East Gippsland Small Estuary Fisheries Assessment 2009
Kemp J, Brown L, Conron S, Bruce T, Bridge N, MacDonald CM and Ryan KL
February 2012 Fisheries Victoria Department of Primary Industries
East Gippsland Small Estuary Fisheries Assessment 2009
If you would like to receive this Contact Details: Dr. Jodie Kemp information/publication in an Fisheries Research Branch, Fisheries Victoria, accessible format (such as large PO Box 114, Queenscliff Vic 3223 print or audio) please call the Authorised by the Victorian Government, Customer Service Centre on: 1 Spring Street, Melbourne 136 186, TTY: 1800 122 969, Printed by Fisheries Victoria Queenscliff, Victoria or email Published by the Department of Primary [email protected] Industries. © The State of Victoria, Department of Primary Copies are available from the website: Industries, 2012. www.dpi.vic.gov.au/fishing This publication is copyright. No part may be General disclaimer reproduced by any process except in accordance This publication may be of assistance to you but with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of Preferred way to cite this publication: any kind or is wholly appropriate for your Kemp J, Brown L, Conron S, Bruce T, Bridge N, particular purposes and therefore disclaims all MacDonald CM and Ryan KL (2012) East liability for any error, loss or other consequence Gippsland Small Estuary Fisheries Assessment which may arise from you relying on any 2009. Fisheries Victoria Internal Report Series No. information in this publication. 3.
East Gippsland Small Estuary Fisheries Assessment 2009 ii
Executive Summary
expected to recruit to, and support the Lake Tyers recreational fishery over the next few years. Black bream Dusky flathead The relative strengths of black bream year classes from recreational onsite surveys and The proportion of large dusky flathead (≥50 cm angler diary data reflect the low levels of total length) taken by recreational anglers recruitment into the Lake Tyers recreational interviewed during on site surveys has been low fishery since those observed in 1998/99 and since 2004/05. While there is no evidence of a
1999/00. This is reflected in the increased annual persistent decline in abundance of dusky modal length of recreational bream catches in flathead in Mallacoota Inlet, a decline the late 2000s compared with the late 1990s and inrecreational catch rates in 2009/10 suggests the mid 1980s. The proportion of large black that dusky flathead populations should be bream (≥30 cm total length) taken by closely monitored. recreational anglers from onsite surveys and angler diarists has significantly increased in Tamboon Inlet recent years. Commercial catch rates of black bream in the years prior to the closure of the commercial Dusky flathead fishery in 2000 were well below the long‐term The importance of dusky flathead as a average. There appears to have been a long‐term recreational target species has increased in the decline in the annual catch (tonnes) and catch last decade in Lake Tyers. While there is no rate of bream in Tamboon Inlet since 1986/87. evidence of a persistent decline in the abundance of dusky flathead in Lake Tyers, a Other Species reduction in the proportion of large dusky A lack of recreational fishery survey data on flathead (≥50 cm total length) taken by catch rates and age/length frequency recreational anglers, coupled with a decline in distributions of key species in Sydenham Inlet, recreational catch rates observed in 2009/10, the Snowy River estuary, Wingan Inlet and the suggests that dusky flathead populations should Betka River estuary, limits assessment of the be closely monitored. status of these fisheries. Mallacoota Inlet Based on the available survey data there have been no significant changes in the status of Black bream fisheries in the small estuaries of east Gippsland.
The proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm A review or change to fisheries management total length) taken by recreational anglers from arrangements at present is not required, and it is recommended that the current levels of onsite surveys has been high since 2003/04. protection for the recreational fisheries be The relative strengths of black bream year maintained. classes from angler diary data reflect that there have been lower levels of recruitment into the Status Overview Mallacoota Inlet recreational fishery since those • There have been no significant changes in observed in 2001/02. the status of fisheries in the small estuaries Despite lower levels of recruitment in recent of east Gippsland. years, several relatively abundant year classes of • A review or change to fisheries management black bream (1999/00, 2001/02 and 2002/03) are arrangements at present is not required currently supporting the recreational fishery in Mallacoota Inlet. • It is recommended that the current levels of protection for the recreational fisheries be The relative strength of the 2005/06 year class of maintained. bream from angler diary data (which includes fish that are below the legal minimum length) is
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Research and monitoring needs There is also a need to: There is a need to investigate: • Improve current monitoring of recreational fishing in the small estuaries of east • Dusky flathead sexual maturity and egg Gippsland (access point surveys and anger
production to better understand the biology diaries); recruit more anglers and cover a
of this species and the potential effects of wider spatial distribution. either existing or proposed management measures. • Establish pre‐recruit surveys in the small estuaries of east Gippsland for black bream • Dusky flathead age and growth parameters and dusky flathead to assess the relative in the small estuaries of east Gippsland. abundance of pre‐recruit year classes. • Habitat and environmental requirements of • Explore the potential use of angling club
key fish species, in particular dusky flathead catch records to provide an indicator of to evaluate ecosystem management historical trends. strategies; in particular focusing on factors that are affecting year‐class strength. • The effects of the opening and closing of estuary entrances on fish populations.
• The impacts of lure material ingestion on the
survival of released fish, particularly dusky flathead.
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary...... iii Lake Tyers ...... iii Black bream ...... iii Dusky flathead ...... iii Mallacoota Inlet ...... iii Black bream ...... iii Dusky flathead ...... iii Tamboon Inlet...... iii Other Species...... iii Status Overview...... iii Research and monitoring needs...... iv
Introduction...... 1 Management ...... 1 Management strategies for the small estuaries in east Gippsland...... 1 Fisheries assessments...... 2 Current objectives...... 2
Stock structure and life‐history ...... 3
Description of the fisheries ...... 4 Commercial fisheries ...... 4 Lake Tyers...... 4 Mallacoota Inlet...... 4 Snowy River Estuary...... 5 Sydenham Inlet ...... 5 Tamboon Inlet ...... 5 Recreational fisheries...... 5
Data and methods...... 7 Commercial fishery ...... 7 Recreational fishery...... 7 Fishery‐independent surveys ...... 7 Length and age monitoring...... 7
Fishery trends and the status of key fish stocks ...... 8
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Lake Tyers Commercial Fishery...... 8 Lake Tyers Recreational Fishery ...... 8 Lake Tyers ‐ Bream ...... 8 Total catch, effort and catch rates...... 8 Length and age monitoring ...... 9 Status of stock ...... 9 Lake Tyers ‐ Dusky flathead...... 10 Total catch, effort and catch rates...... 10 Length and age monitoring ...... 10 Status of stock ...... 10 Other species...... 11 Mallacoota Inlet Commercial Fishery ...... 12 Mallacoota Inlet Recreational Fishery...... 12 Mallacoota Inlet ‐ Bream...... 12 Total catch, effort and catch rates...... 12 Recreational fishery ...... 12 Length and age monitoring ...... 13 Mallacoota Inlet – Dusky flathead...... 13 Total catch, effort and catch rates...... 13 Length and age monitoring ...... 14 Status of stock ...... 14 Other species...... 14 Australian salmon...... 14 Luderick...... 14 Tamboon Inlet ...... 15 Commercial fishery...... 15 Tamboon Inlet – black bream ...... 15 Tamboon Inlet ‐ Australian salmon...... 15 Tamboon Inlet ‐ Luderick...... 15 Other species...... 15 Sydenham Inlet ...... 16 Black Bream...... 16 Snowy River Estuary ...... 16 Black Bream...... 16 Age ...... 16 Length...... 16 Wingan Inlet ...... 16 Betka River Estuary...... 16 Black bream...... 16 Age ...... 16 Length...... 16
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Previous assessments of small estuaries in east Gippsland...... 17
Assessment Overview ...... 18 Lake Tyers ...... 18 Black bream ...... 18 Dusky Flathead ...... 18 Mallacoota Inlet ...... 19 Black Bream ...... 19 Dusky Flathead ...... 19 Tamboon Inlet...... 20 Other Inlets ...... 20 Overiew of Status ...... 20
Research Needs and Priorities ...... 21 Research...... 21 Monitoring ...... 21
Acknowledgements...... 22
References ...... 23
Appendix I – Biology and ecology of key species ...... 31 Target Species...... 31 Bream...... 31 Dusky flathead ...... 32 Luderick ...... 33 Other important species ...... 33 Australian salmon...... 33 Estuary perch...... 34 Yellow‐eye mullet...... 35 Eastern river garfish ...... 35 Sea mullet...... 36 Silver trevally ...... 37 Tailor...... 37
Appendix II – Data and methods ...... 38 Commercial fishery ...... 38 Recreational fishery...... 38 Length and age monitoring...... 39
Appendix IIII – Data Tables and Figures ...... 40
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Appendix IV ‐ Previous assessments ...... 71 Lake Tyers ...... 71 1994...... 71 2001...... 71 2007...... 71 Mallacoota Inlet...... 72 1994...... 72 2001...... 72 2006...... 72
Appendix V ‐ Industry perspectives...... 74 Commercial fisheries...... 74 Recreational fisheries ...... 74 Lake Tyers ...... 74 Snowy River Estuary ...... 75 Sydenham Inlet...... 75 Mallacoota Inlet ...... 75 Tamboon Inlet...... 76 Wingan Inlet...... 77
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List of Tables Table 1: Catch (tonnes) and the proportion of the main species taken by haul seines in Lake Tyers, Tamboon Inlet and Mallacoota Inlet from 1978 to closure...... 41
List of Figures Figure 1: Commercial catch, effort and catch rate of i) black bream and ii) luderick in Lake Tyers for haul seines from 1978/79–2008/09, presented by financial year...... 42 Figure 2: Average annual catch rates of black bream retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10...... 43 Figure 3: Average annual catch rates of black bream released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10...... 43 Figure 4: Average annual catch rates of black bream (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Lake Tyers from 2000/01 to 2009/10...... 43 Figure 5: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 2006/07 to 2009/10...... 44 Figure 6: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 2006/07 to 2009/10...... 44 Figure 7: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Lake Tyers from 1999/00 to 2009/10...... 44 Figure 8: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 2007/08 to 2009/10...... 45 Figure 9: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 2003/04 to 2008/09...... 45 Figure 10: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10...... 46 Figure 11: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 2002/03 to 2008/09...... 47 Figure 12: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10...... 48 Figure 13: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by angler diarists in Lake Tyers from 2002/03 to 2008/09...... 48 Figure 14: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers during 2008/09...... 49 Figure 15: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 2004/05 to 2008/09...... 49 Figure 16: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1998/99 to 2008/09...... 50 Figure 17: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 1999/00 to 2008/09...... 51 Figure 18: Proportion of dusky flathead ≥50 cm TL taken by angler diarists from Lake Tyers from 2000/01 to 2008/09...... 52 Figure 19: Commercial catch, effort and catch rate of i) black bream, ii) Australian salmon, and iii) luderick in Mallacoota Inlet for haul seines from 1978/79–2008/09, presented by financial year...... 53
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Figure 20: Average annual catch rates of black bream retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09...... 54 Figure 21: Average annual catch rates of black bream released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09...... 54 Figure 22: Average annual catch rates of black bream (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2009/10...... 54 Figure 23: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09...... 55 Figure 24: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09...... 55 Figure 25: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2009/10...... 55 Figure 26: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 2003/04 to 2008/09...... 56 Figure 27: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2008/09...... 57 Figure 28: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2009/10...... 58 Figure 29: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2008/09...... 59 Figure 30: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09...... 60 Figure 31: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by angler diarists in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2008/09...... 60 Figure 32: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 2007/08 to 2008/09...... 61 Figure 33: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 2007/08 to 2008/09...... 61 Figure 34: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09...... 62 Figure 35: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 1998/99 to 2008/09...... 63 Figure 36: Commercial catch, effort and catch rate of i) black bream, ii) Australian salmon, and iii) luderick in Tamboon Inlet for haul seines from 1978/79–2008/09, presented by financial year...... 64 Figure 37: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Tamboon Inlet from 2004/05 to 2008/09...... 65 Figure 38: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Sydenham Inlet from 1998/99 to 2001/02...... 66 Figure 39: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Sydenham Inlet from 1998/99 to 2008/09...... 67 Figure 40: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Snowy River estuary from 1997/98 to 1998/99...... 68 Figure 41: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Snowy River estuary from 1997/98 to 2008/09...... 68
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Figure 42: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Betka River estuary from 1998/99 to 2001/02...... 69 Figure 43: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Betka River estuary from 1998/99 to 2004/05...... 70
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Introduction
Small estuaries of east Gippsland are defined as Fishery management plans declared for the those estuaries occurring along the Victorian Anderson Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers coast that are east of the Gippsland Lakes and Fisheries Reserves (DPI 2006a, 2006b, 2007) west of the Victoria/New South Wales border. identified the following goal and objectives, These small estuaries support recreational which are also applicable to the other small fisheries for finfish and prawns that provide recreational‐only fisheries in east Gippsland. important recreational and tourism opportunities Goal for both local and visiting anglers, and make an important contribution to the economics of local • To manage fish stocks and the fisheries they and regional communities. support, and to identify and promote protection of important fish habitats, in a In the past, some east Gippsland small estuaries manner that is sustainable and which (Mallacoota Inlet, Lake Tyers, Tamboon Inlet) provides optimum social and economic also supported small commercial fisheries that benefits to all Victorians in accordance with sold their catch locally or to the Melbourne fresh ESD principals. fish market. By 2003 commercial fishing (other than for eels and bait) had been closed in all east Objectives Gippsland estuaries. Lake Tyers and Mallacoota • Social: To maintain and where possible Inlet were subsequently declared as recreational‐ only Fisheries Reserves. enhance recreational fishing opportunities • Biological: To conserve and ensure A formal assessment of fisheries in the small estuaries in east Gippsland was conducted at the sustainable use of key fish stocks Department of Primary Industries in Orbost, • Environmental: To promote protection of the Victoria on 3 December 2009. The workshop was habitats and environments which are essential attended by recreational fishing sector for production or maintenance of key fish representatives, Fisheries Victoria fishery stocks managers, fishery scientists, and experienced • anglers with the aim of reviewing available Governance: To achieve maximum information on fishery trends and the status of community participation, understanding and key target fish stocks within the small estuaries support for the management of fishing. of east Gippsland. Management strategies for the small estuaries in east Gippsland Management Fisheries Victoria, a Division of the Department Specific recreational fishery management of Primary Industries, is responsible for strategies to address the above objectives have managing fisheries and fish resources under the been identified in management plans for the provisions of the Fisheries Act 1995 and the Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers Fisheries Fisheries Regulations 2009. All Victorian fisheries Reserves (DPI 2006b, 2007), and are being are managed in accordance with the principals of determined for other east Gippsland estuarine ecologically sustainable development (ESD). fisheries as part of the development of the East These broad principals can be translated into Gippsland Inland Fisheries Management Plan. more specific goals and objectives that address Fisheries assessments are designed primarily to environmental, biological sustainability, provide information on fishery trends and stock economic, social and/or governance dimensions status to help address the biological of individual fisheries. These ESD principles sustainability objectives for small east Gippsland underpin the three key strategic goals of estuary fisheries. Fish habitat protection and Fisheries Victoria: recreational fishing enhancement objectives o ‘Securing’ fisheries resources, require different types of information (e.g. o ‘Sharing’ fisheries resources ecological, environmental, economic and social data) and will be addressed in different o ‘Growing’ or developing the value of the processes. resource for the benefit of the community.
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Fisheries assessments • Identify future research, monitoring and assessment needs to meet fisheries Fisheries Victoria has developed a process to management goals, objectives and strategies. conduct periodic formal assessments of the status of key marine and estuarine finfish fisheries and/or stocks. This process involves: • The synthesis of all relevant fisheries data
• Evaluation of fisheries‐independent monitoring and research data
• Convening of a workshop involving research scientists, resource users and resource managers to assess the status of the fishery/stock in question • Production of an assessment report which provides scientific information and advice to facilitate fishery management decision
making.
Current objectives This report provides updates of fishery trends in Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers since previous assessments in the mid 2000s, and provides the first formal assessment of the status of the fisheries in other small east Gippsland estuaries.
The objectives of this fisheries assessment report are to: • Identify the small recreational‐only estuary fisheries of east Gippsland • Review information on the life‐history and biology of key fish species taken in these estuaries
• Describe available information on recreational
fishery trends, historic commercial fishery trends, and any recent changes in fisheries management in these estuaries • Document the perspectives of relevant stakeholders, particularly recreational and commercial bait fishers, on recent fishery
trends
• Describe the research and fishery monitoring that is underway or proposed to provide information on fisheries trends • Provide assessments of stock status where sufficient fishery monitoring and research data are available to permit such assessments
• Describe the management implications of
workshop findings and provide advice to management in relation to current management objectives
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Stock structure and life‐history
More than 50 species of finfish have been Australian salmon, mullet, silver trevally and recorded from recreational and historical tailor. commercial catches in the small estuaries in east The main target species of the recreational Gippsland. Catch records also include several fisheries are bream and dusky flathead. Other molluscan, crustacean, and elasmobranchian important species include estuary perch, yellow‐ species. eye mullet, eastern river garfish, sea mullet, The main target species of Mallacoota Inlet, Lake silver trevally, tailor and prawns. Tyers and Tamboon Inlet commercial fisheries up Information on the biology and ecology of these until their closure in the early 2000s were bream species is presented in Appendix I. (a mixture of black bream and yellow‐fin bream) and luderick. Minor target species included
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Description of the fisheries
entitlements were separated from those for the Commercial fisheries Gippsland Lakes and allocated as non‐ Lake Tyers transferable licences to those with a history of fishing in Lake Tyers. The licences were made Lake Tyers is a small estuary east of Lakes non‐transferable to allow a gradual phase‐out of 2 Entrance that covers an area of 12 km , and is commercial fishing as existing licence holders left largely unmodified. The entrance to the Lake the Lake Tyers fishery. Tyers estuary experiences intermittent closure. The township of Lake Tyers, near the estuary The number of Lake Tyers commercial entrance, has a small permanent population. entitlements was reduced to 13 in 1988 following a decision to allow only those commercial fishers Commercial fishing has been carried out in Lake with a history of fishing in the estuary to retain Tyers since at least the late 1800s (Hall 1984; an entitlement. MacDonald 1997). In the 25 years prior to its closure in 2003 the commercial fishery in Lake A combination of retirements from the fishery Tyers landed between 3 and 48 tonnes annually and a voluntary by‐back of bay and inlet and principally targeted black bream (Anon commercial licences in 1999/00 reduced the 2007). Luderick, yellow‐eye mullet and sea number of Lake Tyers commercial licences to mullet, and silver trevally were also taken three by 2000. commercially within the estuary, as were All commercial fishing for finfish in Lake Tyers incidental catches of dusky flathead and estuary ceased in April 2003, and in 2004, Lake Tyers was perch (Anon 2007). declared a Fisheries Reserve. The only types of Commercial fishing in Lake Tyers was restricted commercial fishing now permitted in the estuary to a five month period from after Easter to early are eel fishing and bait harvesting. There are September. The spring/summer/autumn closure currently two bait licences for Lake Tyers was introduced to avoid competition and conflict between commercial and recreational users Mallacoota Inlet during the peak recreational season. Commercial Mallacoota Inlet contains two lakes which are fishing was also permanently prohibited in the locally referred to as ‘top lake’ and ‘bottom lake’. upper reaches of the two main arms of Lake Water in the Bottom Lake is usually marine Tyers. dominated, except after heavy rainfall. The
The two main commercial fishing methods used salinity of the Top Lake is more variable. The were mesh nets and haul seines. The two lakes are linked by a channel known as ‘the varieties of haul seine used were the estuary narrows’. seine (for bream and other bottom‐dwelling Commercial fishing commenced in Mallacoota species) and the garfish seine (for garfish and Inlet in the late 1800s (MacDonald et al. 1997). In other surface‐schooling species). the early 1940s, commercial fishing was restricted
Virtually all of the Lake Tyers commercial catch to the bottom lake. The area closure prevented was sold as fresh fish in the Melbourne Markets increasing competition between commercial and or local seafood outlets (MacDonald 1997). recreational fishers in the top lake and tributary rivers. For licensing purposes Lake Tyers was managed as a component of the Gippsland Lakes In the 25 years prior to its closure in 2003, the commercial fishery until the mid 1980s. This commercial fishery in Mallacoota Inlet landed meant that possession of a commercial fishing between 26 and 118 tonnes annually. Key licence for the Gippsland Lakes entitled the commercial target fish species identified in the holder to also commercially fish in Lake Tyers. Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan (MIFRMP) were luderick, bream (a mixture In July 1987, the 38 licences that permitted of black bream, yellow‐fin bream and hybrids), commercial fishing in the Gippsland Lakes mullet, Australian salmon, silver trevally, tailor became transferrable on a 2‐for‐1 basis. At the and garfish (DPI 2006b). same time, Lake Tyers commercial fishing
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The main commercial fishing methods used were existing licence holders left the fishery. A haul seines to catch finfish and stake nets to catch voluntary buy‐back of bay and inlet commercial prawns. Most of the catches were sold as fresh licences in 1999/00 reduced the number of fish at the Melbourne or Sydney Markets or local Tamboon Inlet licences from four to one, and the seafood outlets, while some prawns were sold as fishery was subsequently closed in 2001. bait. In 1987, the eight Mallacoota inlet commercial Recreational fisheries licences issued at the time were made The small estuaries of east Gippsland support transferable on a 2‐for‐1 basis. There was, recreational fisheries for finfish and prawns that however, no reduction in licence numbers until a provide important recreational and tourism voluntary buy‐back of bay and inlet commercial opportunities for both local and visiting anglers, licences in 1999/00 that reduced the number of and make an important contribution to the Mallacoota Inlet licences to four. economies of local and regional communities. All remaining Mallacoota Fishery Access The most popular of these recreational estuary Licences were cancelled in April 2003. In 2004, fisheries are those in Lake Tyers, Mallacoota Mallacoota Inlet was declared a Fisheries Inlet, Sydenham Inlet (Bemm River) and the Reserve. There are currently two bait licences for Snowy River estuary (Marlo). Fishing Mallacoota Inlet. opportunities in these estuaries have been enhanced by the provision of both boat‐ and Snowy River Estuary shore‐based fishing access facilities, and by the The Snowy River estuary entrance is availability of accommodation and other fishing‐ intermittently open to the ocean, usually after related services close to the shores of the estuary. persistent or heavy rainfall. The estuary covers Other east Gippsland estuaries that support an area of 6.5 km2. recreational fishing include Tamboon Inlet, Commercial fishing for finfish in this estuary was Wingan Inlet, the Betka River and several smaller closed more than sixty years ago. Commercial estuaries contained within the Croajingalong fishing is now limited to two bait licence holders National Park. These estuaries are less popular who operate in the lower estuarine reaches and because access is more difficult and there are few limited commercial eel fishing conducted via services close to the shores of the estuary. Power permit in Lake Curlip on the Brodribb River and boating is prohibited in some of the small Lake Corringle on the lower Snowy River. Croajingalong National Park estuaries in accordance with the conservation objectives of Sydenham Inlet the Park. Sydenham Inlet has been closed to commercial The primary recreational fishing target species in fishing for finfish for more than 60 years. There east Gippsland small estuaries are bream (a are currently two commercial bait licences for the mixture of black bream, yellow‐fin bream and Sydenham Inlet. hybrids), dusky flathead and estuary perch. Other species targeted or caught include Tamboon Inlet luderick, silver trevally, tailor, yellow‐eye mullet, Commercial fishing commenced in Tamboon Australian salmon, garfish, mulloway and Inlet in the late 1800s (Winstanley 1985). In the 25 prawns. years prior to its closure in 2001 the commercial The primary recreational fishing methods used in fishery in Tamboon Inlet landed between 11 and these fisheries are boat‐based and shore‐based 86 tonnes annually. Key commercial target angling for finfish using bait and artificial lures, species were Australian salmon, luderick, bream and collection of prawns using dip nets. Anglers (a mixture of black bream, yellow‐fin bream and also use bait pumps and dip nets to collect a hybrids), mullet, silver trevally and tailor. variety of bait species, including burrowing The main commercial fishing methods used to shrimp (Bass yabbies), sandworm and swimming catch finfish was haul seines. shrimp. Tamboon Inlet commercial licences remained Recreational fishing in the small estuaries of east non‐transferable when other bay and inlet Gippsland and in other Victorian waters is licences were made transferable in 1987 to allow managed through a requirement to hold a a gradual phase‐out of commercial fishing as Recreational Fishing Licence (RFL) (unless in an exempt category), and through the application of
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fishing equipment restrictions and legal collection, gathering shellfish, yabby fishing, minimum lengths (LML) and catch limits for prawning and spear fishing. Those exempt from most target fish species. The details of these holding a licence are those who are under 18 management measures are summarised in the years of age, over 70 years of age, or holders of a Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide. Victorian Seniors Card, a Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Card or a Veterans’ Affairs An RFL is required when taking, or attempting to Repatriation Health Card coded TPI. take, any species of fish by any recreational fishing method, including line fishing, bait
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Data and methods
This section describes relevant monitoring and regional estimates of total recreational harvest. research programs used to provide information The National Recreational Fishing Survey in on fishery trends and stock status in small 2000/01 provided estimates of the state‐wide estuaries of east Gippsland. For more detail on recreational harvest by anglers (Henry and Lyle the data and methods used, see Appendix II. 2003). The recreational harvest from coastal This report focuses on describing the following Victorian waters by recreational fishing licence indicators of stock status for key target species: holders was estimated in 2006/07 (Ryan et al. • Catch rates from the recreational and past 2009). Estimates of total annual recreational commercial fisheries catch from small estuaries such as Mallacoota • Length and age distributions of the catches of Inlet and Lake Tyers could be obtained from key target species from the recreational and these surveys, but are considered unreliable past commercial fisheries. because of the small sample sizes from which the estimates were obtained. Commercial fishery Victorian commercial fishers are required as a Fishery‐independent surveys condition of their licence to record their fishing There have been no fisheries‐independent activities in a logbook and to submit this surveys that are relevant to the assessment of information to the Department. Commercial fisheries or fish stocks in the small estuaries of fishers provide the following information: east Gippsland. • Gear code and net length/number of hooks/jigs Length and age monitoring • Area code Since the 1990s there has been irregular • Number of shots sampling of length and age frequency distributions of bream and dusky flathead • Fishing time landed by recreational fishers in Lake Tyers, • Weight of species caught and not returned Mallacoota Inlet, Tamboon Inlet, Sydenham to the water. Inlet, the Snowy River estuary and the Betka River estuary.
Recreational fishery Estimated age‐frequency distributions are made There have been two approaches to monitoring by applying age‐length keys to length‐frequency recreational fisheries in the small estuaries of distributions. east Gippsland: Age‐frequency information is presented by • Periodic onsite access point attitudinal and
creel surveys of recreational fishing to spawning year so abundant year‐classes can be
provide information on the profile of fishery identified and tracked across multiple sampling years. participants, target preferences, the species composition of catches, and catch rate and A nominal birth date of 1 January is assigned size/age structure trends for key target when ageing black bream. Ages referred to in species. Periodic boat ramp surveys have this report represent the age of a particular year‐ been conducted at Lake Tyers in 1999, class of bream as of 1 January. 2006/07 and 2008/09 and at Mallacoota Inlet
in 1998/99 and annually from 2003/04 to The relative strength of year classes is used as a
2007/08. measure of relative abundance. • Recruitment of volunteer angler diarists to provide a time series of data on catch rates and size/age structure trends of key target species in specific estuaries. There have also been several large‐scale, telephone‐diary surveys of recreational fishing in Victoria that aimed to provide state‐wide and
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Fishery trends and the status of key fish stocks
Data are presented as Figures and Tables in Fisheries Reserve Management Plan (Kent et al. Appendix III. 2010b). Lake Tyers Commercial Fishery Lake Tyers ‐ Bream Recording of commercial fish catches from Lake Total catch, effort and catch rates Tyers commenced in 1916 and continued without interruption until the fishery was closed in April Commercial fishery 2003 (excluding bait and eel licences). • In 2001/02, 82% of commercial bream catches Key attributes of the fishery were: were taken by haul seines and 18% were taken by mesh nets. • Key target species • Between 1978/79 and 2002/03, haul seine o Black bream and luderick catches of black bream ranged between 0.14 o Other species include sea mullet, tonne in 1979/80 and 23 tonnes in 2001/02 trevally, yellow‐eye mullet and tailor (Figure 1). (Table 1). • From 1978/79, catch rates were relatively • Total annual catches fluctuated in the range stable, ranging between 14 kg/shot in 1979/80 of 3 to 48 tonnes and 83 kg/shot in 1993/94, and the years prior to the closure of the fishery were above the • In the decades 1940s and 1975–85 catches LTA (LTA=55 kg/shot; 2002/03=60 kg/shot; were persistently below the long‐term 2001/02=76 kg/shot) (Figure 1). average (Hall 1984; MacDonald 1997; DPI unpublished data). • An anomaly occurred in 1980/81 where a 25 year peak in catch rate was observed for • In the year prior to the closure of the fishery, black bream in Lake Tyers; however, this was 66% of the commercial catch was taken by the product of a high catch (tonnes) taken in haul seines and 34% was taken by mesh nets. only two shots (Figure 1). o Between 1978/79 and 2002/03, haul seine Recreational fishery effort ranged from two shots in 1980/81 and 377 shots in 1998/99 (Figure 1). • Average annual catch rates of black bream retained by recreational anglers interviewed o Effort in the years prior to the closure of during onsite surveys from 2006/07 to the fishery were well above the long‐ 2009/10 ranged between 0.04 fish/angler hour term average (LTA) (LTA=130 shots/year; in 2009/10 and 0.23 fish/angler hour in 2002/03=290 shots; 2001/02=307 shots) 2008/09 (Figure 2). (Figure 1). • Average annual catch rates of anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in 2009/10 Lake Tyers Recreational Fishery were the lowest ever recorded. Periodic onsite access point surveys of recreational fishing in recent years have • Retained catch rates were generally lower in indicated that bream and dusky flathead are the the mid to late 2000s compared with most important target species for both shore‐ and available catch rate data from the 1990s and boat‐based anglers in Lake Tyers (Kent et al. 1980s (Figure 2). 2010b). • Average annual catch rates of released bream Overall satisfaction with recreational fishing also declined in 2009/10. Released catch rates experiences in Lake Tyers is high (>75% for both from 2006/07 to 2009/10 ranged between 0.03 shore‐ and boat‐based anglers) and exceeds the fish/angler hour in 2009/10 and 0.28 performance target of 60% set in the Lake Tyers fish/angler hour in 2006/07 and 2008/09 (Figure 3).
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• In contrast to the onsite survey results, • Length frequency distributions of black average annual catch rates of bream (both bream taken by angler diarists from 2002/03 size and undersize fish) by recreational to 2008/09 ranged between 11 and 45 cm TL angler diarists were higher in the late 2000s (Figure 11). The annual modal length: than in the early 2000s (Conron et al. 2010a o In 2002/03 and 2003/04 was 25 and 24 cm and see Figure 4). TL, respectively. o Catch rates from 2005/06 to 2009/10 were o Increased to 28 cm TL in 2005/06 and in between 2.5 fish/angler hour in 2005/06 2007/08 and 2008/09 further increased to and 4.6 fish/angler hour in 2006/07 31 cm TL (Figure 11). (Figure 4). Proportion of fish over LML o In 2009/10 the average annual catch rate was 3.9 fish/angler hour which was • Seventy seven percent of the bream catch slightly above the five year average of 3.7 taken by angler diarists in 2008/09 was fish/angler hour. greater than the LML (LML=28 cm TL). Length and age monitoring • The proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm TL) taken by recreational anglers from onsite Age surveys has increased in recent years (Figure • Recreational onsite survey data show that 12). 1998/99 was a relatively strong year class for o In 1984/85 and 1985/86 few large bream black bream in Lake Tyers (Figure 8). were being retained (<10%). o This year class dominated recreational o The proportion of large bream being catches from 2007/08 to 2009/10 as an taken increased to 32% in 1998/99, and abundance of 9+, 10+ and 11+ year old from 2006/07 to 2008/09 increased again fish, respectively. to between 67 and 77%. o In 2008/09, the 1999/00 year class also o In 2009/10 no bream <30 cm TL were dominated catches (Figure 8). being taken by anglers interviewed • Catches of bream taken by angler diarists in during onsite surveys (Figure 12). 2003/04, 2005/06 and 2007/08 were also • The proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm dominated by the 1998/99 year class (Figure TL) taken by angler diarists has also 9), and were observed as an abundance of 5+, increased in recent years (Figure 13). 7+ and 9+ year old fish, respectively. o In 2002/03 and 2003/04 few large bream o In 2008/09, the 1999/00 year class were being caught (~10%). dominated catches along with the 1998/99 year class as an abundance of 10+ o The proportion of large bream caught and 9+ year old fish, respectively (Figure increased to 21 and 27% in 2005/06 and 9). 2006/07, respectively. Length o The proportion significantly increased again to 79 in 2007/08. • Length frequency distributions of black bream taken by recreational anglers o In 2008/09, 66% of black bream were ≥30 interviewed during onsite surveys from cm TL (Figure 13). 1984/85 to 2009/10 ranged between 15 and 42 cm TL (Figure 10). The annual modal length: Status of stock There were no clear trends in the annual catch o In 1984/85 and 1985/86 was 24 and 23/24 and catch rates of black bream from Lake Tyers. cm TL, respectively. The relative strength of black bream year classes o In 1998/99, the modal length increased to from onsite and angler diary surveys reflect the 26 cm TL low levels of recruitment into the Lake Tyers o From 2006/07 to 2009/10 modal length recreational fishery since the 1998/99 and further increased to between 31 and 32 1999/2000 year classes entered the fishery (Figure cm TL (Figure 10). 9).
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This is reflected in the increased annual modal • Catches of dusky flathead taken by angler length of recreational bream catches in the late diarists from 2004/05 to 2006/07 were 2000s compared with the late 1990s and the mid dominated by the 2001/02, 2002/03 and 1980s (Figure 10). This increasing trend also 2003/04 year classes (Figure 15), and were partly reflects increases in the LML for bream observed as an abundance of 2+ to 4+ year from 24 to 26 cm TL in 1998 and to 28 cm TL in old fish, respectively. early 2009. o In 2007/08 and 2008/09, the 2005/06 year class dominated catches as an abundance Lake Tyers ‐ Dusky flathead of 2+ and 3+ year old fish, respectively Total catch, effort and catch rates (Figure 15). Dusky flathead were not targeted by commercial Length fishers in Lake Tyers an as a consequence there is • Length frequency distributions of dusky insufficient data for analysis. flathead taken by recreational anglers Because dusky flathead has only become an interviewed during onsite surveys from important recreational target species in Lake 1998/99 to 2008/09 ranged between 10 and 70 Tyers in the last decade (Kent et al. 2010b) there is cm TL (Figure 16). little information prior to 2006/07. o Most dusky flathead taken by anglers • Average annual catch rates of both retained from onsite surveys were between 30 and (Figure 5) and released (Figure 6) dusky 50 cm TL.
flathead have been variable and show no o The modal length in 2008/09 was 35 cm
clear trends. TL (Figure 16).
o Retained catch rates of dusky flathead • Length frequency distributions of dusky
from 2006/07 to 2009/10 ranged between flathead taken by angler diarists from
0.03 fish/angler hour in 2007/08 and 0.17 1999/00 to 2008/09 ranged between 10 and 82
fish/angler hour in 2006/07 (Figure 5). cm TL (Figure 17).
o Released catch rates of dusky flathead o The majority of dusky flathead taken by
from 2006/07 to 2009/10 ranged between angler diarists were greater than the
0.04 in 2009/10 and 0.2 fish/angler hour in LML of 27 cm TL. 2008/09 (Figure 6). o Most dusky flathead taken by angler • Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead diarists in 2008/09 were between 30 and
(both size and undersize fish) by angler 50 cm TL (Figure 17). diarists showed a clear increasing trend to a peak in 2004/05, followed by another peak in Proportion of fish over LML
2007/08 and a decline in recent years (Conron • The proportion of large dusky flathead (≥50 et al. 2010a and see Figure 7). cm TL) taken by angler diarists has o Catch rates from 2005/06 to 2009/10 were decreased in recent years to levels that had between 1.0 fish/angler hour in 2009/10 not been observed since 1999/00 (Figure 18). and 3.8 fish/angler hour in 2007/08 • In 2000/01, 45% of dusky flathead being
(Figure 7). taken by angler diarists were ≥50 cm TL. The o The 5‐year dusky flathead taken by proportion of large dusky flathead being angler diarists in Lake Tyers was 1.8 taken from 2004/05 to 2008/09 had decreased fish/angler hour. to <10%. Data were not available for all years. Length and age monitoring Status of stock Age There is currently no evidence from available monitoring data of a persistent decline in the • Data from the recreational onsite survey in overall abundance of dusky flathead in Lake
2008/09 show that 2005/06 was a relatively Tyers. However, a reduction in the proportion of
strong year class for dusky flathead in Lake large dusky flathead (≥50 cm TL) taken by
Tyers (Figure 14), and was observed as an recreational anglers, coupled with low catch rates
abundance of 3+ year old fish. observed in 2009/10, suggests that dusky flathead populations should continue to be closely
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monitored in the future. Increased targeted fishing pressure has been suggested to be contributing to the declining trend (Kent et al. 2010b). Other species In 2001/02, 56% of commercial luderick catches were taken by haul seines and 44% were taken by mesh nets. Between 1978/79 and 2002/03, haul seine catches of luderick ranged between 0.1 tonne in 1979/80 and 9 tonnes in 2002/03; but were generally <2 tonnes (Figure 1). The commercial haul seine catch rate time series for luderick is considered to be a good indicator of the status of adult luderick stocks in Lake Tyers prior to the closure of the fishery in 2003. From 1978/79, catch rates ranged between 2 kg/shot in 1986/87 and 31 kg/shot in 1988/89, and the years prior to the closure of the fishery were well above the long‐term average (LTA) (LTA=12 kg/shot; 2002/03=30 kg/shot; 2001/02=21 kg/shot) (Figure 1). There are no clear long‐term trends in the annual catch rate and catch of luderick in Lake Tyers; catch rate was variable and fluctuations in catch appear to be primarily a reflection of fluctuations in effort (Figure 1). There are insufficient commercial haul seine catch rate time series data available to provide meaningful assessments of stock status for sea mullet, trevally, yellow‐eye mullet and tailor.
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Mallacoota Inlet Commercial Mallacoota Inlet ‐ Bream Fishery Total catch, effort and catch rates • The Mallacoota Inlet commercial fishery was Commercial fishery closed in April 2003 (excluding bait and eel • The commercial haul seine catch rate time licences). series for black bream is considered to be a • In the year prior to the closure of the fishery, good indicator of the status of bream stocks 100% of commercial catches were taken by in Mallacoota Inlet prior to the closure of the haul seines. fishery in 2003. • Between 1978/79 and 2002/03, haul seine • Haul seine catches of black bream ranged effort ranged between 154 shots in 1983/84 between 4 tonnes in 1983/84 and 32 tonnes in and 678 shots in 1998/99 (Figure 19). 2001/02 (Figure 19). o The long‐term trend in effort from • From 1978/79, commercial haul seine catch 1978/79 to 2002/03 was increasing. rates ranged between 15 kg/shot in 1997/98 and 130 kg/shot in 1984/85. o Effort in the years prior to the closure of the fishery were well above the LTA • In the years prior to the closure of the fishery (LTA=379 shots; 2002/03=619 shots; catch rates were consistent with the LTA 2001/02=668 shots) (Figure 19). (LTA=39.7 kg/shot; 2002/03=33.1 kg/shot; 2001/02=47.2 kg/shot) (Figure 19). • Luderick, black bream and Australian salmon were the main target species taken by Recreational fishery commercial operations in Mallacoota Inlet, followed by trevally, tailor, sea mullet, river • Average annual catch rates of black bream garfish and yellow‐eye mullet (Table 1). retained by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys from 2003/04 to Mallacoota Inlet Recreational 2008/09 ranged between 0.42 fish/angler hour in 2008/09 and 0.23 fish/angler hour in Fishery 2005/06 (Figure 20). • The main target species taken by shore and o The average annual catch rates of anglers boat based anglers in Mallacoota Inlet are interviewed during onsite surveys from black bream and dusky flathead (Kent et al. 2003/04 to 2008/09 were on average 2010a). higher than those observed from 1981/82 • Other targeted species include Australian to 1984/85. salmon, whiting, garfish, tailor and luderick. o Most of the onsite surveys were by boat‐ Around 40% of black bream taken by boat‐ based anglers; there were few shore‐ based anglers is retained, and ~60% of dusky based anglers in the survey group. flathead is retained (Kent et al. 2010a). • Average annual catch rates of black bream • Only ~20% of black bream taken by shore‐ released by recreational anglers interviewed based anglers is retained, and ~80% of dusky during onsite surveys from 2003/04 to flathead is retained (Kent et al. 2010a). 2008/09 ranged between 0.29 fish/angler hour • A high proportion of boat‐based (84%) and in 2007/08 and 0.62 fish/angler hour in shore‐based (78%) anglers have reported a 2004/05 (Figure 21). high level of satisfaction in the overall fishing • Average annual catch rates of black bream by experience at Mallacoota Inlet (Kent et al. angler diarists from 2003/04 to 2009/10 were 2010a). between 3.8 fish/angler hour in 2003/04 and • The National Recreational and Indigenous 5.4 fish/angler hour in 2004/05 (Figure 22). Fishing Survey (NRIFS) (Henry and Lyle o In 2009/10 the average annual catch rate 2003) estimated that the annual total was 4.0 fish/angler hour which was recreational harvest from Mallacoota Inlet slightly below the five year average of 4.5 was 110,000 fish (±90,000, 95% confidence fish/angler hour. interval).
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Length and age monitoring catch by angler diarists was below the LML. In 2003/04 the proportion of bream taken by Age angler diarists below the LML was 71%. • Recreational onsite survey data show that (LML=26 cm TL). In 2008/09, the proportion 1997/98 and 1998/99 were relatively strong of bream below the LML was 39% (LML=28 year classes for black bream in Mallacoota cm TL). Inlet and the emergence of the 2002/03 and The proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm TL) 2001/02 year classes in latter years (Figure taken by recreational anglers from onsite surveys 26). has been above 65% since 2003/04 (Figure 30). o The 1997/98 and 1998/99 year classes Since 1997/98, the proportion of large bream dominated catches in 2003/04 and taken by angler diarists has fluctuated between 2005/06. 16% in 2003/04 and 46% in 2008/09 (Figure 31). o In 2007/08, the 1999/00, 1998/99 and At present, several relatively abundant year 1997/98 year classes dominated catches classes of black bream are in Mallacoota Inlet, as an abundance of 8+, 9+ and 10+ year including fish that are above and below the LML. old fish, respectively (Figure 26). Bream that are being taken below the LML are expected to recruit to the fishery over the next o In 2008/09, the 2002/03, 2001/02 and few years. 1999/00 year classes dominated catches as an abundance of 6+, 7+ and 9+ year old Mallacoota Inlet – Dusky flathead fish (Figure 26). Total catch, effort and catch rates • Catches of black bream taken by angler diarists from 1997/98 to 2008/09 show that Recreational
the 1993/94 and 1992/93 year classes were • Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead
relatively strong (Figure 27). retained by recreational anglers interviewed o From 1999/00 to 2002/03, the 1998/99 and during onsite surveys from 2003/04 to 1997/98 year classes dominated catches. 2008/09 ranged between 0.22 fish/angler hour And from 2003/04 to 2005/06, the 2001/02 in 2008/09 and 0.55 fish/angler hour in year classes dominated catches. 2005/06 (Figure 23). o In 2008/09, the 1999/00 year class • Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead dominated catches along with the released by recreational anglers interviewed 2005/06, 2001/02 and 1999/00 year classes during onsite surveys from 2003/04 to dominated catches as an abundance of 2008/09 ranged between 0.12 in 2008/09 and 3+, 7+ and 9+ year old fish, respectively 0.21 fish/angler hour in 2005/06 (Figure 24).
(Figure 27). • While the average annual catch rate of • The relative strengths of black bream year anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in classes from angler diary data reflect the low 2008/09 was the lowest recorded since levels of recruitment into the Mallacoota Inlet 2003/04, it was within the ranges previously recreational fishery since those observed in reported.
2001/02 (Figure 27). • The average annual catch rate of anglers Length interviewed during onsite surveys from 2003/04 to 2008/09 was on average higher • Length frequency distributions of black than those observed from 1981/82 to 1984/85. bream taken by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys from • Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead 1981/82 to 2008/09 ranged between 18 and 52 by angler diarists from 2003/04 to 2008/09 cm TL (Figure 28) . Most bream taken by were between 0.4 fish/angler hour in 2009/10 anglers from onsite surveys between 2002/03 and 6.6 fish/angler hour in 2004/05 (Figure and 2008/09 were between 25 and 40 cm TL. 25). • Length frequency distributions of black • The five year average for annual catch rates bream taken by angler diarists from 1997/98 of dusky flathead taken by angler diarists in to 2008/09 ranged between 10 and 44 cm TL Mallacoota Inlet was 1.8 fish/angler hour. (Figure 29). A significant proportion of the
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Length and age monitoring should continue to be closely monitored in the future. Increased targeted fishing pressure has Age been suggested to be contributing to the • Recreational onsite survey and angler diary declining trend (Kent et al. 2010a). data for dusky flathead show that the 2004/05 and 2003/04 year classes were relatively Other species strong in 2007/08 and 2008/09 in Mallacoota There are insufficient data on recreational catch Inlet (Figure 32 and 33). rates for other species in Mallacoota Inlet to • These year classes were observed as an provide any meaningful assessment of the status abundance of 3+ and 4+ year old fish in of these species. 2007/08 and 4+ and 5+ year old fish in There are insufficient commercial haul seine 2008/09. catch rate time series data available to provide Length meaningful assessments of stock status for trevally, tailor, sea mullet, river garfish and • Length frequency distributions of dusky yellow‐eye mullet. flathead taken by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys from Sufficient data were available from the 1981/82 to 2008/09 ranged between 24 and 88 commercial fishery for Australian salmon and cm TL (Figure 34). luderick. o Most dusky flathead taken by anglers Australian salmon
from onsite surveys were between 30 and Total catch, effort and catch rates 50 cm TL. • Haul seine catches of Australian salmon
o The proportion of large dusky flathead ranged between <0.1 tonne in 1997/98 and 41
(≥50 cm TL) taken by recreational anglers tonnes in 2001/02 (Figure 19). interviewed during on site surveys has been below 15% since 2004/05. • The haul seine commercial catch rate time series for Australian salmon is not • Length frequency distributions of dusky considered a good indicator of the status of
flathead taken by angler diarists from Australian salmon stocks in Mallacoota Inlet. 1998/99 to 2008/09 ranged between 17 and 80 cm TL (Figure 35). Luderick o The majority of dusky flathead taken by • Haul seine catches of luderick ranged angler diarists were greater than the between 7 tonnes in 1983/84 and 31 tonnes in LML of 27 cm TL. 1988/89 (Figure 19). o Most dusky flathead taken by angler • From 1978/79, catch rates ranged between 16 diarists in 2008/09 were between 30 and kg/shot in 2002/03 and 95 kg/shot in 1988/89, 50 cm TL (Figure 35). and the years prior to the closure of the
o The proportion of large dusky flathead fishery were below the LTA (LTA=48.1
(≥50 cm TL) taken by angler diarists has kg/shot; 2002/03=16.3 kg/shot; 2001/02=30.4
been below 15% since 2004/05. kg/shot) (Figure 19).
• There were no clear long‐term persistent Status of stock trends observed in the annual catch (tonnes) Recreational data show inter‐annual variation in of luderick in Mallacoota Inlet; catch catch rates, however, there is no clear evidence of fluctuated. A long‐term decline in catch rate persistent declines in the abundance of black was observed from 1988/89 to the closure of bream and dusky flathead in Mallacoota Inlet. the fishery in 2003 (Figure 19).
Average catch rates have remained relatively • The commercial haul seine catch rate time constant, or fluctuated within ranges observed in series for luderick is considered to be a good previous years. indicator of the status of luderick stocks in While there is no evidence of a persistent decline Mallacoota Inlet prior to the closure of the in abundance of dusky flathead in Mallacoota fishery in 2003.
Inlet, low recreational catch rates observed in 2009/10, suggest that dusky flathead populations
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to 2008/09 in Tamboon Inlet ranged between Tamboon Inlet 14 and 53 cm TL (Figure 37).
Commercial fishery • Twenty eight percent of the catch taken by • Black bream, Australian salmon and luderick angler diarists was below the LML in 2008/09 were the main target species taken by (LML=28 cm TL). commercial operations in Tamboon Inlet, followed by yellow‐eye mullet, sea mullet, Tamboon Inlet ‐ Australian salmon tailor and trevally (Table 1). Total catch, effort and catch rates • The Tamboon Inlet commercial fishery was Commercial closed in April 2000. • Between 1978/79 and 1999/00, haul seine • In the year prior to the closure of the fishery, catches of Australian salmon ranged between 100% of commercial catches were taken by <0.1 tonne in 1990/91 and 37 tonnes in haul seines. 1989/90 (Figure 36). o Between 1978/79 and 2002/03, haul seine • The haul seine commercial catch rate time effort ranged between 35 shots in 1978/79 series for Australian salmon is not and 161 shots in 1997/98 (Figure 36). considered a good indicator of the status of
o Effort in the years prior to the closure of Australian salmon stocks in Mallacoota Inlet,
the fishery was below the LTA (LTA=92 due to insufficient data available to provide a
shots; 1999/00=54 shots; 1998/99=76 shots) meaningful assessment. (Figure 36). Tamboon Inlet ‐ Luderick Tamboon Inlet – black bream Total catch, effort and catch rates Total catch, effort and catch rates Commercial Commercial • Between 1978/79 and 1999/00, haul seine
• Between 1978/79 and 1999/00, haul seine catches of luderick ranged between 0.3 tonne
catches of black bream ranged between 1 in 1980/81 and 15 tonnes in 1997/98 (Figure
tonne in 1995/96 and 21 tonnes in 1986/87 36). (Figure 36). • The commercial haul seine catch rate time
• The commercial haul seine catch rate time series for luderick is considered to be a good
series for black bream is considered to be a indicator of the status of adult luderick
good indicator of the status of adult black stocks in Tamboon Inlet prior to the closure
bream stocks in Tamboon Inlet prior to the of the fishery. closure of the fishery in 2000. o From 1978/79, catch rates ranged
o From 1978/79, catch rates ranged between 4.6 kg/shot in 1980/81 and 97.3
between 9 kg/shot in 1994/95 and 204 kg/shot in 1993/94, and the years prior to
kg/shot in 1986/87, and the years prior to the closure of the fishery were well above
the closure of the fishery were well the LTA (LTA=44.5 kg/shot; 1999/00=38.4
below the LTA (LTA=73.0 kg/shot; kg/shot; 1998/99=75.8 kg/shot) (Figure
1999/00=39.1 kg/shot; 1998/99=20.5 36). kg/shot) (Figure 36). o There were no clear long‐term persistent
o There appears to have been a long‐term trends observed in the annual catch
decline in the catch (tonnes) and catch (tonnes) and catch rate of luderick in
rate of bream in Tamboon Inlet since Tamboon Inlet; catch and catch rate
1986/87 (Figure 36). fluctuated (Figure 36). Length Other species Recreational There are insufficient commercial haul seine catch rate time series data available to provide • Length frequency distributions of black meaningful assessments of the stock status for bream taken by angler diarists from 2004/05 yellow‐eye mullet, sea mullet, tailor and trevally.
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• Twenty three percent of the bream catch Sydenham Inlet taken by angler diarists in 2008/09 was below Black Bream the LML (LML=28 cm TL). In 2008/09, the proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm TL) Age taken by angler diarists was 58%. • Recreational angler diary data for black bream in Sydenham Inlet show that from Wingan Inlet 1998/99 to 2001/02, the 1987/88 year class • The Wingan Inlet commercial fishery was dominated catches (Figure 38) and was closed in April 2000. observed as an abundance of 11+ to 14+ year old fish, respectively. • There are insufficient commercial catch rate time series data available to provide • There is no age data available for black meaningful assessments of the stock status bream taken by recreational anglers in for all species in Wingan Inlet prior to the Sydenham Inlet after 2001/02. closure of the fishery. Length Betka River Estuary • Length frequency distributions of black bream taken by angler diarists in Sydenham Black bream Inlet from 1998/99 to 2008/09 ranged between
13 and 42 cm TL (Figure 39) Age • • Thirty three percent of the bream catch taken Recreational angler diary data for black
by angler diarists in 2008/09 was below the bream in the Betka River estuary from
LML (LML=28 cm TL). In 2008/09, the 1998/99 to 2001/02, show that the 1987/88
proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm TL) year class was relatively strong (Figure 42). taken by angler diarists was 53%. • The 1994/95 to 1999/00 year classes were also relatively strong, and from 1998/99 to 2001/02 Snowy River Estuary were observed as an abundance of fish <5 Black Bream years of age. • There is no age data available for black Age bream taken by recreational anglers in the • Recreational angler diary data for black Betka River estuary after 2001/02. bream show that the Snowy River estuary in Length 1997/98 were dominated by a range of year classes (1996/97, 1992/93, 1987/88 and • Length frequency distributions of black 1980/81) (Figure 40). bream taken by angler diarists in the Betka River estuary from 1998/99 to 2004/05 ranged • In 1998/99, catches were dominated by the between 12 and 43 cm TL (Figure 43). 1997/98 and 1995/96 year classes as an abundance of 1+ and 3+ year old fish (Figure • A significant proportion of the bream catch 40). taken by angler diarists in the Betka River estuary was below the LML. • There is no age data available for black bream taken by recreational anglers in the • Seventy two percent of the bream catch Snowy River estuary after 1998/99. taken by angler diarists in 2004/05 was below the LML (LML=26 cm TL in 2004/05). In Length 2004/05, the proportion of large black bream • Length frequency distributions of black (≥30 cm TL) taken by angler diarists was bream taken by angler diarists in the Snowy 12%. River estuary from 1997/99 to 2008/09 ranged between 9 and 51 cm TL (Figure 41).
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Previous assessments of small estuaries in east Gippsland
There have been fisheries assessments for Lake Tyers in 1994 (MacDonald 1997), 2001 and 2007, and Mallacoota Inlet in 1994 (MacDonald et al. 1997), 2001 and 2006. Appendix IV summarises the main findings of these previous assessments.
There have been no previous fisheries assessments for the Snowy River estuary, Sydenham Inlet, Tamboon Inlet, Wingan Inlet and the Betka River estuary.
The perspectives of the commercial and recreational fishing sectors for the 2007 Lake Tyers fishery assessment workshop and the 2006 Mallacoota Inlet fishery assessment workshop are outlined in Appendix V.
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Assessment Overview
This section describes the management declined from 57% to 31–36% (Conron et implications from the indicators of stock status al. 2010b). and provides management advice in relation to o The mortality rate estimate for legal‐ current management objectives. sized black bream in Lake Tyers and Sydenham Inlet after the removal of Lake Tyers commercial fishing was 24% (Conron et • Overall satisfaction with recreational fishing al. 2010b) and 36% (Conron 2004), experiences in Lake Tyers is high (>75% for respectively. both shore‐ and boat‐based anglers) and • exceeds the performance target of 60% set in Water column stratification and freshwater
the LTFRMP (Kent et al. 2010b). flow can predict 70‐80% of the variation in black bream recruitment in the Gippsland Black bream Lakes (Jenkins et al. 2010). • Commercial catch rates of black bream in the o Highest recruitment was found to have years prior to the closure of the commercial occurred at intermediate freshwater fishery in 2003 (excluding bait and eel flows; at least 3000 MI.d‐1 freshwater licences) were above the LTA. flow from June to December appears required for optimal bream recruitment • There were no clear trends observed in the in the Gippsland Lakes (Jenkins et al. annual catch (tonnes) and catch rate of black 2010). bream in Lake Tyers. o Recruitment and year‐class strength o The average annual catch rates of black varies among estuaries, suggesting bream by recreational anglers unique stratification based on catchment, interviewed during onsite surveys in channel topography, and mouth opening 2009/10 were the lowest ever recorded. characteristics. o Average annual catch rates of bream o Climate change predictions for the (both size and undersize fish) by angler Gippsland Lakes region are for less diarists were higher in the late 2000s than rainfall and higher evaporation, in the early 2000s. potentially leading to higher salinities • The proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm and lower stratification in Gippsland TL) taken by recreational anglers from onsite Lakes (Jenkins et al. 2010). surveys and angler diarists has increased in o Consequently, there may be a reduction recent years. in spawning habitat with spawning • The relative strengths of black bream year limited to tributary rivers. classes from onsite surveys and angler diaries o Bream populations are therefore likely to reflect the low levels of recruitment into the be negatively affected, and these affects Lake Tyers recreational fishery since those may be exacerbated by any human observed in 1998/99 and 1999/00. activities in the catchment that further • The impact of recreational fishing on black reduce freshwater flows or increase bream stocks in Lake Tyers is of a similar marine incursion (Jenkins et al. 2010).. order of magnitude as that in Mallacoota and Sydenham Inlets (Conron et al. 2010b). Dusky Flathead • Dusky flathead has become more important o Following the removal of commercial as a recreational target species in the last fishing from Mallacoota Inlet, mortality decade in Lake Tyers (Kent et al. 2010b). rate estimates of legal‐sized black bream, from age‐based cohort analysis of catch • The proportion of large dusky flathead (≥50 data, indicated that annual mortality cm TL) taken by angler diarists has decreased
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in recent years to levels that has not been • The average annual catch rate of black bream observed since 1999/00. by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in 2008/09 was the lowest recorded since • There is no evidence of a persistent decline in 2003/04, though it remains within the ranges the abundance of dusky flathead in Lake that have been previously reported. Tyers. • At present, several relatively abundant year o A reduction in the proportion of large classes of black bream are in Mallacoota Inlet, dusky flathead (≥50 cm TL) taken by including fish that are above and below the recreational anglers, coupled with a LML. decline in catch rates in 2009/10, suggests that dusky flathead populations should • The proportion of large black bream (≥30 cm continue to be closely monitored in the TL) taken by recreational anglers from onsite future. surveys has been above 65% since 2003/04. o Increased targeted fishing pressure has • A significant proportion of the black bream been suggested to be contributing to the catch taken by angler diarists was below the declining trend (Kent et al. 2010b). LML. • In New South Wales estuaries, the estimated • Bream that are being taken below the LML are length at which 50% of the dusky flathead expected to recruit to the fishery over the next male population are mature is 31.72 cm TL, few years. corresponding to an age of 1.22 years (Gray • The relative strengths of black bream year and Barnes 2008). classes from angler diaries reflect the low • The estimated length at which 50% of the levels of recruitment into the Mallacoota Inlet dusky flathead female population are mature recreational fishery since those observed in is 56.75 cm TL, corresponding to an age of 2001/02. 4.55 years (Gray and Barnes 2008). • There were no clear long‐term persistent • If dusky flathead in Victoria mature at a trends observed in the annual catch (tonnes) similar rate to those in New South Wales and catch rate of bream in Mallacoota Inlet. estuaries, under the current LML in Victoria (27 cm), a significant proportion of both Dusky Flathead males and females are being caught before • The average annual catch rate of dusky they are able to reproduce. flathead by anglers interviewed during onsite • In recent onsite surveys, the majority (93%) surveys from 2003/04 to 2008/09 was on of anglers in Mallacoota Inlet thought that average higher than those observed from the dusky flathead LML should be increased 1981/82 to 1984/85. (Stokie et al. 2010). • The annual catch rates of dusky flathead by angler diarists in 2008/09 was below the five Mallacoota Inlet year average. • A high proportion of recreational boat‐based • The proportion of large dusky flathead (≥50 (84%) and shore‐based (78%) anglers have cm TL) taken by recreational anglers reported a high level of satisfaction in the interviewed during on site surveys and angler overall fishing experience at Mallacoota Inlet diarists has been below 15% since 2004/05. (Kent et al. 2010a). • While there is no evidence of a persistent Black Bream decline in the abundance of dusky flathead in
• Commercial catch rates of black bream in the Mallacoota Inlet, a decline in recreational
years prior to the closure of the fishery in 2003 catch rates in 2009/10, suggests that dusky
were consistent with the LTA. flathead populations should continue to be closely monitored in the future. Increased • The average annual recreational catch rates of targeted fishing pressure has been suggested black bream by anglers interviewed during to be contributing to the declining trend (Kent onsite surveys from 2003/04 to 2008/09 were et al. 2010a). generally higher than those observed from 1981/82 to 1984/85.
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Tamboon Inlet meaningful assessment of the status of these fisheries. • Commercial catch rates of black bream in the years prior to the closure of the fishery in 2000 were well below the LTA. There appears to Overiew of Status have been a long‐term decline in the annual • Based on the available survey data there have catch (tonnes) and catch rate of bream in been no significant changes in the status of Tamboon Inlet since 1986/87. fisheries in the small estuaries of east Gippsland • Commercial catch rates of luderick in the years prior to the closure of the fishery were • A review or change to fisheries management well above the LTA. There were no clear arrangements at present is not required
trends in the annual catch (tonnes) and catch • It is recommended that the current levels of
rate of luderick in Tamboon Inlet. protection for the recreational fisheries be maintained. Other Inlets
• A lack of survey data on catch rates and age/length frequency distributions of key species in Sydenham Inlet, the Snowy River
estuary, Wingan Inlet and the Betka River estuary, impedes the ability to provide a
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Research Needs and Priorities
This section details the future research, monitoring and assessment needs that have Monitoring been identified to meet fisheries management There is a need to: goals, objectives and strategies. The following • Improve current monitoring of recreational issues were raised during the assessment fishing in the small estuaries of east workshop as requiring investigation, or have Gippsland (access point surveys and anger been identified at previous workshops, as key diaries); recruit more anglers and cover a research, monitoring and assessment needs for wider spatial distribution. the small estuaries of east Gippsland. • Establish pre‐recruit surveys in the small Research estuaries of east Gippsland for black bream and dusky flathead to assess the relative There is a need to investigate: abundance of pre‐recruit year classes. • Dusky flathead sexual maturity and egg • Explore the potential use of angling club production to better understand the biology catch records to provide an indicator of of this species and the potential effects of historical trends. either existing or proposed management measures. • Dusky flathead age and growth parameters in the small estuaries of east Gippsland. • Habitat and environmental requirements of key fish species, in particular dusky flathead to evaluate ecosystem management strategies; in particular focusing on factors that are affecting year‐class strength. • The effects of the opening and closing of estuary entrances on fish populations. • The impacts of lure material ingestion on the survival of released fish, particularly dusky flathead.
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Acknowledgements
This report could not have been undertaken Stan Dumbleton (Research Angler), Steve Bosch without contributions from a number of people. (DPI), Therese Stokie (DPI), Tony Kazakas (Commercial fisher). The Catch and Effort Unit processed and summarised the commercial fisheries data: Paula The following people participated and provided Baker, Ursula Koliba, Monique Nellis. Pete information at the Lake Tyers Fishery Gason provided ongoing maintenance of the Assessment Workshop in June 2007: Simon database, and Anne Gason produced programs Conron, (MAFRI) (Chairperson), Bob McNeil for routine reporting of data. (Lake Tyers Angling Club), Alan Beveridge (Lake Tyers Angling Club), Peter Spehr (Victag angler), Commercial catch sampling and research surveys John King (Lake Tyers Angling Club), John were conducted by David McKeown and Pam Bourke (VRFISH and Lake Tyers Angling Club), Oliveiro. Rebecca Jol (FisheriesVictoria), Dick Brumley The Central Ageing Facility (CAF) provided age (FisheriesVictoria), Peter Simpson interpretation of otoliths, estimation of growth, (FisheriesVictoria), Candice Basham and database and support services: Simon (FisheriesVictoria), Murray MacDonald Robertson, Corey Green, Kyne Krusic‐Golub, (FisheriesVictoria), Jodie Simpson Thérèse Bruce and Joseph Restall. (FisheriesVictoria), Ross Winstanley (Fisheries Co‐Management Council), Peter MacDiarmid Thankyou to the following field staff for their (Charter boat operator), John Harrison (Lake many hours interviewing anglers during shore‐ Tyers Angling Club and Research angler). based surveys: Di Crookes, G Bills, I Hoffman, L The following people participated and provided Grassby, L Mueller and P Madden. information at the Mallacoota Inlet Fishery Thanks to the volunteer research anglers who Assessment Workshop in January 2006: James generously return records of their fishing. Andrews (Fisheries Victoria), Craig Chapman (DPI), Simon Conron (PIRVic), Shannon Conway
Thanks to Pam Oliveiro, Katrina Halse and Tina (East Gippsland Shire Council), Rebecca Jol
Whillock for data editing and entry. (DPI), Wayne Grainger (Tackle industry), Leanne The following people participated and provided Gunthorpe (PIRVic), Robyn Korn (Parks information at the East Gippsland Fishery Victoria), Andrew Mason (DPI), John Minehan Assessment Workshop in December 2009: Ross (Creel Survey officer), Murray MacDonald Winstanley (Chairperson), David Bull (DPI), Dick (Fisheries Victoria), Sandy Morison (PIRVic) Brumley (DPI), Don Cunningham (Commercial (Chairperson), Geoff Nicholson (PIRVic), Frank fisher), Elisha Lovell (DPI), Frank Richards Richards (Research angler), Jodie Simpson (DPI), (Research Angler), Jennifer Hughes (DPI), John Ross Winstanley (Fisheries Co‐Management Kirk (Research Angler), Karina Ryan (DPI), Council), John Wood(Research angler).
Lindsay Williams (Research Angler), Lynton Barr Thankyou to John Presser, James Andrews,
(Research Angler), Mark Cunningham Leanne Gunthorpe and Murray MacDonald for
(Commercial fisher), Matt Bateson (DPI), Dr comments on this report. Murray MacDonald (DPI), Peter Spehr (Research Angler), Rebecca Jol (DPI), Rick Morton (DPI), Robert Carne (VRFish), Simon Conron (DPI),
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black bream, Acanthopagraus butcheri (Munro) cephalus) survey results: 1999‐2006. in the Gippsland Lakes, Victoria. University Department of Primary Industries and of Melbourne. Fisheries, Brisbane, Australia. Ramm, D. C. (1986). Ecological study of the Ryan, K. L., Morison, A. K., and Conron, S. ichthyoplankton and juvenile fish in the (2009). Evaluating methods of obtaining total Gippsland Lakes, Victoria. PhD Thesis, catch estimates for individual Victorian bay University of Melbourne. and inlet recreational fisheries. Department Raubenheimer, D., Zemke‐White, W. L., Phillips, of Primary Industries, Queenscliff. R. J., and Clements, K. D. (2005). Algal Sarre, G. A., Platell, M. E., and Potter, I. C. macronutrients and food selection by the (2000). Do the dietary compositions of omnivorous marine fish Girella tricuspidata. Acanthopagrus butcheri in four estuaries and a Ecology 86, 2601‐2610. coastal lake vary with body size and season Rigby, B. A. (1982). An ecological study of the and within and amongst these water bodies? estuarine fish assemblage in the Gippsland Journal of Fish Biology 56, 103‐122. Lakes. Marine Science Laboratories Internal Sarre, G. A., and Potter, I. C. (1999). Report No. 3. Ministry for Conservation, Comparisons between the reproductive Melbourne, Victoria. biology of black bream Acanthopagrus butcheri Rigby, B. A. (1984). The ecology of fish (Teleostei: Sparidae) in four estuaries with inhabiting estuarine seagrass habitats in the widely differing characteristics. International Gippsland Lakes, Victoria. Masters Thesis Journal of Salt Lake Research 8, 179‐210. Thesis, University of Melbourne. Sarre, G. A., and Potter, I. C. (2000). Variation in Roberts, D. G., Gray, C. A., West, R. J., and Ayre, age compositions and growth rates of D. J. (2009). Evolutionary impacts of Acanthopagrus butcheri (Sparidae) among hybridization and interspecific geneflow on estuaries: some possible contributing factors. an obligately estuarine fish. Journal of Fishery Bulletin 98, 785‐799. Evolutionary Biology 22, 27‐35. Sherwood, J. E., and Backhouse, G. N. (1982). Roberts, D. G., Gray, C. A., West, R. J., and Ayre, Hydrodynamics of salt wedge estuaries ‐ D. J. (2010). Marine genetic swamping: implications for successful spawning in black hybrids replace an obligatory estuarine fish. bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri). Faculty of Molecular Ecology 19, 508‐520. Applied Science and Technology Research Roberts, D. G., Gray, C. A. West, R. J., and Ayre, Report No 82/3. Warrnambool Institute of D. J. (2011). Temporal stability of a hybrid Advanced Education, Australia. swarm between the migratory marine and Warrnambool Institute of Advanced estuarine fishes Acanthopagrus australis and Education, A. butcheri. Marine Ecology‐Progress Series 421, Smith, K. A., and Sinerchia, M. (2004). Timing of 199‐204. recruitment events, residence periods and Rossi, A. R., Capula, M., Crosetti, D., Sola, L., post‐settlement growth of juvenile fish in a and Campton, D. E. (1998). Allozyme seagrass nursery area, south‐eastern variation in global populations of striped Australia. Environmental Biology of Fishes 71, mullet, Mugil cephalus (Pisces: Mugilidae). 73‐84. Marine Biology 131, 203‐212. Stanley, C. A., and Malcolm, W. B. (1977). Rowland, S. J. (1984). Hybridization between the Reproductive cycles in the eastern subspecies estuarine fishes yellowfin bream, of the Australian salmon, Arripis trutta Acanthopagrus australis (Gunther), and black marginata (Cuvier and Valenciennes). bream, A. butcheri (Munro) (Pisces: Sparidae). Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 28, 287‐301. Research, 35, 427‐440. Stewart , J., and Hughes, J. M. (2007). Age Rowling, K. R., and Raines, L. P. (2000). validation and growth of three commercially Description of the biology and an assessment important hemiramphids in south‐eastern of the fishery of silver trevally (Pseudocaranx Australia. Journal of Fish Biology 70, 65‐82. dentex) off New South Wales. Final Report Stewart, J., Hughes, J. M., Gray, C. A., and Series No. 24. New South Wales Fisheries. Walsh, C. (2005). Life history, reproductive Roy, D. (2008). Fisheries Long Term Monitoring biology, habitat use and fishery status of Program ‐ Summary of sea mullet (Mugil eastern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus australis)
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and river garfish (H. regularis ardelio) in New Valesini, F. J., Potter, I. C., Platell, M. E., and South Wales waters. Hyndes, G. A. (1997). Ichthyofaunas of a Stokie, T. K., Bridge, N. F., MacDonald, M., and temperate estuary and adjacent marine Conron, S. (2010). Evaluation of changes to embayment. Implications regarding choice of dusky flathead catch limits in Mallacoota nursery area and influence of environmental Inlet. Recreational Fishing Grant Program changes. Marine Biology 128, 317‐328. Research Report. The Department of Primary Walker, S., and Neira, F. J. (2001). Aspects of the Industries, Victoria. reproductive biology and early life history of Taylor, P. R., and Paul, L. J. (1998). A summary black bream, Acanthopagrus butcheri of the biology, recreational and commercial (Sparidae), in a brackish lagoon system in landings, and stock assessment of yellow‐ southeastern Australia. Journal of Ichthyology eyed mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri (Cuvier and and Aquatic Biology 4, 135‐142. Valenciennes, 1836) (Mugiloidei: Mugilidae). Wallace, J. (1976). The food of the fish of the New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Research Blackwood River Estuary. Report to the Document No. 98/1. Estuarine and Marine Advisory Committee Thomson, J. M. (1954). The organs of feeding of the Western Australian Environmental and the food of some Australian mullet. Protection Authority, Perth. Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater Walsh, C. T., Gray, C. A., West, R. J., van der Research 5, 469‐485. Meulen, D. E., and Williams, F. G. (2010). Thomson, J. M. (1955). The movements and Growth, episodic recruitment and age migrations of mullet (Mugil cephalus L.). truncation in populations of a catadromous Australian Journal of Marine and Freshwater percichthyid, Macquaria colonorum. Marine Research 6, 328‐347. and Freshwater Research 61, 397‐407. Thomson, J. M. (1957a). Biological studies of Ward, T. M., Staunton‐Smith, J., Hoyle, S., and economic significance of the yellow‐eye Halliday, I. A. (2003). Spawning patterns of mullet, Aldrichetta forsteri (Cuvier and four species of predominantly temperate Valenciennes) (Mugilidae). Australian Journal pelagic fishes in the sub‐tropical waters of of Marine and Freshwater Research 8, 1‐13. southern Queensland. Estuarine, Coastal and Thomson, J. M. (1957b). Interpretation of the Shelf Science 56, 1125‐1140. scales of the yellow‐eye mullet, Aldrichetta West, R. J., Jones, M. V., Parsons, B. W., Annese, forsteri (Cuvier and Valenciennes) D. M., and Barker, D. T. (2006). Life history, (Mugilidae). Australian Journal of Marine and reproductive biology, habitat use and fishery Freshwater Research 8, 14‐28. status of eastern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus Thomson, J. M. (1959). Some aspects of the australis) and river garfish (H. regularis ecology of Lake Macquarie, New South ardelio) in New South Wales waters. FRDC Wales with regard to an alleged depletion of Project No. 2001/027. fish. Australian Journal of Marine and Winstanley, R. H. (1985). Commercial fishery Freshwater Research 10, 365‐374. situation report: Tamboon Inlet. Marine Thomson, J. M. (1963). Synopsis of biological Fisheries Report No. 7, Fisheries and Wildlife data on the grey mullet Mugil cephalus Service, Department of Conservation, Forests Linnaeus 1758. Australian CSIRO Division of and Lands, East Melbourne. Fisheries and Oceanography Fisheries Worthington, D. G., Ferrell, D. J., McNeill, S. E., Synopsis 1. and Bell, J. D. (1992a). Growth of four species Tibbetts, I. R., and Carseldine, L. (2005). Trophic of juvenile fish associated with seagrass shifts in three subtropical Australian Zostera capricorni in Botany Bay, New South halfbeaks (Teleostei: Hemiramphidae). Wales. Australian Journal of Marine and Marine and Freshwater Research 56, 925‐932. Freshwater Research 43, 1189‐1198. Trnski, T., and Hay, A. C. (2005). Larval Worthington, D. G., Ferrell, D. J., McNeill, S. E., development of estuary perch (Maquaria and Bell, J. D. (1992b). Growth of four species colonorum) and Australian bass (M. of juvenile fish associated with the seagrass novemaculeata) (Perciformes: Percichthyidae), Zostera capricorni in Botany Bay, New South and comments on their life‐history. Fisheries Wales. Australian Journal of Marine and Bulletin 103, 183‐194. Freshwater Research 43, 1189‐1198.
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Young, G. C., Wise, B. S., and Ayvazian, S. G. (1999). A tagging study on tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) in Western Australian waters: their movement, exploitation, growth and mortality. Marine and Freshwater Research 50, 633‐642.
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Appendix I – Biology and ecology of key species
Lakes was highly transient, with individuals Target Species capable of moving up to 30 km d‐1 (Hindell et al. Bream 2008). Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) (Munro Black bream tagging programs in New South 1949) (Sparidae) are endemic to the estuaries Wales and South Australia (SA) suggest that and coastal lakes of southern Australia from some fish leave estuaries and exhibit limited Myall Lake on the central coast of New South coastal movement (Dunstan 1965; Harbison Wales to the Murchison River on the central 1974). Tagging in Victorian waters has west coast of Western Australia, including identified movement of a few individuals from Tasmania (Rowland 1984; Gomon et al. 2008). the Gippsland Lakes west to Corner Inlet in The distribution of black bream in eastern south Gippsland, and east as far as southern Australia overlaps with the closely related New South Wales. However, most recaptures yellow‐fin bream (A. australis) which occur from indicated movements within the Gippsland Wilson’s Promontory in Victoria, to northern Lakes or to nearby smaller estuaries (Butcher Queensland. and Ling 1962; Gorman 1962; 1965; 1972). There is considerable hybridization and Chaplin et al. (1998) have found a high level of introgression of black bream and yellow‐fin genetic divergence, and a very low level of gene bream is considerable in the area where the two flow, among populations of bream from nine species are sympatric. Microsatellite and estuaries and a coastal lake in Western mitochondrial DNA surveys of southern New Australia, and variation in growth rates and age South Wales estuaries show that hybrids make at maturity among estuaries in south‐western up a substantial proportion of the bream Australia. Variation in bream growth rates and population (five estuaries overall: hybrids = age at maturity among estuaries in south‐ 45%; black bream = 5%; yellow‐fin bream = 50%) western Australia also suggest separate (Roberts et al. 2009; 2010). A more recent study populations among estuaries (Sarre and Potter by Roberts et al. (2011) indicates that there has 1999; Sarre and Potter 2000; Norriss et al. 2002). been extensive hybridisation of the two bream An allozyme survey by Farrington et al. (2000) species in the Gippsland Lakes for at least 60 found little evidence of genetic divergence years suggesting that hybridisation is also likely among bream populations in various Victorian to have occurred in other east Gippsland estuaries. However, more recent genetic studies estuaries. using mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA techniques provides evidence for isolation by Black bream are generally considered to be distance for Victorian estuaries (Burridge et al. estuarine residents, completing their entire life‐ 2004; Burridge and Versace 2007). cycle within a specific estuary (Ramm 1983b; Potter and Hyndes 1999; Walker and Neira Black bream are slow growing, can live to at 2001). However, Sherwood and Backhouse least 29 years, and have an episodic pattern of (1982) found that when the interface of fresh and reproductive success, variation in year‐class salt water is flushed from the Hopkins River in strength recruitment (Morison et al. 1998). Victoria, some black bream will leave the Growth rates of bream can be highly variable estuary and frequent sheltered marine areas between estuaries and between different year such as nearby reefs. classes within the same estuary (Sarre and Potter 2000). This variability makes it difficult to Using acoustic telemetry in the Gippsland Lakes predict the time it will take for fish to reach the in Victoria, Hindell et al. (2008) demonstrated legal minimum size for harvest. that of 40 bream that were implanted with acoustic transmitters, all were estuarine A recent study of environmental flows and black residents over the course of a 12 month survey. bream reproduction in the Gippsland Lakes However, movement within the Gippsland (Jenkins et al. 2010) found that successful
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spawning and survival of eggs and larvae was Dusky flathead dependent on the formation of a salinity gradient (salt wedge) during spring and early Dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) (Cuvier summer months. Highest survival and 1829) (Platycephalidae) are endemic to settlement of post‐larvae into benthic nursery Australia, occurring along the east coast from habitat was predicted to occur at intermediate Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in freshwater flows (at least 3000 MI.d‐1 freshwater Victoria (Kailola et al. 1993). The species is found flow from June to December) which produced on shallow sand, mud and seagrass substrates to the desired salt wedge in close proximity to the a depth of 25 m, preferring bays, inlets and quiet most extensive nursery habitat (Jenkins et al. estuaries (Gomon et al. 2008). Juveniles mainly 2010) occur in seagrass beds (Anon 1982). Acoustic tracking of dusky flathead in the Gippsland Bream year‐class strength and subsequent Lakes, has shown them be largely sedentary, recruitment varies among estuaries and from remaining in localised areas of the estuary for year to year within estuaries, that a variety of extended periods (up to several months) environmental and habitat factors are (Hindell 2008). Larger movements up to 30 km influencing both temporal and geographic over two to three days have been observed, but fluctuation in reproductive success. Climate appear uncommon (Hindell 2008). change predictions for the Gippsland Lakes region are for less rainfall and higher In New South Wales estuaries, dusky flathead evaporation, potentially leading to higher have a protracted spawning season with females salinities and movement of salt wedges further in spawning condition observed from up the rivers in the Gippsland Lakes (Jenkins et November to March, and males from September al. 2010). Consequently, there may be a to March (Gray and Barnes 2008). Females in reduction in bream spawning habitat and a spawning condition have been observed near separation of eggs and larvae from the most the entrance of estuaries and in adjacent coastal extensive nursery habitat in the lakes.The bream waters (Gray and Barnes 2008). For males, population is therefore likely to be negatively average length at first sexual maturity has been affected, and these affects may be exacerbated estimated to be 31.72 cm total length (TL), by any human activities in the catchment that corresponding to an age of 1.22 years, and for further reduce freshwater flows or increase females, has been estimated to be 56.75 cm TL, marine incursion (Jenkins et al. 2010). corresponding to an age of 4.55 years (Gray and Barnes 2008). Estimates of fecundity for dusky The diet of black bream includes shellfish (e.g. flathead range from 294,000 to 3,948,000 eggs mussels and cockles), polychaetes, crustaceans (Kerby and Brown 1994). Larvae of dusky (e.g. prawns and crabs), small fish (e.g. gobies) flathead have been captured in estuaries and and algae (e.g. Enteromorpha and Ulva) (Wallace coastal waters of New South Wales between 1976; Holt 1978; Sarre et al. 2000). Copepod September and May (Miskiewicz 1987; Gray and nauplii are an important dietary component for Miskiewicz 2000). black bream larvae in the Hopkins River estuary (Newton 1996). Juvenile black bream in the The maximum length of dusky flathead is Gippsland Lakes feed on a diverse range of around 120 cm, with a corresponding weight of abundant small prey in seagrass habitats about 15 kg (Gomon et al. 2008). The maximum including polychaetes, bivalves and amphipods; estimated age for dusky flathead is 16 years and adults feed in deeper unvegetated habitats (Gray and Barnes 2008). Dusky flathead have a on a range of prey including a high proportion fast growth rate, with both male and female fish of bivalves (Rigby 1982; Ramm 1986) with larger estimated to reach a mean length of ~30 cm TL fish consuming highly mobile prey such as fish, in the first year of growth. Thereafter, females crabs and shrimps (Rigby 1984). grow faster than males, reaching 59 cm total le Other aspects of the biology, early life‐history fish estimated to reach a mean length at and ecology of black bream are reported in maturity of approximately 30 cm TL in 1 year Butcher 1945, Wallace 1976, Holt 1978, Rigby and 42 and 59 cm TL after 5 years for males and 1982, 1984, Ramm 1986, Kuiter 1993, Newton females, respectively (Gray and Barnes 2008). 1996, Neira 1998, Haddy and Pankhurst 2000, Females appear to grow faster and attain a Sarre et al. 2000, Partridge et al. 2003, Hassell greater overall maximum length, weight and 2009). age than males (Gray and Barnes 2008).
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Dusky flathead are bottom dwelling ambush New South Wales estuaries are: L∞ = 357.3 cm predators (Kailola et al. 1993), feeding length; K = 0.015 year‐1; T0 = ‐5.00 years (Gray et predominantly on decapod crustaceans and al. 2010). The mean length of 3 year old fish small fish (Hadwen et al. 2007). from southern New South Wales estuaries was 258.6 mm (n=14) for females, and 263.0 for males The growth, reproductive characteristics, diet (n=23) (Gray et al. 2010). and habitat preferences of dusky flathead in Victorian estuaries have not been studied. Luderick are primarily herbivorous, feeding on seagrass (Zostera), filamentous green algae Luderick (Enteromorpha and Ulva) and red algae Luderick (Girella tricuspidata) (Quoy and (Gracilaria), and also consumes small benthic Gaimard 1824) (Girellidae) occur from the coast invertegrates (Anderson 1987; 1991; of central Queensland around to Kangaroo Raubenheimer et al. 2005). Island in South Australia, including Tasmania, and are also found in northern New Zealand Other important species (Gomon et al. 2008). The species forms large Australian salmon schools near rocky outcrops in shallow coastal waters to a depth of 10 m and in harbours under There are two species of Australian salmon jetties; juveniles are found in estuarine waters (Arripidae). The eastern Australian species primarily in seagrass habitat (Gomon et al. 2008). (Arripis trutta) (Bloch and Schneider 1801) is found along the south east coast of Australian
Luderick are believed to spawn in surf zones or (New South Wales, Tasmania, and Victoria), at the mouths of estuaries (Kailola et al. 1993). In New Zealand (where it is known as kahawai) southern Queensland, luderick spawn in winter and nearby oceanic islands (Gomon et al. 2008).
(Pollock 1981). In the Gippsland Lakes, luderick The western Australian species (Arripis have been suggested to have a protracted truttacea), closely resembles the eastern spawning season beginning in late Australian species and is found in coastal waters
October/November extending through to late of Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria summer (Ramm 1983a). Luderick larvae have and Tasmania. been identified in inshore (30 m depth) and offshore (60‐80 m depth), surface and mid‐ Australian salmon are found in a wide range of waters, off the New South Wales coast, with coastal habitats, from medium energy sandy most larvae observed during spring (Gray and areas to sheltered mangrove‐lined tidal creeks Miskiewicz 2000). Juveniles recruit to shallow (Jones 1999). Schooling behaviour becomes regions of estuaries and recruitment can vary more apparent as Australian salmon grow older. considerably in space and time (Worthington et The two species are found readily mixed in the al. 1992a; Smith and Sinerchia 2004). Gray et al. same schools in central Victorian waters, but (1996) and Gray (1998) observed newly settled western Australian salmon dominate west of luderick (< 20 mm) in seagrass beds during the Cape Otway and eastern Australian salmon day and night, of estuaries in northern New dominate in Gippsland waters east of Wilsons South Wales during September, and emphasize Promontory. The western Australian species the importance of seagrass habitat as a nursery undergoes long migrations, spawning east of area for this species. Bell (1980), Bell et al. (1984) Albany in Western Australia from March to and Middleton et al. (1984) suggest that, in April (Malcolm 1961), and young juveniles Botany Bay in New South Wales, after an initial migrate as far east as Victoria and Tasmania settlement phase in seagrass beds, juvenile (Cappo 1987). These fish are thought to return luderick may have a preference for mangrove to their spawning grounds at an age of 3‐5 years habitats. Worthington et al. (1992b) suggest that (Cappo 1987). Growth in the western Australian luderick recruit to seagrass habitat and then salmon decreases with increasing distance from leave the site of recruitment within a few weeks. its spawning grounds in Western Australia, Emigration of juveniles from seagrass appears to until at the eastern end of its range, growth is be length‐dependent (Smith and Sinerchia 2004). similar to that of eastern Australian salmon Luderick reportedly attain a maximum TL off inhabiting the same waters (Nicholls 1973). 700 mm (4 kg) (Kailola et al. 1993), and a Juvenile western Australian salmon first appear maximum age for females and males of 24 and in Tasmanian waters in September/October at a 21 years, respectively (Gray et al. 2010). The von size of 40–60 mm fork length (Nicholls 1973). Bertalanffy growth parameters for southern The eastern Australian species has been
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observed spawning in southern New South been observed in deep pools several kilometres Wales and eastern Victorian waters (Malcolm from the estuary mouth (Newton 1996). Post‐ 1960; Stanley and Malcolm 1977). flexion larval stages have been observed in the Hopkins River estuary as late as February Australian salmon are lunging predators, (Newton 1996). Deep pools within estuaries are preferring to feed in open water (Flynn and Ritz suggested to be important as a result of their 1999). The diet of western Australian salmon (all offering a deep area within which fish can of which were < 15 cm SL) in Port Phillip Bay in congregate to spawn (Newton 1996), and also Victoria includes benthic and pelagic probably of greater importance, are the crustaceans, post/larval atherinids, gobiids and prevailing moderate salinity and high dissolved sillaginids (Hindell et al. 2000). Sub‐adults (all of oxygen conditions present in these areas during which were between 20 and 35 cm SL) in salt‐wedge emplacement (Newton 1994). Larvae Western Port in Victoria, consumed anchovy have been found in seagrass habitats in the (Engraulis australis), pilchard (Sardinops Clyde River estuary in New South Wales (Trnski neopilchardus) and sandy sprat (Hyperlophus and Hay 2005). Estuary perch and Australian vittatus) (Hoedt and Dimmlich 1994). The bass (M. novemaculeata) can hybridize in natural arrival of western Australian salmon in Western populations, but it is not known whether the Port in spring, and gradual departure from the hybrids are able to backcross with either bay in late autumn and winter appears to be parental species (Jerry et al. 1999). closely related to the seasonal inshore/offshore migrations of prey species (Hoedt and Dimmlich Recruitment is episodic, resulting in only a few 1994). year classes dominating the population, and age truncation of populations often occurs from an Estuary perch absence of larger, older fish (>10 years) (Kirwin Estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum) (Gunther 2000; Walsh et al. 2010). These factors are likely 1863) (Percichthyidae) are endemic to estuaries to be influenced by environmental flows and of south east Australia, occurring from the fishing pressure (Walsh et al. 2010). Variation in Richmond River in northern New South Wales recruitment produces restricted age through to the mouth of the Murray River South compositions, which mean that populations of Australia. Estuary perch mainly inhabit brackish estuary perch depend on strong year classes river and lake sections of estuaries, but can also until the next recruitment event replenishes the be found in freshwater environments stock (Walsh et al. 2010). The strongest year (Cadwaller and Backhouse 1983; Gomon et al. classes in the Bemm and Clyde Rivers in south‐ 2008). eastern Australia were spawned during years of significant winter/spring river discharge during Estuary perch are euryhaline (able to adapt to a (Walsh et al. 2010). wide range of salinities) and catadromous (live in freshwater and migrate to marine Estuary perch are a moderately long‐lived environments to spawn) with adults spawning species with a maximum estimated age of 41 in estuaries and larvae presumably remaining in years, (Walsh et al. 2010), and size of 60 mm estuaries before migrating to adult freshwater (Gomon et al. 2008). Growth is rapid in the first habitat. However, larvae have been collected 3 to 4 years after which it slows considerably entering a central New South Wales estuary (Walsh et al. 2010). Males appear to reach their from the ocean on flood tides (Trnski and Hay asymptotic size at a faster rate than females, 2005). however, females attain a larger size than males (Kirwin 2000). Fish size varies considerably Estuary perch in spawning condition have been with age (Kirwin 2000; Walsh et al. 2010). observed in estuaries from mid to late winter and early spring (Newton 1996). It appears that Estuary perch have a varied diet, capable of estuary perch are ubiquitous spawners, exploiting a wide range of prey species (Howell spawning over a protracted period of several et al. 2004). Five major categories of prey items months (Newton 1996). In Victorian rivers, male have been shown to contribute 98% to overall estuary perch reach sexual maturity earlier in relative dietary importance (index of relative the season than females (McCarraher 1986). importance ‐ IRI) in the Hopkins River: Paratya Estuary perch eggs have been collected from australiensis – atyid shrimp, amphipoda, June to November in the Hopkins River estuary Amarinus lacustris – hymenosomatid crab, in Victoria, and high concentrations of newly teleosts and tricopteran larvae). Estuary perch hatched yolk‐sac larvae of estuary perch have were shown to consume a high proportion of P.
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australiensis (40% IRI) when in estuarine SA, during summer/autumn, thermal effluent environments, and mostly Tricopteran larvae that increases the water temperature of the Port (63.5% IRI) while in freshwater (Howell et al. River‐Barker Inlet inner estuary, results in 2004). McCarraher and McKenzie (1986) have yellow‐eye mullet avoiding the area at this time suggested that feeding may occur (Jones et al. 1996). During winter/spring, predominantly in mid‐water environments thermal effluent acts in the opposite way with during winter, and demersal environments individuals attracted to the warmer waters of during summer, however, Howell et al. (2004) the inner estuary (Jones et al. 1996). Changes in suggest that summer feeding is primarily in the abundance of yellow‐eye mullet may also be mid‐water to surface environments. linked with nutrient levels and an associated increase in the presence of vegetated habitat Yellow‐eye mullet (Jackson and Jones 1999). Nutrient enhancement Yellow‐eye mullet (Aldrichetta forsteri) in the Peel‐Harvey estuary in Western Australia, (Valenciennes 1836) (Mugilidae) is typically a that results in an increase in food availability, schooling species that occurs in the coastal and and the presence of vegetated habitat which estuarine waters of Australia, and also occurs in provides protection from avian predation, may New Zealand (Chubb et al. 1981; Gomon et al. be factors that enhance the abundance of yellow‐ 2008). The species is often abundant in the eye mullet (Lenanton et al. 1984). lower reaches of estuaries (Hoeksema and Potter Yellow‐eye mullet have a reported maximum 2006), and is found over both vegetated and size of 400 mm standard length (Gomon et al. unvegetated habitat (Edgar and Shaw 1995). 2008), and in New Zealand have a suspected In Western Australia, 1+ and 2+ year old yellow‐ longevity of 7 years (Curtis and Shima 2005). In eye mullet are more abundant in estuaries SA, the mean length attained during the first during the cooler months, indicating that the four years of growth are 140, 210, 260 and 310 species probably moves out to sea during mm, respectively (Harris 1968). summer (Chubb et al. 1981). In southern and Yellow‐eye mullet is an omnivore (Thomson eastern Australia, yellow‐eye mullet spawn 1957a; Wallace 1976), feeding on seagrass, algae, during summer and autumn (Thomson 1957a; b; diatoms, polychaetes, crustaceans, molluscs and Harris 1968), and it appears that spawning may insects (Thomson 1957a; Edgar and Shaw 1995; be some distance away from estuaries (Potter Platell et al. 2006). The diverse range of food and Hyndes 1994). In SA, females and males in items suggests that yellow‐eye mullet is spawning condition have been observed at a opportunistic in its feeding behaviour, ingesting minimum size of 230 and 210 mm standard food from within and on the substratum, and length, respectively (Harris 1968). In New throughout the water column (Platell et al. 2006). Zealand, females begin developing eggs in July, eggs mature by late December, and spawning Eastern river garfish generally occurs from late December to mid Eastern river garfish (Hyporhamphus regularis March (Manikiam 1963; Taylor and Paul 1998). ardelio) (Whitley 1931) (Hemiramphidae) is Yellow‐eye mullet have pelagic eggs and their endemic to estuaries, rivers and coastal lakes larvae are widely dispersed (Hickford and along the east Australian coast from Gladstone Schiel 2003). In New Zealand, larvae have been in Queensland to Warnambool in Victoria found from mid‐summer until mid way through (Gomon et al. 2008). Eastern river garfish are a the following winter, as far as 6 km offshore, but schooling species found in the pelagic were most abundant in February, 2 km offshore environment and are considered estuarine‐ (Hickford and Schiel 2003). In Western dependent for many aspects of their life‐history, Australia, a large number of early 0+ year old particularly for spawning and egg and larval fish move into estuaries from coastal development (Anon 2001). environments (Valesini et al. 1997). Juveniles are found in the lower reaches of estuaries In New South Wales estuaries, eastern river where they utilize the shallow water habitats garfish have a protracted spawning season from (Chubb et al. 1981). July to December (Stewart et al. 2005; Hughes and Stewart 2006; West et al. 2006). Ramm (1986) It has been hypothesized that movement of observed small juveniles in the Gippsland Lakes yellow‐eye mullet out to sea may be related to in November and December, and suggested that an increase in ambient water temperature within spawning occurred in this region during spring. estuaries during summer (Chubb et al. 1981). In Females tend to form large schools in shallow
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inshore waters over seagrass beds, whereas Sea mullet males are more widely dispersed in deeper water (Hughes and Stewart 2006). Eggs are often Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) (Mugilidae) are found in areas protected from wind and wave found worldwide in tropical and temperate seas; action and are covered with filaments that are 5– in freshwater, estuarine and marine 10 mm long that allow them to attach to floating environments (Gomon et al. 2008). The species or benthic vegetation (seagrass and algae) occurs throughout Australian coastal and (Hughes and Stewart 2006; West et al. 2006). estuarine waters except for the central and Submerged vegetation is considered essential western parts of the Great Australian Bight and for the early life‐history stages of this species the west and south coasts of Tasmania (Gomon (West et al. 2006). Eastern river garfish eggs et al. 2008). A considerable level of genetic hatch approximately 17 days after fertilization divergence exists between populations from (West et al. 2006). Eastern river garfish eggs are eastern and Western Australia (Rossi et al. 1998). large (2.5–3 mm in diameter) relative to body It is not clear whether sea mullet spawn inshore size, resulting in relatively low numbers of eggs (Grant and Spain 1975) or offshore (Arnold and being produced at each spawning event (Stewart Thomson 1958). In Western Australia, the et al. 2005; Hughes and Stewart 2006). In New spawning season for sea mullet extends from South Wales, mean (±SE) batch fecundity is 917 March to September, and individuals in ± 36 (range: 102–2268) ripe oocytes per female spawning condition have been observed in (Hughes and Stewart 2006). Low batch fecundity coastal regions (Chubb et al. 1981). In may be effectively compensated for, with Queensland, seasonal maturation of female respect to overall annual or lifetime fecundities, gonads begins in May and continues through to by spawning multiple times over the prolonged August (Thomson 1963; Grant and Spain 1975). spawning season (Stewart et al. 2005; Hughes On the east coast of Australia, sea mullet spawn and Stewart 2006; West et al. 2006). Mature from March to July (Kesteven 1942; Thomson female eastern river garfish have three or four 1955). Tagging on the east coast suggests that modes of oocyte diameters, that support a there may be northward movement of some multiple spawning strategy (Hughes and individuals in autumn, although the majority of Stewart 2006). recovered tagged fish remained in the locality Eastern river garfish has an estimated longevity where they were released (Kesteven 1953). of seven years, reaches a maximum length of 286 Movement inferred from parasite infection mm fork length and sexual maturity occurs at suggests that large numbers of fish are not one year of age (Stewart et al. 2005; Hughes and moving in a northerly direction, but instead Stewart 2006; Stewart and Hughes 2007). In New movement in autumn is more likely fish South Wales, the mean size at age estimate after sequentially leaving estuaries for the sea when one year is 178 mm fork length (Stewart and water temperatures decrease (Lester et al. 2009). Hughes 2007). Eastern river garfish females This corresponds with maturation experiments grow faster and attain a larger size than males, that indicate that sea mullet reach spawning although there are no differences in the mean condition when temperature is lowered by sizes of females and males less than one year old several degrees (Kuo 1995). Tagging studies (Hughes and Stewart 2006; Stewart and Hughes suggest that the species is capable of moving 2007). long distances (> 600 kilometers) (Kesteven 1953). Sea mullet mature at a reported The diet of large juveniles and adults is minimum size of 300 mm, and females can composed almost entirely of seagrass (Thomson produce as many as 4.8 million pelagic eggs per 1959). In south‐eastern Queensland, the species spawning season (Grant and Spain 1975). undergoes an ontogenetic trophic shift from an animal to plant diet, which occurs between 80 Larvae reach approximately 10 mm in length and 110 mm standard length (Tibbetts and after 28‐34 days and 18 mm after 42 days Carseldine 2005). After the ontogenetic shift, the (Thomson 1963; Ching‐Ming et al. 1973). Sea diet is dominated by Zostera capricorni (Tibbetts mullet have a reported maximum size of 800 and Carseldine 2005). The species feeds mainly mm standard length (Gomon et al. 2008), and during the day, with gut fullness dropping have a fast growth rate, with individuals from markedly after dusk (Tibbetts and Carseldine Western Australian waters attaining between 2005). 178‐222 mm length and 64‐119 g weight after the first year of growth (Chubb et al. 1981). The
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species is reported to reach a maximum age of site (Halliday 1990). Tagging of juveniles (<270 11 years in Australian waters (Roy 2008) mm) in Queensland shows that juveniles move relatively short distances (mean 10.2 km ±15 km; Sea mullet consume algae and plankton maximum distance of 85 km) (Morton et al. (Thomson 1954; 1963). 1993). In Western Australia, Young et al. (1999) Silver trevally found that recapture of tagged sub‐adult fish (250‐349 mm) was within <25 km of the tagged The distribution of silver trevally (Pseudocaranx site, and that sub‐adults were remaining in georgianus) (Carangidae) is not fully known due sheltered estuarine and marine areas. Adults in to past confusion with other species (P. dentex, P. Western Australia have been observed wrighti, P. dinjera and Caranx nobilis), however, displaying behaviour consistent with a the species is thought to occur from southern northward or offshore movement during winter New South Wales to southern Western Australia (Young et al. 1999). In Qld and New South and also in New Zealand waters (Gomon et al. Wales, southward movement of adults has been 2008). observed at the end of the spawning season In New South Wales, silver trevally spawn from (Halliday 1990). spring to autumn (Rowling and Raines 2000). Spawning aggregations form on the east coast of Females in New South Wales mature at a length Australia during late winter and spring in shelf of ~260‐280 mm and weight of ~400 g after 5‐6 waters (Pollock 1984; Halliday 1990; Ward et al. years (Rowling and Raines 2000). Silver trevally 2003), and it appears that spawning may occur are serial spawners with indeterminate in areas that have some degree of wave action as fecundity (Farmer et al. 2005). Fecundity is opposed to calmer waters (Halliday 1990). In estimated to be ~220,000 eggs for a 370 mm Queensland, most male and female tailor have female; fecundity in larger females is presumed been observed to be sexually mature at ~260 mm to range up to 1,000,000 eggs (Rowling and and 280 mm fork length, respectively, Raines 2000). Larvae have been recorded corresponding to an age at maturity of 2+ years entering Lake Macquarie in New South Wales (Bade 1977). In southern Queensland, eggs and from December to February (Miskiewicz 1987), larvae have been most abundant between June in coastal waters off Sydney from August to and October, however, a small number of eggs May (Gray et al. 1992), off southern New South and larvae have been found from February to Wales in May and off northeast Tasmania in April (Ward et al. 2003). Larvae of tailor have March (CMR, Hobart, unpublished data cited in been collected from the shelf waters off New (Bruce et al. 2002)), and off Portland in Victoria South Wales between January and May in January (F. Neira AMC, Beauty Point, pers. (Miskiewicz et al. 1996). Larvae presumably are comm. cited in (Bruce et al. 2002)). dispersed along the coast and enter estuaries Silver trevally attain a reported maximum where conditions are favourable (Morton et al. length of 800 mm TL (4.5 kg) (Gomon et al. 2008) 1993). and are relatively long‐lived and slow growing, Tailor attain a reported maximum length of 120 reaching a maximum age in excess of 20 years. mm TL (14.4 kg) (Gomon et al. 2008). While Silver trevally feed in both the benthic and females and males have a similar growth rate pelagic environments, consuming more fish (by (Dodt et al. 2006), growth rates of individuals weight) than any other non‐fish dietary can be highly variable (Halliday 1990). components (Bulman et al. 2001; Hindell 2006). Tailor are fast swimmers, and voracious Tailor predators, feeding on shoals of small fish (Gomon et al. 2008). In Australia, tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) (Pomatomidae) are found from southern Queensland to the central west coast of Western Australia. There is considerable genetic divergence between populations from eastern and western Australia (Nurthen et al. 1992). While tailor are capable of moving considerable distances (>400 km), tagging in Qld and New South Wales shows that individuals are generally recaptured within 6 km of their tag
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Appendix II – Data and methods
This section further describes relevant 2009). The 2006/07 survey used the research and monitoring used to provide Recreational Fishing Licence database as a information for the 2009 Gippsland Lakes sampling frame to identify and recruit bream stock assessment. anglers. Data from onsite access point surveys Commercial fishery provides periodic information on species Logbooks have provided a comprehensive targeted and caught by anglers, discard record of reported catch from all Victorian rates, catch rates and length/age composition fisheries (including Mallacoota and of the retained catch of key target species. Tamboon Inlets and Lake Tyers) since 1914. Avid anglers are anglers who recalled
Since 1978/79, commercial licence holders fishing at least five days in the previous 12
have been required to provide more detailed months. Calculating mean catch rates from
daily records of fishing method, area, catch these anglers increases consistency in the
and effort since 1978/79. sampling effort and reliability of the analyses. These data have been checked for major
errors by a series of range tests and other The access point angler surveys cover a large
validation routines that are part of the number of anglers with random sampling by day type (weekday and weekend). Estimates normal data entry procedures of the Catch
and Effort Unit at the Department of of discard rates are potentially subject to
Primary Industries, Queenscliff. A review of recall bias. The precision of the annual and seasonal catch rate estimates is influenced by logbook data quality has indicated that more
than 95% of monthly catch/effort returns sampling intensity. Fork length
have been submitted. There is potential for measurements from the access point creel surveys are made by trained interviewers. some errors in catch rate due to unrecorded effort and/or errors in coding effort data. Since 1997, volunteer angler diarists have
No attempt has been made to independently been operating in Victorian waters, including the small estuaries of east verify the accuracy of catch weight, fishing
location or effort values supplied by fishers. Gippsland. Experienced volunteer anglers
Effort values are not standardised as no contribute to the program as a ‘general’ or ‘research’ angler diarist, providing detailed attempt has been made to make any
adjustment for changes in fishing power reports on their fishing activities. Research
over time in a fishery. angler diarists have been recruited to target bream or dusky flathead in a number of east Gippsland small estuaries providing a time Recreational fishery series of information on the catch rates, There have been two large‐scale, telephone‐ length and age structure of the population diary surveys of recreational fishing in and levels of recruitment and year class Victoria aimed at estimating total strength. Research angler diarists measure recreational catch. The National Recreational all fish caught, including fish below the Fishing Survey in 2000/01 provided state‐ LML. wide and regional estimates of both retained and discarded catches of key target species The Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve by recreational fishers (Henry and Lyle Management Plan, declared in 2007, 2003). Anglers were identified and recruited identified the need for up‐to‐date for the survey using a state‐wide telephone information on recreational fishing activities screening method. and the status of key target fish stocks in order to maintain or enhance recreational State‐wide and regional recreational catches fishing opportunities in the estuary. In order of key Victorian marine and estuarine to meet this need, the approach has included species were estimated again in 2006/07 the monitoring of recreational fishery trends using a telephone diary survey (Ryan et al. (preferred target species, species
East Gippsland Small Estuary Fisheries Assessment 2009
38
composition of catches, catch rates, size angler diarists, and from onsite surveys. The composition and discard rates) for key initial focus in Lake Tyers has been on black species through periodic onsite surveys of bream and dusky flathead. shore‐ and boat‐based anglers and the recruitment of recreational fishers in the on‐ Length and age monitoring going volunteer angler diary program. Otoliths were prepared and aged following
Monitoring the stock status of key standard procedures outlined in Morison et recreational target fish species has also been al. (1998). The index of average percent error expanded through the ongoing collection of (IAPE) was used to quantify intra‐reader catch rate and size/age data from research variability (Beamish and Fournier 1981).
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Appendix IIII – Data Tables and Figures
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Table 1: Catch (tonnes) and the proportion of the main species taken by haul seines in Lake Tyers, Tamboon Inlet and Mallacoota Inlet from 1978 to closure.
Species Lake Tyers – 66% Haul Seine Tamboon Inlet – 100% Haul Seine Mallacoota Inlet – 100% Haul Seine Catch % Catch % Catch % Luderick () 127.5 18.4 () 103.2 15.4 () 408.0 22.5 Bream, Black 250.1 36.2 132.8 19.8 325.3 17.9 Australian Salmon 6.3 0.9 109.8 16.3 212.1 11.7 Trevally 53.6 7.8 42.1 6.3 168.9 9.3
Tailor 40.2 5.8 59.0 8.8 150.7 8.3 Mullet, Sea 55.6 8.0 63.1 9.4 130.3 7.2
Garfish, River 11.6 1.7 0.5 0.1 72.1 4.0
Mullet, Yellow‐Eye 48.5 7.0 82.1 12.2 60.4 3.3
Mullet, Sand 15.1 2.2 10.3 1.5 40.4 2.2
East Shrimp, Ghost 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 24.1 1.3 Flathead, Dusky 17.9 2.6 4.5 0.7 22.0 1.2
Gippsland Prawn, Eastern King 0.8 0.1 0.0 0.0 16.7 0.9 Whiting, King George 0.1 0.0 0.7 0.1 16.3 0.9 Whiting, School 0.2 0.0 2.4 0.4 15.8 0.9 Small Whiting, Sand 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 13.9 0.8
Mullet, Flat‐Tail 0.8 0.1 0.4 0.1 13.6 0.7
Estuary Leatherjacket 7.7 1.1 0.5 0.1 9.9 0.5
Bream, Yellowfin 1.0 0.1 1.4 0.2 7.9 0.4
Fisheries Mulloway 0.0 0.0 0.3 0.0 7.8 0.4 Perch, Estuary 3.2 0.5 3.9 0.6 3.6 0.2 Combined 640 93 617 92 1720 95 Assessment Total 691 100% 672 100% 1814 100%
2009 41
i) Lake Tyers – Black Bream – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 25--400 1000
20- -300 2 shots 800
ate 15-
600 h R -200 Effort Catch 10- 400 Catc -100 5- 200
0
78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09
ii) Lake Tyers – Luderick – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 10--400 300 2 shots 8- -300 ate 6- 200
h R -200 Effort Catch 4- Catc 100 -100 2-
0
78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09
Figure 1: Commercial catch, effort and catch rate of i) black bream and ii) luderick in Lake Tyers for haul seines from 1978/79–2008/09, presented by financial year. An anomaly occurred in 1980/81 where a 25 year peak in catch rate was observed for black bream and luderick, however, this was the product of a high catch (tonnes) taken in only 2 shots.
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0.7
hour) 0.6
0.5
0.4
(Fish/angler 0.3
Rate
0.2
0.1 Catch 0
84/85 85/86 98/99 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 2: Average annual catch rates of black bream retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1986/87 to 1997/98 and 1999/00 to 2005/06.
1
hour) 0.8
0.6
(Fish/angler 0.4
Rate 0.2
Catch 0
84/85 85/86 98/99 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 3: Average annual catch rates of black bream released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1986/87 to 1997/98 and 1999/00 to 2005/06.
10.0
hour) 8.0
6.0
(Fish/angler 4.0 Rate
2.0 Catch 0.0
00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 4: Average annual catch rates of black bream (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Lake Tyers from 2000/01 to 2009/10. No data were available for 2001/02 and 2004/05.
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0.4 0.35 hour) 0.3
0.25 0.2
(Fish/angler 0.15
Rate 0.1
0.05
Catch 0 84/85 98/99 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 5: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 2006/07 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1986/87 to 1997/98 and 1999/00 to 2005/06. No confidence limits available for 1984/85 and 1998/99.
0.35
hour) 0.3
0.25 0.2
(Fish/angler 0.15
Rate 0.1 0.05
Catch 0 84/85 98/99 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 6: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 2006/07 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1986/87 to 1997/98 and 1999/00 to 2005/06.
10.0
hour) 8.0
6.0
(Fish/angler 4.0 Rate
2.0 Catch 0.0 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 7: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Lake Tyers from 1999/00 to 2009/10. No data were available for 2001/02 and 2004/05.
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70 2007/08 (measured n=22, aged n=50) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84
70 2008/09 (measured n=219, aged n=103) 60
(%) 50 40 30 20 Frequency 10 0
08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85
70 2009/10 (measured n=52, aged n=112) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
09/10 08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 8: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 2007/08 to 2009/10.
70 2003/04 (measured n=232, aged n=115) 70 2007/08 (measured n=202, aged n=50) 60 60 50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10
0 0 (%) 83 79 / /
07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78
2005/06 (measured n=208, aged n=146) 70 2008/09 (measured n=337, aged n=103) Frequency 70 60 60 50 50 40 40 30 30 20 20 10 10 0 0 84 81 / / 08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 9: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 2003/04 to 2008/09. No data were available for 2004/05 and 2006/07.
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25 1984/85 (n=361) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
40 1985/86 (n=11) 30 20 10 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 25 1998/99 (n=65) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 3035 40 45 50
25 2006/07 (n=154) (%) 20 15 10 Frequency 5 0 5 1015 2025 3035 4045 50
25 2007/08 (n=22) 20 15 10 5 0 5 1015 2025 3035 4045 50 25 2008/09 (n=219) 20 15
10 5 0 5 1015 2025 3035 4045 50
25 2009/10 (n=52) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 1520 2530 3540 4550 Total Length (cm)
Figure 10: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1986/87 to 1997/98 and from 1999/00 to 2005/06.
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25 2002/03 (n=322) 20 15 10 5 0
5 1015202530 35404550 25 2003/04 (n=232) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
25 2005/06 (n=208)
20 15 10
(%) Frequency 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 25 2006/07 (n=184) 20 15 10 5 0 5 1015 2025 3035 40 4550
25 2007/08 (n=202) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 1520 25 3035 4045 50 25 2008/09 (n=337) 20 15 10 5 0
5 101520253035404550
Total Length (cm)
Figure 11: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 2002/03 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars. No data were available for 2004/05.
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100 90 80 (%)
70 60 50
Frequency 40 30
20 10 0 1984/85 1985/86 1998/99 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09 2009/10
Figure 12: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1984/85 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1986/87 to 1997/98 and from 1999/00 to 2005/06.
90
80 70 (%) 60 50 40 Frequency 30 20 10
0 2002/03 2003/04 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Figure 13: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by angler diarists in Lake Tyers from 2002/03 to 2008/09. No data were available for 2004/05.
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60 2008/09 (measured n=97, aged n=113) (%)
40 20
Frequency 0
08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 14: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers during 2008/09.
60 2004/05 (measured n=257, aged n=33) 60 2007/08 (measured n=214, aged n=35)
40 40
20 20
0 0 95/96 79/80 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83
60 2005/06 (measured n=208, aged n=60) 60 2008/09 (measured n=111, aged n=113) (%)
40 40
Frequency 20 20
0 0
05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84
60 2006/07 (measured n=62, aged n=27)
40
20
0
06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 97/98 96/97 93/94 92/93 81/82 99/00 98/99 95/96 94/95 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 15: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 2004/05 to 2008/09.
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25 1998/99 (n=21) 20 15
10 5 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2006/07 (n=156) 20 15 10 5
(%) 0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
40 2007/08 (n=8) Frequency 30 20 10 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2008/09 (n=97) 20
15 10 5 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
Total length (cm)
Figure 16: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Lake Tyers from 1998/99 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1999/00 to 2005/06.
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25 1999/00 (n=44) 25 2004/05 (n=257) 20 20 15 15 10 10
5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2000/01 (n=65) 25 2005/06 (n=208) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 (%)
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2006/07 (n=62) Frequency 25 2001/02 (n=37) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2007/08 (n=214) 25 2002/03 (n=133) 20 20
15 15
10 10
5 5
0 0
10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2008/09 (n=111) 25 2003/04 (n=289) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 Total length (cm)
Figure 17: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers from 1999/00 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars.
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50
(%)
40 30
Frequency 20 10 0 1999/00 1999/00 2000/01 2000/01 2001/02 2001/02 2002/03 2002/03 2003/04 2003/04 2004/05 2004/05 2005/06 2005/06 2006/07 2006/07 2007/08 2007/08 2008/092008/09
Figure 18: Proportion of dusky flathead ≥50 cm TL taken by angler diarists from Lake Tyers from 2000/01 to 2008/09.
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i) Mallacoota Inlet – Black Bream – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6 Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 40--800 150
30--600 ate 100 h R 20--400 Effort Catch Catc 50 10--200
0
07/08 08/09 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07
ii) Mallacoota Inlet – Australian Salmon – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 50--800 200
40- -600 150
ate 30- h R -400 Effort Catch 100 20- Catc
-200 50 10-
0
07/08 08/09 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07
iii) Mallacoota Inlet – Luderick – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 40--800 100
30--600 80 ate
60 h R 20--400 Effort Catch
40 Catc 10--200 20
0
78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 Financial year
Prepared by the Fisheries Research Branch, Fisheries Victoria (October 2010)
Figure 19: Commercial catch, effort and catch rate of i) black bream, ii) Australian salmon, and iii) luderick in Mallacoota Inlet for haul seines from 1978/79–2008/09, presented by financial year.
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1 hour) 0.8 0.6
(Fish/angler 0.4
Rate 0.2
Catch 0 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 98/99 99/00 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09
Figure 20: Average annual catch rates of black bream retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1985/86 to 1997/98 and 2000/01 to 2002/03.
0.8
0.7 hour) 0.6 0.5 0.4
(Fish/angler 0.3
Rate
0.2 0.1 Catch 0 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 98/99 99/00 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09
Figure 21: Average annual catch rates of black bream released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1985/86 to 1997/98 and 2000/01 to 2002/03.
10.0 hour) 8.0
6.0
(Fish/angler 4.0 Rate
2.0
Catch 0.0
97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 22: Average annual catch rates of black bream (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2009/10.
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1 hour) 0.8
0.6
(Fish/angler 0.4
Rate
0.2 Catch 0 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09
Figure 23: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead retained by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1985/86 to 2002/03.
0.3
0.25 hour)
0.2 0.15 (Fish/angler 0.1 Rate 0.05
Catch 0 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09
Figure 24: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead released by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1985/86 to 2002/03.
10
hour) 8
6
(Fish/angler 4 Rate 2 Catch 0 97/98 98/99 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 07/08 08/09 09/10
Figure 25: Average annual catch rates of dusky flathead (both size and undersize fish) by angler diarists in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2009/10.
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60 2003/04 (measured n=66, aged n=78)
40
20
0
03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79
60 2005/06 (measured n=1202, aged n=201)
40
20
(%) 0
05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81
60
Frequency 2007/08 (measured n=60, aged n=104)
40
20
0
93/94 91/92 90/91 82/83 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 92/93 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 60 2008/09 (measured n=10, aged n=109) 40
20
0 08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 87/88 84/85 83/84 90/91 89/90 88/89 86/87 85/86
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 26: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 2003/04 to 2008/09. No data were available for 2004/05 and 2006/07.
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60 1997/98 (measured n=203, aged n=339) 60 2003/04 (measured n=147, aged n=78) (%) 40 40
20 20 Frequency 0 0 75/76 74/75 73/74 72/73 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 60 1998/99 (measured n=49, aged n=163) 60 2004/05 (measured n=519, aged n=24)
40 40 20 20
0 0 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 79/80 80/81 76/77 74/75 75/76 73/74 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 60 1999/00 (measured n=29, aged n=189) 60 2005/06 (measured n=362, aged n=201)
40 40 20 20 0 0 77/78 76/77 74/75 75/76 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 60 2000/01 (measured n=97, aged n=98) 60 2007/08 (measured n=319, aged n=104)
(%) 40 40
20 20
Frequency 0 0 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 76/77 77/78 75/76 78/79
60 2001/02 (measured n=33, aged n=140) 60 2008/09 (measured n=104, aged n=109)
40 40
20 20
0 0 93/94 92/93 08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 86/87 82/83 80/81 79/80 78/79 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 85/86 84/85 83/84 77/78 76/77 81/82
60 2002/03 (measured n=127, aged n=476) Estimated age (Spawning year)
40
20
0
02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 27: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2008/09. No data were available for 2006/07.
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30 1981/82 (n=24) 30 2003/04 (n=66)
20 20 10 10 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 30 1982/83 (n=17) 30 2004/05 (n=1010)
20 20
10 10
0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
30 1983/84 (n=105) 30 2005/06 (n=1202)
20 20 10 10
(%)
0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
30 1984/85 (n=24) 30 2006/07 (n=220) Frequency
20 20
10 10
0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 30 1998/99 (n=100) 30 2007/08 (n=60) 20 20
10 10
0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
30 1999/00 (n=7) 30 2008/09 (n=10)
20 20
10 10
0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
Total length (cm)
Figure 28: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2009/10. No data were available from 1985/86 to 1997/98 and from 2000/01 to 2002/03.
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25 1997/98 (n=203) 25 2003/04 (n=147) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
25 1998/99 (n=49) 25 2004/05 (n=519) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
25 1999/00 (n=29) 25 2005/06 (n=362) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 (%) 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
25 2000/01 (n=97) 25 2006/07 (n=250) Frequency 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
25 2001/02 (n=33) 25 2007/08 (n=319) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
25 2002/03 (n=127) 25 2008/09 (n=104) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Total length (cm)
Figure 29: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars. No data were available for 2006/07.
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90 80 70 (%) 60 50
40 30 Frequency 20 10 0 1981/82 1982/83 1983/84 1984/85 1998/99 1999/00 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Figure 30: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by recreational anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1985/86 to 1997/98 and from 2000/01 to 2002/03.
50 45 40 (%) 35 30 25 20 Frequency 15 10 5
0 1997/98 1998/99 1999/00 2000/01 2001/02 2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07 2007/08 2008/09
Figure 31: Proportion of black bream ≥30 cm TL taken by angler diarists in Mallacoota Inlet from 1997/98 to 2008/09. No data were available for 2006/07.
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60 2007/08 (measured n=132, aged n=147)
40
20 (%) 0 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83
Frequency 60 2008/09 (measured n=21, aged n=109)
40
20
0
08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 32: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 2007/08 to 2008/09.
60 2007/08 (measured n=120, aged n=147)
40
20
(%) 0
07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 60 Frequency 2008/09 (measured n=332, aged n=109)
40
20
0
08/09 07/08 06/07 05/06 04/05 03/04 02/03 01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 33: Age frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 2007/08 to 2008/09.
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1982/83 (n=5) 50 25 2004/05 (n=1539) 40 20 30 15 20 10 10 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 1983/84 (n=58) 25 2005/06 (n=2081) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 1981/82 (n=66) 25 2006/07 (n=485) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 (%) Frequency 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 25 1984/85 (n=13) 25 2007/08 (n=132) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
25 2003/04 (n=190) 25 2008/09 (n=21) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85
Total length (cm)
Figure 34: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by anglers interviewed during onsite surveys in Mallacoota Inlet from 1981/82 to 2008/09. No data were available from 1985/86 to 2002/03.
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25 1998/99 (n=17) 25 2004/05 (n=178) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
50 1999/00 (n=3) 25 2005/06 (n=26) 40 20 30 15 20 10 10 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
25 2000/01 (n=64) 25 2006/07 (n=81) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5
(%) 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
Frequency 25 2001/02 (n=30) 25 2007/08 (n=120) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
25 25 2002/03 (n=53) 2008/09 (n=332) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 Total length (cm) 25 2003/04 (n=21) 20 15
10 5
0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90
Total length (cm)
Figure 35: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet from 1998/99 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars.
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i) Tamboon Inlet – Black Bream – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6 Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 25--200 250
20- -150 200
ate 15-
150 h R -100 Effort Catch 10- 100 Catc
-50 5- 50
0
08/09 07/08 06/07 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06
ii) Tamboon Inlet – Australian Salmon – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 40--200 300
30--150
ate 200 h R 20- -100 Effort Catch Catc 100 10--50
0
08/09 07/08 06/07 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06
iii) Tamboon Inlet – Luderick – Haul Seine Gear: ES, BS, GS, RN, H1, H2, H3, H4, H5, H6
Catch (tonnes) Effort (shots) Catch rate (kg/shot) 20--200 100
15- -150 80 ate
60 h R 10--100 Effort Catch
40 Catc
5--50 20
0 08/09 07/08 78/79 79/80 80/81 81/82 82/83 83/84 84/85 85/86 86/87 87/88 88/89 89/90 90/91 91/92 92/93 93/94 94/95 95/96 96/97 97/98 98/98 99/00 00/01 01/02 02/03 03/04 04/05 05/06 06/07 Financial year
Prepared by the Fisheries Research Branch, Fisheries Victoria (October 2010) Figure 36: Commercial catch, effort and catch rate of i) black bream, ii) Australian salmon, and iii) luderick in Tamboon Inlet for haul seines from 1978/79–2008/09, presented by financial year.
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25 04/05 (n=166) 20 15 10 5 0
5 1015 2025 3035 40 4550 55
100 05/06 (n=1) 75 50
25 0
5 10152025303540455055 40 06/07 (n=3) (%) 30 20
Frequency 10 0 5 1015 2025 3035 40 4550 55 25 07/08 (n=28) 20
15 10 5 0 5 1015 2025 3035 40 4550 55
25 08/09 (n=65) 20 15 10 5 0 5 1015 2025 3035 40 4550 55 Total Length (cm)
Figure 37: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Tamboon Inlet from 2004/05 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars.
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70 1998/99 (measured n=71, aged n=310) 60 50 40 30 20 10
0 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75 73/74 72/73 71/72 70/71 69/70 68/69 67/68 66/67 65/66 64/65 63/64 62/63 70 1999/00 (measured n=67, aged n=181) 60
(%) 50
40 30
Frequency 20 10 0
99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75 73/74 72/73 71/72 70/71 69/70 68/69 67/68 66/67 65/66 64/65 63/64
70 2001/02 (measured n=17, aged n=118) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
01/02 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75 73/74 72/73 71/72 70/71 69/70 68/69 67/68 66/67 65/66
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 38: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Sydenham Inlet from 1998/99 to 2001/02. No data were available for 2000/01.
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25 98/99 (n=71) 25 04/05 (n=269) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550
25 99/00 (n=67) 25 05/06 (n=85)
20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550
25 01/02 (n=17) 25 06/07 (n=9) (%) 20 20 15 15 10 10 Frequency 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550
25 02/03 (n=122) 25 07/08 (n=74) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550
25 03/04 (n=257) 25 08/09 (n=49) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 4550 5 1015 20 25 3035 40 4550
Total Length (cm)
Figure 39: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Sydenham Inlet from 1998/99 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars. No data were available for 2000/01.
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50 1997/98 (measured n=20, aged n=34) 50 1998/99 (measured n=50, aged n=110) 40 40 (%)
30 30 20 20
Frequency 10 10 0 0 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75 73/74 72/73 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75 73/74
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 40: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Snowy River estuary from 1997/98 to 1998/99.
25 97/98 (n=20) 25 03/04 (n=10) 20 20
15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 2025 30 3540 45 50 55 5 1015 20 25 30 3540 4550 55
25 98/99 (n=50) 25 04/05 (n=102) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 10 15 2025 30 3540 4550 55 5 10 15 20 25 3035 40 45 50 55
(%) 25 00/01 (n=26) 100 06/07 (n=1) 20 75 15 50
Frequency 10 5 25 0 0 5 1015 20 2530 35 40 4550 55 5 1015 2025 30 3540 4550 55 25 01/02 (n=35) 25 08/09 (n=40) 20 20 15 15 10 10 5 5 0 0 5 1015 20 2530 35 40 4550 55 5 10 15 20 25 3035 40 45 50 55 25 02/03 (n=123) Total Length (cm) 20 15 10 5 0 5 1015 20 2530 35 4045 50 55
Total Length (cm)
Figure 41: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Snowy River estuary from 1997/98 to 2008/09. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars. No data were available for 1999/00, 2005/06 and 2007/08.
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70 1998/99 (measured n=217, aged n=158) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75 73/74 70 1999/00 (measured n=208, aged n=255) 60 50 40 30 20 10
(%) 0
99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76 74/75
Frequency 70 2000/01 (measured n=288, aged n=272) 60 50 40 30 20 10 0
00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77 75/76
70 2001/02 (measured n=154, aged n=207) 60 50 40 30 20 10
0 99/00 00/01 99/00 98/99 97/98 96/97 95/96 94/95 93/94 92/93 91/92 90/91 89/90 88/89 87/88 86/87 85/86 84/85 83/84 82/83 81/82 80/81 79/80 78/79 77/78 76/77
Estimated age (Spawning year)
Figure 42: Age frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Betka River estuary from 1998/99 to 2001/02.
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25 98/99 (n=217) 20 15 10 5 0 5 101 5 20 25 303 5 40 45 50 55
25 99/00 (n=208) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
25 00/01 (n=288) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
25 01/02 (n=154)
(%) 20
ycn 15 10
Freque 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
25 02/03 (n=361) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 202 5 30 354 0 455 0 55
25 03/04 (n=258) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55
25 04/05 (n=43) 20 15 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 Total Length (cm)
Figure 43: Length (TL)‐frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the Betka River estuary from 1998/99 to 2004/05. Fish below the LML are indicated by black bars. Fish above the LML are indicated by grey bars.
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Appendix IV ‐ Previous assessments
There have been fisheries assessments for Indicators did not suggest that there had Lake Tyers in 1994 (MacDonald 1997), 2001 been significant changes to the fishery that and 2007, and Mallacoota Inlet in 1994 were attributable to the effects of fishing. As (MacDonald et al. 1997), 2001 and 2006. such, no need was identified for a change in There have been no previous fisheries the existing management arrangements. assessments for the Snowy River estuary, Sydenham Inlet, Tamboon Inlet, Wingan 2007 Inlet and the Betka River estuary. This Commercial effort was reportedly section reviews the main findings of these continuing to decrease following a peak in previous assessments. the early 1990’s. Catch rates had fluctuated for most key species. Black bream catch rates Lake Tyers had been particularly low in recent years. 1994 Age and size frequency distributions of
For all species, excluding black bream and black bream taken by the commercial sector luderick, the combined commercial and indicated that there were a range of age/size recreational catches taken from Lake Tyers classes being taken, and a significant was suggested to be too small to have a proportion of the catch was made up of significant impact on fish populations. Long‐ larger fish. Catches of dusky flathead were term fluctuations in the catch rate of black typically low. bream and luderick appeared to be the result Recreational catch rates of black bream had of fluctuations in fishing effort. There was been variable, but were stable to increasing no evidence of significant declines in by 2007. Catch rates of dusky flathead were commercial catches or catch rates. reported to be declining. Commercial catches in 1993 were generally consistent with the average annual catches The size composition of black bream of taken in previous years. Estimated total indicated that the average size of retained recreational catches were reported as being fish had increased in recent years. There was comparative to those taken by the evidence that the 1998/99 was an abundant commercial sector. year class that was above the LML, and that there were other smaller, less abundant 2001 year‐classes from spawning in more recent years. A relatively high proportion of the
Commercial fishers reported that catches at current recreational catch was ≥30 cm TL. the beginning of 2001 were looking better than they had for years. Catch and catch The size composition of dusky flathead rates of black bream showed substantial taken by recreational fishery contained a inter‐annual variability, with no clear trends, wide range of size classes, most were however, catch rates in 1999 and 2000 were between 30 and 50 cm TL. There were close to the lowest levels recorded in the suggestions of a further decline in the past 20 years. Catch rates of luderick had proportion of larger fish (≥50 cm) in recent been variable, with no clear trends. Recent years. catches of yellow‐eye mullet were consistent The age composition of recreational catches with previous years. There had been an of black bream mainly contained fish that increase in the total catch and catch rates of were 2 to 10 years of age. There were few silver trevally and tailor. Total catch of bream >10 years old. dusky flathead was showing a declining trend. Garfish catches had been variable. Dusky flathead size composition data suggested at least 2 separate year‐classes Recreational catch rates for bream were had been present in the fishery for the past 5 variable, with no clear trends. The years. proportion of large (≥30 cm TL) black bream taken by recreational anglers had increased. The abundance of Australian salmon, eels, The average size of dusky flathead was leather jacket, prawns, silver trevally, reported to have decreased. snapper and tailor was suggested to have
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declined since 2002/03 when the entrance 2001 was last open. Since 1994, fishing effort and catch (tonnes) Indicators suggested there had been no had increased (all species combined, significant changes in the status of fish excluding Australian salmon and all gear populations that could be attributed to the types combined), whereas catch rates had effects of fishing. Subsequently, no remained stable. A long‐term decline in recommendations were made to change the catch rate since the early 1980s was reported. existing fisheries management A long‐term increasing trend in effort by arrangements. haul seines had been observed since the late 1970s. Mallacoota Inlet Black bream catch and catch rate had been 1994 relatively stable in recent years, but were
Data from the commercial fishery was the significantly lower than the levels observed main information source used to assess the in the 1980s. The total annual catch for status of the Mallacoota Inlet fishery. There luderick and silver trevally was reported to was a significant decline in haul seine effort be relatively stable. Total annual catches of observed in the mid 1980s compared to the tailor had been higher than average in recent effort expended in the early 1970s. The years. Catches of mullet (sea, sand and flat‐ reasons for the decline in effort were not tail combined) had been relatively low. Catches of dusky flathead had been low in clear. Effort increased in the late 1980s, and a slight decline was observed in the early recent years after a period of high catches
1990s. Haul seine catch rates (all species were observed in the late 1980s and early 1990s. combined) varied substantially from year to year. A long‐term increase was observed The proportion of large (≥35 cm TL) black from the early 1970s to the early 1980s, bream had increased. Bream up to 27 years despite a reduction in effort. From the early of age were collected in samples, however, 1980s catches and effort increased and then there were few fish >10 years of age. stabilised in the early 1990s. Annual mean catch rates by recreational Large inter‐annual fluctuations in Australian angler diarists were <2.0 fish/angler hour. salmon catches were reported. This Anglers fishing the Betka River estuary were variability was attributed to large catches consistently more successful reporting catch that were taken on the beaches outside rates between 2.0 to 5.0 fish/angler hour. Mallacoota Inlet. Catches of black bream also varied from year to year. Since the late There were no significant changes reported
1960s, bream catches were reported to be in the status of the fishery. Indicators relatively stable. From the early 1970s to the suggested that the commercial fishery mid 1980s catch rates of bream increased, continued to be relatively stable in terms of coinciding with a period of reduced effort. production, despite catches of some species
Catch rates subsequently declined to the being quite variable. Available data on black early 1990s. Flathead catches were reported bream suggested that the existing level of to be low, but stable. Catches of garfish were fishing pressure, from both commercial and variable, however, a long‐term increase in recreational fisheries, posed no immediate catches was reported from the early 1970s to threat to the sustainability of these fisheries. the early 1990s. Catch rates for garfish had An assessment of existing management been stable since the early 1980s. Catch rates arrangements was no required based on the of luderick peaked in the late 1980s and have available data. since seen a slight decline, but were well 2006 above the levels observed in the 1970s. Catch rates for mullet were low, but stable, and Commercial fishing effort was reported as were suspected to reflect the declining being relatively high prior to the closure of market value for the species. Some the commercial fishery in 2003. Total catch commercial fishers reported that the taken by the commercial fishery in the years abundance of garfish in the inlet had prior to 2003 had been consistent with the declined. Catches of tailor and silver trevally long‐term average, catch rates for most had been highly variable. species had been low. Five year trends in catch rates were reported as variable for
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black bream, flathead, mullet and mulloway, decline in the proportion of large flathead and stable for garfish. was reported An expanding recreational fishery for dusky Recruitment patterns of black bream in flathead was reported. Recreational catch Mallacoota Inlet were suggested to have rates for flathead were reported to be been more regular than in some of the other variable, and for black bream were reported Victorian estuaries, and there was evidence to be stable, and had increased for the past of recent recruitment. two years. Shifts in the distribution of recreational The average size of fish retained by fishing effort within the system were recreational anglers was variable, and a reported. These included an expansion of relatively high proportion of bream ≥30 cm the fishery for dusky flathead, and increased TL was taken. Few bream >10 years of age fishing effort in some areas of the Bottom were observed, most bream taken by anglers Lake that had been previously fished was between two and six years of age. A commercially.
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Appendix V ‐ Industry perspectives
This section documents the perspectives of • Historically, the lake was reported to the commercial and recreational fishing have a reputation for an abundance of sectors. Perspectives documented here large flathead; this is no longer the case. include those for the 2009 small estuaries of • Undersized dusky and yank flathead east Gippsland fisheries assessment were rarely being observed. workshop, the 2007 Lake Tyers fishery assessment workshop and the 2006 • Fishing had been reportedly good for Mallacoota Inlet fishery assessment luderick in recent years, particularly workshop. around snags. • Small luderick had been observed in Commercial fisheries good numbers in the upper reaches of the No perspectives from the commercial fishing estuary. sector were provided. • Large silver trevally, snapper and tailor had been observed. Recreational fisheries • Good catch rates of large silver trevally Lake Tyers (up to 2 kg) were reported to have occurred in 2003, the year after the • Black bream were being taken at a size entrance was last closed. Catches were ~35 to 40 cm. reported to have declined in recent years. • Considerable catches of undersized • Good catches of snapper in recent years bream ~20 to 25 cm were reported. were reported. Snapper catches were suggested to be dominated by fish that • Fishing for bream was reported to have were ~45 to 55cm. been excellent in recent years, with • catches dominated by fish >30 cm. Fishing for tailor had been reportedly good in recent years. • Only a smaller number of under‐sized • King George Whiting were suggested to bream were being taken. However, there have been absent in recent years. was general acknowledgment that • River garfish were reported to be different sized bream had been found in virtually absent. different areas in the system, and that • abundant numbers of small bream had Estuary perch were rarely being taken.
also been observed in different areas. Only the odd estuary perch had been caught over the past 2 to 3 years, but • An abundance of dusky flathead <25 cm generally, numbers were reported to be was reported. low. • Abundances of dusky flathead were • Large yellow‐fin bream had been reported to have increased since observed in recent years. commercial operations ceased. • Catches of Australian Salmon were • Few dusky flathead >40 cm had been suggested to have been very low in observed. recent years. • Dusky flathead >50 cm were reported to • Catches of leatherjacket were reported to be particularly rare. have declined in recent years. • Eels were sometimes taken and to a lesser • An increase in the use of soft plastic lures extent flathead and sea mullet. was reported to have resulted in an increase in the catch rates of dusky • However, low catches of eels were also flathead by many anglers. These catches reported, along with gurnard, tarwhine were accompanied by a decrease in the and prawns.
proportion of flathead >45 cm. • A decline in seagrass habitat was • It was suggested that there was a high reported, particularly in the lower level of recreational fishing pressure on reaches of the system. the lake.
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Snowy River Estuary historically the inlet had remained opened. • Good recreational catches were reported to occur after freshwater pulses into the • The number of boats was suggested to estuary. have increased. • It was suggested that there was little • Catches of luderick, snapper and mullet seagrass left in the estuary. were reportedly common when using sand worm as bait. • The decline in seagrass was suggested to have accelerated in recent years. • Large dusky flathead (~8 lbs) were reported to have been taken. • Fishing was reportedly steady for bream and it was suggested that there was an • Large dusky flathead had been observed abundance of juvenile bream in the when the entrance to the inlet was closed system. over summer. • Small estuary perch were being • Fish were often being observed in the observed. There was a reported increase shallower areas of the inlet and not so in targeting estuary perch with plastic much in the deeper areas. lures. • Sea mullet were suggested to have been • Estuary perch were often being taken in common, however, the species is often the Brodribb around cabbage tree creek. difficult to catch on line. • Reports on the abundance of estuary • Mullet taken in August/September were perch in the estuary were varied. reportedly small, however, during spring larger mullet had been observed moving • Dusky flathead were being observed up the estuary. near the mouth of the estuary. • Few small estuary perch were reported to • When there were significant freshwater be in the estuary. inflows into the estuary, tailor and silver trevally were being observed near the • Perch were suggested to be rarely taken bridge. due to the skill required to target this species. • Bait fishing was reportedly poor; sandworm beds were suggested to be • A decline in seagrass was reported. less productive in recent years. • Angling clubs were reported to frequent • Bait collection of ghost shrimp and bass Sydenham inlet. yabbies was reportedly satisfactory. • An abundance of juvenile bream being • Catches of prawns and shrimp were observed in the inlet in recent years was reportedly low. reported. • One of the most abundant species was • An absence of yellow‐eye mullet in suggested to be luderick. recent years was reported. • The estuary was suggested to provide • Large luderick had been observed in the excellent fishing for salmon and tailor. inlet. • Fly fishing for bream and estuary perch • Australian salmon was reportedly absent was suggested to have been good. from the inlet. • The size of the estuary perch taken was • Trevally and tailor were often observed. suggested to be largely depended on the • Few small sharks were reported in the size of the plastic lures being used. inlet. • Yank flathead were suggested to be • Bait (worms and prawns) was reportedly taken as often as dusky flathead. abundant in recent years. Sydenham Inlet Mallacoota Inlet • The Sydenham Inlet entrance was • Seagrass was reported to have declined. reported to have been closing seasonally, during spring and summer, but
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• Few people were suggested to be fishing • Tailor that were being taken were the rivers, instead targeting flathead and reportedly small in size. bream in the lakes. • Few tarwhine had been observed. • The number of both legal‐ and under‐ • Few large flathead had been observed. sized bream was reported to have increased in recent years. • The size of dusky flathead was reportedly larger than those taken from • Anglers reported an increase in catch Lake Tyers. rates of black bream in the Bottom Lake, particularly in areas where the species • Dusky flathead were reportedly being were not caught while the commercial taken from Mallacoota Inlet ~50 to 70 cm. fishery was operating, such as off the • A reduction in the number of large dusky main wharf. flathead in the top of the system and up • It was reported that since commercial into the rivers in the last 2 years was fishing ceased in the inlet, the average reported. size of black bream had improved, and • Increased pressure in the top of the that there was also an abundance of small system and up into the rivers was bream in different areas of the inlet. reported which was associated with an • An experienced angler presented a increase for targeting dusky flathead. summary of his diarised catch and effort • An increase in the number of anglers data for legal‐sized black bream caught
in rivers and from the Top Lake from coming from New South Wales to fish for
2001 to 2005. This information suggested dusky flathead was reported. that the average catch rate in 2005 was • Good recreational fishing was reported about twice that recorded in 2001 to 2004. for the Betka River, however, this was suggested to be largely dependant on • Prawns were reportedly in good freshwater flows. numbers. • Live prawns were suggested to be • Catches of mulloway had reportedly working well as bait for catching estuary increased in recent years, with sizes perch. ranging up to ~20 kg. Many were reported to be ~10 kg. • Estuary perch were reported as • Increased targeting for river garfish in commonly taken in the inlet, often up the
rivers. recent years was reported. • Snapper, particularly pinkies, were • Increased targeting of estuary perch was commonly observed in the channel at reported, but sizes were suggested to John Bulls.
have remained constant. • Catches of tailor were reportedly poor, • Catches of leatherjacket were reportedly although some good individual fish were variable. being found higher in the system. • Increased targeting of luderick in recent • Yellow‐fin bream were reported as being years was reported, with an increase in taken mostly from the Bottom Lake. the size of fish that were being taken. • The level of compliance was reported as • Catches of luderick suggested to be generally good. There had been few mainly from the Lower Lake. observations of fishers with more than • Luderick were reported as commonly the legal bag limit of bream in several
taken in the inlet. years. • Snapper were reported as abundant at • Most fishers appeared to have a positive
lengths up to ~40 cm. attitude to bag and size limits. • Australian bass were being taken in the rivers, and were not being caught in the Tamboon Inlet Bottom Lake. • Tamboon Inlet was suggested to have • Silver trevally (up to 2 kg) were become a particularly popular reportedly being caught. recreational fishing area. • Trevally was suggested to be good when • An abundance of flathead was rarely the entrance to the inlet is open. being observed.
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Wingan Inlet • Large schools of luderick were reported. • No changes in the ability to catch fish in Wingan Inlet were reported. • Catches for flathead, tailor and whiting were reported as intermittently good.
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