Industry & Investment NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: 23

Data summary from the monitoring of Australian bass and native fisheries via competition-based angling in NSW: 1988 – 2008

Interim Report

by Danielle Ghosn (nee Williams)

August 2009

ISSN 1837-2120

Industry & Investment NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series

This series presents scientific and technical information on general fisheries research and the documents in the series are intended to be progress reports on ongoing investigations. Titles in this series may be cited as publications, with the correct citation on the front cover.

Fisheries Research in New South Wales

Fisheries research activities in Industry & Investment NSW are based at various centres throughout the state. The studies conducted cover commercial and recreational fisheries and aquaculture, and conservation issues in coastal and riverine areas. The major role of the research is to provide information upon which relevant fisheries management policies and strategies are developed, monitored and assessed in terms of the Department’s obligations under the NSW Fisheries Management Act, 1994.

Title: Data summary from the monitoring of Australian bass and native fisheries via competition-based angling in NSW: 1988 – 2008. Interim Report. Authors: Danielle Ghosn (nee Williams) Published By: Industry & Investment NSW (now incorporating NSW Department of Primary Industries) Postal Address: PO Box 21, Cronulla, NSW, 2230 Internet: www.industry.nsw.gov.au

From the Recreational Freshwater Trust Funded Project “Monitoring of Australian bass fisheries in NSW via competition-based angling”

© Department of Industry and Investment (Industry & Investment NSW) and the Recreational Freshwater Fishing Trust

This work is copyright. Except as permitted under the Copyright Act, no part of this reproduction may be reproduced by any process, electronic or otherwise, without the specific written permission of the copyright owners. Neither may information be stored electronically in any form whatsoever without such permission.

DISCLAIMER The publishers do not warrant that the information in this report is free from errors or omissions. The publishers do not accept any form of liability, be it contractual, tortuous or otherwise, for the contents of this report for any consequences arising from its use or any reliance placed on it. The information, opinions and advice contained in this report may not relate to, or be relevant to, a reader’s particular circumstance.

ISSN 1837-2120 Note: Prior to July 2004, this report series was published by NSW Fisheries as the ‘NSW Fisheries Resource Assessment Report Series’ with ISSN number 1440-057X. Then, following the formation of the NSW Department of Primary Industries the report series was published as the ‘NSW Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries Final Report Series’ with ISSN number 1449-9959. The report series is now published by Industry & Investment NSW as the ‘Industry & Investment NSW – Fisheries Final Report Series’ with ISSN number 1837-2120.

Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TABLE OF CONTENTS...... 3 LIST OF TABLES...... 4 LIST OF FIGURES ...... 4 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS...... 8 1. INTRODUCTION ...... 9 2. SUMMARY OF DATA ...... 9 3. OVERVIEW OF RIVER-BASED DATA...... 11 4. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK ...... 13 5. REFERENCES...... 14 6. APPENDICES – DATA SUMMARY FIGURES...... 15 6.1. NSW Bass Catch river events ...... 15 6.1.1. Clarence River: Copmanhurst Invitational (Oct-Nov) & Bridge to Bridge Classic (Aug-Sept) ... 15 6.1.2. Macleay River Bass Catch...... 18 6.1.3. Hastings River Bass Catch...... 21 6.1.4. Manning River Bass Catch ...... 24 6.1.5. Williams River Bass Catch...... 29 6.1.6. Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch...... 34 6.1.7. Hawkesbury-Nepean Bass Anglers (HNBA) Interclub ...... 39 6.1.8. Shoalhaven River Bass Catch...... 42 6.1.9. Clyde River Bass Catch...... 45 6.2. NSW Impoundment events...... 49 6.2.1. Clarrie Hall Dam Bass Catch...... 49 6.2.2. Glenbawn Dam...... 52 6.2.2.1. ANSA Catch and Release Convention (Glenbawn Dam)...... 53 6.2.2.2. Freshwater Fishing Masters (Glenbawn Dam)...... 56 6.3. Freshwater Fishing Masters (Windamere Dam)...... 59 6.3.1. Lake Yarrunga Invitational (Tallowa Dam)...... 63 6.3.2. Brogo Bass Bash (Brogo Dam)...... 66 6.3.3. Freshwater Fishing Masters (Lake Mulwala) ...... 69

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LIST OF TABLES

Table 1. Between river comparisons of Australian bass size ranges and catch rates...... 11

LIST OF FIGURES

Map 1. NSW rivers and impoundments where events in the current monitoring program are held...... 10 Figure 1. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarence River...... 15 Figure 2. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarence River...... 15 Figure 3. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Clarence River...... 16 Figure 4. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Clarence River through time ...... 16 Figure 5. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarence River ...... 17 Figure 6. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Macleay River...... 18 Figure 7. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Macleay River...... 18 Figure 8. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Macleay River...... 19 Figure 9. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Macleay River through time...... 19 Figure 10. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Macleay River...... 20 Figure 11. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Hastings River...... 21 Figure 12. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Hastings River...... 21 Figure 13. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Hastings River...... 22 Figure 14. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Hastings River through time...... 22 Figure 15. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Hastings River ...... 23 Figure 16. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Manning River...... 24 Figure 17. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Macleay River...... 24 Figure 18. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Manning River...... 25 Figure 19. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Manning River through time ...... 25 Figure 20. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (1991-1997) in the Manning River...... 26 Figure 21. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (1998-2004) in the Manning River...... 27 Figure 22. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (2005-2008) in the Manning River...... 28 Figure 23. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Williams River...... 29 Figure 24. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Williams River...... 29

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Figure 25. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Williams River...... 30 Figure 26. Average monthly rainfall for the Williams River through time...... 30 Figure 27. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (1990-1996) in the Williams River ...... 31 Figure 28. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (1997-2003) in the Williams River ...... 32 Figure 29. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (2004-2008) in the Williams River ...... 33 Figure 30. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch over the monitoring period...... 34 Figure 31. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch over the monitoring period...... 34 Figure 32. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch...... 35 Figure 33. Average monthly rainfall for the Nepean River through time ...... 35 Figure 34. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch over part of the monitoring period (1988-1995)...... 36 Figure 35. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch over part of the monitoring period (1996-2002)...... 37 Figure 36. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch over part of the monitoring period (2003-2008)...... 38 Figure 37. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge over the monitoring period...... 39 Figure 38. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge over the monitoring period...... 39 Figure 39. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge...... 40 Figure 40. Average monthly rainfall for Lower Portland (Hawkesbury River)...... 40 Figure 41. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge over part of the monitoring period...... 41 Figure 42. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Shoalhaven River...... 42 Figure 43. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Shoalhaven River...... 42 Figure 44. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Shoalhaven River...... 43 Figure 45. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Shoalhaven River through time...... 43 Figure 46. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Shoalhaven River...... 44 Figure 47. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Clyde River...... 45 Figure 48. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Clyde River...... 45 Figure 49. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Clyde River...... 46 Figure 50. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Clyde River through time...... 46 Figure 51. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (1990-2000) in the Clyde River...... 47 Figure 52. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over part of the monitoring period (2001-2008) in the Clyde River...... 48 Figure 53. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarrie Hall Dam ...... 49

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Figure 54. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarrie Hall Dam...... 49 Figure 55. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Clarrie Hall Dam...... 50 Figure 56. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Clarrie Hall Dam through time ...... 50 Figure 57. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarrie Hall Dam...... 51 Figure 58. Number of each species stocked in Glenbawn Dam through time...... 52 Figure 59. Average monthly rainfall for the Glenbawn Dam through time...... 52 Figure 60. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of a) Australian bass; b) golden perch; and, c) silver perch for each event of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam...... 53 Figure 61. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam...... 54 Figure 62. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention monitored in Glenbawn Dam...... 54 Figure 63. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam...... 55 Figure 64. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period at the Glenbawn Dam. .. 56 Figure 65. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam...... 56 Figure 66. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all the events of the Freshwater Fishing Masters monitored in Glenbawn Dam...... 57 Figure 67. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam ...... 58 Figure 68. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of a) golden perch; b) silver perch; and, c) Murray cod for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters in Windamere Dam over the monitoring period...... 59 Figure 69. Minimum, maximum and average total lengths of all golden perch recorded for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Windamere Dam...... 60 Figure 70. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all the events of the Freshwater Fishing Masters monitored in Windamere Dam...... 60 Figure 71. Number of each species stocked in Windamere Dam through time...... 61 Figure 72. Average monthly rainfall for the Windamere Dam through time...... 61 Figure 73. Length frequency compositions of golden perch recorded each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Windamere Dam...... 62 Figure 74. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam)...... 63 Figure 75. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period of the Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam) Invitational...... 63 Figure 76. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam) Invitational events monitored...... 64 Figure 77. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for Lake Yarrunga through time ...... 64 Figure 78. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period for the Lake Yarrunga Invitational (Tallowa Dam)...... 65 Figure 79. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Brogo Dam...... 66 Figure 80. Minimum, maximum and average fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in Brogo Dam...... 66 Figure 81. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in Brogo Dam...... 67 Figure 82. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for Brogo Dam through time...... 67 Figure 83. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event over the monitoring period in Brogo Dam ...... 68

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Figure 84. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour of a) Murray cod; and, b) golden perch for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters in Lake Mulwala over the monitoring period...... 69 Figure 85. Minimum, maximum and average total lengths of all golden perch recorded for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Windamere Dam...... 70 Figure 86. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all the events of the Freshwater Fishing Masters monitored in Lake Mulwala...... 70 Figure 87. Number of each species stocked in Lake Mulwala through time ...... 71 Figure 88. Average monthly rainfall for Lake Mulwala (Yarrawonga) through time...... 71 Figure 89. Length frequency compositions of Murray cod recorded each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Lake Mulwala...... 72

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Thank you to the following organisations and persons for their contribution to this research project: • The NSW Freshwater Fishing Trust and the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) for funding this research. • All event organisers and participating anglers for their tireless efforts in providing data for this research. • NSW DPI staff for their assistance with this report by means of graphing of results, data entry, data checking and/or data management including Geoff Barrett, Jim Craig, Antony Gould, Sandra Howarth, Emily Lawson, Yola Metti and Amy Smoothey. • To my supervisors James Scandol, Aldo Steffe, Charles Gray and Steve Kennelly for their ongoing support and advice. • To Kevin Rowling and Jeffrey Murphy for their time and contributions as reviewers of this report. • To Tracey McVea for her time and contribution in formatting this report.

This report is dedicated to Dr John Harris who was responsible for the conception and initial design of this research program. Dr Harris along with research technicians including Simon Hartley, Tim Marsden, Garry Thorncraft and Matthew Barwick are responsible for the collation of the first decade of data included in this report. Bryan Van der Walt, Mark James and Timothy Park continued this research program up until 2006 when Danielle Ghosn assumed this role.

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1. INTRODUCTION

The primary objective of this NSW monitoring program is to sample the catch and effort at Bass Catch events in support of the assessment of the recreational-only Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata fishery. This monitoring is done via competition-based angling and marked its 20th Anniversary in 2008. Over these twenty years of monitoring, participating anglers have recorded the catch and release of about 59000 fish with about 55100 of those being Australian bass. This large monitoring data set represents one of very few long-term sources of information on Australian bass and other freshwater fisheries in NSW. Data are collected using a Catch Card Angler Return System (CARS). A detailed description of this CARS method can be found in Williams & Scandol (2008).

The Bass Catch component of this monitoring program started in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River System in 1988 and resulted from a strong interest by bass angling groups to participate in fisheries research and management. The Bass Catch project then expanded to other eastern drainage rivers of NSW in 1992. In addition to bass monitoring in the rivers, the program also expanded to impoundment events in 1998. To date, many participants of these earlier events remain consistent and reliable contributors of data for this research.

There are no previous reports that document all of these data. This interim report is therefore aimed at presenting an overview of this monitoring work. Graphical representations of catch rates, size statistics and size compositions are provided. Detailed interpretations of these data will be presented in future reports.

2. SUMMARY OF DATA

The current monitoring program collects data from at least eleven bass fishing events each fiscal year, conducted in eight river systems in NSW - the Clarence, Hastings, Macleay, Manning, Williams, Hawkesbury-Nepean, Shoalhaven and Clyde Rivers (Map 1). The fishing effort of participating bass anglers at these events has resulted in a total catch of about 45 000 native fish that were all measured and released. This included about 44 000 Australian bass Macquaria novemaculeata as well as other fish species such as estuary perch Macquaria colonorum, bream Acanthopagrus spp., tailor Pomatomus saltatrix, freshwater catfish Tandanus tandanus and freshwater herring Potamalosa richmondia.

Data are also currently collected from fishing events held at six NSW impoundments that include: Glenbawn Dam, Windamere Dam, Brogo Dam, Lake Mulwala, Tallowa Dam (Lake Yarrunga) and Clarrie Hall Dam (Map 1). The fishing effort of participating anglers in these impoundment events has resulted in the catch of about 14 000 fish that were all measured and released. This included about 11 100 Australian bass, 1600 golden perch Macquaria ambigua and 900 Murray cod Maccullochella peelii as well as other fish species such as silver perch Bidyanus bidyanus, freshwater catfish, European carp Cyprinus carpio, redfin Perca fluviatilis and rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.

A summary of data for these river and impoundment events, including catch rate, size statistics and size composition graphs, are provided in this report. Other information is also presented to accompany these data, including the history of fish stocked (if any) in each waterway and the average annual rainfall for each event location. Detailed interpretations of these data will be provided in future project reports.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 9 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

Map 1. NSW rivers and impoundments where events in the current monitoring program are held.

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3. OVERVIEW OF RIVER-BASED DATA

These data demonstrate differences in fishing outcomes between years and between rivers. Some rivers appear to have larger numbers and a wider size range of Australian bass available to the fishery. These rivers provide good fishing quality and a resilient fish population. Other rivers appear to have lower numbers and a wider size range of Australian bass. These areas provide lower fishing quality in terms of fish numbers, but may provide better fishing quality in terms of the size of fish available. Some rivers appear to have relatively high numbers of bass but the fish have a smaller size range. Bass populations with either a low abundance or a small size range are not likely to be as resilient to recruitment variability.

A contrasting example of bass populations is shown in the data from the Macleay and Manning Rivers (Table 1). In the Macleay River, catch rates are relatively high and there is a good size range of fish. The Macleay River also has the largest size range with overall minimum and maximum fork lengths of 40mm and 570mm, respectively (Table 1). The Manning River has the lowest overall average catch rate (indicating smaller numbers of bass available to the fishery) yet still has a good size range, with overall minimum and maximum fork lengths of 80mm and 580mm, respectively (Table 1).

It is interesting to compare these two rivers as they have very different flow regimes. The Macleay is an unregulated river while the Manning River has several causeways that can inhibit fish passage, particularly during periods of low rainfall. This highlights the potential impact that fish barriers and environmental variables (such as rainfall) can have on fish populations.

Table 1. Between river comparisons of Australian bass size ranges and catch rates. The minimum and maximum fork lengths (mm) and catch rates (number of fish per fisher hour) are presented for each river system. Indictors of between river differences include the difference between the maximum and minimum fork length and the overall average catch rate for each river.

BETWEEN RIVER COMPARISONS OF AUSTRALIAN BASS SIZE RANGES AND CATCH RATES Fork length (mm) CPUE (fish/hr) River Minimum Maximum Maximum - Minimum Minimum Maximum Average Clarence 75 510 435 0.04 1.25 0.40 Macleay 40 570 530 0.52 1.48 0.89 Hastings 70 495 425 0.28 1.15 0.71 Manning 80 580 500 0.02 1.33 0.34 Williams 40 510 470 0.08 2.91 1.34 Hawkesbury/Nepean 30 480 450 0.16 3.72 1.20 Shoalhaven 56 450 394 0.03 0.91 0.42 Clyde 80 440 360 0.14 1.37 0.63

There are indications that the catch rates and, by inference, the population size of the Australian bass population in the Manning River has increased over time. In the mid-1990’s recruitment failures in the Manning River were apparent, as indicated by low catch rates and nil catch of juvenile bass (Figures 16 & 17). There are now indications of improved Australian bass recruitment with young-of-the-year bass being caught during many events since October 2001 (Figure 21 & 22). Catch rates have also increased since that time. Furthermore, in 2007 the average monthly rainfall increased significantly (Figure 19). This coincided with an influx of new recruits as many young-of-the-year Australian bass were caught during Bass Catch events in that year (Figure 22).

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These trends observed in the Manning River demonstrate that these data can provide useful indicators of the status of the Australian bass population in that river. Inferences can also be made about the effect of environmental variables such as river flows and rainfall and how they may influence the Australian bass populations and any associated fisheries. More detailed analyses could be done in the future to assess these relationships. These investigations could be done using river or impoundment-based competition data.

Previous analyses using Bass Catch data are available in two published journal articles by Growns and James (2005) and Van der Walt et al. (2005). These articles are available upon request [email protected] or (02) 9527 8549 or Danielle Ghosn, I&I NSW, PO Box 21, Cronulla NSW 2230.

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4. CONCLUSIONS AND FUTURE WORK

What these data demonstrate is that the Catch Card Angler Return System is a method that has the ability to provide information for the assessment of native fish stocks. Size composition data are particularly useful in assessing recruitment pulses and the survival of certain cohorts. These size compositions may also provide indicators of stocking success in some impoundments. Catch rates and size statistics are useful as indicators of fishing quality.

Catch rates may be influenced by various factors such as (but not limited to) environmental conditions, fishing methods, fishing gears and angler skill. To improve the usefulness of these catch rates as indices of abundance, future work needs to focus on the inclusion of these types of factors within standardisations of catch rates i.e. removing the influence of these variables on those catch rates. This may require additional surveys of past and current participating anglers to document some of the changes in fishing gears and methods used over the study period. Information that is currently collected that will assist catch rate standardisation includes fishing methods, lure types, river reaches fished and angler avidity.

To improve the use of catch rates as indicators of fishing quality, additional calculations also need to be done. The catch rates presented in this report were calculated as the total number of fish divided by the total number of fisher hours (known as the ratio of the means estimator). A different method that could be used would be to calculate a catch rate for each trip (as the number of fish divided by the number of fisher hours) and then the average of all these individual trip catch rates (known as the mean of the ratios estimator). It is suggested in Pollock et al (1997) that the mean of the ratios estimator provides a more robust indicator for assessing changes in fishing quality through time.

An ongoing focus of this research project is to increase participation rates in Bass Catch events, particularly where the number of participating anglers is too small. A participation increase would enable a greater spread of anglers throughout the river system. Data would be more representative of the river system as a whole and indicators of fishing quality, fish abundance and size structures would be more robust. Over the past two years of monitoring, there have been concerted efforts to improve the spread of anglers across the river reaches in each system. More detailed analyses of these data by each river reach will be provided in future reports.

The data set of this monitoring program is one of very few long-term sources of information that can be used to manage Australian bass populations in NSW. Continuation of this program into the future is thus important. Collection of data over the next few years will need to continue to focus on data quality to ensure the best outcomes from this research project. More detailed analyses using these data could provide a greater understanding of which characteristics represent healthy bass populations in NSW and how the recreational Australian bass fishery could be best managed in the future.

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5. REFERENCES

Growns, I. and James, M. (2005) Relationships between river flows and recreational catches of Australian bass. Journal of Fish Biology 66, 404-416.

Pollock, K.H., Hoenig, J.M., Jones, C.M., Robson, D.S. and Greene, C.J. (1997) Catch rate estimation for roving and access point surveys. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 17, 11-19.

Van der Walt, B., Faragher, R.A. and Harris, J. (2005) Comparative angler catches of Australian bass (Macquaria novemavuleata) in three major river systems in New South Wales, Australia. Asian Fisheries Science 18, 175-193.

Williams, D.L. and Scandol, J.P. (2008) 'Review of NSW recreational fishing tournament-based monitoring methods and datasets. Fisheries Final Report Series No. 99.' NSW DPI, Cronulla, NSW Australia.

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6. APPENDICES – DATA SUMMARY FIGURES

6.1. NSW Bass Catch river events

6.1.1. Clarence River: Copmanhurst Invitational (Oct-Nov) & Bridge to Bridge Classic (Aug-Sept)

2.0

1.6

1.2

0.8 CPUE (+/- SE) CPUE (+/- 0.4

0.0 2000_8 2000_9 2001_9 2002_9 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2001_10 2002_10 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2007_10 2008_10

Event Year_Month

Figure 1. Catch per unit of effort (CPUE) as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarence River.

Average 600 Maximum Minimum 500

400

300

200 Fork length (mm) 100

0 2000_8 2000_9 2001_9 2002_9 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2001_10 2002_10 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2007_10 2008_10

Event Year_Month

Figure 2. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Clarence River.

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200

180 160

140

120

100 80

60

40

No. fishing trips (days) 20

0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 3. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Clarence River.

160 100 140 80 120

100 60 80 60 40 40 20 No. fish (thousands)

Average rainfall (mm) Average 20 0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 4. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Clarence River through time. Rainfall data are for Grafton Pool (Clarence) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 058130.

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15 2000_8 10 5 N=71 0 15 10 2000_9 5 N=23 0 15 2001_9 10 5 N=118 0 15 2001_10 10 5 N=355 0 15 2002_9 10 5 N=343 0 15 2002_10 10 5 N=171 0 15 2003_9 10 5 N=52 0 15 10 2003_11

% Frequency % 5 N=215 0 15 2004_9 10 5 N=38 0 15 2004_11 10 5 N=200 0 15 10 2005_9 5 N=52 0 15 2005_11 10 5 N=178 0 15 2006_9 10 5 N=199 0 15 2007_10 10 5 N=249 0 15 2008_10 10 5 N=212 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 5. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Clarence River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

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6.1.2. Macleay River Bass Catch

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0 CPUE (+/- SE) 0.5

0.0 2000_9 2001_9 2002_9 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9 2008_9

Event Year_Month

Figure 6. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Macleay River.

700 Average Maximum 600 MInimum

500

400

300

200 Fork length (mm)

100

0 2000_9 2001_9 2002_9 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9 2008_9 Event Year_Month

Figure 7. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Macleay River.

18 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

250

) 200

150

100

50

No. fishing trips (days trips fishing No. 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 8. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Macleay River.

1400 30 Average monthly rainfall 1200 Australian bass 25

1000 20 800 15 600 10 400

5 No. fish (thousands) Average rainfall (mm) rainfall Average 200

0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 9. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Macleay River through time. Rainfall data are for Aldavilla (closest station to the Macleay River) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 59135.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 19 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

10 2000_9 5 N=499 0

10 2001_9 5 N=1603 0

10 2002_9 5 N=575 0 10 2003_9 5 N=566 0 10 2004_9 5 N=778 0 % Frequency 10 2005_9 5 N=629 0 10 2006_9 5 N=646 0 10 2007_9 5 N=552 0 10 2008_9 5 N=867 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65

Fork length (cm)

Figure 10. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Macleay River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

20 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.3. Hastings River Bass Catch

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4 CPUE (+/- SE) 0.2

0.0 2005_2 2006_2 2001_12 2002_12 2003_12 2004_12 2005_10 2007_12 2008_10

Event Year_Month

Figure 11. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Hastings River.

600 Average Minimum 500 Maximum

400

300

200 Fork length (mm) Fork length 100

0 2005_2 2006_2 2001_12 2002_12 2003_12 2004_12 2005_10 2007_12 2008_10 Event Year_Month

Figure 12. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Hastings River.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 21 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

25 ) 20

15

10

5

No. fishing trips (days 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 13. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Hastings River.

200 Average monthly rainfall 250 Australian bass 200 150

150 100

100 50 50 No. fish (thousands)

Average rainfall (mm) ± SE (mm) rainfall Average 0 0 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 14. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Hastings River through time. Rainfall data are for Wauchope (closest station to the Hastings River) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 60035.

22 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2001_12 10 5 N=52 0 15 2002_12 10 5 N=18 0 15 2003_12 10 5 N=53 0 15 2004_12 10 5 N=71 0 15 2005_2 10 5 N=44 0

% Frequency % 15 2005_10 10 5 N=31 0 15 2006_2 10 5 N=63 0 15 2007_12 10 5 N=92 0 15 2008_10 10 5 N=105 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 15. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Hastings River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.4. Manning River Bass Catch

2.0

1.5

1.0 CPUE (± SE) CPUE

0.5

0.0 1991_11 1992_04 1992_10 1993_04 1993_11 1994_04 1994_11 1995_04 1995_11 1996_04 1996_11 1997_04 1997_11 1998_03 1998_10 1999_03 2000_04 2000_10 2001_04 2001_10 2002_03 2002_10 2003_03 2003_10 2004_04 2004_10 2005_03 2005_10 2006_03 2006_10 2007_03 2007_10 2008_03 2008_10

Event Year_Month

Figure 16. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Manning River.

700 600

500

400

300

200 Fork length (mm) 100

0 1991_11 1992_04 1992_10 1993_04 1993_11 1994_04 1994_11 1995_04 1995_11 1996_04 1996_11 1997_04 1997_11 1998_03 1998_10 1999_03 2000_04 2000_10 2001_04 2001_10 2002_03 2002_10 2003_03 2003_10 2004_04 2004_10 2005_03 2005_10 2006_03 2006_10 2007_03 2007_10 2008_03 2008_10

Event Year_Month Figure 17. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Macleay River.

24 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

90 80 ) 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 No. fishing trips (days 0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 18. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Manning River.

180 50 Average monthly rainfall 160 Stocked Australian bass 140 40 120 30 100 80 20 60

40 10 Average rainfall (mm) rainfall Average 20 No. fish (thousands) 0 0 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 19. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Manning River through time. Rainfall data are for Wingham (Lanark CLS) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 060036.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 25 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1991_11 10 5 N=70 0 15 1992_4 10 5 N=8 0 15 10 1992_10 5 N=41 0 15 1993_4 10 5 N=17 0 15 1993_11 10 5 N=34 0 15 1994_4 10 5 N=14 0 15 1994_11 10 5 N=32

% Frequency % 0 15 1995_4 10 5 N=4 0 15 1995_11 10 5 N=70 0 15 1996_4 10 5 N=35 0 15 1996_11 10 5 N=69 0 15 1997_4 10 5 N=22 0 15 1997_11 10 5 N=34 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 20. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1991-1997) in the Manning River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

26 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1998_3 10 5 N=23 0 15 1998_10 10 5 N=4 0 15 1999_3 10 5 N=9 0 15 2000_10 10 5 N=23 0 15 2001_4 10 5 N=21 0 15 2001_10 10 5 N=50 0 15 2002_3 10

% Frequency % 5 N=102 0 15 2002_10 10 5 N=214 0 15 2003_3 10 5 N=45 0 15 2003_10 10 5 N=44 0 15 2004_4 10 5 N=25 0 15 10 2004_10 5 N=13 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 21. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1998-2004) in the Manning River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 27 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2005_3 10 5 N=9 0 15 2005_10 10 5 N=49 0 15 2006_3 10 5 N=35 0 15 2006_10 10 5 N=67 0 15 10 2007_3 5 N=78 0 % Frequency 15 10 2007_10 5 N=65 0 15 2008_3 10 5 N=72 0 15 2008_10 10 5 N=173 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 22. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (2005-2008) in the Manning River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

28 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.5. Williams River Bass Catch

4

3

2

1 CPUE (+/- SE)

0 1991_3 1992_4 1993_3 1994_3 1995_4 1996_3 1997_3 1998_3 1999_3 2000_5 2001_4 2002_4 2003_3 2004_3 2005_4 2006_3 2007_3 2008_3 2008-11 1990_11 1991_11 1992_11 1993_11 1994_11 1995_11 1996_11 1997_11 1998_12 1999_12 2000_11 2001_11 2002_11 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 Event Year_Month

Figure 23. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Williams River.

600 Average Minimum 500 Maximum

400

300

200 Fork length (mm)

100

0 1991_3 1992_4 1993_3 1994_3 1995_4 1996_3 1997_3 1998_3 1999_3 2000_5 2001_4 2002_4 2003_3 2004_3 2005_4 2006_3 2007_3 2008_3 2008-11 1990_11 1991_11 1992_11 1993_11 1994_11 1995_11 1996_11 1997_11 1998_12 1999_12 2000_11 2001_11 2002_11 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11

Event Year_Month

Figure 24. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Williams River.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 29 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

180

) 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20

No. fishing trips (days 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 25. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Williams River.

160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20

Average rainfall (mm) Average 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 26. Average monthly rainfall for the Williams River through time. Rainfall data are for Patterson (Tocal AWS) (closest station to the Williams River) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 061250. Please note that there are no records of stocking of Australian bass in the Williams River.

30 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1990_11 10 5 N=468 0 15 1991_3 10 5 N=342 0 15 10 1991_11 5 N=233 0 15 1992_4 10 5 N=68 0 15 10 1992_11 5 N=505 0 15 1993_3 10 5 N=19 0 15 1993_11 10 5 N=747 0

% Frequency % 15 1994_3 10 5 N=307 0 15 1994_11 10 5 N=1142 0 15 1995_4 10 5 N=534 0 15 1995_11 10 5 N=853 0 15 1996_3 10 5 N=341 0 15 1996_11 10 5 N=548 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 27. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1990-1996) in the Williams River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 31 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1997_3 10 5 N=423 0 15 1997_11 10 5 N=423 0 15 1998_3 10 5 N=130 0 15 1998_12 10 5 N=177 0 15 1999_3 10 5 N=214 0 15 1999_12 10 5 N=268 % Frequency % 0 15 2000_5 10 5 N=109 0 15 2000_11 10 5 N=294 0 15 2001_3 10 5 N=261 0 15 2001_11 10 5 N=463 0 15 2002_4 10 5 N=228 0 15 10 2002_11 5 N=454 0 15 2003_3 10 5 N=187 0 15 2003_11 10 5 N=365 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 28. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1997-2003) in the Williams River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

32 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2004_3 10 5 N=423 0 15 2004_11 10 5 N=256 0 15 2005_4 10 5 N=283 0 15 2005_11 10 5 N=668 0 15 2006_3 10 5 N=256 0 15 2006_11 % Frequency % 10 5 N=348 0 15 2007_3 10 5 N=248 0 15 10 2007_11 5 N=495 0 15 2008_3 10 5 N=480 0 15 2008_11 10 5 N=661 0 5 101520253035404550556065 Fork length (cm)

Figure 29. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (2004-2008) in the Williams River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 33 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.6. Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch

5

4

3

2

CPUE (+/- SE) 1

0 1989_2 1990_3 1991_3 1992_2 1993_2 1994_2 1995_2 1996_2 1997_2 1998_2 1999_2 2000_2 2001_2 2002_2 2003_2 2004_2 2005_2 2006_2 2007_2 2008_2 1988_10 1989_10 1990_10 1991_10 1992_10 1993_10 1994_10 1995_10 1996_10 1997_10 1998_10 1999_10 2000_10 2001_10 2002_10 2003_10 2004_10 2005_10 2006_10 2007_10 2008_10

Event year_month

Figure 30. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch over the monitoring period.

600 Average Minimum 500 Maximum

400

300

200 Fork length (mm) length Fork

100

0 1989_2 1990_3 1991_3 1992_2 1993_2 1994_2 1995_2 1996_2 1997_2 1998_2 1999_2 2000_2 2001_2 2002_2 2003_2 2004_2 2005_2 2006_2 2007_2 2008_2 1988_10 1989_10 1990_10 1991_10 1992_10 1993_10 1994_10 1995_10 1996_10 1997_10 1998_10 1999_10 2000_10 2001_10 2002_10 2003_10 2004_10 2005_10 2006_10 2007_10 2008_10

Event Year_Month

Figure 31. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch (year_month) over the monitoring period.

34 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

160 ) 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 No. fishing tripsNo. (days fishing 0 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 32. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch.

y 200

150

100

50

Average rainfall (mm) Average 0 1988 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year Figure 33. Average monthly rainfall for the Nepean River through time. Rainfall data are for Castlereagh Road (closest station to the Nepean River) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 067002. Please note that there are no records of stocking of Australian bass in the Nepean River.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 35 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 10 1988_10 5 N=164 0 15 10 1989_2 5 N=317 0 15 10 1989_10 5 N=627 0 15 10 1990_3 5 N=338 0 15 10 1990_10 5 N=440 0 15 1991_3 10 5 N=427 0 15 10 1991_10 5 N=461 0 15 10 1992_2 5 N=295

% Frequency % 0 15 10 1992_10 5 N=548 0 15 10 1993_2 5 N=910 0 15 10 1993_10 5 N=582 0 15 10 1994_2 5 N=364 0 15 10 1994_10 5 N=352 0 15 10 1995_2 5 N=529 0 15 10 1995_10 5 N=263 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Fork length (cm)

Figure 34. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1988-1995). N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

36 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 10 1996_2 5 N=350 0 15 10 1996_10 5 N=472 0 15 10 1997_2 5 N=324 0 15 10 1997_10 5 N=250 0 15 10 1998_2 5 N=94 0 15 10 1998_10 5 N=51 0 15 10 1999_2 5 N=196 0 15 10 1999_10

% Frequency % 5 N=390 0 15 10 2000_2 5 N=228 0 15 10 2000_10 5 N=269 0 15 10 2001_2 5 N=310 0 15 10 2001_10 5 N=175 0 15 10 2002_2 5 N=209 0 15 2002_10 10 5 N=264 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Fork length (cm)

Figure 35. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1996-2002). N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 37 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 10 2003_2 5 N=148 0 15 2003_10 10 5 N=89 0 15 10 2004_2 5 N=132 0 15 10 2004_10 5 N=387 0 15 10 2005_2 5 N=141 0 15 2005_10 10 5 N=531 0 15 10 2006_2 5 N=129 0 % Frequency % 15 2006_10 10 5 N=296 0 15 2007_2 10 5 N=201 0 15 2007_10 10 5 N=428 0 15 2008_2 10 5 N=62 0 15 2008_10 10 5 N=554 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 Fork length (cm)

Figure 36. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Catch (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (2003-2008). N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

38 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.7. Hawkesbury-Nepean Bass Anglers (HNBA) Interclub

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4 CPUE (+/- SE) (+/- CPUE 0.2

0.0 2001_1 2002_1 2003_1 2004_1 2005_2 2006_2 2007_2 2008_2

Event Year_Month

Figure 37. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge over the monitoring period.

600 Average 500 Minimum Maximum 400

300

200 Fork length (mm) length Fork 100

0 2001_1 2002_1 2003_1 2004_1 2005_2 2006_2 2007_2 2008_2

Event Year_Month

Figure 38. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge (year_month) over the monitoring period.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 39 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20

No. fishing trips (days) 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 39. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge.

140

120

100

80

60

40

20 Average rainfall (mm) Average 0 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 40. Average monthly rainfall (± standard error) for Lower Portland (Hawkesbury River). These data were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology Station Number 067094. Please note that there are no records of stocking of Australian bass in the Hawkesbury-Nepean River.

40 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2001_1 10 5 N=124 0 15 10 2002_1 5 N=267 0 15 10 2004_1 5 N=320 0 15 10 2003_1 5 N=368

% Frequency % 0 15 10 2005_2 5 N=110 0 15 10 2006_2 5 N=233 0 15 2007_2 10 5 N=177 0 15 2008_2 10 5 Fork length (cm) N=287 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50

Fork length (cm)

Figure 41. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River Bass Anglers Interclub Challenge (year_month) over part of the monitoring period. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 41 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.8. Shoalhaven River Bass Catch

1.2

1.0

0.8

0.6

0.4 CPUE (+/- SE) 0.2

0.0 1996_3 1997_3 1999_3 2001_2 2005_5 2006_5 2008_9 1996_11 1997_11 1998_11 1999_11 2000_11

Event Year_Month

Figure 42. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Shoalhaven River.

500

400

300

200

Fork length (mm) 100

0 1996_3 1997_3 1999_3 2001_2 2005_5 2006_5 2008_9 1996_11 1997_11 1998_11 1999_11 2000_11

Event Year_Month

Figure 43. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Shoalhaven River.

42 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 No. fishing trips (days) 0 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 44. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Shoalhaven River.

250 400 Average monthly rainfall (mm) Australian bass 200 300

150 200 100

100 50 Average rainfall (mm) rainfall Average No. fish (thousands) 0 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 45. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Shoalhaven River through time. Rainfall data are for the Greenwell Point Bowling Club (closest station to the Shoalhaven River) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 068080.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 43 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1996_3 10 5 N=199 0 15 1996_11 10 5 N=293 0 15 1997_3 10 5 N=340 0 15 1997_11 10 5 N=458 0 15 1998_11 10 5 N=114 0 15 1999_3 10 5 N=18 0 15

% Frequency % 1999_11 10 5 N=64 0 15 2000_11 10 5 N=67 0 15 2001_2 10 5 N=6 0 15 2005_5 10 5 N=7 0 15 2006_5 10 5 N=20 0 15 2008_9 10 5 N=20 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 46. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Shoalhaven River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

44 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.1.9. Clyde River Bass Catch

2.0

1.5

1.0

CPUE (+/- SE) (+/- CPUE 0.5

0.0 1990_2 1991_2 1994_2 1995_2 1996_2 1997_2 1998_2 1999_2 2000_2 2001_2 2002_2 2003_2 2004_2 2005_3 2006_3 2007_2 2008_2

Event Year_Month

Figure 47. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Clyde River.

500 Average Maximum 400 Minimum

300

200

Fork length (mm) 100

0 1990_2 1991_2 1994_2 1995_2 1996_2 1997_2 1998_2 1999_2 2000_2 2001_2 2002_2 2003_2 2004_2 2005_3 2006_3 2007_2 2008_2 Event Year_Month

Figure 48. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Clyde River.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 45 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

70 60 50 40 30 20 10 No. fishing trips(days) 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 49. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Clyde River.

50 Average monthly rainfall (mm) 180 Australian bass 40 150

120 30

90 20 60 10 30 No. fish (thousands) Average rainfall (mm) Average 0 0 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 50. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Clyde River through time. Rainfall data are for the Batemans Bay Country Club (closest station to the Clyde River) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 069134.

46 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1990_2 10 5 N=30 0 15 10 1991_2 5 N=160 0 15 1994_2 10 5 N=66 0 15 1995_2 10 5 N=98 0 15 1996_2 10 5 N=56 0

% Frequency % 15 1997_2 10 5 N=144 0 15 1998_2 10 5 N=75 0 15 1999_2 10 5 N=113 0 15 2000_2 10 5 N=105 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 51. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (1990-2000) in the Clyde River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 47 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2001_2 10 5 N=167 0 15 2002_2 10 5 N=234 0 15 2003_2 10 1991_2 5 N=160 N=89 0 15 2004_2 10 5 N=49 0 15 2005_3 10 5 N=98 0 % Frequency % 15 2006_3 10 5 N=102 0 15 2007_2 10 5 N=14 0 15 2008_2 10 5 N=32 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 52. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over part of the monitoring period (2001-2008) in the Clyde River. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

48 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.2. NSW Impoundment events

6.2.1. Clarrie Hall Dam Bass Catch

1.4

1.2

1.0

0.8 CPUE (+/- SE) (+/- CPUE 0.6

0.4 2005_4 2006_4 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 2008_10

Event Year_Month

Figure 53. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Clarrie Hall Dam. Please note that the CPUE has not been calculated for the 2006 April event as there were no fishing effort data for this event.

600 Average Minimum 500 Maximum

400

300

200

Fork length (mm) 100

0 2005_4 2006_4 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 2008_10 Event Year_Month

Figure 54. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Clarrie Hall Dam.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 49 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

No. fishing trips (days) 0 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year Figure 55. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in the Clarrie Hall Dam.

300 200

250 150 200

150 100

100 50 50 Average rainfall (mm) rainfall Average No. fish (thousands) 0 0 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 56. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for the Clarrie Hall Dam through time. Rainfall data are for Uki (closest station to the Clarrie Hall Dam) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 58167.

50 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2004_11 10 5 N=372 0 15 2005_4 10 5 N=209 0 15 2005_11 10 5 N=418 0 15 2006_4 10 5 N=207 0 15 2006_11 10 5 N=396 0 15 2007_11 10 5 N=369 0 15 2008_10 10 5 N=328 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 57. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in the Clarrie Hall Dam. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 51 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.2.2. Glenbawn Dam

700 Australian bass 600 Golden perch Silver perch 500 Rainbow trout 400

300

200

100

0 No. fish stocked (thousands) 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Year

Figure 58. Number of each species stocked in Glenbawn Dam through time. Species that have been stocked in this impoundment include Australian bass, golden perch, silver perch and rainbow trout.

100

80

60

40

20

Average rainfall (mm) ± SE (mm) rainfall Average 0 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 59. Average monthly rainfall for the Glenbawn Dam through time. Rainfall data were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 061094.

52 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.2.2.1. ANSA Catch and Release Convention (Glenbawn Dam)

0.5 A. Australian bass

0.4

0.3 CPUE ± SE 0.2

0.1

2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9 2008_9 0.5 B. Golden perch 0.4

0.3

0.2 CPUE ± SE 0.1

0.0

2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9 2008_9 0.5 C. Silver perch 0.4

0.3

0.2 CPUE ± SE 0.1

0.0 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9 2008_9 Year_Month

Figure 60. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of a) Australian bass; b) golden perch; and, c) silver perch for each event (year_month) of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 53 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

700 Average 600 Minimum Maximum 500

400

300

200

Fork length (mm) 100

0 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9 2008_9

Year_Month

Figure 61. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam.

250

200

150

100

50

0 No. fishing (days) trips 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 62. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention monitored in Glenbawn Dam.

54 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 2003_9 10 5 N=511 0 15 10 2004_9 5 N=229 0 15 2005_9 10 5 N=180 0 % Frequency % 15 2006_9 10 5 N=192 0 15 2007_9 10 5 N=144 0 15 2008_9 10 5 N=236 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 63. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) of the ANSA Catch and Release Convention over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 55 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.2.2.2. Freshwater Fishing Masters (Glenbawn Dam)

0.6

0.4

0.2 CPUE (± SE) CPUE 0.0 1999_5 2000_5 2001_9 2002_9 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9

Event Year_Month

Figure 64. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period (year_month) at the Glenbawn Dam.

g( ) g ( ) 600

400

200 Fork length (mm) Fork length

0 1999_5 2000_5 2001_9 2002_9 2003_9 2004_9 2005_9 2006_9 2007_9

Event Year_Month

Figure 65. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam.

56 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 No. fishing trips (days) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 Year

Figure 66. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all the events of the Freshwater Fishing Masters monitored in Glenbawn Dam.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 57 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1999_5 10 5 N=9 0 15 10 2000_5 5 N=24 0 15 2001_9 10 5 N=145 0 15 2002_9 10 5 N=217 0 15 2003_9 10 5 N=260 0

% Frequency % 15 2004_9 10 5 N=139 0 15 2005_9 10 5 N=115 0 15 2006_9 10 5 N=123 0 15 2007_9 10 5 N=153 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 67. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Glenbawn Dam. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

58 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.3. Freshwater Fishing Masters (Windamere Dam)

0.4 A. Golden perch

0.3

0.2 CPUE ± SE 0.1

0.0

1999_12 2000_12 2001_11 2002_11 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 2008_11 0.20 B. Silver perch 0.15

0.10 CPUE ± SE 0.05

0.00 1999_12 2000_12 2001_11 2002_11 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 2008_11

0.20 C. Murray cod 0.15

0.10 CPUE ± SE 0.05

0.00 1999_12 2000_12 2001_11 2002_11 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 2008_11 Year_Month

Figure 68. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of a) golden perch; b) silver perch; and, c) Murray cod for each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters in Windamere Dam over the monitoring period.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 59 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

Maximum 800 Minimum Average 600

400

Total length (mm) length Total 200

0 1999_12 2000_12 2001_11 2002_11 2003_11 2004_11 2005_11 2006_11 2007_11 2008_11

Event Year_Month

Figure 69. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) total lengths of all golden perch recorded for each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Windamere Dam.

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10

No. fishing trips (days) 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 70. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all the events of the Freshwater Fishing Masters monitored in Windamere Dam.

60 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

1000 Golden Perch 900 Murray Cod 800 Silver Perch 700 600 500 400 300 200

No. fish (thousands) 100 0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 71. Number of each species stocked in Windamere Dam through time. Species that have been stocked in this impoundment include golden perch, Murray cod, silver perch and rainbow trout.

250

200

150

100

50 Average rainfall (mm) Average

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 72. Average monthly rainfall for the Windamere Dam through time. Rainfall data were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number IDCJAC0001.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 61 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

24 18 1999_12 12 6 N=93 0 24 18 2000_12 12 6 N=84 0 24 18 2001_11 12 6 N=128 0 24 18 2002_11 12 6 N=78 0 24 18 2003_11 12 6 N=37 0 24 18 2004_11

% Frequency % 12 6 N=97 0 24 18 2005_11 12 6 N=163 0 24 18 2006_11 12 6 N=108 0 24 18 2007_11 12 6 N=182 0 24 18 2008_11 12 6 N=39 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80

Total length (cm)

Figure 73. Length frequency compositions of golden perch recorded each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Windamere Dam. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

62 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.3.1. Lake Yarrunga Invitational (Tallowa Dam)

1.6 1.4 1.2 1.0 0.8 0.6

CPUE (+/- SE) 0.4 0.2 0.0 1998_3 1999_3 2000_3 2001_3 2002_3 2003_3 2004_3 2005_11 2007_11 2008_11

Event Year_Month

Figure 74. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam).

600

500

400

300

200 Fork length (mm) 100

0 1998_3 1999_3 2000_3 2001_3 2002_3 2003_3 2004_3 2005_11 2007_11 2008_11

Event Year_Month

Figure 75. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period of the Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam) Invitational.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 63 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 No. fishing trips (days) 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 76. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all Lake Yarrunga (Tallowa Dam) Invitational events monitored.

220 300 200 Australian bass Average monthly rainfall 180 250

160 200 140 120 150 100 80 100

60 50 Average ranfall (mm) Average 40 No. fish (thousands) 20 0 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009

Year

Figure 77. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for Lake Yarrunga through time. Rainfall data are for the Greenwell Point Bowling Club (closest station to Lake Yarrunga) and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 068080.

64 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

15 1998_3 10 5 N=458 0 15 1999_3 10 5 N=146 0 15 2000_3 10 5 N=448 0 15 2001_3 10 5 N=575 0 15 2002_3 10 5 N=695 0 15 2003_3 10

% Frequency % 5 N=331 0 15 2004_3 10 5 N=198 0 15 2005_11 10 5 N=281 0 15 2007_11 10 5 N=39 0 15 2008_11 10 5 N=169 0 5 101520253035404550556065

Fork length (cm)

Figure 78. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period for the Lake Yarrunga Invitational (Tallowa Dam). N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 65 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.3.2. Brogo Bass Bash (Brogo Dam)

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2 CPUE (± SE)

0.0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Event Year_Month

Figure 79. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of Australian bass for each event over the monitoring period in the Brogo Dam.

600

500

400

300

200 Fork length (mm) length Fork 100

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Event Year_Month

Figure 80. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) fork lengths of all Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in Brogo Dam.

66 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

180 160 140 120 100 80 60 40 20 0 No. fishing trips (days) (days) trips fishing No. 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 81. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all events monitored in Brogo Dam.

120 120 Australian bass 100 Average monthly rainfall 100

80 80

60 60

40 40 No. fish (thousands)

Average rainfall (mm) Average 20 20

0 0 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2006 2008

Year

Figure 82. Number of Australian bass stocked and average monthly rainfall for Brogo Dam through time. Rainfall data are for the Brogo Dam and were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 069140.

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15 1999 10 5 N=245 0 15 10 2000 5 N=95 0 15 2001 10 5 N=175 0 15 2002 10 5 N=431 0 15 2003 10 5 N=412 0

% Frequency % 15 2004 10 5 N=210 0 15 2005 10 5 N=246 0 15 2006 10 5 N=286 0 15 2007 10 5 N=297 0 5 10152025303540

Fork length (cm)

Figure 83. Length frequency compositions of Australian bass recorded for each event (year_month) over the monitoring period in Brogo Dam. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

68 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

6.3.3. Freshwater Fishing Masters (Lake Mulwala)

0.5 A. Murray cod 0.4

0.3

0.2 CPUE ± SE

0.1

0.0 1999_2 2000_2 2001_3 2002_3 2003_3 2005_2 2006_3 2007_3 2008_2 Year_Month

0.05 B. Golden perch 0.04

0.03

0.02 CPUE ± SE 0.01

0.00 1999_2 2000_2 2001_3 2002_3 2003_3 2005_2 2006_3 2007_3 2008_2

Year_Month

Figure 84. Catch per unit of effort as the number of fish per angler hour (± standard error) of a) Murray cod; and, b) golden perch for each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters in Lake Mulwala over the monitoring period.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 69 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

1000 Maximum Average 800 Minimum

600

400

Total length (mm) length Total 200

0 1999_2 2000_2 2001_3 2002_3 2003_3 2005_2 2006_3 2007_3 2008_2

Year_Month

Figure 85. Minimum, maximum and average (± standard error) total lengths of all golden perch recorded for each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Windamere Dam..

100 90 80 70 60 50 40 30 20 10 0 No. fishing trips (days) 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Year

Figure 86. The total number of angler days of fishing recorded during each calendar year for all the events of the Freshwater Fishing Masters monitored in Lake Mulwala.

70 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

700 Golden perch 600 Silver perch 500

400

300

200

100 No. fish (thousands) 0 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 87. Number of each species stocked in Lake Mulwala through time. Species that have been stocked in this impoundment include golden perch and silver perch.

120

100

80

60

40

20 Average rainfall (mm) rainfall Average

0 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008

Year

Figure 88. Average monthly rainfall (± standard error) for Lake Mulwala (Yarrawonga) through time. Rainfall data were obtained from the Bureau of Meteorology station number 81124.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 71 Interim Report – Bass and native fish monitoring via competition-based angling (Ghosn, 2009)

24 18 1999_2 12 6 N=180 0 24 18 2000_2 12 6 N=86 0 24 18 2001_3 12 6 N=155 0 24 18 2002_3 12 6 N=42 0 24 18 2003_3 12 6 N=37 0 24 18 2005_2

% Frequency % 12 6 N=79 0 24 18 2006_3 12 6 N=112 0 24 18 2007_3 12 6 N=111 0 24 18 2008_2 12 6 N=88 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65 70 75 80 85 90 95100

Total length (cm)

Figure 89. Length frequency compositions of Murray cod recorded each event (year_month) of the Freshwater Fishing Masters over the monitoring period in Lake Mulwala. N equals the total number of fish measured for each event.

72 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 Other titles in the series

Other titles in this series:

ISSN 1442-0147 (NSW Fisheries Research Report Series)

No. 1 Otway, N.M. and Parker, P.C., 1999. A review of the biology and ecology of the grey nurse shark (Carcharias taurus) Rafinesque 1810. 36pp. No. 2 Graham, K.J., 1999. Trawl fish length-weight relationships from data collected during FRV Kapala surveys. 105pp. No. 3 Steffe, A.S., Chapman, D.J. and Murphy, J.J., 1999. A description of the charter fishing boat industry operating in the coastal and estuarine waters of New South Wales during 1997-98. 33pp. No. 4 Reid, D.D. and Smith, I.R., 1998. The 1998 Pacific oyster survey. 14pp. No. 5 Walford, T. and Pease, B., 2000. Strategies and techniques for sampling adult anguillid eels. Proceedings of a workshop held at FRI, Cronulla, Australia, August 1999. 176pp. No. 6 Heasman, M. and Lyall, I., 2000. Proceedings of the workshop held on 3 March 2000 at the Sydney Fish Markets: Problems of producing and marketing the flat oyster Ostrea angasi in NSW. 57pp. No. 7 Heasman, M., 2003. Proceedings of the Sydney Rock Oyster Hatchery Workshop held on 8 and 9 August 2002 at Port Stephens, NSW. 164pp. No. 8 Allan, G.A., 2003. Proceedings of the Aquafin CRC Snapper Workshop held on 26 September 2002 at the Convention Centre, Melbourne (Aquafin CRC 2001/208). 107pp. No. 9 Faragher, R.A., 2004. Hooking mortality of trout: a summary of scientific services. 9pp. No. 10 Daly, T., 2004. Summary of Proceedings from the Perkinsus Workshop held at the Cronulla Fisheries Centre on 3 September 2003. 32pp.

ISSN 1449-9959 (NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries Research Report Series)

No. 11 Baumgartner, L., 2005. Fish in Irrigation Supply Offtakes: A literature review. 22pp. No. 12 Ganassin, C. and Gibbs, P., 2005. Descriptions of the wildlife species that commonly occur in the marine and estuarine waters of NSW. 88pp. No. 13 Nell, J., 2006. Manual for mass selection of Sydney rock oysters for fast growth and disease resistance. 57pp + 110pp attachments. No. 14 Gilligan, D. and Rayner, T., 2007. The distribution, spread, ecological impacts and potential control of carp in the upper Murray River. 25pp. No. 15 Baumgartner, L., 2007. Fish communities of the Nepean River in the vicinity of Pheasants Nest Weir. 18pp. No. 16 Gilligan, D., 2007. Annual progress report towards achievement of the Lower Murray Darling Catchment Action Plan 2004 – 2015: Fish Community Monitoring 2005/06. 42pp. No. 17 Gale, R., Silberschneider, V. and Stewart, J., 2007. A biological and economic assessment of the 2001 change in the Minimum Legal Length (MLL) of snapper in NSW. Report to the NSW Ocean Trap & Line Management Advisory Committee, December 2007. 43 pp. No. 18 Rowling, K., 2008. Review of ‘Bobbin Gear’ in the NSW Ocean Trawl Fishery. 15 pp. No. 19 Baumgartner, L., Cameron, L., Faragher, B. and Pogonoski, J., 2008. An assessment of the trout fishery in Oberon Dam and the Fish River. 23pp.

I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23 73 Other titles in the series

No. 20 O’Connor, W., Dove, M., Finn, B. and O’Connor, S., 2008. Manual for hatchery production of Sydney rock oysters (Saccostrea glomerata). 53pp. No. 21 Gillson, J.P., Scandol, J.P. and Suthers, I.M., 2008. Impacts of freshwater flow on catch rates of estuarine fisheries resources in New South Wales. 66pp. No. 22 Gilligan, D., 2008. Lower Murray-Darling Catchment Action Plan 2004 – 2016: Fish community monitoring report card for 2006/07. 58pp.

ISSN 1837-2120 (Industry & Investment NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series)

No. 23 Ghosn, D., 2009. Data summary from the monitoring of Australian bass and native fisheries via competition-based angling in NSW: 1988 – 2008. Interim Report. 74pp.

74 I&I NSW – Fisheries Research Report Series: No. 23