50 cm total length) females are 4 times more numerous than males (Kailola et al. 1993). Juvenile King George Whiting feed on benthic amphipods and other crustaceans. As they grow larger their diet expands to include polychaete worms, molluscs and peanut worms (Sipuncula). Adult King George Whiting are preyed upon mostly by sharks, whilst juveniles are eaten by other fish such as flathead (Platycephalidae), Australian Salmon (Arripis species) and Barracouta (Thyrsites atun). The Spencer Gulf stock was classified as ‘transitional depleting’ based on declining trends for some key King George Whiting performance indicators: modelled biomass as outputted from the computer model ‘WhitEst’, commercial catch, commercial effort and commercial catch per unit effort (CPUE). The Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island stock was also classified as ‘transitional depleting’, due to declining trends in key performance indicators for fishery statistics and fishable biomass. For both stocks there were record low commercial catch and effort in 2013. In 2007/08, 324.3 t were harvested by recreational fishers and in 2013/14, 366.9 t were estimated to have been harvested (58.1% of the total harvest for this species). JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 10
There will be a separate process for the consideration of management review for King George Whiting, as
this species was identified as needing a management change given the stock was classified as ‘Transitional
depleting’ in the most recent stock assessment for the species. A management options paper has been
provided for public consultation on the proposed management options. Feedback on this options paper may
be provided as part of this size, bag and boat limit review.
Snapper Chrysophrys auratus
Current limits:
Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island
Min Size: 38 cm.
Bag: 38 – 60 cm: 5. Bag: > 60 cm: 2
Boat: 38 – 60 cm: 15. Boat: > 60 cm: 6
All other waters
Bag: 38 – 60 cm: 10. Bag: > 60 cm: 2
Boat: 38 – 60 cm: 30. Boat: > 60 cm: 6
Proposal: Change bag limits for Snapper between 38 cm – 60 cm in all other waters to 5, and boat limits to
15 for all state waters. No changes to Snapper larger than 60 cm
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological Snapper stocks are considered transitional depleting in Southern and Northern
Spencer Gulf, South East, Southern Gulf St Vincent. The Snapper stock in Northern
Gulf St Vincent is considered sustainable.
This review recommends that bag limits be standardised across state to 5 for fish of
38-60 cm (boat limit of 15). This will assist with reducing fishing pressure on Snapper
and more closely reflects the status of the stocks.
Social The current Spencer Gulf limits (Bag: 15. Boat: 30) are considered excessive by some
members in the community, and may be considered above what is reasonable in a
day’s fishing.
A bag limit of 5 Snapper 38 to 60 cm and 2 Snapper over 60 cm, and a boat limit of 15
Snapper 38 to 60 cm and 6 Snapper over 60 cm, given the species’ large size, is a
moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.
Other information A number of management measures were introduced for Snapper in the commercial
fishery. These changes included:
• extension (15 days) of the annual state-wide Snapper fishing closure from 1
November to midday 15 December to provide the species with increased
protection from fishing activity while spawning occurs
• temporary seasonal Snapper spawning spatial closures 15 December – 30
January to maximise opportunities for spawning success and promote future
recruitment to the fishery
• 500 kg daily commercial trip limits, to control the level of commercial impact
on Snapper stocks
• an upper limit of 200 hooks by commercial longline operators inside the gulfs,
400 hooks outside the gulfs to control the level of commercial impact on
Snapper stocks.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 11Snapper are found in a broad range of habitats from shallow, coastal, demersal areas to the edge of the
continental shelf and across a depth range from 1 – 200 m. The broad distribution is thought to be divisible
into a number of separate stocks, including a division between Victorian and South Australian stocks in the
vicinity of the mouth of the River Murray. Snapper can also form separate stocks at spatial scales smaller
than the regional geographic scale. However there is little evidence for any finer-scale genetic differentiation
amongst Snapper captured from the remaining SA waters.
Spawning in northern Spencer Gulf commences in late November, peaking in December and declining in
January before finishing in early February. The timing appears to be approximately one month later in the
Southern Spencer Gulf (Fowler et al. 2010a). Snapper are multiple batch spawners that spawn over several
consecutive days. While spawning seems to occur widely through SA, the main nursery areas are thought
to be in the northern parts of both gulfs, particularly Spencer Gulf (Fowler et al. 2010a). Mature adults form
large aggregations in preferred spawning areas. Spawning generally occurs in waters less than 50 m deep
(Kailola et al. 1993).
Snapper eggs are pelagic and hatch after approximately 36 hours at 21°C. The larvae are also pelagic and
take 20-30 days to develop before they become demersal juveniles (Fowler et al. 2010a). Studies on the
distribution patterns of eggs are limited but they have patchy distribution patterns, which suggest distinct
spawning hotspots. Recruitment of Snapper is highly variable (Fowler et al. 2010a). The life history model
for Snapper suggests that the majority of fish remain resident to their region whilst a lower proportion of fish
are migrants (Fowler et al. 2010a)
Snapper are long-lived and slow-growing fish; the oldest estimate of age obtained so far from SA is 36 years.
The age structures of Snapper from different regions of SA show the presence of strong and weak year
classes (Fowler et al. 2010a). Age at first maturity also varies throughout their distribution. Snapper from
New South Wales are, on average, 3 years old and 30 cm fork length at first maturity. Snapper in Port Philip
Bay first breed when they are about 4 years old and 27 cm total length, while those from Southern Australian
waters are about 28 cm total length at first maturity. In New Zealand, some juvenile Snapper change sex
from female to male but all such changes are completed by the onset of maturity. There have been no
investigations of sex reversal in Australian Snapper populations (Kailola et al. 1993).
Following an extensive review of Snapper management arrangements from 2011 through to 2013, which
included State wide public consultation, a number of management measures were introduced for Snapper.
These changes included:
• an extension (15 days) of the annual state-wide Snapper fishing closure from 1 November to
midday 15 December in order to provide the species with increased protection from fishing activity
while spawning occurs
• temporary seasonal Snapper spawning spatial closures 15 December – 30 January to maximise
opportunities for spawning success and promote future recruitment to the fishery
• 500 kg daily commercial trip limits to control the level of commercial impact on Snapper stocks
• an upper limit of 200 hooks by commercial longline operators inside the gulfs, 400 hooks outside
the gulfs to control the level of commercial impact on Snapper stocks
There are five biological Snapper stocks recognised in South Australian waters: Gulf St Vincent, southern
Spencer Gulf, northern Spencer Gulf, West Coast and South East. The first four of these stocks appear to
be genetically similar but demonstrate some physical or biochemical differences (Fowler et al. 2004). Recent
stock assessments suggest that most of the biomass exists in three biological stocks: Gulf St Vincent,
southern Spencer Gulf and northern Spencer Gulf (Fowler et al. 2010). Southern Spencer Gulf, Northern
Spencer Gulf, and South East were classified as transitional depleting, and Gulf St Vincent sustainable. The
information on the status of these three biological stocks is provided from the Status of Key Australian Fish
Stocks 2014 report, which considered fishery information up until 2013/14.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 12The recreational harvest of Snapper in 2007/08 was 177.55 t (19.3% of the total harvest, 10% of which is
charter boat take3) and in 2013/14 the estimated harvest was 332.49 t (37.6% of the total harvest for this
species). When the varying limits were introduced there was a larger biomass of Snapper in Spencer Gulf.
Since then the situation has fluctuated and the differing limits are no longer the best option. Reduction in
the bag limit in non-GSV waters to be equal to that in GSV reflects this new distribution data.
Australian Herring (Tommy Ruff) Arripis georgianus
Current limits: Min Size: none. Bag: 60. Boat: 180
Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 60 to 40 and boat limit from 180 to 120.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological The Australian Herring stock has been considered as depleted, with a high risk to the
sustainability of the stocks.
A reduction to recreational bag limit will contribute to recover of the species.
Social The current limits (Bag: 60. Boat: 180) are considered excessive by some members
in the community, and may be considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing.
As many recreational fishers do not reach their daily bag limit such a reduction to the
bag limit will not impact all fishers, and/or will not impact every fishing trip. It is therefore
considered that a bag limit reduction would have limited impact on most fishers.
It is noted that Australian Herring are used for both consumption and bait.
A bag limit of 40 and a boat limit of 120 Australian Herring is a moderate amount for a
single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.
Other information The WA report ‘Status of near shore fish stocks in south-western Western Australia:
Part 1; Australia Herring’ describes the status of Australian Herring as being depleted,
with a high risk to the sustainability of the stocks due to:
• high estimates of fishing mortality
• high percentage of immature fish in the catch
• truncated size and age structures
• relatively poor recruitment since 1999
In WA, to encourage sustainable fishing and protect the Australian Herring stock, a
daily bag limit was reduced from 30 to 12 for recreational fishers came into force on 1
March 2015.
A number of management measures have already occurred in SA to the commercial
Marine Scalefish Fishery net licences, which have inadvertently reduced the
commercial effort and catch of Australian Herring over time.
Australian Herring, also called ‘Tommy Ruff’, is an inshore schooling fish endemic to southern Australian
waters and is generally fished off jetties. In 2007/08 it was the third and 2013/14 the second most commonly
caught marine finfish in SA (Jones 2009 and Giri et al. 2015 ). The only known spawning aggregations occur
off the south west Western Australian coast and are dependent on local WA recruits and sub-adults passing
through gauntlet fisheries from SA, Victoria and Tasmania.
3 Based on the SA component, does not take into account interstate component.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 13Size of first maturity (L50) of females is 20 cm in Western Australia. In some years, a strong current carries most eggs and larvae south and as far east as Victoria. In other years, more eggs and larvae stay on WA’s west coast. Herring stay where they settle until reaching maturity, when they migrate back to WA’s lower west coast to spawn. After this they stay on WA’s west coast – there is no return migration. Australian herring aggregate on the WA west coast around May to June to spawn. This life cycle has important implications for South Australia, as the fish caught in South Australia are immature/pre-spawning fish, which must migrate back to the WA west coast if they are to spawn. The recreational harvest of Australian Herring in 2007/08 was 93.04 t and in 2013/14 was 157.23 t. This fish is considered to be a good training species for children learning to fish. There was a substantial decrease in Australian Herring recreational catch from 3.3 million fish in 2000/01 to 0.8 million in 2007/08. There was an increase in 2013/14 to 1.0 million fish, however it is worth noting that this is still lower than 2000/01. The WA report ‘Status of near shore fish stocks in south-western Western Australia: Part 1; Australia Herring’ describes the status of Australian Herring as being depleted, with a high risk to the sustainability of the stocks due to: • high estimates of fishing mortality • high percentage of immature fish in the catch • truncated size and age structures • relatively poor recruitment since 1999 SA and WA fisheries have both observed a decline in annual commercial landings since the 1990s, with both fisheries in 2011 experiencing the lowest catches on record. WA catch rates have also declined during this period, while the SA catch rates have declined and fluctuated since a peak in 1997/98. In Western Australia, where the majority (~ 75%) of the total commercial and recreational catch occurs, a daily bag limit was reduced from 30 to 12 for recreational fishers. In addition, closure of the commercial South Coast G trap-net Fishery came into force on 1 March 2015. These measures were intended to encourage sustainable fishing and protect the Australian Herring stock. A combination of environmental factors and fishing pressure has been identified as the cause of the current concerns. In SA, a number of management measures have already occurred to the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery net licences that have inadvertently reduced the commercial effort and catch of Australian Herring over time. There will be ongoing monitoring of the Australian Herring stock in SA and WA. This information, will inform any new management arrangements, which will be reviewed by the end of 2016. Australian Salmon - Western (Arripis truttacea) Current limits: Min Size: 21 cm Bag: 20 (21-35 cm), 10 (>35 cm). Boat: 60 (21-35 cm), 30 (>35 cm) Proposal: No change Australian Salmon is an inshore schooling fish endemic to southern Australian waters and is a species of high sport fishing value, especially when fished from shore (Lindsay et al. 1998). The only known spawning aggregations for the Western stock occur off the south west Western Australian coast and are dependent on local WA recruits and sub-adults passing through gauntlet fisheries from SA, Victoria and Tasmania. There are two species of Australian Salmon: Eastern Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta) and Western Australian Salmon (A. truttaceus). The Western Australian Salmon biological stock is distributed from Kalbarri in Western Australia southwards to South Australia, Victoria and the west coast of Tasmania. Both species have spawning areas that allow eggs and larvae to be dispersed by the prevailing currents, JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 14
southwards and then eastwards by the Leeuwin Current. The fish then grow and mature before moving back
towards their spawning areas.
Western Australian Salmon live to 12 years of age with a maximum size of 85 cm. They reach maturity (L50)
at 3–5 years; 60–65 cm (fork length). The smaller size ranges of this species (known as “salmon trout”) are
regarded as a ‘bread and butter’ species for recreational fishing.
The estimated recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 91.30 t (89.7% of the total harvest) and in 2013/14 it was
estimated at 56.23 t (48% of the total harvest). Low catches in the commercial sector (Marine Scalefish
Fishery) are due to historically low levels of targeted fishing effort (Fowler 2010b).
Western Australian Salmon are an excellent fighting fish, which can be targeted from shore and out in boats.
They are mostly fished for along the beaches and rocky headlands. Australian Salmon are also reported to
inhabit deeper water at times and have been found in depths of up to 80 metres.
There are no sustainability issues for Australian Salmon that require a change in limits.
Other Marine/Estuarine Finfish Species
Albacore Thunnus alalunga
Current limits: None.
Proposal: Introduce a bag limit of 2 and a boat limit of 64.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological There is currently no bag limit for this species. As a conservative/precautionary
approach the introduction of a bag limit for the species is proposed.
Social Albacore are a large fish species. A bag limit of 2 and boat limit of 6 may be considered
above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing
Other information The recreational harvest in 2007/08 for all tuna was 44,171 kg (this includes Southern
Bluefin Tuna). However, there is anecdotal evidence of recent increases in Albacore
take, particularly in the South East of SA. Victoria currently has a bag/possession limit
of 5 for Albacore and Skipjack Tuna.
While Albacore are generally a by-catch species when fishing for Southern Bluefin Tuna, they are also
specifically targeted off Port MacDonnell while they migrate along the continental shelf.
Albacore is a highly migratory tuna species. They live till 14 years, and have size of first maturity of 85 cm
for females and 60 cm for males (Wilson et al. 2010). There are a number of distinct stocks worldwide with
the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean stocks relevant to Australia. Albacore are present in east and south
Australian waters and from east of the Torres Strait to the north west shelf. The distribution of albacore is
related to oxygen concentration and water temperature. Whilst albacore feed at the surface, they primarily
live at the thermocline, which is the boundary separating warmer surface waters and deeper, cooler waters.
4 This proposal was supported by RecFish SA and The South Australian Game Fishing Association (SAGFA)
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 15Mature albacore travel from temperate waters to the tropics but return to temperate waters after spawning
(http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater/sw-species/albacore).
The Albacore tuna fishery is managed by the Commonwealth as part of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery
(Pacific Ocean stock) and Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery (Indian Ocean); there is no state commercial
fishery. The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery is considered not to be subject to overfishing (fishing mortality)
and not overfished (biomass) (Georgeson et al. 2014). This stock is likely to be occurring in waters off SA.
The recreational harvest in 2007/08 for all tuna was 44,171 kg (this includes Southern Bluefin Tuna) however
there is anecdotal evidence of recent increases in Albacore take, particularly in the South East of SA.
Suggested limits are in line with the current Southern Bluefin Tuna limits. There is no new additional
information for Albacore from the 2013/14 survey. A further survey/study is currently being undertaken by
the Commonwealth in south eastern Australia to develop methods to estimate the national recreational catch
of Southern Bluefin Tuna. It is likely this methodology may also be applicable for estimating catches of other
tuna species.
South Australia’s recreational game fishers, via the South Australian Game Fishing Association (SAGFA)
and RecFish SA, have requested PIRSA to introduce bag and boat limits for Albacore Tuna. They have
suggested that a lack of regulation has resulted in anglers exploiting the species as they migrate past Port
MacDonnell in the State’s South East. These groups believe fisheries management should take a
conservative approach.
Bight Redfish, Swallowtail, Redfish/Nannygai Centroberyx spp.
Current limits: Min Size: 30 cm, Bag: 10, Boat: 30
Proposal: No change
This genus includes fish known as Redfish/Nannygai (Centroberyx affinis), Bight Redfish/Red Snapper, (C.
gerrardi), and Swallowtail (C. lineatus). All these species are mainly associated with offshore reefs with at
least two species showing slow growth rates and high maximum ages. Redfish/Nannygai grows to 30 cm
fork length (44 years) Morison and Rowling (2010). Bight Redfish can grow to 66 cm (60 years); its
vulnerability to fishing is classed as high (Saunders et al. 2010). Bight Redfish size at maturity for males is
~8 years and females is ~14 years at 36-45 cm TL (Wilson et al. 2010). Swallowtail grow to 45 cm, and live
to at least 30 years; this species is classed as having moderate vulnerability to fishing (Saunders et al.
2010). There is a combined limit for these species. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 of Bight Redfish was
15.28 t (82.7 % of SA total harvest5) and in 2013/14 was 18.99 t. Bight Redfish are currently classified as
not overfished (Wilson et al. 2010). No stock status is known for the other two species.
Blue Morwong Nemadactylus valenciennsi
Current limits: Min Size: 38 cm, Bag: 5, Boat: 15
Proposal: No change
Blue Morwong is also known as Queen Snapper. No research has been done in South Australia on the size
at maturity (Saunders et al. 2010). However, in the last 5 or so years, WA has investigated their biology in
SW and South coast waters of WA (Coulson et al. 2007). Juveniles are mainly found in south coastal
Western Australian waters and with maturity move to SW WA where they mature at 40 cm (L50 for females).
Females in offshore south coast WA waters mature at 60 cm. The link between WA and SA fish is unknown.
This is a low target fish for recreational fishers with the recreational harvest in 2007/08 at 1.25 t and in
2013/14 2.94 t. There are no changes recommended.
5 This does not include the Commonwealth managed GAB trawl fishery for Bight Redfish.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 16Bluethroat Wrasse Notolabrus tetricus
Current limits: None
Proposal: Introduce a slot limit of 20 cm (minimum size limit) and 30 cm (maximum size limit) and a bag limit
of 5 and a boat limit of 156.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological Due to Bluethroat Wrasse’s life history and site attachment it is intrinsically vulnerable
to overfishing. As a precautionary measure introducing a bag limit and slot limit is
proposed. The species changes sex during its life; it is proposed to introduce a slot
limit to protect both sexes for part of their life cycle.
Other information Wrasse (Notolabrus spp.) are tertiary species in the commercial Marine Scalefish
Fishery; there are no controls in place and the species is increasingly targeted for the
live fish market. The proposal to introduce limits reflects the vulnerability of this species
to overfishing.
The upper size limit may create potential issues for spear fishers.
The Bluethroat Wrasse is a temperate reef fish that inhabits shallow depths (Bream Acanthopagrus butcheri
Current limits: Min Size: 28 cm Bag: 10 Boat: 30
Proposal: Increase the minimum size limit to 30 cm7. Separate management review to be undertaken for
Black Bream in the Lakes and Coorong region.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological New size at maturity information is available for Black Bream indicating that 50% of
female fish were sexually mature at 28.9 cm, and males at 34 cm. The proposed
increase to the size limit is to take this scientific information into account.
Black Bream is a bottom-dwelling species occurring in estuaries and along the coast in southern Australian
coast. They are dependent on strong flow for recruitment and the abundance of fish may be affected by
reduction in river flow due to drought (Ferguson 2010). Black Bream are the key Bream species found in
SA.
Found throughout southern Australia, Black Bream are common in the rivers and estuaries from Myall Lake,
New South Wales, to the Murchison River in Western Australia. They are also found in tidal rivers in
Tasmania, around Flinders and Kangaroo Islands, and are occasionally found in coastal waters, particularly
in the Gulf region of South Australia. (WA Fisheries 2011)
A ‘true estuarine’ species, Black Bream complete their whole life cycle within an estuary, and are reliant on
healthy rivers and estuaries for their survival. Black Bream are well adapted to life in a ‘euryhaline’
environment, coping well with salinity changes that range from freshwater to ‘hypersaline’ (extreme salinity).
Their preferred adult habitat includes overhanging banks among the branches of dead trees, found in the
bottom of deep pools in most rivers in Southern Australia. Juvenile Black Bream tend to inhabit shallower
waters. (WA Fisheries 2011)
Black Bream almost never leave the estuary unless flushed out to the ocean under conditions of extreme
flooding. This has led to genetically distinct populations within each estuarine system, as stocks are not
replenished by eggs or larvae from the ocean. (WA Fisheries 2011)
As ‘rudimentary hermaphrodites’, they possess immature ovaries and testes when young, but will turn either
male or female before their first spawning. During spawning, eggs and sperm are released into the water
and fertilisation occurs externally. Female Black Bream release eggs more than once during the same
spawning season. As they grow, larger females produce more eggs each year and become an increasingly
valuable part of the breeding stock. However, many eggs and larvae will not survive to become mature fish.
Nevertheless, a notably hardy Black Bream may live for up to 29 years. (WA Fisheries 2011)
Recent research on fish from the Coorong has shown that 50% of female fish were sexually mature at 28.9
cm, and males at 34 cm (Cheshire et al. 2013), making the current size limit too small. The suggested
increase in the size limit reflects this new finding.
The most recent Black Bream stock assessment (Earl et al. 2016) indicated that the age structure for Black
Bream from the 2014/15 commercial catch comprised mostly fish from two age classes of 5 and 8 year old
fish. Despite the recruitment of several year classes since 1997/98, recruitment levels have been low and
measurable improvements in adult biomass have not been detected. The low levels of recruitment appear
to relate primarily to a low spawning biomass and environmental conditions. The current level of fishing
mortality is unlikely to allow the stock to recover from its current weakened state. On this basis, the biological
7 This proposal also requires consultation with the commercial sector.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 18stock is considered to be overfished. There will be a separate process for the consideration of management
options for Black Bream in the Lakes and Coorong region.
Black Bream are a highly valued estuarine species, both for a feed, catch and release fishing and fishing
tournaments. In 2007/08 Black Bream was 5.85 t and in 2013/14 was 4.97 t. For Black Bream >70% was
reported for release rates in 2013/14 for this species which is consistent with the catch and release
activities described for this species.
Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii
Current limits: none.
Proposal: To introduce a bag limit of 2 and boat limit of 6.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological Congolli has been given a status of vulnerable; to assist in the protection of the species
and allow for recovery it is proposed that Congolli have a bag limit of 2 and boat limit
of 6.
Congolli is found predominantly in coastal rivers in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and southern New
South Wales. In the Murray-Darling Basin it only occurs in the Lower Murray drainage, where it has been
recorded in the Murray River up to Echuca, streams of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Lower Lakes
(Alexandrina and Albert). It is never abundant in the Basin today, and is usually recorded in low numbers at
a site, but once formed huge migrations in the lower Murray.
Congolli are an elongated, small to medium sized, slender fish with an almost cylindrical body. Maximum
size ~330 mm; commonly 150–200 mm. Little is known of the Congolli’s ecology in the Basin. It is primarily
an estuarine species, but can comfortably live in freshwater or the sea. It is known to migrate substantial
distances upstream in coastal rivers and in the Lower Murray has been recorded 215 km upstream of the
river mouth. In the Lower Murray it occurs in terminal wetlands and a few lowland stream habitats where it
is often found partially buried in leaf litter or sand, or associated with cover such as logs, rocks or
overhanging banks. (Information taken from MDBC Fact sheet.) It is also known to occur in the Port
River/Barker Inlet estuary system, occurring in years of high stream flow (Jackson and Jones 1999).
Knowledge of reproduction in this species is limited, but spawning is thought to occur in autumn and winter,
with adult fish moving downstream from freshwater habitats to estuaries. (Information taken from MDBC
Fact sheet.)
Severe drought between 1997 and 2010 diminished flows in the Murray, restricting the movement of fish
from fresh to estuarine/marine areas. This resulted in a greater than 90% reduction in juvenile upstream
migrants as well as a contraction of migration and spawning periods (Zampatti et al. 2011). Sampling in
2013/14 found that there was an increase in the abundance of Congolli compared to samples in 2011/12
and to earlier years (2007-10). Enhanced recruitment in 2010/11 (relative to previous years) likely led to
increases in abundance of the adult spawning population and may have resulted in enhanced spawning in
2013/14 (Zampatti et al. 2014). There were no reported catches in the 2013/14 survey for Congolli. This
species is rarely caught and therefore is more difficult to detect via the state-wide survey. Determining catch
trends for this species is not possible from these surveys alone.
Barriers to movement may be detrimental to this species, and declining river flows may also be a threat.
(Information taken from MDBC Fact sheet.)
Congolli has been given a status of vulnerable in the SA freshwater fishes action plan (Hammer et al. 2009).
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 19The 2007/08 and 2013/14 recreational survey reported no take of Congolli; however this species is rarely
caught. The rarely caught species tend to have very high relative errors as the numbers of fishers catching
those species in the dairy survey tends to be low Giri et al, 2015.
Protection of the species will give the population a chance to recover. To recover the fishery environmental
flows are also needed.
Flathead Platycephalus spp.
Current limits: Min Size: 30 cm Bag: 10. Boat: 30
Proposal: No change
Due to difficulties in identification, flathead species are combined in the recreational regulations. There is
little biological information on Flathead species, but information from other states show that the Sand
Flathead is a bottom dwelling species found from bays and inlets out to 60 m depth. They reach a maximum
length of 43 cm. In Victoria they become reproductively mature by 22 cm. The Southern Blue Spot Flathead
is bottom dwelling occurring from estuaries to 100 m. Males reach maturity after 1 year (19-31 cm) and
females at two years (25-40 cm). The stock status of these fish is unknown and the current regulations are
set at precautionary levels. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 18.39 t (88% of the fishery harvest) and
in 2013/14 was 8.33 t. The 30 cm size limit was chosen in line with the size limits in other states. No changes
are proposed, although further research on fish populations is recommended.
Flounder Family Pleuronectidae and Family Bothidae
Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 20. Boat: 60
Proposal: No change
Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish found in estuaries and coastal waters. The main flounder targeted in South
Australia is the Greenback Flounder Rhombosolea tapirina. The recreational harvest for flounder in 2007/08
was 0.25 t (11.2% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 0.27 t. Recent data show that 50% female
population of R. tapirina was sexually mature at 20.3 cm (Cheshire et al. in review). Size limits have not
been set because many flounder are fished by spear and therefore will not survive if returned to the water
undersized.
Harlequin Fish Othos dentex
Current limits: None
Proposal: To introduce a bag limit of 2 and a boat limit of 6.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological There are concerns over the sustainability of Harlequin Fish due to their life
characteristics. There are also concerns about the post-release mortality of this
species, given that they may suffer the effects of barotrauma if pulled up from deeper
water.
Harlequin Fish are harvested at relatively low levels by recreational fishers in South Australia. The 2007/08
Survey estimated a recreational harvest of 240 fish, increasing from 194 harvested fish in the 2000/01
Survey. No fish were recorded as being released. In 2013/14 no Harlequin Fish were reported.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 20There is little known about the population biology for Harlequin Fish and more information is required.
There are concerns over the sustainability of Harlequin Fish due to their life characteristics. They are similar
to Western Blue Groper in that they are site-attached fish that are often caught in deep water. There are
concerns about the post-release mortality of this species, given that they may suffer the effects of
barotrauma if pulled up from deep water.
Mullet Family Mugilidae
Current limits: Min Size: 21 cm. Bag: 60. Boat: 180
Proposal: No change
The main target species in this family is the Yellow-eyed Mullet Aldrichetta forsteri. A. forsteri is an estuary-
opportunist, occurring from sheltered to high energy ocean beaches. Females are sexually mature at 24.2
cm and males at 24.8 (Earl and Ferguson 2013). The Yellow-eyed Mullet fishery is considered sustainable
(Earl and Ferguson, 2014).The recreational harvest for Mullet in 2007/08 was 27.52 t and in 2013/14 was
19 t. All mullet species are included and combined in the limits regulations because of difficulties with
identification of separate species.8 Although the size of first maturity exceeds the current size limit, it was
decided that the fishery is still sustainable and no changes are proposed.
Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus
Current limits:
Min Size: Coorong Lagoon 46 cm. Marine 75 cm.
Bag: Coorong 46-75 cm 10, Marine > 75 cm 2.
Boat: Coorong none, Marine > 75 cm 6.
Proposal: Increase in size limit in marine waters to 82 cm 9 and introduce a boat limit in the Coorong Lagoon
of 30 (46-75 cm fish which is 3 times the bag limit) and retain the marine boat limit of 6.
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological An increase in the size limit in marine waters will assist in preserving capacity for egg
production and allowing recruits to enter the adult population.
It is proposed for consistency with other species that a boat limit be applied within the
Coorong Lagoon.
Other aspects Recent research shows that size of first maturity is 81 cm and it is estimated that 80%
of catches are sexually immature (Ferguson and Ward 2011). Controlled harvesting of
Mulloway above the existing minimum size limit of 46 cm TL, within the Coorong, is
considered to have an acceptable impact on the Mulloway population, provided
exploitation rates are appropriately matched with resource availability.
The 2014 Mulloway stock assessment report classified the status for Mulloway as
sustainable.
8 Mullet – It has been suggested that the bag limit is too high for a fair days fishing, however it was decided at the 1st
recreational workshop on the review to leave it the same as setting a lower limit may put pressure on other fish.
9 This proposal also requires consultation with the commercial sector.
JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 21Mulloway are found from estuaries to depths of about 100 m along the southern Australian coastline. It is a
relatively long lived species reaching an age of at least 35 years and a length of 180 cm. Within the Coorong
and Coorong coastal waters Mulloway is a species that is limited by environmental conditions such as
drought and flow regulation. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 61.68 t (61.7% of the fishery harvest)
and in 2014/14 was 59.5 t. Total numbers decreased by 30.6% to 47,238 fish in 2013/14 from 68,038 fish
in 2007/08. The release rate decreased to 79.1% in 2013/14 from 85.1% in 2007/08 (Giri et al. 2015).
Mortality of Mulloway returned to the water is unknown although potentially high (Ferguson and Ward 2011).
Mulloway were ranked second amongst South Australian species in terms of their susceptibility to catch and
release mortality (McLeay et al. 2002).
Recent research shows that size of first maturity is 81 cm and it is estimated that 80% of catches are sexually
immature (Ferguson and Ward 2011). Controlled harvesting of Mulloway above the existing minimum size
limit of 46 cm TL, within the Coorong, is considered to have an acceptable impact on the Mulloway
population, provided exploitation rates are appropriately matched with resource availability.
An Increase in the size limit will in Marine Waters assist in preserving capacity for egg production and
allowing recruits, allowing recruits to enter the adult population. The 2014 Mulloway stock assessment report
classified the status for Mulloway as sustainable.
Samsonfish Seriola hippos
Current limits: Min Size: 75 cm Bag: 2. Boat: 6
Proposal: Increase size limit to 88 cm. Reduce bag limit from 2 to 1 and boat limit from 6 to 3
Key reasons for proposed change:
Biological Recent research in WA has indicated the L50 for females is 88 cm. To be consistent
with this information and as a precautionary measure it is proposed the size limit be
increased to 88 cm.
The bag/boat reduction is a precautionary measure for sustainability.
Social One fish is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and
family needs, given that Samsonfish are a large species.
Samsonfish occur in offshore waters, often schooling around reefs. No research has been done on this
species in South Australia, but recent research in Western Australia has shown that 50% of females are
mature at 88.1 cm total length (Rowland 2009) making the existing size limit too small. The South Australian
population is thought to be linked to WA as they are known to move from the west coast of WA (spawning
aggregations at Rottnest Island) to as far as 2400 km along the southern Australian coast (i.e. into offshore
SA waters). Barotrauma is believed to be minimal, as the air bladder has a vent, so that the fish can expel
air when rising to the surface quickly.
Western Australian Fisheries have produced a brochure on the handling of Samsonfish (Department of
Fisheries WA 2007). The recreational harvest in 2007/08 in South Australia was 467 fish, which is over 7
times the catch in 2001. In 2013/14 the harvest was 1,629 fish, however it is noted that Samsonfish in the
2013/14 survey have a high relative error (> 50%).
Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Current limits: Min Size: 24 cm. Bag: 20. Boat: 60
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