Stock status of Queensland’s Fisheries Queensland fisheries resources 2011 Employment, Development Economic and Innovation Department of

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 © State of Queensland, Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation, 2011.

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Glossary 3 Fishery acronyms 4 Introduction 5 Changes in 2011 6 Key outcomes in 2011 6 Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources in 2011 – summary table 6 Stock background and status determination 10 Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) East Coast 12 Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Gulf of Carpentaria 13 Blue eye trevalla (Hyperoglyphe antarctica) East Coast 14 Bonito (Sarda spp.) East Coast 15 Bream–yellowfin (Acanthopagrus australis) East Coast 16 Bugs–Balmain (Ibacus chacei and I. brucei) East Coast 18 Bugs–Moreton Bay East Coast 19 Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) East Coast 20 Coral trout (Plectropomus spp. and Variola spp.) East Coast 22 –blue swimmer ( armatus) East Coast 24 Crab–mud (Scylla spp.) East Coast 26 Crab–mud (Scylla spp.) Gulf of Carpentaria 28 Crab–spanner ( ranina) East Coast 30 Crab–three-spotted (Portunus sanguinolentus) East Coast 31 Cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) East Coast 32 Freshwater Eel East Coast 33 Emperor–grass (Lethrinus laticaudis) East Coast 34 Emperor–red (Lutjanus sebae) East Coast 35 Emperor–red (Lutjanus sebae) Gulf of Carpentaria 36 Emperor–redthroat (Lethrinus miniatus) East Coast 37 Emperor–spangled (Lethrinus nebulosus) East Coast 38 Flathead–dusky (Platycephalus fuscus) East Coast 39 Groper–bass (Polyprion americanus) East Coast 40 Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) East Coast 41 Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) Gulf of Carpentaria 42 Kingfish–yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) East Coast 43 –red champagne (Linuparus trigonus) East Coast 44 Mackerel–grey (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) East Coast 45 Mackerel–grey Gulf of Carpentaria 47 Mackerel–school East Coast 49 Mackerel–shark (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) East Coast 50 Mackerel–Spanish (Scomberomorus commerson) East Coast 51 Mackerel–Spanish Gulf of Carpentaria 53 Mackerel–spotted (Scomberomorus munroi) East Coast 54 Mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) East Coast 56 Octopus (Octopodidae) East Coast 57 Pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) East Coast 58 –banana (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) East Coast 60 Prawn–tiger (brown and grooved) East Coast 61 Prawn–coral (Metapenaeopsis spp.) East Coast 63 Prawn–eastern king (Melicertus plebejus) East Coast 64 Prawn–endeavour East Coast 66 Prawn–greasyback (Metapenaeus bennettae) East Coast 67 Prawn–northern king (redspot and blue-legged) East Coast 68 Prawn–school (Metapenaeus macleayi) East Coast 69 Rockcod–bar East Coast 70 Rockcod–goldspotted (Epinephelus coioides) East Coast 71 Scallop–mud (Amusium pleuronectes) East Coast 72 Scallop–saucer (Amusium balloti) East Coast 73 Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 1 Sea cucumber–white teatfish East Coast 74 Sea cucumber–burrowing blackfish East Coast 75 Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) East Coast 76 Shark (Elasmobranchii) East Coast and Gulf of Carpentaria 78 Snapper (Pagrus auratus) East Coast 79 Snapper–crimson (Lutjanus erythropterus) East Coast 81 Snapper–crimson (Lutjanus erythropterus) Gulf of Carpentaria 82 Snapper–goldband (Pristipomoides multidens) East Coast 83 Snapper–hussar (Lutjanus adetii and L. vitta) East Coast 84 Snapper–Moses (Lutjanus russelli) East Coast 85 Snapper–saddletail (Lutjanus malabaricus) East Coast 87 Snapper–saddletail (Lutjanus malabaricus) Gulf of Carpentaria 88 Snapper–stripey (Lutjanus carponotatus) East Coast 89 Squid–pencil (Uroteuthis spp.) East Coast 90 Squid–tiger (Sepioteuthis lessionana) East Coast 91 Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) East Coast 92 Teraglin (Atractoscion aequidens) East Coast 94 Threadfin–blue (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) East Coast 96 Threadfin–blue Gulf of Carpentaria 97 Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir) East Coast 98 Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir) Gulf of Carpentaria 100 Trevally (Carangidae) East Coast 101 Trochus (Trochus niloticus) East Coast 102 Tropical rock lobster () East Coast 103 Tuskfish (Choerodon spp.) East Coast 105 Whiting–sand (Sillago ciliata) East Coast 106 Whiting–stout (Sillago robusta) East Coast 108

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 2 Glossary

Annual status report (ASR) Annual reports developed for each of Queensland’s major fisheries Commercial catch The retained portion of a commercial fishers’ catch, which is recorded in a daily logbook for that fishery. Sometimes referred to as the harvested or landed component. Catch rate The weight of fish retained (catch) by unit of effort. Sometimes referred to as catch per unit effort (CPUE). Ecological risk assessment A tool commonly used in fisheries management that identifies the issues or (ERA) source of the risk which could impact on objectives (e.g. in a fisheries content, overfishing), assesses the consequence and likelihood associated with the issue, and then determines the relative risk (in a fisheries context, this could be risk to target and bycatch , as well as the ). Can be qualitative or quantitative, and generally done in a workshop format involving multiple stakeholders. This process enables management to identify priorities for monitoring and management action. ECOTF ecological risk Two ecological risk assessment workshops were held in 2010–11 to consider assessment findings the level of trawl related risk to the sustainability of species interacting with the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF). Stringent management settings and near to record low levels of effort in the fishery have ensured that species are currently being harvested sustainably both within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and in the remainder of the ECOTF south of the GBRMP. The assessments found that no ECOTF harvested species is at high risk of becoming overfished by trawling under current and likely future management and effort level scenarios. Fishery dependent data Data (e.g. biological information on length and age) collected from commercial and recreational fishing activities. Includes that collected by long-term Fisheries Queensland monitoring programs. Fishery independent data Data collected from scientific surveys or by other means which are not associated with commercial, recreational or charter fishing. Performance Measurement A document developed for each fishery to monitor and measure fishery System (PMS) performance against a range of operational objectives. It explains the objectives, indicators and performance measures for that fishery. Performance measure Turns an indicator into something that can be measured. Generally a limit performance measure, which indicates a state which is undesirable and requires further investigation and/or management action. For example, a 30% decrease in catch rate. L1, L2, L3 and L8 fishery The type of commercial line fishery symbol that indicates where a commercial symbols fisher is able to fish, the regulated apparatus and what they are able to retain. Refer to the Fisheries Queensland website for the full description of fisheries symbols in Queensland http://www.dpi.qld.gov.au/28_15452.htm Minimum legal size (MLS) For a given species, this minimum size that can be retained. This is set in legislation and applies to commercial and/or recreational harvest. Maximum sustainable Largest catch that can be harvested each year without impacting on the long- yield (MSY) term productivity of the stock. Biomass at MSY (Bmsy) Stock size that can produce maximum sustainable yield when it is fished at a level equal to fishing mortality rate at MSY. ‘Other species’ quota (OS) Refers to the quota for coral reef fin fish other than coral trout and redthroat emperor. Coral reef fin fish are outlined in the Fisheries Regulation 2008. Queensland Fisheries Joint The harvest of certain species in the Gulf of Carpentaria is managed jointly by Authority (QFJA) permits the State and Commonwealth governments through the Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority (QFJA). Fishing licences operating in a fishery over which the QFJA has authority must have an endorsement from the QFJA to take those species.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 3 Recruitment Fisheries population term relating to the youngest age at which fish enter the fishery; that is, able to be caught. Recreational harvest Retained (harvested) portion of the recreational catch estimated from estimate information submitted by a group of representative recreational fishers. Total allowable catch (TAC) Total quantity of a given fish stock that the fishing industry are permitted to retain in a given year. Usually a total allowable commercial catch (TACC). Total mortality estimate (Z) The rate of mortality for a given stock, including both natural (M) and fishing induced (F) causes.

Fishery acronyms

BSCF–Blue Swimmer Crab Fishery CRFFF–Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery DWFFF–Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery ECIFFF–East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery ECOTF–East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery ECSMF–East Coast Spanish Mackerel Fishery FFTF–Fin Fish (Stout Whiting) Trawl Fishery GOCDFFTF–Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery GOCIFFF–Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery GOCLF–Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery MCF–Mud Crab Fishery QEF–Queensland Eel Fishery Rec–recreationally targeted species RIBTF–River and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery RRFFF–Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery SCF–Spanner Crab Fishery

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 4 Introduction

In November 2009, Fisheries Queensland (part of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation) embarked on a process to assess the exploitation status (stock status) of Queensland’s key fish stocks1. Aimed at addressing increasing levels of stakeholder interest in the sustainability of Queensland fisheries, the process provides a comprehensive assessment of the status of our key stocks.

To facilitate the process, Fisheries Queensland developed the Stock Status Assessment Framework. The framework documents the transparent and consistent process used to determine a concise and agreed statement of the status of key fish stocks in Queensland waters. The process builds on a wide range of assessment tools already used by Fisheries Queensland in reviewing the sustainability of fishing activities on fish stocks and the broader ecosystem.

In a workshop, an expert panel of departmental scientists and managers assigned an appropriate exploitation category for a given species using a weight-of-evidence approach2 by reviewing available biological and fishery information and guided by a set of exploitation criteria (refer to Stock Status Assessment Framework for detailed explanation of the criteria). Information sources reviewed included biological monitoring data (e.g. length and age), commercial catch and effort data from logbooks, recreational catch diaries, at-sea observer data, quantitative stock assessment results, research data, ecological risk assessments and performance indicator results. The assessment of the status of each stock also considered a wider range of factors including market drivers, fisher behaviour and weather effects. Table 1 summarises the exploitation categories.

The 2011 report outlines the results of the second round of stock status assessments conducted in 2010–11.

Table 1: Description of exploitation categories used in the Queensland stock status assessment process

Category Definition Harvest levels may be exceeding sustainable levels and/or yields may be higher in the long Overfished term if the effort levels are reduced. The stock may still be recovering from previous excessive fishing pressure. Recovery strategies will be developed for all overfished stocks to reduce fishing pressure within prescribed timeframes. Harvest levels are at, or close to, optimum sustainable levels. Current fishing pressure is Sustainably fished considered sustainable. Resource is underutilised and has the potential to sustain harvest levels higher than those Not fully utilised (NFU) currently being taken. There are inconsistent/contradictory signals in the information available that preclude Uncertain determination of exploitation status with any degree of confidence. Undefined (*) Some information is available but no reasonable attempt can been made to determine exploitation status at this time. This may be due to the need for additional information or analyses to adequately determine stock status against the criteria. It should be noted that for this report, this category also includes stocks assessed under the version 1 of the framework as ‘No assessment made’. These are asterisked (*) throughout this report.

1 Throughout this document the term ‘stock’ can represent a single species, a separate genetic or geographical stock or a group of species used for fisheries management purposes. 2 A ‘weight-of-evidence’ approach assesses a species based on the evidence considered and meeting agreed criteria, decided by workshop participants with expertise in biology and/or the fishery for the species. Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 5 Changes in 2011

The ‘uncertain’ category was redefined to include those species where there were inconsistent/contradictory signals in the information available that preclude determination of exploitation status with any degree of confidence.

A new category of ‘undefined’ was included to capture those other species for which some information was available but no reasonable attempt could be made to determine exploitation status at the time of the workshop. This change is reflected in version two of the Stock Status Assessment Framework.

Key outcomes in 2011 Fisheries Queensland conducted four workshops in 2010–11 to determine the status of key stocks harvested in the line, pot, net, trawl and hand-harvest fisheries. The key outcomes were: x 78 stocks were considered in total (68 east coast and 10 Gulf of Carpentaria stocks), compared to 62 in 2009– 10. x 24 stocks were considered ‘sustainably fished’, compared to 18 in 2009–10. x 4 stocks were considered ‘not fully utilised’. x 30 stocks did not have enough information available to be assessed against the criteria and were ‘undefined’. x 19 stocks were considered ‘uncertain’. This was down from 25 in 2009–10 due to: o ten stocks moving from the ‘uncertain’ to ‘undefined’ status based on the revised definitions, o one stock (Moreton Bay bugs) being now considered sustainably fished in review of its status, and o a number of additional stocks (four) being considered for the first time. x Only one stock was considered ‘overfished’ against the criteria – snapper. The Queensland Government implemented new management arrangements in September 2011 to address these issues. An updated quantitative stock assessment for snapper is planned for 2014.

A number of recreationally important species remained either ‘uncertain’ or ‘undefined’ due to the lack of recent statewide recreational fishing estimates. This information gap is being addressed in the Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey in 2010–11, with the results to be publically available in 2012. This survey will provide reliable catch estimates at a state and regional level for fish species commonly caught by Queensland’s recreational anglers.

Note on stocks classified as ‘uncertain’ or ‘undefined’ It is important to note that an ‘uncertain’ or ‘undefined’ status does not necessarily mean that the stock is at high risk from fishing activities. Rather it highlights where additional information is required to reduce uncertainty or make an assessment. Fisheries Queensland can now confidently prioritise future data collection activities to reduce uncertainty in stock status and ensure that fishery resources are harvested sustainably now and in the future.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources in 2011 – summary table

The outcomes of the 2010–11 stock status workshops are summarised in Table 2. More information regarding how the stock status exploitation status was determined for each stock is detailed in the following page/s dedicated to each species.

A number of stocks were considered initially in this year’s process but when reviewed during the workshop the expert panel decided that no assessment would be made as the stocks did not meet the initial criteria for inclusion (Table 3). These stocks will continue to be monitored each year and added back into the process if catches increase above defined levels.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 6 Table 2: Fisheries Queensland stock status summary 2011 Stock Status Species Stock Principal fishery 2010 2011 Snapper (Pagrus auratus) East coast RRFFF/ Rec Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCIFFF Bream–yellowfin (Acanthopagrus australis) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Bugs–Moreton Bay ( australiensis and T. parindicus) East coast ECOTF Coral trout (Plectropomus and Variola spp.) East coast CRFFF/ Rec Crab–blue swimmer () East coast BSCF/ Rec Crab–mud (Scylla spp.) Gulf of Carpentaria MCF Crab–three-spotted (Portunus sanguinolentus) East coast ECOTF / BSCF Flathead–dusky (Platycephalus fuscus) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Freshwater Eel (Anguilla australis and A. reinhardtii) East coast QEF Mackerel–Spanish (Scomberomorus commerson) East coast ECSMF/ Rec Mackerel–spotted (Scomberomorus munroi) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Prawn–banana (Fenneropenaeus merguiensis) East coast ECOTF/ RIBTF Prawn–eastern king (Melicertus plebejus) East coast ECOTF Prawn–tiger (brown and grooved) ( and East coast ECOTF Scallop–saucer (Amusium balloti) East coast ECOTF Sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Snapper–stripey (Lutjanus carponotatus) East coast CRFFF Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Threadfin–blue (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) East coast ECIFFF Threadfin–blue (Eleutheronema tetradactylum) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCIFFF Tropical rock lobster (Panulirus ornatus) East coast TRLF Whiting–sand (Sillago ciliata) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Whiting–stout (Sillago robusta) East coast FFTF Crab–spanner () East coast SCF NFU NFU Emperor–redthroat (Lethrinus miniatus) East coast CRFFF NFU NFU Prawn–endeavour (Metapenaeus endeavouri and M. ensis) East coast ECOTF NFU NFU Trochus (Trochus niloticus) East coast ECTF NFU Blue eye trevalla (Hyperoglyphe antarctica) East coast DWFFF Crab–mud (Scylla spp.) East coast MCF/ Rec Emperor–red (Lutjanus sebae) East coast CRFFF/Rec Emperor–red (Lutjanus sebae) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCDFFTF/ GOCLF Emperor–spangled (Lethrinus nebulosus) East coast CRFFF Mackerel–grey (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCIFFF Mackerel–shark (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) East coast ECIFFF / Rec * Mackerel–Spanish (Scomberomorus commerson) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCLF Pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) East coast RRFFF/ Rec Rockcod–bar (Epinephelus ergastularius and E. East coast DWFFF/ CRFFF septemfasciatus) Snapper–crimson (Lutjanus erythropterus) East coast CRFFF/ Rec Snapper–crimson (Lutjanus erythropterus) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCDFFTF/ GOCLF Snapper–goldband (Pristipomoides multidens) East coast CRFFF/ DWFFF Snapper–hussar (Lutjanus adetii and L. vitta) East coast CRFFF Snapper–rosy (Pristipomoides filamentosus) East coast CRFFF/ DWFFF Snapper–saddletail (Lutjanus malabaricus) East coast CRFFF/ DWFFF/ Rec Snapper–saddletail (Lutjanus malabaricus) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCDFFTF/ GOCLF Squid–pencil (Uroteuthis spp.) East coast ECOTF/Rec Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCIFFF Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 7 Stock Status Species Stock Principal fishery 2010 2011 Tuskfish (Choerodon spp.) East coast CRFFF / Rec Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) East coast RRFFF/Rec Bonito (Sarda spp.) East coast RRFFF/ ECIFFF * Bugs–Balmain (Ibacus chacei and I. brucei) East coast ECOTF Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) East coast RRFFF/ Rec Cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) East coast ECOTF Emperor–grass (Lethrinus laticaudis) East coast RRFFF/Rec Groper–bass (Polyprion americanus) East coast DWFFF * Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) Gulf of Carpentaria GOCIFFF/ Rec Kingfish–yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) East coast RRFFF/Rec Lobster–red champagne (Linuparus trigonus) East coast ECOTF Mackerel–grey (Scomberomorus semifasciatus) East coast ECIFFF Mackerel–school (Scomberomorus queenslandicus) East coast ECIFFF/ Rec Mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) East coast RRFFF/Rec Octopus (Octopus spp.) East coast ECOTF / FFTF Prawn–coral (Metapenaeopsis spp.) East coast ECOTF Prawn–greasyback (Metapenaeus bennettae) East coast ECOTF / RIBTF Prawn–northern king (redspot and blue leg) (Melicertus East coast ECOTF longistylus and M. latisulatus) Prawn–school (Metapenaeus macleayi) East coast ECOTF / RIBTF Rockcod–goldspotted (Epinephelus coioides) East coast Rec * * Scallop–mud (Amusium pleuronectes) East coast ECOTF Sea cucumber–white teatfish (Holothuria fuscogilva) East coast ECBDMF Sea cucumber–burrowing blackfish (Actinopyga spinea) East coast ECBDMF Sharks East coast & Gulf ECIFFF/ GOCIFF * Snapper–moses (Moses perch) (Lutjanus russelli) East coast Rec * * Squid–tiger (Sepioteuthis lessionana) East coast ECOTF / RIBTF / Rec Teraglin (Atractoscion aequidens) East coast RRFFF / Rec Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir) East coast ECIFFF Trevally (Carangidae) East coast ECIFFF/ RRFFF/ Rec * *

Overfished Undefined Sustainably fished * Stocks assessed under version one of the framework as ‘No assessment made’ NFU Not fully utilised Not assessed Uncertain

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 8 Table 3: Species examined but not considered further Species (all east coast stocks) Reason for not being considered further

Prawn–tiger (black) () Less than 10 t was harvested in 2010 and 10 t in 2009. Harvest of black tiger will be monitored annually and included in stock status process if catches by commercial fishers increase beyond 10 t. Bream complex (other than yellowfin bream) The Queensland commercial fishery mainly harvests yellowfin bream (Acanthopagrus spp.) although pikey bream (A. berda) is a major component of recreational and commercial catches in north Queensland. Should commercial or recreational interest in other bream species increase significantly, these may be considered in future assessments of stock status. Flathead complex (other than dusky flathead) The commercial fishery mainly harvests dusky flathead. Should (Platycephalidae) commercial or recreational catches of other flathead species increase significantly, these may be considered in future assessments of stock status. Whiting complex (Sillago spp. other than S. The commercial fishery mainly harvests sand whiting. Should commercial robusta and S. ciliata) or recreational interest in other whiting species increase significantly, these may be considered in future assessments of stock status. Sea cucumber–black teatfish (Holothuria The fishery for black teatfish is effectively closed with the total allowable whitmaei) catch currently set at zero tonnes. The species will not be assessed through the stock status process until it is scientifically demonstrated that stocks can sustain a commercial harvest and fishing for black teatfish recommences. Sea cucumber–sandfish (including Holothuria Sandfish, as identified by fishers in compulsory daily logbooks, scabra) represents a suite of species. There has been a varying level of reporting accuracy for sandfish in recent years and fishers have been unable to separate the harvest at the species level. Nonetheless, the combined harvest has not reached any of the sustainability reference points for the individual species in recent years. Fisheries Queensland will consider inclusion of sandfish species in the stock status assessment process should these thresholds be reached and when there is evidence that reporting at the species level has improved. Dart complex (Trachinotus spp.) Reported commercial catches are low, however the recreational fishing survey indicated about 120 t of dart were harvested in 2005. Catches of dart will be monitored and a threshold harvest level be developed for inclusion in the performance measurement system for the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery. Garfish complex (Hemiramphidae) The complex comprises five distinct species across a number of different regions. No reasonable assessment of stock status could be made for the complex given this diversity. Attempts will be made to separate the commercial and recreational reporting of these species with a view to assessing individual species in future stock status workshops.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 9 Stock background and status determination

The following stock status summary pages outline the following:

Stock status 2011 – stock status in 2011

Stock status 2010– stock status in 2010 (previously reported as 2009–10)

Principal fishery – the Queensland fishery in which the stock is primarily harvested

Justification – short justification of why the stock was considered a particular status

Information sources – documents the information/data used by the workshop panel to determine status

Comments – outcomes of the workshop and provides background for the stock status classification. Some graphs detailing commercial catch and catch rates, and some biological data have been included. It is important to note that these graphs reflect only a small portion of the information considered at the workshop and have been included here to support comments provided on each page.

Future assessment needs – details future information inputs which would support current or future stock status assessments. Fisheries Queensland would need to consider the priority, costs and benefits of collecting additional information in the context of reducing uncertainty and demonstrating the sustainable management of fishery resources.

Management response – for stocks that are considered overfished or where management issues have been identified, a management response to address this will be provided. Fisheries Queensland plans to review and report on the status of Queensland’s key fish stocks on an annual basis.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 10 Amberjack (Seriola dumerili) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catches have been variable since 2004, ranging from 10–20 t per year. Commercial fishing appears to be market driven. Fisheries Queensland has collected limited length data but this may not be representative of the population. Recreational catch is not reported to species level (samsonfish/kingfish/amberjack grouping), but majority likely made up of amberjack (based on creel surveys). Charter catches also variable. No immediate sustainability concerns and therefore not a priority species for monitoring.

Information sources Catch (t) Catch rate 25 50 x Commercial logbook catch

x Recreational catch estimates 20 40 x Charter logbook catch 15 30 x Performance measures

Catch (t) 10 20 Comments Catch rateCatch (kg/day) Since 2004 commercial catches of have increased 5 10 from around 5 t per year to around 15 t per year 0 0

1 (Figure 1). 0 0 10 0 0 0 20 2 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2 Commercial catches are likely to be market driven, Figure 1: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of and therefore sporadic in targeting behaviour. There amberjack, reported in logbooks 2000–10. may be the potential for high fishing pressure on local populations. The recent drop in the size limit for amberjack (from 75 cm to 50 cm) means that smaller fish recruited to the fishery may still be immature. Recreational estimates for amberjack (from the 2005 survey) are grouped with samsonfish and kingfish due to problems with accurate identification of the three species. There were 24 000 fish reportedly harvested from this category. Charter catches in 2010 were around 7 t. Although there are no sustainability concerns for this stock currently, it was considered ‘undefined’ against the criteria. Future assessment needs Amberjack will continue to be monitored through the annual stock status process, and through the annual performance measures calculations. An updated recreational estimate will be available in 2012.

For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 11 Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catches are stable and within historical levels. Catch and catch rate performance measures were not triggered in 2010. There is a good range of fish lengths and ages across several years of sampled populations. Strong recruitment is evident in the northern genetic stock. Studies of barramundi in the Fitzroy catchment indicate harvest levels are healthy and below sustainable yield estimates.

Information sources x regional separation of catch and catch rates to better match genetic regions x Commercial logbook catch and effort x Recreational catch estimates x new performance measures developed at x Charter logbook catch and effort appropriate spatial scales x Performance measures x a stock assessment of east coast barramundi x Fishery dependent length and age information x regionally separated estimates of recreational (2007–10) harvest of barramundi. The statewide recreational x Published local biological information fishing survey results will be available in 2012. Comments For more information see the latest ASR for the In 2010 approximately 254 t of barramundi was ECIFFF. harvested in the ECIFFF. Commercial catches and Further reading catch rates to 2010 were stable (Figure 2), and the performance measures did not trigger. Campbell, AB, O’Neill, MF & Officer, R 2008, ‘Assessment of the barramundi fishery in Queensland, 1989–2007’, The Long Term Monitoring Program (LTMP) routinely Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. collects fishery dependent samples for ageing from regions that correspond to the genetic and Net Net catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day) catchment related distribution of barramundi along 350 90 80 the east coast. Assessment of barramundi 300 70 250 population age structures indicated strong 60 recruitment into the fishery in the north east region 200 50 150 40 Catch (t) in 2009 and the central region in 2010. A good range 30 100 20 of fish lengths and ages across several years was Catch rate (kg/day) 50 10 also evident in the sampled populations. These data 0 0 will be considered in future stock assessments of east coast barramundi. 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Future assessment needs Figure 2: Commercial net catch (t) and catch rates (kg/day and kg/100 m net/day) reported in logbooks 2002–10. The following information needs will improve stock status certainty: x annual estimates of fingerlings stocked within impoundments/open systems and quantifying this into commercial and recreational catches

12 Barramundi (Lates calcarifer) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) Justification Commercial catches are stable and within historical levels. Catch and catch rate performance measures were not triggered in 2010. Strong recruitment is evident in southern stocks but less so in northern stocks. There has been no significant change in the range of fish lengths and ages in several years of sampled populations.

Information sources x Regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of barramundi. The statewide recreational x Commercial logbook catch and effort data fishing survey results will be available in 2012. x Recreational catch estimates x Charter logbook catch and effort data x Annual estimates of fingerlings stocked within impoundments/open systems and quantifying x Fishery dependent length and age information (2007–10) this into commercial and recreational catches. x Performance measures For more information see the latest ASR for the Comments GOCIFFF. Current information suggests that barramundi stocks Further reading in the Gulf of Carpentaria are healthy. Commercial Campbell, AB, O’Neill, MF & Officer, R 2008, ‘Assessment harvest of barramundi in the GOCIFFF decreased of the barramundi fishery in Queensland, 1989–2007’, slightly in 2010 to 730 t (Figure 3). Catch rates also Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. decreased slightly, however, performance measures Roelofs, AJ 2003, ‘Ecological Assessment of the Gulf of were not triggered. Carpentaria Inshore Finfish Fishery–A report to There is evidence supporting the existence of two Environment Australia on the sustainable management of a main genetic stocks in the Gulf of Carpentaria fishery multi-species tropical gillnet fishery’, Department of with the north-south separation point at about Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. Aurukun. Despite there being no data to suggest that an unsustainable level of fishing pressure is being Net (t) QFJA (t) Catch rate placed on these areas and their fish stocks, future 900 30 800 assessments will be stratified to account for stock 25 700 differentiation and performance measures developed 600 20 for these meta-populations. 500 15

Catch (t) 400 Future assessment needs 300 10 200 5 The following information needs will improve stock 100 status certainty: 0 0 Catch rate (kg/100 m net/day)

0 3 01 05 06 07 08 09 10 x Regional separation of catch and catch rates to 200 20 2002 200 2004 20 20 20 20 20 20 better match genetic regions. Figure 3: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/100 m x New performance measures developed at net/day) reported in logbooks 2000–10. Minimal catches appropriate spatial scales. reported from Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority (QFJA) permits. x A stock assessment of GOC barramundi.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2009–10 13 Blue eye trevalla (Hyperoglyphe antarctica) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery (DWFFF) Justification Blue eye trevalla comprises the highest catch (36 t) of any species in the deep water fishery in 2009–10. No local biological information is available. The species is at its northern limit in Queensland, and it should be noted that New South Wales (NSW) has assigned a status of ‘fully fished’ to their stocks. More information on catch and effort details will be gathered through the observer program in 2011.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The current commercial fisher logbook for the deep x Published international biological information water fishery was only introduced in 2007. Better x NSW stock status results estimates of species specific catch and effort in the DWFFF are now being collected. Comments In 2011, the Fisheries Observer Program has focused Blue eye trevalla (Hyperoglyphe antarctica) is its efforts on Queensland’s line fisheries to better considered a primary commercial species in the quantify catch composition and effort in deeper DWFFF. The majority of commercial harvest occurs in waters. Results will be available for consideration in the southern part of the state, with southern the next stock status assessment. Queensland considered the northern limit of the species. In 2009–10, 36 t of blue eye trevalla was For more information see the latest ASR for the reported in the DWFFF (L8) logbook (Figure 4). DWFFF. There is currently no information available regarding Further reading the level of recreational take for this species. This White, E & Sumpton, W 2002, ‘Assessment of the Deep will be rectified in the Statewide Recreational Fishing Water Line Fishery in Queensland’, Department of Primary Survey, which is currently collecting updated Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. recreational fishing information on blue eye trevalla catch. In 2009–10, NSW fisheries resource 80 assessment results listed blue eye trevalla as ‘fully 70 fished’ and in the Commonwealth Trawl and 60 50 Scalefish Hook sectors it is considered ‘not 40 overfished/not subject to overfishing’. In Catch (t) 30 Queensland waters, blue eye trevalla was considered 20 ‘uncertain’ due to a lack of localised biological 10 information to assess against the criteria. 0

3 5 0 00 02 0 0 06 -07 -1 -09 9 00-01 04- 05- 06 07-08 08 1999- 20 2001- 2002- 2003-04 20 20 20 20 20 200 Figure 4: Commercial catch (t) of blue eye trevalla, reported in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 14 Bonito (Sarda spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 No assessment made Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) Justification South East Queensland is the northern extent of the species range. A better understanding of recreational catch component for this species is required, which may be significant. There is potential for it to be misreported as mackerel tuna. Australian bonito (Sarda australis), leaping bonito (Cybiosarda elegans), striped bonito Species complex (Sarda orientalis)

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch A recreational estimate for bonito will be available in x Charter logbook catch 2012 and will be considered at the next stock status x NSW stock status results workshop for this species complex. Comments For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF and the ECIFFF. The bonito species complex is considered to be primarily a recreational species, although in 2010 45 L1 L2/L3 Net commercial catches recorded an all time high of 40 t 40 (Figure 5). Approximately half was line caught (L1 35 symbol) with the other half reported by net fishers. 30 25 The bonito stock are believed to be at their most 20 Catch (t) northern range in south east Queensland. 15 10 There is currently no recreational estimate as the 5 species catch information was not previously 0

recorded. The new statewide recreational fishing 9 0 01 08 0 0 00 survey to be completed in 2012 will provide the first 2000 2 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2 2 201 estimate of recreational catch for this species Figure 5: Commercial catch (t) of bonito by line (L1, L2 and complex, which is likely to include other small L3 symbols) and by net, reported in logbooks 2000–10. scombrids including mackerel tuna. In 2009–10, NSW fisheries resource assessment results listed Bonito (Sarda australis) as ‘fully fished’. There are no sustainability concerns relating to this species complex.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 15 Bream–yellowfin (Acanthopagrus australis) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catches decreased while catch rates increased. Performance measures triggered in 2010. The Minimum Legal Size (MLS) increase from 23 cm to 25 cm coupled with the closure to fishing of parts of the Moreton Bay region are the likely causes for the lower catches. Sampled populations have displayed a good representation of ranges of fish lengths and ages over time. Total mortality estimates are below upper limits. Precautionary management arrangements introduced on 1 March 2010 increased the proportion of female fish that are likely to have spawned before recruiting to the fishery.

Information sources reproducing before they are legally allowed to be retained. x Commercial logbook catch and effort x Recreational catch estimates Net Line x Charter logbook catch and effort Net catch rate (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) 300 60 x Fishery dependent length and age information

(2007–10) 250 50 x Published local biological information 200 40

Comments 150 30 Catch (t) Yellowfin bream is considered a secondary 100 20 Catch rate (kg/day) (kg/day) rate Catch commercial species in the ECIFFF, but is also a very 50 10 popular recreational species. The majority of 0 0 commercial and recreational harvest of yellowfin 03 04 05 08 09 0 0 0 0 bream occurs south of Baffle Creek near Bundaberg. 2002 2 2 20 2006 2007 2 20 201

The performance measure relating to catch was Figure 6: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates (kg/day) of triggered in 2010 with a large decrease in commercial yellowfin bream reported in the logbook by net and line. catch (Figure 6). This is likely due to a combination of Future assessment needs the recently increased MLS and closures associated with the Moreton Bay Marine Park where much of the The following information needs will improve stock commercial harvest of yellowfin bream occurred. status certainty: Long term biological monitoring of commercial and x Separation of yellowfin bream from other bream in recreational catches indicates yellowfin bream commercial fisher logbooks. populations are healthy with good representation of x Separation of catch and catch rates to account for ranges of fish lengths and ages (Figure 7) in the suggested regional differences. sampled populations over time and derived x More accurate, regionally separated estimates of estimates of total mortality below upper threshold recreational harvest of yellowfin bream. A limits. statewide recreational fishing survey commenced Female yellowfin bream reach maturity at 24 cm in 2010 and results will be available in 2012. while males mature at a slightly smaller size. The For more information see the latest ASR for the recent increase (1 March 2010) to the minimum legal ECIFFF. size of 25 cm improves the chances of fish

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 16 Further reading

Kerby, BM & Brown, IW 1994, ‘Bream, Whiting and Flathead in south east Queensland: a review of the literature’, Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Information Series QI94028, Brisbane.

20% 2008 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

2009 20% 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% Proportion Proportion 6% 4% 2% 0% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16

2010 20% 18% 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Age (years) Figure 7: Relative abundance of yellowfin bream in different age groups, 2008 to 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 17 Bugs–Balmain (Ibacus chacei and I. brucei) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Two species were considered in the assessment but landings are dominated (80%) by I. chacei. Conservative minimum legal sizes allow spawning to occur before harvest; however, there is insufficient biological information and reliable catch rate information to classify the sustainability status of Balmain bugs. Species complex Smooth bug (Ibacus chacei) Shovel-nosed bug (Ibacus brucei)

Information sources For more information see the latest ASR for the x Commercial logbook catch and effort ECOTF. x Performance measures Further reading x Published local biological information Haddy, JA, Courtney, AJ & Roy, DP 2005, ‘Aspects of the x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings reproductive biology and growth of Balmain bugs (Ibacus Comments spp.) (Scyllaridae)’, Journal of Biology, vol. 25, pp. 263–273. Balmain bugs are taken by commercial fisheries in Queensland and New South Wales (NSW). Landings Rowling, K, Hegarty, A & Ives, M (eds) 2010, ‘Bugs (Ibacus of Balmain bugs and nominal catch-per-unit-effort spp.)’ p61–64, in Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW are variable and fluctuate with effort in the 2008/09, Industry & Investment NSW, Cronulla, Australia. deepwater eastern king prawn trawl sector, where Balmain bugs are predominantly taken. Since 2001 Catch (t) Catch rate 160 18 Queensland landings have ranged from 56–142 t. 140 16

Almost all Balmain bugs landed in Queensland are 120 14 taken in the ECOTF which harvested 96 t of Balmain 12 100 10 bugs in 2010 (Figure 8). Negligible quantities (<0.5 t 80 8 per year) are also landed from the Fin Fish (Stout Catch (t) 60 6 Whiting) Trawl Fishery. In 2008–09, NSW Balmain 40 4 rateCatch (kg/day) bug landing levels were about 25% of Queensland 20 2 levels. 0 0

1 5 6 9 0 04 0 0 0 0 0 010 Currently there is insufficient biological information 20 2002 2003 2 20 20 2007 2008 2 2 to classify the stock status of Balmain bugs as Figure 8: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of anything other than ‘undefined’. However, the risk of Balmain bugs, reported in logbooks 2001–10. overfishing Balmain bugs is considered to be low in waters south of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park where the majority of these species are taken. Future assessment needs Collection and analysis of length-frequency data and catch and effort data from high catching areas is required to effectively assess the sustainability status of Balmain bugs.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 18 Bugs–Moreton Bay East Coast (Thenus australiensis and T. parindicus)

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Two species were considered in this assessment. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park (GBRMP) closures act to protect Moreton Bay bug biomass. Introduction of a minimum legal size (MLS) based on yield-per-recruit modelling and the use of square-mesh cod-ends has reduced the risk of overfishing small bugs. Turtle excluder devices have reduced the risk of overfishing large bugs. Landings are steady while catch rates are increasing due to a reduction in effort in the fishery. Species complex Reef bug (Thenus australiensis), mud bug (Thenus parindicus)

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Length frequency data is required to assess the effect of management changes to the stock. x Great Barrier Reef Seabed Biodiversity Study Additional analysis of catch and effort data from biomass estimates historically high catch areas off Gladstone and x Performance measures Townsville would enable development of improved x Published local biological information performance measures. For more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF. x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings Further reading Comments Courtney, AJ 2002, ‘The status of Queensland’s Moreton The majority of the Moreton Bay bug harvest is taken Bay bug (Thenus spp.) and Balmain bug (Ibacus spp.) in the ECOTF. Landings have been steady in recent stocks’, Agency for Food and Fibre Sciences, Department of years, ranging from 317–486 t. In 2010, 436 t of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Moreton Bay bugs were harvested (Figure 9). Performance measures were not triggered in 2008 Jones, C 1988, ‘The biology and behaviour of Bay , and 2009. Thenus spp. (: Scyllaridae), in Northern Queensland, Australia’, Department of Zoology, University Catch rate is increasing possibly due to more of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia. PhD Thesis. efficient targeting by fewer vessels and reducing effort in the fishery. Preliminary risk assessment Catch (t) Catch rate 600 40 findings determined that the risk of overfishing is 35 500 considered low in the GBRMP, where most of the 30 400 Moreton Bay bug harvest is taken. 25 300 20

Moreton Bay bugs are considered ‘sustainably Catch (t) 15 200 fished’ based on stable total landings over the last 10 Catch rate (kg/day)Catch 100 eight years, and the protection of the stock afforded 5 by the suite of management arrangements in place. 0 0

1 5 7 8 9 06 10 00 0 00 00 00 0 200 2002 2003 2004 2 2 2 2 2 2

Figure 9: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of Moreton Bay bugs reported in the logbook.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 19 Cobia (Rachycentron canadum) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational / East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery Justification Historical catch rates are variable. Limited biological information has been collected for this species, however, there is low sustainability concern due to fast growth of juveniles—fish recruit to the fishery within 12 months. An updated recreational harvest estimate is also needed to make a more informed decision.

Information sources No sustainability concerns have been raised x Commercial logbook catch and effort regarding cobia, particularly given the fast growth of juveniles, which recruit to the fishery within x Recreational catch estimates approximately 12 months. Cobia was considered x Charter logbook catch and effort ‘undefined’ in the 2008–09 NSW stock status x Fishery dependent length information (2006–10) assessment. The status of this stock moved from x Performance measures ‘uncertain’ last year to ‘undefined’ based on the new Comments criteria (see Framework for Defining Stock Status, Version 2 April 2011). Commercial cobia catch has increased since 2001, with peak catches in 2006 and 2008 (37 t and 39 t Future assessment needs respectively, Figure 10). Catch in 2010 decreased to Fisheries Queensland collects cobia otoliths around 24 t, corresponding with an effort decrease opportunistically as part of its fishery dependant from 51 days in 2009 to 21 days in 2010. Cobia sampling (targeting other species). Considering the catches (by weight) make up the third biggest small number of samples collected and the low component of the commercial RRFFF, after snapper sustainability concerns for cobia, it is unlikely these and pearl perch. Charter catch is around 11 t per year. otoliths will be aged in the immediate future. The The harvest estimate for recreationally caught cobia Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey will provide an from the 2005 survey was approximately 283 t, using updated catch estimates for the species in 2012. an average weight of 9.15 kg per fish, based on 2007 For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF. unvalidated size structure estimates from Fisheries Queensland fishery dependent sampling. The minimum legal size for cobia is 75 cm. Cobia attracts Line catch (t) Net catch (t) a beach price of around $6/kg. Line catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (kg/day) 50 40 Analysis of fishery dependent length information 35 40 indicated a fair representation of size classes 30 present in the catch from the commercial, 30 25 recreational and charter sectors, and did not indicate 20 20 any concerns for the stock (Figure 11). However, due Catch (t) 15 10 to the small number of samples collected each year 10 5 Catch rate (kg/day) for this species (between 18 and 147 fish per sector, 0 0 per year), it was noted that the data may not be truly 0 5 001 003 006 008 representative of the whole stock. 200 2 2002 2 2004 200 2 2007 2 2009 2010

Figure 10: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of cobia, reported in logbooks 2000–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 20 Further reading

Fry, GC, & Griffiths, SP 2002, ‘Population dynamics and stock status of cobia, Rachycentron canadum, caught in Australian recreational and commercial coastal fisheries’, Fisheries Management and Ecology, vol. 17, pp. 231–239.

Recreational n=140 2008 Commercial n=103 60% Charter n=18 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

4 94 4 4 4 4 54 – 114 13 14 6 7 – – – –1 30–34 40–4450– 60–6 70–7480–84 90 10 30 40 60–1 70 100–1041 120–1241 1 150–1541 1

Recreational n=18 2009 Commercial n=23 60% Charter n=42 50%

40% 30%

Proportion Proportion 20% 10% 0%

4 4 4 4 4 4 3 4 4 14 4 4 7 – –8 13 14 0 0 –1 – –15 30– 4 50–5 60–6470–748 90–94 10 30– 50 100–1041 120–121 140 1 160–164170–1

Recreational n=45 2010 Commercial n=44 60% Charter n=66 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

4 54 74 84 4 24 44 4 –94 10 114 1 1 164 7 –3 – 0–64 – – – – –134 – –154 – 30 40–44 50 6 70 80– 90 20 0 40 0 70–1 100 110 1 13 1 15 160 1 Length class (cm) Figure 11: Length frequencies of cobia retained by different groups, 2008–10. Fish included in ‘charter’ are fish caught recreationally on charter vessels.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 21 Coral trout (Plectropomus spp. and Variola spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) / Recreational Justification Catch decreased from 1110 t in 2008–09 to 922 t in 2009–10, possibly reflecting a delayed response to impacts following Tropical Cyclone Hamish in March 2009. Performance measures relating to catch, catch rate and mortality were not triggered. Long term monitoring data indicates good recruitment of two-year-olds to the fishery. Species complex Common coral trout (Plectropomus leopardus), barcheek coral trout (Plectropomus maculatus), bluespotted coral trout (Plectropomus laevis), passionfruit coral trout (Plectropomus areolatus), yellowedge coronation trout (Variola louti), white-edge coronation trout (Variola albimarginata).

Information sources estimate from cohort-specific age-based catch x Commercial logbook catch and effort curves is expected in future. x Coral trout quota usage A three-year Fisheries Research and Development x Recreational catch estimates Corporation (FRDC) funded project relating to x Charter logbook catch and effort defining the monitoring and management requirements for coral trout is being developed, x Fishery independent length and abundance information (2005–09) called ‘Evaluating Candidate Monitoring Strategies, Assessment Procedures and Harvest Control Rules in x Mortality estimates the Spatially Complex Queensland Coral Reef Fin Fish x Performance measures Fishery’. x Published local biological information The research will use the ELFSim (Effects of Line Comments Fishing Simulation) tool developed under previous The annual catch and catch rates of coral trout have FRDC projects to identify the input data needed to increased gradually since quota was introduced in develop a harvest strategy for the fishery and 2004–05, with almost 100% of the 1350 t quota develop a cost-effective monitoring program. The being utilised each year (Figure 12). However, in outputs will be used by Fisheries Queensland to 2009–10, only 80% of the available quota was develop a coral trout harvest strategy for the utilised. Recent cyclonic events are believed to be commercial sector. For more information see the responsible for damage to fishing grounds and latest ASR for the CRFFF. subsequent reduction in fishing effort. Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/ boat day) The coral trout stock is considered to be sustainably Catch rate (kg/dory day) fished based on the results of monitoring activities 2500 100 undertaken by Fisheries Queensland. Performance 2000 80 measures relating to total mortality did not trigger in 1500 60 2009–10. Age data indicated good recruitment of 1000 40 two-year-olds to the fishery (Figure 13). Population Catch (t) 500 20 structure indices all reflected good stock conditions. Catch rate (kg/day) Future assessment needs 0 0

0 3 4 5 6 0 0 08 -1 -0 1-02 -0 The estimates of natural mortality (M) for coral trout 2-0 3-0 7- 8-09 09 99 00-01 00 0 0 04 06-07 0 0 19 0 2 0 0 00 2 are based on the estimate used by Little et al. (2008) 2 20 20 2 2005- 2 2 20 from age-based catch curves. Refinement of this Figure 12: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/boat day and kg/dory day) of coral trout reported in the logbook.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 22 Further reading

Little, LR, Begg, GA, Goldman, B, Ellis, N, Mapstone, BD, Punt, AE, Jones, A, Sutton, S & Williams, A 2008, ‘Modelling multi-species targeting of fishing effort in the Queensland Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery’, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Technical Report No 2, JCU, Townsville.

Little, LR, Begg, GA, Goldman, B, Williams, AB, Mapstone, BD, Punt, AE, Russell, M, Kerrigan, B, Officer, R, Slade, S, Muldoon, G & Penny, A 2009. ‘Modelling individual transferable quotas as a management tool in the Queensland coral reef fin fish fishery’, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Technical Report No 3, JCU, Townsville.

35% 2008-09 30% n = 840 25%

20% tion 15%

Propor Propor 10% 5% 0% 123 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18

35% 2009-10 30% n = 375 25%

20% 15%

Proportion Proportion 10% 5% 0% 123 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Age class

Figure 13: Relative abundance of common coral trout in different age groups, from 2008–09 and 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 23 Crab–blue swimmer (Portunus armatus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Blue Swimmer Crab Fishery (BSCF) / Recreational Justification The lowest reported annual catch in over a decade was reported in 2010. Catch rates also fell significantly with a decrease in the number of operators and fishing effort days. Analysis of fishery independent blue swimmer crab pre-recruit survey data is expected to further assist in the determination of the resource status assessment. A more reliable index of commercial effort would result in a more confident catch rate estimate, as will an updated recreational catch estimate (available mid 2012). There are currently no sustainability concerns for this species given the management arrangements, which protect a large proportion of the stock.

Information sources classes within the Moreton Bay region. Regional x Commercial logbook catch and effort breakdown also confirms the migration of larger offshore to locations such as Hervey Bay. x Recreational catch estimates x Charter catch estimates In 2010, performance measures detected changes in x Fishery dependent data (1997–2001) catch associated with the whole fishery, North Queensland, Capricorn and the Sunshine Coast to x Performance measures Fraser regions. Triggered performance measures x Published local biological information resulted from lower than average catch in 2010. Comments There is no evidence to suggest any chronic or incremental changes, which would indicate The annual commercial catch of blue swimmer crabs sustainability concerns for blue swimmer crab stock. decreased significantly from 778 t in 2009 to 512 t in The presence of strict management arrangements 2010 (pot and trawl combined, Figure 14). Fishing including conservative MLS and prohibition on the effort also decreased between 2009 and 2010 with harvest of females reinforces the current fishing effort days dropping 23% and 18% in pot and sustainability status. trawl fisheries respectively (Figure 14). Data indicates that the increase of in-possession limits for trawlers A recent taxonomic revision of the blue swimmer outside of Moreton Bay did not affect the already crab species complex Portunus pelagicus has lead to existing fluctuations in trawl fishery catch and effort. the recognition of four separate species. The species of blue swimmer crab harvested in Queensland Regional breakdown of logbook data continues to waters is now recognised as P. armatus (formerly P. identify two high catch and effort regions—Sunshine pelagicus) (Lai et al. 2010). Coast to Fraser and Moreton Bay (refer to the Annual Status Report for regional map). Harvest in these Future assessment needs regions contributed over 96% of the annual blue An improved index of effort is required to strengthen swimmer crab catch for the east coast. the reliability of catch rate and existing trends Fishery dependent size frequency data collected illustrated in BSCF. This task is directly linked to between 1997 and 2001 shows a consistent logbook reporting and Fisheries Queensland is yet to distribution of individuals across carapace width investigate the cost-effectiveness of undertaking this initiative.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 24 A credible index of abundance would further strengthen the assessment of the status of the resource. Analysis of the Fisheries Queensland fishery independent blue swimmer crab pre-recruit data from Moreton Bay (2007 onwards) has been postponed in order to expand the time series of data, ensuring the most robust outcome possible. As with many fisheries, a current accurate recreational catch estimate would be valuable in determining the overall removals of the blue swimmer crab resource. A revised recreational catch estimate will be available in 2012 and considered at the next stock status workshop. This survey will provide regionally separated estimates for the east coast and Gulf of Carpentaria.

For more information see the latest ASR for the BSCF. Further reading

Lai, J, Ng, PKL & Davie, PJF 2010, ‘A revision of the Portunus pelagicus species complex (Crustacea: Brachyura: ) with the recognition of four species’, Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, vol. 58, pp. 199–237.

Pot Catch (t) Trawl Catch (t) Pot Catch Rate (kg/day) Trawl Catch Rate (kg/day) 1600 80 1400 70

1200 60 1000 50 800 40

Catch (t) 600 30 400 20 Catch rateCatch (kg/day) 200 10 0 0

0 1 7 05 06 00 003 004 200 2 2002 2 2 20 20 200 2008 2009 2010

Figure 14: Total commercial pot and trawl catch (t) and catch rates (kg/day) of blue swimmer crabs reported in logbooks 2000–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 25 Crab–mud (Scylla spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Mud Crab Fishery (MCF) / Recreational Justification In 2010, 1015 t of mud crabs were commercially harvested on the Queensland east coast, which is the second highest annual catch reported in the last decade. Commercial catch has steadily increased since 2005 and catch rate continues to increase with the highest catch per day reported in 2010. Population size frequency seems stable but show a smaller number of males present in the larger size classes over time. A more reliable index of commercial effort would result in a more confident catch rate estimate and strengthen any identified trends in the data, as will an updated recreational harvest estimate (available 2012). Mud crab () Species complex Orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea)

Information sources (Figure 16). The South East Queensland region in particular recorded a lower proportion of crabs in x Commercial logbook catch and effort larger size classes—a result of high fishing pressure x Recreational catch estimates associated with high population centres. x Charter catch estimates In 2010, performance measures detected changes in x Fishery independent data (2000–09) catch and catch rate for the east coast South Central x Performance measures region. The triggered performance measures resulted x Published local biological information from higher than average catch and catch rates in Comments 2010. Anecdotal evidence from fishers supports the commercial logbook data suggesting that 2010 was Commercial catches and catch rates of mud crabs one of the best years for mud crab catches. have been increasing steadily since 2005 (Figure 15). In 2010, the east coast component of the MCF Although there is no evidence to suggest any chronic recorded increases of 16% for total annual catch and or incremental changes, which would indicate catch rate (Figure 15)—suggesting a larger sustainability concerns for mud crabs, the east coast abundance of legal size males and/or an increase in stock is considered ‘uncertain’ given the high the catchability of individuals. The majority of catches and fishing pressure on the east coast and Queensland’s mud crab harvest is caught from the unreliable index of abundance due to poor effort east coast (85%), with the remainder harvested in reporting in logbooks. the Gulf of Carpentaria. Regional breakdown of Future assessment needs logbook data identifies east coast South Central as the highest catch and effort region in the east coast An improved index of effort is required to strengthen component of the MCF (see Annual Status Report for the reliability of catch rate and existing trends regional map). illustrated in the MCF. Issues have been identified with the quality of logbook data. More accurate and Fishery independent monitoring data collected meaningful recording of effort in the commercial between 2000 and 2009 indicates that while there logbooks is important for the east coast component are stable size distributions (carapace width classes) of the MCF due to the high number of operators and of mud crabs on the east coast and a high proportion fishing pressure. of recruits entering the fishery each year, there is also loss of male mud crabs in the larger size classes

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 26 The east coast mud crab stock is being 2006 Male Female monitored in 2011 as part of the Fisheries 300 Pots Lifted=1058 Observer Program, which will provide a means of 250 validating commercial logbook data. Analysis of 200 the Fisheries Queensland Fisheries Observer 150 Program may aid the resource status 100 assessment. 50 0

A credible indicator of abundance resulting from 9 9 9 9 9 9 7 9 09 6 89 : 1 :129 13 :149 :15 1 :199 0 : 0 0 : 0 60: 69 70: 80: 89 9 0 50 0 reliable effort figures would also help to confirm 10 110:11912 130: 14 1 160:1 170:17 18 19 the status of the east coast mud crabs stock in areas of high commercial and recreational 2008 Male Female fishing pressure. 300 Pots Lifted=959 A current and accurate recreational catch 250 estimate is necessary to determine the overall 200 150 removals of the mud crab resource as the extent 100 of fishing pressure being exerted by high 50 Number of mud crabs crabs mud of Number population centres on the east coast is currently 0

9 9 9 9 9 9 unknown. A revised recreational catch estimate 9 09 5 69 0 : 8 1 :139 :14 :1 :1 :179 :19 2 0: 79 0 0:119 0:129 0 0 : 60: 69 7 8 90: 00: 1 2 30 40 50 6 70 9 00 will be available in 2012. This survey will provide 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 180:1891 2 regionally separated estimates for the east coast and Gulf of Carpentaria. 2009 Male Female Pots Lifted=900 For more information see the latest ASR for the 300 MCF. 250 200 Catch (t) Catch Rate (kg/day) 150 1200 35 100 1000 30 50

25 0 800 9 9 9 9 9 20 6 7 2 5 89 : :119 :1 :14 1 1 600 0 0 0: 60: 7 80: 89 90: 99 110 12 130:1391 40 150: 160:169170:179 190:199 Catch (t) 15 100:109 18 200:209 400 10 Carapace length class (mm)

200 Catch rate (kg/day) 5 Figure 16: Number of mud crabs caught from each size 0 0 group in 2006, 2008 and 2009 by independent sampling.

0 3 4 5 6 7 This distribution pattern was reflected in the previous 02 08 09 0 0 0 200 2001 2 200 200 200 200 200 2 2 2010 sampling years (2001–08, not shown). Figure 15: Total commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of east coast mud crabs reported in logbooks, 2000–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 27 Crab–mud (Scylla spp.) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Mud Crab Fishery (MCF) Justification Historical commercial catch levels and catch rates are variable. Between 2008 and 2010 the harvest of mud crabs in the Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC) was high, but within historically sustained levels. Catch rates continue to illustrate fluctuating trends. Size frequencies show no significant change in the distribution of individuals across size classes and consistently show a high representation of large males. Improved total and regional recreational catch estimates, which will discriminate between the GOC and the east coast, will provide more confidence in total harvest estimates and stock status (available 2012). Species complex Mud crab (Scylla serrata), orange mud crab (Scylla olivacea)

Information sources variable over time, which may reflect environmental factors such as river/freshwater flows or consistency x Commercial logbook catch and effort in sampling. x Recreational catch estimates x Charter catch estimates In 2010, performance measures detected changes in catch for the GOC North region. The triggered x Fishery independent data (2000–09) performance measure resulted from higher than x Performance measures average catch. There is currently no evidence to x Published local biological information suggest any chronic or incremental changes Comments occurring in the fishery reinforcing the sustainability of the stock. Commercial catch and catch rate of mud crabs in the GOC has been variable over the long term (Figure 17). Future assessment needs In recent years (2008–10) total annual catch has A current and accurate recreational catch estimate been high but within historically sustained levels would add value by determining the overall removals (Figure 17)—potentially resulting from an increase in of the mud crab resource. A revised recreational fishing effort, a larger abundance of legal size males catch estimate will be available in 2012, providing and/or an increase in the catchability of individuals. regionally separated estimates required to make In 2010, mud crab catch in the GOC contributed less comparisons between high population centres along than 15% to the total Queensland catch. Less than the east coast and effort pulses associated with 18% of active Queensland licences operate within remote areas of the GOC. this area. Regional breakdown of the GOC logbook data identifies the GOC South as the high catch If an improved index of effort is being developed for region, more than doubling the catch per day the east coast component of the MCF, outcomes will produced by the neighbouring GOC North region. certainly benefit the GOC stock although there is no evidence to suggest any uncertainty in logbook Fishery independent monitoring data collected analysis. between 2000 and 2009 indicates that there has been no significant change in the size distributions For more information see the latest ASR for the MCF. (carapace width classes) of mud crabs in the GOC (Figure 18). The GOC shows a higher proportion of males in the larger size classes than the east coast, which may be due to lower fishing pressure in the area. Fishery independent catch rate has been

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 28 Catch (t) Catch Rate (kg/day) 200 35

30 160 25

120 20

Catch (t) 80 15 10 40 rate (kg/day)Catch 5

0 0

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 00 01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 20 2 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 2010 Figure 17: Total commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of mud crabs (east coast stock), reported in logbooks 2000–10.

2006 Male Female 300 Pots Lifted=1058 250 200 150 100 50 0

9 9 9 9 9 9 9 6 9 0 19 39 6 7 8 9 : : 1 1 :129 :1 :149 :1 0 0 : 0 0 0 0 6 70: 79 80: 89 9 0 50:159 60:1 90:1 10 110: 12 13 14 1 1 17 180:1 1

2008 Male Female

300 Pots Lifted=959 250 200 150 100 50 Number of mud crabs 0

9 9 9 9 9 9 7 9 2 6 : : :109 :1 :149 :159 :1 :189 0 0 0 0:13 0 0:17 0 60: 69 7 80: 89 9 0 20 3 6 7 8 1 110:1191 1 140 150 1 1 1 190:199200:209

2009 Male Female Pots Lifted=900 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

9 9 69 9 9 9 9 9 9 : 7 : 12 139 15 17 199 0 : :109 : : : : :189 : 0 0 0 0 0 0:14 0 0 0 0 6 7 80: 89 9 0 10:119 2 4 7 8 9 1 1 1 13 1 15 160:16 1 1 1 200:209

Carapace length class (mm) Figure 18: Number of mud crabs (GOC stock) caught from each size class in 2006, 2008 and 2009 by independent sampling. This distribution pattern was reflected in the previous sampling years (2001–08, not shown).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 29 Crab–spanner (Ranina ranina) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Not fully utilised Stock status 2010 Not fully utilised Principal fishery Spanner Crab Fishery (SCF) Justification Current commercial catch levels are significantly less than historically sustained levels. Fishers are catching spanner crabs to meet the current market demand, which is lower than in previous years. Size frequency graphs show a broad distribution of individuals across size classes, with a higher representation of females during the 2010 survey than in previous years. Total allowable catch (TAC) is currently underutilised. In 2010 the annual commercial catch equated to less than 59% of the available quota; the lowest proportion of the TAC caught since the TAC Review introduced the 1923 t quota in 2006. There are currently no sustainability concerns for this species.

Information sources Performance measures were not triggered for this species during 2010. There is currently no evidence x Commercial logbook catch and effort to suggest any chronic or incremental changes x Quota usage occurring in the SCF, hence there are no x Stock indicators and Total Allowable Catch (TAC) sustainability concerns for this species. review reports x Recreational catch estimates For more information see the latest ASR for the SCF. x Fishery independent data (2000–10) Further reading x Performance measures Brown, IW 2010, ‘Queensland spanner crab annual status x Published local biological information report and TAC review for TAC period June 2010 to May Comments 2012’, Crab Scientific Advisory Group Report 2010/01, Department of Employment, Economic Development and The SCF TAC has not been reached in the past Innovation (Queensland) Report. decade. In 2010, the commercial harvest of spanner crabs was less than 59% of the available quota. Catch (t) Catch Rate (kg/dilly lift) Recent decreases in catch are associated with a 2500 1.6 decrease in market demand, resulting in reduced 1.4 2000 saleable quantities of spanner crabs by the fleet. In 1.2 2010 catch rate increased slightly following the 1500 1.0 significant drop in catch per dilly reported between 0.8 Catch (t) 1000 0.6 2008 and 2009 (Figure 19). Regional breakdown of 0.4 logbook data continues to identify Region 4 as the 500 rateCatch (kg/dilly lift) 0.2 highest catch and effort location in the SCF (refer to 0 0.0 ASR for regional breakdowns and management 00 02 03 05 06 07 09 areas). 20 2001 20 20 2004 20 20 20 2008 20 2010 Figure 19: Total commercial catch (t) and catch rate Fishery independent monitoring data collected (kg/dilly lift) of spanner crabs reported in logbooks. annually between 2000 and 2010 indicates stable size distributions. Catch rates during the 2010 survey were higher than those of the previous year in all management regions.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 30 Crab–three-spotted (Portunus sanguinolentus) East Coast

R. Jeyabaskaran ©NIO, India Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) / Blue Swimmer Crab Fishery (BSCF) Justification A minimum legal size (MLS) based on yield-per-recruit modelling and a prohibition on take of females protects undersized and spawning females. Risk of overfishing in the ECOTF is considered low. ECOTF landings in 2010 increased from previous historical low catches in 2008 and 2009. The three-spot crab is considered sustainably fished due to protection afforded by management arrangements. These arrangements, which maintain the spawning stock, ensure it is not targeted. Ecological risk assessments suggest low risk from trawling.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Courtney, AJ & Haddy, JA 2007, ‘The biology, population x Performance measures dynamics and minimum legal size of three spot crabs x Published local biological information Portunus sanguinolentus’, in Courtney, AJ, Haddy, JA, Campbell, MJ, Roy, DP, Tonks, ML, Gaddes, SW, Chilcott, x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings KE, O’Neill, MF, Brown, IW, McLennan, M, Jebreen, JE, Van Comments Der Geest, C, Rose, C, Kistle, S, Turnbull, CT, Kyne, PM, The commercial three-spotted crab harvest is a by- Bennett, MB & Taylor, J, ‘Bycatch weight, composition and product species in the ECOTF and the BSCF. Landings preliminary estimates of the impact of bycatch reduction have been increasing in recent years, but were at devices in Queensland’s trawl fishery’, final report to historically low levels in the ECOTF in 2008 and Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project 2009. In 2010, 32 t of three-spotted crabs were No. 2000/170, Department of Primary Industries and harvested, 17 t in the ECOTF and 15 t in the BSCF Fisheries, Brisbane. (Figure 20). Catch rates in the ECOTF are steady while Otter trawl caught weight (t) Pot caught weight (t) in the BSCF they are increasing (Figure 20). Otter trawl catch rate (kg/day) Pot catch rate (kg/day) 90 40 Three-spotted crabs are resilient to capture by 80 35 trawling and survive discarding well. Since 2002, a 70 30 60 10 cm carapace width MLS based on yield-per-recruit 25 50 modelling and a prohibition on take of females has 20 40 Catch (t) 15 protected undersized and spawning stocks of three- 30 10 spotted crabs and reduced the risk of overfishing to 20 rateCatch (kg/day) a low level. 10 5 0 0

2 3 4 7 8 9 0 For more information see the latest ASR for the 0 0 0 0 00 005 00 01 ECOTF. 2001 20 20 2 2 2006 20 20 2 2 Figure 20: Total commercial pot and otter trawl catches (t) and catch rates (kg/day) of three-spot crabs, reported in logbooks 2001–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 31 Cuttlefish (Sepia spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Several cuttlefish species are harvested commercially in Queensland by trawling. Since 2002, harvest levels have been steady. Lower cuttlefish commercial catches in 2008 were followed by higher catch levels and catch rates in 2009 and 2010. Biological information for cuttlefish is lacking, however ECOTF ecological risk assessment results indicate a low risk to the sustainability of cuttlefish. Species complex Sepia opipara, S. plangon, S. rosella, S. whitleyana and S. papuensis

Information sources For more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF. x Commercial logbook catch and effort x Performance measures Further reading x Published local and non-local biological Haddy, JA 2007, ‘A review of the known biology and information distribution of all recently approved ‘permitted fish’ x Scientific research species associated with the trawl fishery’, in Courtney, AJ, x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings et al. Bycatch weight, composition and preliminary Comments estimates of the impact of bycatch reduction devices in Queensland’s trawl fishery, report to Fisheries Research Approximately 93% of the commercial cuttlefish and Development Corporation, Project No. 2000/170, harvest is taken in ECOTF and the remainder in the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. Fin Fish (Stout Whiting) Trawl Fishery and the River and Inshore (Beam Trawl) Fisheries. At least three Rowling, K, Hegarty, A & Ives, M (eds) 2010, ‘Cuttlefish’, pp cuttlefish species taken in the ECOTF are also taken 87–89, in Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW 2008/09, in the NSW Ocean Trawl Fisheries. Queensland Industry & Investment NSW, Cronulla. landings have been steady in recent years, averaging Otter trawl landings Catch rate 32 t since 2002. In 2010, 28 t of cuttlefish were 70 10 harvested commercially in Queensland. Catch rates 60 in the ECOTF increased between 2009 and 2010 8 50 (Figure 21). In general, years with lower cuttlefish 40 6

landings are related to lower cuttlefish retention 30 rates when the target species, eastern king prawn Catch (t) 4 landings are higher. 20

2 Catch rate (kg/day) 10 The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment determined that the risk of overfishing cuttlefish at 0 0

3 5 7 9 01 0 0 0 0 the 2010 effort levels is low. Widespread adoption of 0 0 0 2 2002 2 2004 2 2006 20 2008 20 2010 effective bycatch reduction devices (square mesh Figure 21: Total commercial catch (t) and catch rate codends) should further reduce risk to the (kg/day) landed from otter trawling, reported in logbooks. sustainability of cuttlefish. Research has found that catch rates of small (15–40 mm mantle length) cuttlefish are significantly lower in square mesh codends, while large (81–159 mm mantle length) size classes are unaffected, compared to a standard diamond mesh codend (T. Courtney, pers. comm.).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 32 Freshwater Eel East Coast (Anguilla australis and A.reinhardtii)

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Queensland Eel Fishery (QEF) Justification Recent commercial catch and catch rates of adult eels are less than historically sustained levels. Juvenile eel data continues to illustrate fluctuating trends. The harvest of both life cycle stages are heavily dependant on environmental factors and market driven forces. Adult and juvenile eel commercial catch and catch rate performance measures were not triggered in 2010. Length frequency graphs show healthy distribution of individuals across length classes for nine consecutive years. Current fishing pressure is considered sustainable under the current management regime, particularly due to strict conditions related to permitted fishing areas. Species complex Longfin eel (Anguilla reinhardtii), southern shortfin eel (Anguilla australis)

Information sources Inter-annual variability in catch and effort is a result of market driven forces and natural fluctuations in x Commercial logbook catch and effort populations resulting from environmental factors x Fishery independent data (1999–2007) such as drought. x Performance measures Fishery independent monitoring data over nine years x Published local and non-local biological information indicates stable length distributions in adult eels. There is no current evidence of an overall decline in Comments adult eel abundance in any of the Queensland rivers The freshwater eel stock is unique in that both adult sampled. Commercial catch and catch rate and juvenile life cycle stages are harvested by the performance measures were not triggered for the QEF. The adult eel fishery is the larger of the two adult or juvenile eel fishery during 2010. components with the juvenile eel fishery typically For more information see the latest ASR for the QEF. harvesting less than 1% of the total harvest (by weight). Both the adult and juvenile eel data sets Catch (t) Catch Rate (kg/day) 60 180 have been combined for the purpose of assigning a 160 50 single stock status. Both species are reported 140 through the commercial logbook as a species 40 120 100 complex. 30 Catch (t) 80 The longfin eel, caught by majority in the QEF, are 20 60 40 (kg/day) rate Catch 10 believed to be panmictic, belonging to a single 20 genetic stock. Panmixia means that the stock- 0 0

1 4 5 8 9 0 03 recruitment relationship is likely to be weak and that 00 0 00 01 2 2002 2 200 200 2006 2007 2 200 2 recruitment of juveniles into individual river systems Figure 22: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of is highly variable and random. adult eels reported in logbooks, 2001–10. Due to confidentiality reasons there is no catch and effort graph The commercial catch of juvenile and adult eels is for the juvenile eel fishery. variable over time and current total annual catches are within historical levels (Figure 22).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 33 Emperor–grass (Lethrinus laticaudis) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational Justification Since quota was introduced to the reef line fishery in 2004, commercial catches of grass emperor have increased from approximately 3 t per year to around 20 t per year. This species is considered a key species for some fishers. Commercial harvest occurs more in the state’s north, whereas recreational harvest occurs more in the south. No biological information on age or length frequencies is available; however there are currently no sustainability concerns.

Information sources Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) x Commercial logbook catch 25 25

x Recreational catch estimates 20 20 x Charter logbook catch 15 15 Comments

Catch (t) 10 10 Since quota was introduced in the Coral Reef Fin Fish Catch rateCatch (kg/day) Fishery (CRFFF) in 2004, targeting of non-quota 5 5 species has increased. Grass emperor harvest has 0 0 increased from approximately 3 t per year to 2 8 05 07 10 00 003 0 0 00 009 approximately 20 t per year (Figure 23). Charter 2000 2001 2 2 2004 2 2006 2 2 2 20 catches in 2010 were around 4 t. Grass emperors are Figure 23: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of considered to be a key species for some fishers. grass emperor reported in logbooks, 2000–10. Since 2007, commercial and charter spatial harvest has alternated between the north and south of the state, whereas recreational harvest consistently occurs more in the south. The minimum legal size for grass emperor is 30 cm with a bag limit of 10 fish for recreational fishers. Recreational harvest estimates for the species was around 153 000 fish (from the 2005 survey). An updated statewide recreational fishing survey will provide new catch estimates for this species in 2012.

Future assessment needs Grass emperor will continue to be monitored through the annual stock status process. New performance measures are being developed for the RRFFF, which will include grass emperor.

For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 34 Emperor–red (Lutjanus sebae) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF)/Recreational Justification Commercial catches are increasing steadily since the introduction of quota in 2003–04. Catch rate has remained relatively stable over the past decade. Minimum legal size (MLS) of 55 cm total length has been in place for seven years and should now be resulting in increased spawning biomass. Increased specificity in commercial logbooks implemented in 2007 will help to determine status, but more information is required on age structure and recreational catch to confirm resource status.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Red emperor is a key species that requires more x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage biological data to be collected on the abundance and x Recreational catch estimates length structure in regions where the fishery x Charter logbook catch and effort operates to provide greater certainty about the stock. The Fisheries Observer Program is monitoring the x Performance measures line fisheries again in 2011, which will aid in the x Published local biological information validation of commercial fisher logbooks. Comments An updated recreational estimate which separates In 2004, a quota system was introduced for ‘other’ the east coast from the Gulf of Carpentaria coral reef fin fish (OS quota), which includes red recreational catches will be available in 2012. emperor. This quota is shared among commercial For more information see the latest ASR for the fishers through individual transferable quotas. Red CRFFF. emperor consistently makes up around 10% of the OS component in the CRFFF. Red emperor attracts a Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 200 25 beach price of between $8–10/kg. Commercial catch in 2009–10 (60 t) was similar to the previous year 160 20

(Figure 24). Recreational harvest declined from 393 t 120 15 in 2002 to 232 t in 2005 (east coast and Gulf of

Carpentaria combined). Charter catch has also Catch (t) 80 10 remained historically stable at around 20 t. The 40 5 rateCatch (kg/day) performance measure for red emperor did not trigger 0 0 in 2010–11. 0 1 7 -0 -04 -05 -08 0-0 3 6-0 7 9-10 004 00 1999 200 2001-022002-03 200 2 2005-06200 200 2008-092

Figure 24: Commercial catch (t) of red emperor in the CRFFF reported in logbooks, 2000–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 35 Emperor–red (Lutjanus sebae) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery (GOCLF) / Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery (GOCDFFTF) Justification Commercial catches and catch rates have increased since 2007. There is limited data available on the distribution and abundance of red emperor in the Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC). Queensland fishers in the GOC take a small proportion of a stock shared by and the Northern Territory. Red emperor status is ‘uncertain’ until information on the level of exploitation by these jurisdictions is gathered.

Information sources The project is reviewing and developing methods and data tools required for monitoring and managing x Commercial logbook catch and effort fishing activity according to the biological and x Recreational catch estimates economic conditions of the red snapper (i.e. crimson x Charter logbook catch and effort snapper, saddletail snapper and red emperor) x Performance measures fisheries. The recommendations from this project will x Published local biological information be considered by Fisheries Queensland in Comments conjunction with the WA and NT fisheries agencies in 2011–12. There is currently no restriction on the commercial take of red emperor in the GOC. Red emperor For more information see the latest ASR for the commercial harvest in the GOCLF was <100 kg in GOCLF and GOCDFFTF. 2009; while harvest in the GOCDFFTF increased to a historical high of 12 t in 2009 (Figure 25). Red 14 GOCDFFTF catch (t) GOCLF catch (t) emperor attracts a beach price of between $8–10/kg. 12 Recreational harvest estimates declined from 393 t in 10

2002 to 232 t in 2005 (east coast and GOC 8 combined). 6 Catch (t)

Future assessment needs 4 Red emperors are part of a shared stock that may be 2 heavily utilised by Western Australia and the 0

0 6 7 Northern Territory (risk assessment from 2006). Red 01 08 09 0 00 2 004 00 00 0 0 emperor is a key species that requires more 2 2002 2003 2 2005 2 2 2 2 biological data to be collected on the abundance and Figure 25: Commercial catch (t) of red emperor in the length/age structure in regions where the fishery GOCDFFTF (trawl) and GOCLF (line) reported in logbooks, operates. 2000–09. Fisheries Queensland commenced the one-year Fisheries Research and Development Corporation project 2009/037 'Sustaining productivity of tropical red snapper using new monitoring and reference points' in late 2009.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 36 Emperor–redthroat (Lethrinus miniatus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Not fully utilised Stock status 2010 Not fully utilised Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) Justification In 2009–10 only 43% of available quota was taken. The 2006 stock assessment estimated the population biomass to be around 70% of unfished biomass, indicating that the commercial TAC is set at an appropriate level. Performance measures relating to catch and effort in the commercial and charter sectors were not triggered in 2009–10.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Stock assessment (data up to 2004) The Fisheries Observer Program is monitoring the x Commercial logbook catch and effort line fisheries in 2011, which will aid in the validation x Redthroat emperor quota usage of commercial fisher logbooks. An updated stock x Recreational catch estimates assessment for redthroat emperor is planned for 2012. x Charter logbook catch and effort x Fishery independent data (2005–09) For more information see the latest ASR for the x Performance measures CRFFF.

30% Comments 2007-08 n=432 25% Since the quota introduction in 2004, the catch and 20% catch rate of redthroat emperor (RTE) have remained stable. In 2009–10, only 43% of the RTE quota was 15% caught (271 t, Figure 26). Recreational catches have 10% declined from 206 t in 2002 to 118 t in 2005. Charter 5% catch has remained historically stable at around 70 t. 0% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Estimated rates of total mortality (Z) and diversity 30% indices calculated from fishery independent data did 2008-09 n=151 25% not trigger performance measures in 2009–10. 20%

Current age data indicates a peak in recruitment of 15%

four-year-olds in 2007–08 through to six years of age Proportion 10% in 2009–10 (Figure 27). 5%

0% Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/dory day) 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Catch rate (kg/boat day) 900 50 800 30% 2009-10 n=220 700 40 25% 600 30 20% 500 400 15%

Catch (t) 20 300 10% 200 10 (kg/day) rate Catch 5% 100 0 0 0%

1 3 5 8 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 0 -02 -10 1 2-0 3-04 9 0 0 0 08-09 0 0 0 0 0 Age group 1999-002000- 2 2 20 2004-02005-062006-07 2007-0 2 2

Figure 26: Commercial catch and catch rates of RTE 1999– Figure 27: Relative abundance of RTE in different age 00 to 2009–10. groups, 2007–08 to 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 37 Emperor–spangled (Lethrinus nebulosus) East Coasstt

SSttoocckk ssttaattuuss 22001111 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) Justification Catches have been returning to pre-quota levels recently, with increases in some specific northern fishing grids. Although there are no current indications of sustainability issues, some biological data and updated recreational catch information would assist in confidently assigning a status.

Information sources The Fisheries Observer Program is monitoring the line fisheries in 2011, which will aid in the validation x Commercial logbook catch and effort of commercial fisher logbooks. x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage x Recreational catch estimates For more information see the latest ASR for the x Charter logbook catch and effort CRFFF. x Performance measures x Published local biological information 80 70 Comments 60 In 2004, a quota system was introduced for ‘other’ 50 40

coral reef fin fish (OS quota), which includes Catch (t) 30 spangled emperor. This quota is shared among 20 commercial fishers through individual transferable 10 quotas. Spangled emperor consistently makes up 0

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 9 around 15% of the OS component in the CRFFF. -0 -0 -0 1-0 3 5 0 8-0 00 00 Commercial catches returned to pre-quota levels 1999 2000-0 200 2002-0 2 2004-0 20 2006-0 2007-08 2 2009-10 (Figure 28). Better recreational harvest estimates are Figure 28: Commercial catch (t) of spangled emperor needed to quantify total harvest of this species. reported in logbooks, 1999–00 to 2009–2010. Charter catch has remained historically stable at around 12 t. Future assessment needs There are no indications of sustainability issues for this species; however spangled emperor is a key species that requires more biological data on the abundance and length structure in regions within which the fishery operates before an assessment of status can be made. The fishery-independent structured line surveys conducted by Fisheries Queensland from 2004 are currently on hold pending the outcome of the coral trout ELFsim module project (see coral trout for more information on the ELFsim project).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 38 Flathead–dusky (Platycephalus fuscus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catches and catch rates are stable. Catch related performance measures did not trigger in 2010. The fishery predominantly harvests female fish. Nearly all male and large fecund female fish are protected by minimum and maximum size limits. Conservative bag limits are also in place. Age and length information indicate healthy stocks. Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Separation of dusky flathead from other flathead in x Recreational catch estimates commercial logbooks is required. Regionally x Charter logbook catch and effort separated estimates of recreational harvest would be x Fishery dependent data (2007–10) beneficial. The current statewide recreational fishing survey results will be available in 2012. x Performance measures

Commercial n=2845 Comments 2008 20% Recreational n=675 18% Dusky flathead is both a recreationally and 16% commercially important species. Commercial catch 14% 12% and catch rates decreased slightly in 2010 (Figure 10% 8% 29), however harvest is considered sustainable. The 6% 4% current MLS (40 cm) protects most male fish while 2% 0% the maximum legal size (75 cm) protects large fecund 5 9 1 5 7 1 3 3 5 5 6 7 – – 0–31 4– 2–43 0– 6– female fish. Combined with an in-possession limit of 3 3 38– 4 46–47 5 54 58–59 62–63 6 70 74–75

Commercial n=1403 five the species is conservatively managed. Long 2009 20% Recreational n=675 term monitoring of age and length data for dusky 18% flathead indicates healthy stocks (Figure 30). For 16% 14% more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF. 12% 10% 8% Proportion Net Line 6% Net catch rate (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) 4% 2% 120 30 0%

5 9 7 9 1 3 3 4 5 7 – –67 – 100 25 0–31 4– 2–43 4–55 2–63 4–75 3 3 38– 4 46 50–51 5 58– 6 66 70 7

80 20 Commercial n=2112 2010 20% Recreational n=1119 60 15 18% Catch (t) 16% 40 10 14%

Catch rate (kg/day) 12% 20 5 10% 8% 0 0 6% 4%

2 5 8 0 0 2% 00 004 00 007 01 2 2003 2 2 2006 2 20 2009 2 0%

1 5 3 7 3 5 3 4 6 7 –3 –4 –51 –71 – 0 2 0 4–55 2– 0 4 Figure 29: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) by 3 34– 38–39 4 46– 5 5 58–59 6 66–67 7 7 net and line, reported in logbooks 2002–10. Length Class (cm) Figure 30: Length frequencies sampled from commercial and recreational fishers between 2008 and 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 39 Groper–bass (Polyprion americanus) East Coast

©NSW DPI Stock status 2011 Undefined * Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery (DWFFF) Justification Catch in 2009–10 decreased to 4 t from approximately 10 t the year before. There are possible misidentification issues with hapuka. There is no biological information or local research for the species. The status of ‘undefined*’ is assigned until more information on the harvest of this species is available.

Information sources 12 x Commercial logbook catch and effort 10 x Published international biological information 8 Comments 6 Catch (t) Bass groper is considered a target species in the 4 Queensland DWFFF, although catches remain 2 relatively small (~5 t in 2009–10, Figure 31). This 0

drop in catch from 11.2 t the previous year equated to 0 1 2 3 6 7 -0 -0 0 0 -05 -0 -0 -10 9 0 2- 3-04 4 5 6 8-09 9 0 0 0 0 09 a 56% reduction which triggered the performance 0 0 0 0 0 19 200 2001- 2 2 200 200 2 2007-082 2 measure designed to monitor this species. This was concurrent with a reduction in effort in the fishery. Figure 31: Commercial catch (t) of bass groper reported in There is currently no information available regarding logbooks. Note that the current logbook for the DWFFF was the level of recreational take for this species. In only introduced in 2007. Queensland waters, bass groper was considered ‘undefined’ due to limited local and recent biological information available to assess against the criteria. Future assessment needs The current commercial fisher logbook for the deep water fishery was only introduced in 2007. Better estimates of species specific catch and effort in the DWFFF are now being collected. In 2011, the Fisheries Observer Program has focused its efforts on Queensland’s line fisheries to better quantify catch composition and effort in deeper waters. Results will be available to consider in the next stock status assessment. A new research project aimed at collecting more biological information of deep water fish species and completing an updated risk assessment for the fishery has also commenced. For more information see the latest ASR for the DWFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 40 Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Un certain Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Javelin (barred and spotted) is a complex of important recreational species, especially in North Queensland. Although commercial catches and catch rates are steady, the magnitude of the recreational catch on a regional basis is not known at this stage. No reasonable attempt to assess stock status can be made until updated recreational harvest estimates are available in 2012. Species complex Barred javelin (spotted grunter)–Pomadasys kaakan, silver javelin (small spotted grunter)–Po madasys argenteus

Information source s Net Line x Net catch rate (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) Commercial logbook catch and effort Net catch rate (kg/100 m net/day) x Recreational catch estimates 40 70 35

60 x Charter logbook cat ch and effort 30 50 25 Comments 40 20 30 Commercial catches and catch rates of javelin remain Catch (t) 15 10 20

relatively stable, with around 20 t harvested in 2010 (kg/day) rate Catch 5 10 (Figure 32). Javelin are more likely to be targeted by 0 0 the recreational sector than the commercial sector. 02 Credible estimates of recreationa l harvest, which 20 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 differentiate between Gulf of Carpen taria and east Figure 32: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of javelin coast catches, are not yet available. There is also caught by net and line, reported in logbooks 2002–10. anecdotal evidence of increased pressure on this popular species from interstate visitors in particular locations. Future assessment needs

More accurate, regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of javelin will improve stock status certainty. A statewide recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 and results will be available in 2012. For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 41 Javelin (Pomadasys spp.) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) / Recreational Justification Javelin (barred and spotted) is a complex of important recreational species. Although javelin is considered a by-product commercial species only, catches were at the lowest level since 2000. Recreational fishing is focused in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC) around Karumba where a (non-DEEDI) survey estimated annual catch levels between 100– 118 t in 200 6. No reasonable attempt to assess stock status can be made until updated recreational harvest estimates are available in 2012. Species complex Barred javelin (spotted grunter)–Pomadasys kaakan Silver javelin (small spotted grunter)–Pomadasys argenteus

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Greiner, R & Patterson, L 2007, ‘Towards sustainable x Recreational catch estimates management of recreational fishing in the Gulf of Carpentaria’, report prep ared for the Northern Gulf x Charter logbook catch and effort Resource Management Gr oup, River Consulting Pty Ltd, Comments Townsville. Commercial catches in 2010 were the lowest recorded since 2000 (Figure 33). Javelin are more Net (t) Line (t) QFJA (t) Net catch rate likely to be targeted by the recreational sector than 60 7 the commercial sector. Recreational fishing for 50 6 5 javelin is focused in the southern GOC around 40 4 Karumba and the bulk of the catch is taken by 30 3 tourists. A survey conducted by River Consulting Pty Catch (t) 20 Ltd suggested that tourists caught approximately 2 10 100–118 t of javelin in 2006 while Karumba residents 1 0 0 rate Catch (kg/100 m net/day) harvested less than 1 t. Credible estimates of 0 5 6 7 8 00 00 00 00 00 recreational harvest, which differentiate between the 2 2001 2002 2003 2004 2 2 2 2 2009 2010 GOC and east coast catches are not yet available. Figure 33: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of javelin Future assessment needs (GOC) caught by net, line and Queensland Fisheries Joint Authority (QFJA) permits (minimal), reported in logbooks More accurate, regionally separated estimates of 2000–10. recreational harvest of javelin will improve stock status certainty. A statewide recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 and results will be available in 2012. For more information see the latest ASR for the GOCIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 42 Kingfish–yellowtail (Seriola lalandi) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catch has been variable since 2006 but is relatively low compared to other species. Catch rates are stable. The recreational harvest estimate in 2005 grouped yellowtail kingfish with samsonfish and amberjack. The status of yellowtail kingfish will remain as ‘undefined’ until improved species-specific estimates can be obtained. No biological information on age or length is available.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch Yellowtail kingfish will continue to be monitored x Recreational catch estimates through the annual stock status process and through x Charter logbook catch the annual performance measures calculations when catch reaches above 10 t. An updated recreational x Performance measures estimate will be available in 2012. Comments For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF. Since quota was introduced in the Coral Reef Fin Fish

Fishery (CRFFF) in 2004, targeting of non-quota Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) species has increased. Yellowtail kingfish harvest 16 50 14 increased from 4 t in 2004 to 14 t in 2009. Catch 40 rates have remained stable since 2006 (Figure 34). 12 10 Charter catches in 2010 were around 4 t. Commercial 30 8

catches may be market driven, and therefore Catch (t) 6 20 sporadic in targeting behaviour. There may be the

4 rateCatch (kg/day) 10 potential for high fishing pressure on local 2 populations. The recent drop in the size limit for 0 0

0 1 4 5 6 7 yellowtail kingfish (from 70 cm to 60 cm) means that 02 200 0 00 00 2010 smaller fish recruited to the fishery may still be 200 2 2003 200 200 2 2 2008 2009 immature. Commercial harvest in New South Wales Figure 34: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of (NSW) fisheries for yellowtail kingfish is higher yellowtail kingfish reported in logbooks, 2000–10. (between 80–160 t in recent years), and the NSW fisheries stock status for yellowtail kingfish is currently ‘growth overfished’. Recreational estimates for the species are grouped with samsonfish and kingfish, with 24 000 fish reported as harvested (from the 2005 survey). Given the relatively low commercial harvest rate of yellowtail kingfish in Queensland there are currently no sustainability concerns. However, the status of yellowtail kingfish will remain as ‘undefined’ until improved species-specific recreational harvest estimates can be obtained.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 43 Lobster–red champagne (Linuparus t rigonus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Red champagne lobsters are permitted to be taken incidentally in the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) as defined in the management plan for the fishery. A 7.5 cm ca rapace length minimum legal size and a prohibition on taking berried females protect immature and spawning lobsters. Landings and catch rates are variable and a recent ecological r isk assessment determined that there is an intermediate risk of red champagne lobster stocks being overfished at 2010 effort levels.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Haddy, JA, Roy, DP & Courtney AJ 2007, ‘The fishery and x Performance measures reproductive biology of barking Linuparus trigonus x Published local and non-local biological (Von Siebold, 1824) in the Queensland East Coast Trawl informatio n Fishery’, in Courtney, AJ, Haddy, JA, Cam pbell, MJ, Roy, DP, x Scientific research Tonks, ML, Gaddes, SW, Chilcott, KE, O’Neill, MF, Brown, IW, McLennan, M, Jebreen, JE, Van Der Geest, C, Rose, C, x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings Kistle, S, Turnbull, CT, Kyne, PM, Bennett, MB & Taylor, J, Comments Bycatch weight, composition and preliminary estimates of Red champagne lobsters are harvested as by-product the impact of bycatch reduction devices in Queensland’s in the ECOTF. Like other , discard trawl fishery, final report to Fisheries Research and mortality is considered to be low. A ban on taking Development Corporation, Project No. 2000/170, berried females introduced in 2002 and a 7.5 cm Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. minimum legal size for carapace length from 2009, gives protection to immature and spawning lobsters. Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 60 50 Waters deeper than the maximum depth in which

50 otter trawlers operate (~300 m) may also act as 40 40 refugia for young lobsters. 30 30 Adults are captured by trawling adjacent to the Catch (t) 20 central and southern Great Barrier Reef. Landings 20

10 g/day) te (k ra Catch and catch rates have been variable but are gen erally 10 lower since 2005, although are still within historical 0 0

3 4 6 7 01 05 limits (Figure 35). 00 00 0 00 00 20 2002 2 2 2 2 2 2008 2009 2010 The recent ecological risk assessment determined that there is an intermediate risk of red champagne Figure 35: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of red champagne lobsters reported in logbooks, 2001–10. lobster stocks being overfished at 2010 effort levels.

For more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 44 Mackerel–grey (Scomberomorus semifa sciatus ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) Justification Commercial catches decreased in 2009–10 due to a combination of introducing a 250 t quota, poor weather and limited targeting of grey mackerel in the northern section of the fishery. Catch rates are within historical bounds. Only two years of routine biological data were available, which is insufficient to assess trends.

Information sources Net Line Net catch rate (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day) Quota x Commercial logbook catch and effort 500 200 x Recreational catch estimates 450 180 400 160 x Charter logbook catch and effort 350 140 300 120 x Fishery dependent length information (2008–10) 250 100 x Performance measures Catch (t) 200 80 day) (kg/ rate 150 60 x Published local biological information 100 40 Catch 50 20 Comments 0 0

2 6 9 Commercial catches decreased markedly in 2009–10 -0 4-05 -08 9-10 0 0 005-0 006-07 00 (211 t, Figure 36) due to the combined effects of the 2001-0 2002-03 2003-04 2 2 2 2007 2008 2 introduction of a new conservative commercial 250 t Figure 36: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of grey quota, poor weather restricting offshore fishin g, and mackerel (east coast) caught by net and line, reported in limited targeting of grey mackerel in the northern logbooks 2001–02 to 2009–10. section of the mixed species fishery. Future assessment needs Long term monitoring of biological information derived from commercial and recreational catches of The following information needs will improve stock east coast grey mackerel commenced in 2008–09. status certainty: The requisite three years of data necessary to assess x a minimum three years of analysed commercial trends in length and age composition of the two catch history (from 2008–09 to 2010–11) and meta-populations on the east coast are therefore not fishery dependent monitoring data (stratified for available. Preliminary assessment for the last two the two stocks) years is presented below for commercially caught x further stock discrimination studies conducted for fish (Figures 37 and 38). grey mackerel south of Mackay No reasonable attempt coul d be made to assess the x a stock assessment of east coast grey mackerel status of grey mackerel beyond ‘undefined’ until a longer time series of commercial catch history (from x more accurate, regionally separated estimates of 2008–09 to 2010–11) and fishery dependent recreational harvest of grey mackerel - a statewide monitoring data (stratified for the two stocks) ar e recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 available for assessment. and results will be available in 2012.

For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 45 Further reading 2008-0 9 Line n= 50 40 Gill Net Welch, D, Buckworth, R, Ovenden, J, Newman, S, Broderick, 35 D, Lester, R, Ballagh, A, Stapley, J, Charters, R & Gribble, N 30 2009, ‘Determination of management units for grey

25 mackerel fisheries in northern Australia’, final report to 20 Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project 15 No 2005/010, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Proportion (%) 10 Technical Report No. 4 , Fishing and Fis heries Research 5 Centre, James Cook University, Towns ville, Australia. 0

0 0 0 0 50 0 0 0 0 40 45 500 55 60 6 700 750 80 850 90 95 00 2008-09 Line 1 1050 40 n = 1628 Gill Net 2009-10 35 n = 207 30 40 25 35 20 30 15 25

Prop ortion (%) Prop 10 20 5 15

0 Proportion (%) 10

5 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 00 5 40 4 5 550 600 65 70 750 800 85 900 9 00 10 1050 0

0 0 0 0 5 0 0 2009-10 40 450 500 55 600 6 700 750 8 850 900 950 100 1050 n = 798 40 Fork length (mm) 35 Figure 38: Length frequencies of commercially caught grey 30 mackerel (south east coast region), from 2008–09 and 25 2009–10. 20 15

Proportion (%) (%) Proportion 10 5 0

0 0 0 0 0 00 00 4 45 5 550 600 65 700 750 800 85 900 950 05 100 1 Fork length (mm) Figure 37: Length frequencies of commercially caught grey mackerel (north east coast region), from 2008–09 and 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 46 Mackerel–grey Gulf of Carpentaria (Scomberomorus semifasciatus)

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) Justification Commercial catches and catch rates were the highest for ten years (since 2000) and triggered performance measures. There is uncertainty as to whether these catches indicate increased fishing pressure on stocks or simply fishers taking advantage of a highly variable resource. Anecdotal reports suggest 2010 was a particularly good year for grey mackerel catches. The Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC) stock is shared between Queensland and the Northern Territory. Results of a recent resource assessment of grey mackerel in the GOC concluded that fishery logbook data gave poor resolution of population dynamics and cannot provide abundance estimates. New precautionary management arrangements governing the harvest of grey mackerel are expected to be introduced for the 2012 season.

Information sources Results of a recent resource assessment of grey mackerel in the GOC concluded that fishery logbook x Commercial logbook catch and effort data gave poor resolution of population dynamics x Recreational catch estimates and could not provide abundance estimates (DEEDI x Charter logbook catch and effort unpublished report). The resource assessment also x Performance measures considered that the GOC contained a single stock x Ecological risk assessment (2004 & 2010 review) that is shared between Queensland and the Northern x Published local biological information Territory. However, rather than being equally dispersed between the jurisdictions, the stock tends Comments to migrate en masse from east to west, and vice The commercial catch of grey mackerel in 2010 was versa, depending on prey availability and circulation the highest in the decade (882 t, Figure 39). Net patterns of the Gulf. Northern Territory catch catch rates also peaked in 2010. Catch related information was not considered in this stock status performance measures in the GOCIFFF were triggered determination. The stock status of grey mackerel by these peaks. There is anecdotal evidence that the remains ‘uncertain’ until the causes of catch large catches in 2010 resulted from an exceptional variability, and how these relate to population levels, year for grey mackerel abundance, rather than from is better understood. increasing fishing pressure. Catches were similar in Net (t) Line (t) QFJA (t) Catch rate (kg/100m net/day) 2007; however, approximately half of that total was 1000 80 harvested from GOC waters beyond 25 nautical miles 900 70 (nm) from the coast by Queensland Fisheries Joint 800 60 Authority (QFJA) permitted net vessels. 700 600 50 The review by Fisheries Queensland in 2010 of the 500 40

2004 ERA (Zeller & Snape 2006) downgraded grey Catch (t) 400 30 300 mackerel from a high to a moderate risk due to the 20 200 outcomes of research on the stock differentiation 10

100 Catch rate (kg/100m net/day) across northern Australia (Welch et al. 2009). This 0 0 1 0 2 5 6 research found some evidence, although 00 00 00 009 010 2000 20 2 2003 2004 2 2 2007 2008 2 2 inconclusive, that multiple localised adult sub- Figure 39: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of grey stocks of grey mackerel (meta populations) may exist mackerel (GOC) caught by net, line and QFJA permits, within the GOC. reported in logbooks 2000–10. Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 47 Future assessment needs The following information needs will improve stock status certainty: x grey mackerel catch levels for Northern Territory waters in the GOC x long term, fishery dependent monitoring of grey mackerel stocks in the GOC x a stock assessment of GOC grey mackerel x more accurate, regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of grey mackerel—the latest statewide recreational fishing survey in Queensland commen ced in 2010 with results available in 2012 For more information se e the latest ASR for the GOCIFFF.

Further reading

Welch, D, Buckworth, R, Ovenden, J, Newman, S, Broderick, D, Lester, R, Ballagh, A, St apley, J, Charters, R & Gribble, N 2009, ‘Determination of ma nagement units for grey mackerel fisheries in northern Australia’, final report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporat ion, Project No 2005/010, Fishing and Fisheries R esearch Centre Technical Report No. 4, Fishing and Fish eries Research Centre, James Cook University , Townsville, Australia.

Zeller, B & Snape, N 2006, ‘Ecological risk assessment of Queensland-managed fisheries in the Gulf of C arpentaria’, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 48 Mackerel–school East Coast (Scomberomorus queenslandicus)

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catch levels are stable and within historical levels for the net and line sectors. Catch and catch performance measures were not triggered. While it is likely that the school mackerel harvest is sustainable, estimates of recreational harvest are needed to corroborate this assumption. The status of school mackerel is ‘undefined’ until recreational harvest can be better quantified.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Cameron, D & Begg, G 2002,’Fisheries biology and x Recreational catch estimates interaction in the northern Australian small mackerel x Charter logbook catch and effort fishery’, final report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Projects 92/144 and 92/144.02, x Performance measures Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. x Published local biological information Net Line Comments Net catch rate (1) (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (2) (kg/100m net/day) Commercial net and line catches have been stead y in 160 80 recent years and are within historical levels (Figure 140 70 40). Performance measures were not triggered. While 120 60 there are no concerns for sustainability, the 100 50 commercial line and net sectors showed different 80 40 trends in catch rates: catch rates for the net sector Catch (t) 60 30 40 20

are rising while the line sector suggests catch rates Catch rate (kg/day) 20 10 are declining (Figure 40). The magnitude of the 0 0 recreational harvest for school mackerel is unknown. 2 9 -0 -03 -04 07 08 0 -10 Previous recreational catch estimates (2002 and 1 2 - 9 003 006- 2005) may not be entirely accurate as not all fishers 200 200 2 2004-052005-06 2 2007 2008- 200 were able to report mackerel catch to the species Figure 40: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of school level. The status of school mackerel is ‘undefined’ mackerel caught by net and line, reported in logbooks 2001–02 to 2009–10. until recreational harvest can be better quantified. Future assessment needs More accurate, regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of school mackerel will improve stock status certainty. The latest statewide recreational fishing survey in Queensland commenced in 2010 with results available in 2012. For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 49 Mackerel–shark (Grammatorcynus bicarinatus) East Coast

..

SSttoocckk ssttaattuuss 22001111 Uncertain Stock status 2010 No assessment made Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catch was 50 t in 2009–10. Shark mackerel reported in the recreational surveys was allocated on a proportional basis from the unspecified mackerels. As a result, there is limited confidence in recreational harvest estimates. No biological information is available.

Information sources 70 Line catch (t) Net catch (t) x Commercial logbook catch and effort 60 x Recreational catch estimates 50 x Charter logbook catch and effort 40 x Performance measures

Catch (t) 30 Comments 20

The commercial catch of shark mackerel has 10 exhibited a variable trend over the last ten years 0 (Figure 41). Annual reported charter catches of shark 4 10 -01 03 0 -09 - 9- 2- mackerel on the east coast have decreased from 7 t 9 01-02 09 19 002000 20 200 2003- 2004-052005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008 20 in 2008–09 to approximately 4 t in 2009–10. Figure 41: Commercial catch (t) of shark mackerel caught Recreational catches for shark mackerel from the by line and net in the ECIFFF, reported in logbooks 1999– 2005 assessment were estimated as a proportion of 00 to 2009–10. the ‘mackerel–unspecified’ component, and is therefore not a robust assessment of recreational take. The updated statewide recreational fishing survey currently underway should provide more accurate estimates in 2012. Future assessment needs There is currently no dependent or independent fisheries monitoring for this by-product species, and sustainability concerns are low. Shark mackerel will continue to be monitored through the annual stock status process and performance measures. For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 50 Mackerel–Spanish (Scombero morus commer so n) East Coast

.

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Spanish Mackerel Fishery (ECSMF) / Recreational Justification At current fishing levels the fishery is considered sustainably fished. Results of the recent 2011 stock assessment indicate that the stock is in good condition. Strong recruitme nt of one-year-old fish in 2008–09 is still evident in 2009–10 (as two-year-olds). New re search conducted by the Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre at James Cook University (JCU) on spawning aggregations will provide important data to consider for stock status in the next two years, as will an updated recreational harvest estimate (available 2012).

Information sources that 2009–10 was a strong year for recruitment of x Stock assessment (2011, data up to 2009) two-year-old fish to the fishery (Figure 42b). There were no triggers to the performance measures x Commercial logbook catch and effort assessed in 2009–10. Revised and improved x Spanish mackerel ‘SM’ quota usage performance measures will be reported against in x Recreational catch estimates 2010–11. x Charter logbook catch and effort Recreational catch conversions for Spanish mackerel x Fishery dependent data (2004–10) were amended in 2008 from 12.2 kg to 9.2 kg/fish. x Performance measures Total harvest increased from 347 t in 2002 to 415 t in x Published local biological information 2005 (east coast and Gulf of Carpentaria combined). Comments Future assessment needs The commercial nominal catch rate (kg/d ay) of Fisheries Queensland will continue to collect fis hery Spanish mackerel has been stab le since quota was dependent data on the age and length of Spanish introduced in 2004, despite inter-annual variability mackerel for the purpose of performance measures in total catch. Catch increa sed from 308 t in 2008– and future stock assessments. For more information 09, to 384 t in 2009–10 (Figure 42a). The number of see the latest ASR for the ECSMF. vessels accessing the fishery increased from 172 to Further reading 180. The catch rate also increased from 66 kg /day to 73 kg/day (Figure 42a). Campbell, AB, O'Neill, MF, Staunton-Smith, J, Atfield, J & Kirkwood, J 2011, ‘Stock assessment of the Australian East As Spanish mackerel is a schooling species and is Coast Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorus commerson) known to aggregate for spawning, there is potential fishery’, DEEDI, Brisbane. for catch rates to be hyperstable (i.e. declines in stock size without apparent changes in catch rate). Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 900 80 The stock assessment for east coast Spanish 800 70 mackerel (Campbell et al. 2011) uses an age- 700 60 600 structured model and incorporates a hyperstability- 50 500 sensitive variant of the catch rate standardisation to 40 400 Catch (t) 30 account for this potential. The results indicate that 300 20 the stock is in good condition , noting the uncertainty 200 Catch rate (kg/day) around the outputs of the pr eferred models used. 100 10 0 0

2 9 -00 -01 -0 -04 2-03 6-07 Annual reported charter catches on the east coas t 99 00 0 03 0 19 2001 2009-10 have increased from 31 t in 2008–09 to around 44 t 20 20 20 2004-052005-06 20 2007-082008-0 Figure 42a: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of in 2009–10. The nominal catch rate increased from Spanish mackerel caught by line (ECSMF), reported in 18 kg/day to 22 kg/day. Monitoring data indicates logbooks 1999–00 to 2000–10. Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 51 Stock statusof Queensland’s fisheriesresources2011 2006–07to2009–10. recreational catches, Figure 42b:RelativeabundanceofSpanish

Frequency (proportion) Frequency (proportion) Frequency (proportion) Frequency (proportion) 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0 0 0 0 0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25 0 5 10 15 20 25 Commercial Data Data Commercial 20-0 n 3879 = 2009-10 n 3254 = 2008-09 n1884 = 2007-08 n2016 = 2006-07 Age group Age

mackerel (east coast) in different age groups from retained a) commercial and b) and commercial retaineda) from groups age indifferent coast) (east mackerel

0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.2 0.2 0.4 0.6 0 0 0 0 01 025 5 0 10 15 20 0 5 01 025 5 0 10 15 20 01 025 5 0 10 15 20

Recreational Data Recreational 10 10 15 20 25 20-0 n814 = 2009-10 n 413= 2007-08 n 305 = 2006-07 20-9 n 638 = 2008-09 Age group Age 52 Mackerel–Spanish G ulf of Carpentaria (Scomberomorus commerson)

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery (GOCLF) Justification Only partially assessed in 2011 due to a lack of data demonstrating temporal trends in length or age frequencies. Commercial catch and catch rates increased slightly in 2010 and remain within historical harvest levels. The 'uncertain' stock status of Spanish mackerel is unchanged for 2011.

Information sources Line catch (t) Net catch (t) Line catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (kg/day) x Commercial logbook catch and effort 350 300 x Recreational catch estimates 300 250 250 x Charter logbook catch and effort 200 x Fishery dependent biological length data (2007– 200 150 09) 150 Catch (t) 100 x Performance measures 100 x Published local biologic al information 50 50 Comments 0 0

0 2 3 5 6 8 9 01 0 04 0 07 0 10 00 00 00 00 Commercial catch and catch rates increased slightly 2 20 20 2 20 20 2 20 20 2 20 in 2010 and remain within historical harvest levels Figure 43: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of Spanish mackerel caught by line (GOCLF) and net (Figure 43). The 'uncertain' status for gulf Spanish (GOCIFFF), reported in logbooks 2000–10. mackerel is unchanged for 2011 given the lack of data demonstrating temporal trends in length or age frequencies. It is expected that this biological information will be available for the next stock status assessment in 2012. Future assessment nee ds The following information needs will improve stock status certainty: x time-series of length and age data for Spanish mackerel in the Gulf of Carpentaria. It is anticipated that three years of length and age data will be available for the next stock status determination x more accurate, regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of Spanish mackerel. The latest statewide recreational fishing survey in Queensland commenced in 2010 with results available in 2012.

For more information see the latest ASR for the GOCLF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 53 Mackerel–spotted (Scomberomorus munroi) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification Predominantly a line-fished species since 2004. Age, length, sex structure and mortality estimates indicate a healthy stock. Historic species-specific recreational estimate is also available. Estimated total mortality in 2010 was below the threshold level of twice the natural mortality.

Information sources than 65 cm were more prevalent in the commercial catch than the recreational catch (Figure 45b). x Commercial logbook catch and effort x Competitive total allowable catch (TAC) quota Assuming that the combined commercial and usage recreational catch is indicative of the spotted x Recreational catch estimates mackerel population, the population appears to be x Charter logbook catch and effort predominantly comprised of young fish (mainly within the one to four-year-old age groups). x Fishery dependent biological length and age data (2004–10) 2007-08 0.5 x Performance measures 0.4 x Published local biological information 0.3 Comments 0.2 The commercial catch of spotted mackerel increased from 2008–09 to around 100 t in 2009–10, which 0.1 was still below the TAC of 140 t (Figure 44). 0 Recreational catch estimates of 305 t from the 2005 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 survey were calculated based on the 2005–06 2008-09 Fisheries Queensland Long Term Monitoring Program 0.5 estimate of 2.7 kg/fish. An updated statewide 0.4 recreational estimate will be available in 2012. 0.3

Line catch (t) Net catch (t) 0.2

450 Proportion 400 0.1 350 300 0 250 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 200 Catch (t) 150 0.5 2009-10 100 50 0.4 0 0.3 -01 -07 08 09 9-00 - - 00 99 001-02 07 1 20 2 2002-03 2003-042004-05 2005-06 2006 20 2008 2009-10 0.2

Figure 44: Commercial catch (t) of spotted mackerel caught 0.1 by line and net in the ECIFFF, reported in logbooks 1999– 00 to 2009–10. 0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 The annual age structures of the spotted mackerel Age Group (yrs) catch for each sector are similar (Figure 45a) but the Figure 45a: East coast spotted mackerel age frequencies length structure information indicates that fish less from 2007–08 to 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 54 2007-08 Spotted mackerel minimum legal size changed from Commercial 20% Recreational 50 to 60 cm in 2002. At this time, a TAC of 140 t was also introduced. 15%

The performance measure was not triggered, with the 10% estimated total mortality in 2010 being below the threshold level of twice the natural mortality. 5%

Fisheries Queensland will monitor total catch and 0% catch rates through performance measures as they 2 -32 58 -64 8 88 00 06 - 1- - 1 1 have been variable in the last five to ten years. 31 45-46 51-52 57 63 69-70 75-76 8 87 93-94 5- 99- 10 Fisheries Queensland continues to monitor age and 20% 2008-09 length (Figure 45b) through fishery dependent data collection and is considering the need to undertake a 15% stock assessment for t his species. 10% Future assessment needs

Given that spotted mackerel is a historically ortion Prop 5% important and targeted species in the recr eational 0% sector, an updated recreational catch estimate will 2 0 2 32 5 64 7 76 8 94 1- 1- 5- -88 improve stock status certainty. A statewide 3 45-46 5 57-58 63- 69- 7 81- 87 93- 99-100 recreational fishing survey commenc ed in 2010 and 105-106 results will be available in 2012. 20% 2009-10 For more information see the latest ASR for the 15% ECIFFF. 10%

5%

0%

2 0 8 -32 46 5 7 -76 -94 00 5- 1- -1 -106 31 4 5 57-58 63-64 69- 75 81-82 87-8 93 99 105 Fork length (cm)

Figure 45b: Length frequencies of east coast spotted mackerel from retained commercial and recreational catches, 2007–08 to 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 55 Mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus) East Coast

©Jamie Robley Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF)/Recreational Justification Catch is historically variable between 1 and 12 t since 2000. Predominantly caught in the L1 fishery, but increasing in the L8 deep water fishery in recent years. Charter catches are <2 t, and currently there is no recreational estimate. The updated statewide recreational fishing survey, which began in 2010, w ill provide the first ever recreational estimate for this species. Despite limited biologica l information available for this species, currently there are no sustainability concerns due to the low targeting behaviour of fishers.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The commercial catch of mahi mahi will continue to x Recreational catch estimates be assessed through performance measures whe n x Charter logbook catch and effort there is more than 10 t of catch per year. Obtaining a recreational estimate by region in 2012 will also aid x Performanc e measures in understanding the total take of the species in east Comments coast waters. Given that Fisheries Queensland has Historically the catch of mahi mahi has been varied, identified other species as higher priorities, it is ranging from <1 t to over 12 t in the commercial unlikely that further monitoring or research will be sector. In 2008 and 2009, the majority of the ~10 t considered for mahi mahi in the foreseeable future. catch was taken in the L8 deep water fishery, but in For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF. 2010, this catch decreased dramatically predominantly due to the lack of effort applied in the L1 L2/L3 L8 L8 fishery (Figure 46). Annual catches by L1 fish ers in 14 the south of the state remain consistent at around 2– 12 3 t. There is currently no recreational estimate f or the 10 species; however this will be rectified as part of the 8 current statewide recreational fishing survey that is 6 Catch (t) underway, with results expected in 2012. 4 Charter catches are historically low at around 2 t. As 2 mahi mahi are a truly pelagic and migratory species, 0 there are currently no sustainability concerns for the 2 0 000 001 005 006 007 01 2 2 200 2003 2004 2 2 2 2008 2009 2 stock given the low capacity to target the species. However, there is limited information available Figure 46: Commercial catch (t) of mahi mahi caught by line, reported in logbooks 2000–10. locally on length and age structure, or mortality estimates. The minimum legal size for mahi mahi is 50 cm with a bag limit of five fish for recreational fishers.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 56 Octopus (Octopodidae) East Coast

©NSW DPI

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) / Fin Fish (Stout Whiting) Trawl Fishery (FFTF) Justification There are several octopus species which are permitted to be taken incidentally in the ECOTF. In-possession limits app ly to octopus based on the number of days fished. Landings and catch rates are variable, b ut within historical levels. There is evidence to suggest that octopuses may survive disca rding well. The recent ecological risk assessment found that at current fishing levels, there is a low to intermediate risk of octopus stocks becoming overfished. This species complex is undefined due to a lack of information. Octopus australis, Callistoctopus diery thraeus , Callistoctopus graptus, Amphioctopus Species complex marginatus, Amphioctopus cf kagoshim ensis

Information sources The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found a low to intermediate risk of octopus stocks being x Commercial logbook catch and effort overfished at 2010 effort levels. Overall, there are no x Performance measures sustainability concerns with regards to octopus; x Published local and non-local biological however, this species complex is undefined due to information an overall lack of information. x ECOTF ecological risk assessment For more information see the latest ASR for the Comments ECOTF. Several species of octopus are commercially harvested as by-product in the ECOTF and the FFTF, Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) with approximately 94% taken in the ECOTF. Most 35 7 Queensland octopus are tropical species, but 30 6 southern octopus (Octopus australis) is a temperate 25 5 species taken during eastern king prawn trawls in 20 4 southern Queensland and is the most common 15 3 octopus species taken in NSW. The Queensland (t) Catch harvest was about 20% of the NSW octopus harvest 10 2 Catch rate (kg/day) in 2008–09. 5 1 0 0 The 66 litre in-possession limit on octopus, 4 9 01 05 06 002 003 007 introduced in 2002, was changed in 2008—where 20 2 2 200 20 20 2 2008 200 2010 fishing trips extend beyond 7 or 14 consecutive days, fishers are entitled to retain greater quantities of Figure 47: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of octopus, reported in logbooks 2000–10. octopus. In 2010, 10 t of octopus were harvested commercially in Queensland indicating that the change to management arrangements in 2008 did not result in an increased take of octopus. Queensland octopus landings have decreased since 2001 but remain within historical limits (Figure 47).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 57 Pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational Justification Currently there is not enough historical commercial catch data (non-specific recording until 2004) and highly variable catch rates. There are inconsistent signals in the age and length data, with a lack of post eight-year-old fish identified. This species is currently being assessed as part of a Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC) project on the fishery.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The 2010 age structure inform ation may assist in x Recreational catch estimates clarifying the current stock status. Up to date age x Charter logbook catch and effort information will also allow for the calculation of a total mortality estimate in performance measures. x Fishery dependent length and age information (2007–09) A three year FRDC funded project began in early 2009 x Performance measures to address some of the knowledge gaps in the rocky x Published local biological information reef fishery. The research is examining the important areas of juvenile habitat of rocky reef fish species in Comments southern Queensland as well as assessing various Since quota for reef fish species was introduced in harvest strategies for the fishery. Key growth, 2004, the catch of pearl perch (non-quota) increase d reproductive, and other fisheries parameters are from around 20 t in 2002 to 97 t in 2005 (Figure 48). being derived for pearl perch and teraglin. The commercial catch in 2010 dropped ba ck to For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF. around 32 t. Recreational catch reported in the statewide recreational fishing surveys increased from 50 t in 2002 to 123 t in 2005. Pearl perch Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 120 45 attracts a beach price of around $6/kg. 40 100 Age information from the Long Term Monitoring 35 80 30 Program was considered for the first time in 2011. 25 60 Age frequencies were considered from 2007, 2008 20 Catch (t) and 2009 and showed a lack of fish older than eight 40 15

10 (kg/day) rate Catch years old (Figure 49). The 2010 data is currently 20 being compiled and should provide a better 5 0 0 understanding of the age of the east coast stocks at 01 0 004 009 the next assessment. 2000 2 2002 2003 2 2005 2006 2007 2008 2 2010

Figure 48: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of pearl perch, reported in logbooks 2000–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 58 2007 Recreational Commercial Charter 0.4 0.4 0.4

0.3 0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2 0.2

Proportion Proportion 0.1 0.1 0.1

0 0 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

2008 0.4 0.4 0.4

0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2

Proportion 0.1 0.1 0.1

0 0 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

2009 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2

Proportion Proportion 0.1 0.1 0.1 0 0 0 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17

Age Group (yrs) Age Group ( yrs) Age Group (yrs)

Figure 49: Relative abundance of pearl perch in different age groups from retained recreational, commercial and charter (recreational catches from charte r vessels) catches, 2007 to 2009.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 59 Prawn–banana (Fenner openaeus merguiensis ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) / River and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery (RIBTF) Justification Catch rates in 2009 and 2010 were high, but total commercial harvest levels were similar to 2004 levels, which were considered sustainable. The ECOTF ecological risk assessment determined that there was a low risk of banana prawns being overfished. Finer scale analysis may be needed to rule out the possibility of depletion in some regions.

Information sources differences between boats catching banana prawns x Commercial logbook catch and effort and other prawn species but not the possibility that the fishing power of individual boats could be x Recreational catch estimates increasing through time (as demonstrated for other x Regional monthly age-structured model outputs (using data to 2004 ) east coast trawl fishery sectors). This could affect banana prawn catchability and potentially gear x Performance measures selectivity. Determination of changes in fishing x Published local biologic al information power in the fleet and standardisation of catch rate x ECOTF ecological risk assessment at a regional scale is needed for years subsequent to Comments 2004 for accurate interpretation of recent trends in commercial catch rate. It will also validate catc h rate Approximately 80% of commercial landings are as a consistently reliable indicator of relative taken by otter trawl and 20% are taken by beam abundance of sub-stocks. For more information see trawling. Otter trawl catch rates were steady from the latest ASR for the ECOTF and RIBTF. 2001–07 and then increased to their highest levels in 2008 and 2009 before decreasing in 2010 (Figure Further reading 50). Beam trawl catch rates have been steady over O'Neill, MF & Leigh GM 2007, ‘Fishing power increases the 2001–10 time series. Estimates of recreational continue in Queensland's east coast trawl fishery, landings by fishers using cast nets are si gnificant Australia’, Fisheries Research, vol. 85, pp 84-92. (200 t in 2005). Tanimoto, M, Courtney, AJ, O’Neill, MF & Leigh, GM 2006, ‘Stock Assessment of the Queensland (Australia) east An assessment of the east coast stock indicated that coast banana prawn (Penaeus merguiensis)’, Department in 2004 biomass was well above the level required of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane. for maximum sustainable yield (Bmsy); and as such, the level of harvest was considered sustainable. In Otter trawl Beam trawl 2009 and 2010, the commercial harvest was less Otter trawl catch rate Beam trawl catch rate 1000 250 than the 2004 level, indicating that recent harvest levels are also sustainable. Recreational landings 800 200 appear to be increasing and could be placing 600 150 additional pressure on the stocks in some locations.

The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment Catch (t) 400 100 determined that there is a low risk of banana prawns 200 50 ay) (kg/d rateCatch being overfished at 2010 effort levels. 0 0

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 01 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 Future assessment needs 0 00 0 2 20 20 20 2 20 20 20 20 2

Catch rate standardisation was carried out on 1988– Figure 50: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates (kg/day) of 2004 trawl catch and effort data in the most recent banana prawns by otter and beam trawl, reported in stock assessment. It took into account likely logbooks 2001–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 60 Prawn–tiger (brown and grooved) East Coast (Penaeus esculentus and P. semisulcatus)

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Brown tiger prawn and grooved tiger prawn landings are marketed generically as ‘tiger prawns’. Closures, rising fuel and infrastructure costs contributed to a major decrease in boats and effort targeting tiger prawns in 2007. Increased competition from other Australian fisheries and the high foreign exchange rate have also reduced tiger prawn prices and profitability. Since 2007, tiger prawn landings have been at historically low levels ranging from 827–1309 t. A previous stock assessment determined the effort levels which would achieve maximum sustainable yield (Emsy). Since 2007, effort has been steady and below Emsy, indicating that this stock is sustainably fished.

Information sources While the ECOTF tiger prawn catch rates are x Commercial logbook catch and effort increasing, returns on sale of tiger prawns are not x Fishery independent abundance information high enough to encourage fishers to increase targeting them. Since 2010, a high foreign currency x Performance measures exchange rate has reduced export demand for tiger x Published local biological information prawns. Tiger prawns sourced from the Gulf of x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings Carpentaria, that would normally be exported, are Comments being sold on the domestic market in competition with ECOTF harvested prawns, reducing returns to When combined, the brown tiger prawn and grooved ECOTF fishers and providing a disincentive to tiger prawn are the second most economically targeting tiger prawns. valuable trawl fishery resource in Queensland. These species are similar in appearance, are caught in Effort required to achieve maximum sustainable yield similar areas and catches are recorded and marketed (Emsy) for tiger prawns in the ECOTF has been generically as ‘tiger prawns’. In Queensland, the estimated at between 15 800 and 23 637 days majority of tiger prawns are harvested in the ECOTF. A (Turnbull & Gribble 2004). From 2001–07, trawling minor part of the harvest (<0.5%) is taken in the River effort for tiger prawns decreased by 75%, leading to a and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery (RIBTF). Tiger prawns reduction in fishing pressure on the east coast are also landed in other Australian fisheries stocks. Since 2007 effort has been steady at including the Northern Prawn Fishery (in similar sustainable levels (i.e. less than Emsy). quantities), the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery (~30% of The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found the ECOTF landings) and the NSW Ocean Trawl that there is a low risk of brown tiger prawns being Fishery (<1% of ECOTF landings). overfished at 2010 effort levels. The risk of From 2001–06, tiger prawn landings ranged from overfishing grooved tiger prawns has decreased 1435–2113 t (Figure 51). Closures, rising fuel and substantially since 2005 when the Great Barrier Reef infrastructure costs contributed to a major decrease Seabed Biodiversity Study (Pitcher et al. 2007) found in boats and effort targeting tiger prawns in 2007. that the species was exposed to high levels of trawl Since 2007, tiger prawn landings have been at effort. However, during 2005–10, trawl effort on tiger historically low levels ranging from 827–1309 t. prawns, which includes the grooved tiger prawn, has Catch rates also fell in 2007 but only temporarily and decreased by 55%. A recent ecological risk have been increasing from 2008–10. assessment determined that this has reduced the risk of grooved tiger prawns being overfished to a lower (intermediate) risk.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 61 Future assessment needs Catch Catch rate 2500 120 Maximum economic yield (MEY) is an important 100 indicator of a fishery stock’s economic sustainability. 2000 80 Tiger prawns are major fishery stocks in Queensland, 1500 supporting more than 200 fishing operations 60

Catch (t) 1000 annually. Assessment of the MEY of tiger prawn 40 stocks would provide a valuable performance rateCatch (kg/day) 500 20 measure for continued conservative manag ement of these stocks. 0 0

04 06 08 0 For more information see the latest ASR for the 2001 2002 2003 20 2005 20 2007 20 2009 201 ECOTF. Figure 51: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of Further reading tiger prawns, reported in logbooks 2001–10.

Turnbull, CT & Gribble, N A 2004, ‘Assessment of the northern Queensland Tig er and Endeavour prawn stocks: 2004 update’, DPI&F Infor mation Series QI 03014, The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane.

Pitcher, CR, Doherty, P, Arnold, P, Hooper, J, Gribble, N, Bartlett, C, Browne, M, Cam pbell, N, Cannard, T, Cappo, M, Carini, G, Chalmers, S, Cheers , S, Chetwynd, D, Colefax, A, Coles, R, Cook, S, Davie, P, De'ath, G, Devereux , D, Done, B, Donovan, T, Ehrke, B, Ellis, N, Ericson, G , Fellegara, I, Forcey, K, Furey, M, Gledhill, D, Good, N, Gor don, S, Haywood, M, Ja cobsen, I, Johnson, J, Jones, M, Kinninmoth, S, Kistle, S, Last, P, Leite, A, Marks, S, McLeod, I, Oczkowicz, S, Rose, C, Seabright, D, Sheils, J, Sherlock , M, Skelton, P, Smith, D, Smith, G, Speare, P, Stowar, M, Strickland, C, Sutcliffe, P, Van der Geest, C, Venables, W, Walsh, C, Wassenberg, T, Welna, A, & Yearsley, G 2007, ‘Seabed Biodiversity on the Continental Shelf of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area’, AIMS/CSIRO/QM/QDPI CRC Reef Research Task Final Report. 315 pp.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 62 Prawn–coral (Metapenaeopsis spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Coral prawns are permitted to be taken as target species in the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) as defined in the management plan for the fishery. From 2001–10, effort and landings have decreased when smaller boats targeting coral prawns left the fishery. The coral prawn harvest continued to fall from 2005–10 and in 2010 was at its lowest recorded level. Catch rates have been steady since 2002. There are no sustainability issues for this complex of species; however, there is limited information available on the biology of coral prawns, which has resulted in an ‘undefined’ status.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Watson, RA & Keating, JA 1989, ‘Velvet (Metapenaeopsis spp.) of Torres Strait, Queensland, Comments Australia’, Asian Fisheries Science, vol. 3, 45–56. Coral prawns are by-product species taken durin g trawling for red spot king p rawns in the ECOTF. Coral Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) prawns are also caught during trawling fo r scallops, 70 30 tiger prawns and endeavour prawns in the ECOTF and 60 25 in the Torres Strait Prawn Fishery. From 2001–1 0, 50 20 effort and landings decreased, particularly following 40 rezoning of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park in 15 30 Catch (t) 2004 when smaller boats targeting coral prawns left 10 20 the fishery. Catchkg/day) rate ( 10 5 In 2010, the number of otter trawlers reporting co ral 0 0

3 6 7 8 prawn landings was 32% of those reporting landings 0 002 00 00 00 2001 2 2 2004 2005 2 2 20 2009 2010 in 2003 (Figure 52). The coral prawn harvest continued to fall from 2005–10 and in 2010 was at its Figure 52: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of lowest recorded level. Catch rates have been steady coral prawns caught by otter trawl and beam trawl since 2002. There are no sustainability issues for (combined), reported in logbooks 2001–10. this complex of species; however there is lim ited information available on the biology of coral praw ns which has resulted in an ‘undefined’ status. Future assessment needs Given that coral prawn commercial catches are declining with trawling effort, this is not a priority species for collecting more information.

For more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 63 Prawn–eastern kinngg ((MeMelliicceerrttusus plebeplebejjuuss) EaEastst CCooaasstt

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification The eastern king prawn (EKP) is the most economically valuable trawl fishery resource in Queensland. In recent ye ars, the comb in ed Queensland and NSW landings have been greater than 3000 t, exceeding the max imum sustainable yield (MSY), even though effort (boat-days) has been decreasing and is less than the effort required to achieve M SY (Emsy). Long-term increase in fishing po wer has more than offset the effect of this decrease, leading to higher catch rates a nd record harvests in recent years. EKP are considered growth overfished (i.e. harv e sted at sizes that are sub-optimal for maximising the EKP catch or its econom ic value) in Moreton Bay and in NSW. However, the recent ecological risk assessment dete rmined that at 2010 effort levels there is low risk of EKP being recruitment overfished (i.e. reduction of the breeding stock to a level that cannot maintain the population at a n acceptable level).

Information sources landings from the fishery exceeded MSY. Recent x Commercial logbook catch and effort record landings in Queensland are probably due, at x Fishery independent abundance information least in part, to reduced catch and effort in NSW resulting in more EKP migrating northward into x Performance measures Queensland waters, and hence more prawns being x Published local biological information available for harvest in the ECOTF. x Quantitative stock models (2005) x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings The overall trend in nominal trawl effort in both Queensland and NSW has been one of marked Comments decline in recent years from around 30 000 boat- Eastern king prawns (EKP) are harvested in both days and above Emsy before 2000, to less than Queensland and in NSW. The Queensland EKP 20 000 boat-days and less than Emsy in 2009–10. harvest is about four times larger than the NSW However, fishing power of vessels has increased in harvest. EKP is the most economically valuable trawl the order of 50% over the last two decades (O’Neill & fishery resource in Queensland and is harvested Leigh 2006). This means that the decline in nominal almost exclusively in the ECOTF with a negligible part effort has been more than offset by the increase in of the harvest taken in the River and Inshore (Beam Trawl) Fishery in some years. fishing power, and therefore standardised effort in the fishery has likely increased. Since 2001, Queensland EKP landings have been maintained in the 2000–3000 t range (Figure 53). Future assessment needs The highest and equal second highest EKP catching A recent assessment of the sustainability of the years on record are 2009 and 2010. Otter trawl catch ECOTF indicates that there is low risk of EKP being rates were steady from 2001–06 and then increased recruitment overfished at 2010 effort levels. to their highest levels in 2007–10. The 2010 catch However, EKP are considered growth overfished in rate was sightly lower than in 2009. Recreational, Moreton Bay and in NSW. A stock assessment for the indigenous and charter landings are uncertain but are likely to be negligible. combined Queensland and NSW EKP fishery is being undertaken in 2011 as part of an externally funded The most recent quantitative stock assessment research project. Bio-economic modelling of the EKP undertaken on the entire Queensland and NSW EKP fishery is also underway and will determine optimum fishery estimated MSY at 2612 t and Emsy at 25 664 yield and effort for maximum profitability of the boat-nights (O’Neill et al. 2005). From 2008–10, total resource. This will assist management to further

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 64 protect EKP from growth overfishing wh ile harvesting the resource in an economically efficient manner.

For more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF. Further reading

O’Neill, MF, & Leigh, GM 2006, ‘Fishing power and catch rates in the Queenslan d east coast tra wl fishery’, Department of Primary Industries and Fish eries, Brisbane, Australia.

O’Neill, MF, Courtney, AJ, Good, NM, Turnbull, CT, Yeomans, KM, Staunton-Smith, J & Shootingstar, C 2005, ‘Reference point management and the role of catch-per­ unit effort in prawn and sca llop fisheries’, final report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project 1999/120, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Queensland.

Rowling, K, Hegarty, A & Ives, M, (eds) 2010, ‘Eastern King Prawn’, pp.109–112, in Status of Fisheries Res ources in NSW 2008/09, Industry & Investment NSW, Cronulla.

Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 35 00 200 180 3000 160

25 00 140 2000 120 100 15 00 Catch (t) 80 ra /d 10 00 60 40 (kgay) Catch te 5 00 20 0 0

1 2 5 8 9 03 06 07 10 00 0 0 0 0 200 2 2 2004 200 2 2 200 200 2

Figure 53: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of eastern king prawns caught by otter trawl, reported in logbooks 2001–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 65 Prawn–endeavour East Coast (Metapenaeus endeavouri and M. ensis)

Stock status 2011 Not fully utilised Stock status 2010 Not fully utilised Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Two species were considered in this assessment but landings are dominated (~80%) by blue endeavour prawns (Metapenaeus endeavouri). Current harvest levels are significantly lower than 2001–06 levels when an assessment concluded that endeavour prawns were sustainably fished. Stock status of not fully utilised remains unchanged from 2009–10. Species complex Blue endeavour prawn (Metapenaeus endeavouri) Red endeavour prawn (Metapenaeus ensis)

Information sources more northerly waters (Torres Strait to Cape Flattery) while red endeavour prawns are more abundant x Commercial logbook catch and effort (~60%) in more southerly waters (Cairns to Cape x Fishery independent abundance inform ation Bowling Green). Further biological data collection x Performance measures would be of value to interpret with greater certai nty x Published local biologic al information the composition of endeavour prawn species x Quantitative stock models (2004) harvested at different locations and times. x ECOTF ecological risk assessment For more information see the latest ASR for the Comments ECOTF. Commercial effort directed at endeavour prawns has Further reading stabilized at historically low levels after a series o f Gribble, NA, Wassenberg, TJ & Burridge, C 2007, ‘Facto rs effort declines that began in 1997. Since 2007, affecting the distribution of commercially exploited landings have been lower than from 2001–06, when penaeid prawns () (Decapod: Penaeidae) across the an assessment concluded that endeavour prawns northern Great Barrier Reef, Australia’, Fisheries Research, were sustainably fished (Turnbull and Gribble 200 4) vol. 85, pp. 174–185. (Figure 54). While catch rate is increasing, returns on sale of endeavour prawns are not high enough to encourage fishers to increase targeting them in Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) preference to more economically valuable species 1200 80 70 e.g. tiger prawns. 1000 60 800 The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found 50 that there is a low risk of endeavour prawns being 600 40

Catch (t) 30 overfished at 2010 effort levels. Stock status remains 400 20 unchanged from 2009–10. It was again determined 200 (kg/day) rate Catch 10 that endeavour prawn stocks are not fully utilised. 0 0

Future assessment needs 03 06 08 09 2001 2002 20 2004 2005 20 2007 20 20 2010

Uncertainty exists regarding endeavour prawn Figure 54: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of species composition in the ECOTF as the species are endeavour prawns caught by otter trawl, reported in not separated in the logbook. Preliminary data from logbooks 2001–10. fishery independent monitoring indicates that blue endeavour prawns are more abundant (~90%) in

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 66 Prawn–greasyback (Metapenaeus bennettae) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) / River and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery (RIBTF) Justification Greasyback prawns are the main species marketed as ‘bay praw ns’ and are harvested commercially in both Q ueensland and NSW trawl fisheries. The current harvest level is the highest since 2004 and ca tch rates are increasing. Recent a ssessment determined that the risk of this species being overfished in Queensland is low. In NSW the status of this species is ‘undefined’. A detailed study of bay prawn stock status in Moreton Bay is under way.

Information sources species composition of bay prawn catches is confirmed, particularly in Moreton Bay catches. x Commercial logbook catch and effort x Fishery independent abundance information Future assessment needs x Performance measures A project is currently under way to develop a reliable x Published local biological information index of abundance and stock assessment model x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings from commercial trawl fishery catch and effort data (‘Harvest strategy evaluations and co-management Comments for the Moreton Bay trawl fishery’, CRC Project The greasyback prawn (or ‘bay prawn’) is harvested 2009/774). This work is based on Moreton Bay commercially in both Queensland and NSW trawl catches where the majority of bay prawn landings fisheries. The Queensland harvest was about six occur. times greater than the NSW harvest in 2008–09. The For more information see the latest ASR for the term ‘bay prawn’ is a generic marketing term for a ECOTF. mixture of mainly greasyback prawns and a minor component of other penaeid prawn species. On Beam trawl catch (t) Otter trawl catch (t) average 54% of bay prawns are harvested in the River Beam trawl catch rate (kg/day) Otter trawl catch rate (kg/day) and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery (RIBTF) and 46% are 450 80 400 70 harvested in the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery 350 (ECOTF), mainly in Moreton Bay. 60 300 50 250 From 2001–10, landings of bay prawns have 40 200 Catch (t) 30 generally been steady in the 250–350 t range (Figure 150 20

55), but are occasionally taken at higher levels (e.g. 100 rateCatch (kg/day) 10 441 t in 2004). RIBTF and ECOTF catch rates were 50 0 0 variable from 2001–05 but have generally increased 1 0 10 0 003 007 0 since 2005. In 2010, bay prawn catch rates were at 2 2002 2 2004 2005 2006 2 2008 2009 2 their highest recorded levels. Abundance of this Figure 55: Commercial catches by beam and net trawl from species is likely to also be driven by environmental 2001–10 that includes catch reported in logbooks as both factors such as rainfall. ‘bay’ and ‘greasyback’ prawns. Catch rates represent ‘bay’ prawns only (as reported in the logbook), but are also The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found indicative of the catch rate for greasyback prawns. that bay prawns are at low risk of being overfished at 2010 effort levels. Although there are no sustainability concerns regarding this stock, the greasyback prawn is considered ‘undefined’ until the

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 67 Prawn–northern king ((rreeddssppoottaanndd bblluuee--lleeggggeedd)) EaEastst CCooaasstt ((MelicertMelicertusus longistylus andand M. latisulcatus))

SSttoocckk ssttaattuuss 22001111 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Trawl effort targeting northern king prawns has decreased since 2003. Landings decreased from 2003–07 but have stabilised from 2008–10. Catch rates have been variable since 2001 but in 2010 were at or near to the highest catch rates recorded for these species. Future assessment of the status of individual northern king pr awn species requires current species catch composition reported in logbooks to be verified. Species complex Redspot prawn (Melicertus longistylus) , blue-legged king prawn (Melicertus latisulcatus)

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Uncertainty exists as to whether blue-legged king x Performance measures prawns are an increasing proportion of the catch. x Published local biological information Species composition of landings reported as one or the other could be more precisely defined thro x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings ugh validation by fishery observers or market sampling. Comments With accurate species composition information, Northern king prawn landings (i.e. north of ~21°S) are separate assessment of the status of individual predominantly red spot king and blue-legged king northern king prawn stocks may be possible. For prawns (M. latisulcatus). The majority of northern more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF. king prawn landings recorded prior to 2003 included Further reading both redspot king and blue-legged king prawns, but have since been recorded separately in logbooks as Gribble, NA, Wassenberg, TJ and Burridge, C 2007, ‘Factors redspot king prawns and blue-legged king prawns. affecting the distribution of commercially exploited penaeid prawns (shrimp) (Decapod: Penaeidae) across the Fishing effort for northern king prawns have been in northern Great Barrier Reef’, Australia, Fisheries Research, decline for most years since 1996. Since 1990, vol. 85, pp 174–185. landings have been variable for most of the time series until they declined from 2003–07 before Redspot catch (t) Blue-legged catch (t) Redspot catch rate (kg/day) Blue-legged catch rate (kg/day) stabilising in 2008–10 (Figure 56). Catch rates have been variable since 2001 but in 2010 were at or near 1200 80 to the highest catch rates recorded for northern king 1000 60 prawns. 800 600 40 The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found Catch (t) 400 that there is a low risk of northern king prawns being 20 overfished at 2010 effort levels. Although there are 200 (kg/day) rate Catch no sustainability concerns regarding these species, 0 0 they are considered ‘undefined’ as the species-level 010 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2 breakdown of logbook data is unvalidated. Figure 56: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of redspot and blue-legged king prawns caught by otter trawl, reported in logbooks 2003–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 68 Prawn–school (Metapenaeus macleayi) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) / River and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery (RIBTF) Justification School prawns are an important species in the River and Inshore Beam Trawl Fishery (RIBTF) and occasionally in the East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) south of Tin Can Bay. From 2001–10, total landings of school prawns have been variable. Catch rates have been steady in the RIBTF, but variables in the ECOTF. A recent ecological risk assessment indicated that there is low risk of school prawns being overfished under current managemen t arrangements, but little is known of this species’ biology, local distribution and the fishery harvest levels that can be sustained by the Queensland stock.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Research in NSW found that school prawn migration x Published local biological information and harvests vary with high rainfall and stream flow x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findin gs events. Circumstantial evidence exists that school prawns in Queensland respond to environmental Comments changes in a similar manner. Information about local School prawns are an important species in the RIBTF distribution, biology and sustainable harvest levels and occasionally in the ECOTF south of Tin Can Bay. for this species in Queensland is lacking. School prawns are also harvested commercially in For more information see the latest ASR for the NSW fisheries, which landed more than three time s ECOTF. the Queensland school prawn harvest in 2008–09. In Further reading most years, the RIBTF harvests an average of 95% of total school prawn landings. However, in 2009 ECO TF Rowling, K, Hegarty, A & Ives, M, (eds) 2010, ‘School effort increased to historically high levels and Prawn’, pp.271–274, in Status of Fisheries Resources in landings increased to 80% of total school prawn NSW 2008/09, Industry & Investment NSW, Cronulla. landings and 32% in 2010 (Figure 57). From 2001–10, total landings of school prawns have been varia ble Otter trawl landings Beam trawl landings Otter trawl catch rate Beam trawl catch rate (Figure 57). RIBTF catch rates hav e been steady while 400 500

ECOTF catch rates have been variable. 400 300 The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found 300 that school prawns are at low risk of being 200 overfished at 2010 effort levels. The status of the Catch (t) 200 100 school prawn in NSW is ‘fully fished’. While there are 100 rate Catch (kg/day) no sustainability concerns, there is relatively little 0 0 known about this species and as such, it is classified 5 9 0 0 0 0 as ‘undefined’. 2001 2002 2003 2004 2 2006 2007 2008 2 2010 Figure 57: Commercial landings/catch (t) and catch rates of school prawns caught by otter and beam trawl, reported in logbooks 2001–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 69 Rockcod–bar East Coast (Epinephelus ergastularius and E. septem fasciatus )

Pat Tully ©NSW DPI

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery (DWFFF) / Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) Justification Repor ted commercial catches decreased from approximately 40 t to 20 t in 2009–10, with the m ajority of the catch reported from the CRFFF. A time series of age and length data is requir ed to provide more certainty in status. A small number of bar rockcod collected from t he commercial fishing sector have been aged and macroscopically sexed as females, with a maximum age of between 40–50 years. A new DEEDI research project ai m ed at collecting more biological data and completing an updated risk assessment for the fis hery has commenced. Species complex Banded rockcod (Epinephelus ergastularius), convict grouper (Epinephelus septemfasciatus)

Information sources information is not currently collected routinely for this species. Such information would be of value in x Commercial logbook catch and effort order to determine stock status in the future. This x Performance measures species will be assessed through an updated x Ecological risk assessment (2005) ecological risk assessment in 2012, and is already Comments monitored through performance measures. Bar rockcod are the dominant species caught by the The Fisheries Observer Program targeted L1 boats in New South Wales deep water line fishery and make 2009 to obtain better information on the catch of ba r up a significant proportion of the catch in the rockcod in the reef line fisheries. The line fisheries Queensland fishery. Bar rockcod commercial catch are again being focussed on in 2011. Results will be (CRFFF and DWFFF) increased from <1 t in 2004–05 to incorporated into the stock status process in the approximately 44 t in 2008–09 (Figure 58). In 2009– future. For more information see the latest ASR for 10 catches decreased to around 20 t. Recreational the DWFFF and CRFFF. catch estimates are not available for the species, although they are likely to be low due to the dep ths 50 and offshore locations that bar rockcod are found . 40 However new technology, including electric fishing reels, is allowing anglers to fish deeper waters and 30 the impact this may have on bar rockcod will need to Catch (t) 20 be considered in the future. There are some concerns 10 regarding fishers with an L1 licence (CRFFF) targeting the deeper waters more regularly with mechanical 0

1 3 6 10 reels to catch large cods, have attracted good prices -0 -02 -0 -04 -05 -0 -09 - 0 9 01 02 03 04 05 0 00 0 0 0 0 0 at the fish markets. 1999-002 2 2 2 2 2 2006-072007-08 2008 20 Future assessment needs Figure 58: Commercial catch of bar rockcod, reported in Currently, there is limited information on the logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. biological characteristics of this species. Age and length data would provide a better understanding of the population characteristics; however this

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 70 Rockcod–goldspotted (Ep inephelus coio ides) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined * Stock status 2010 No assessment made Principal fishery Recreational Justification This species is predominantly a recreational species, more commonly known as estua ry cod. No reasonable assessment of stock status could be made as recreational catch estimates are not directly attributable to this species (only recorded as ‘cod’). Updated estimates of recreational catches may assist in determining stock status in 2012 at the completion of the updated statewide recreational fishing survey.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort There is no recent local information available on the x Charter logbook catc h and effort biological characteristics of this species. However, x Recreational catch estimates there are also no current sustainability concerns for estuary rockcod. Comments

Goldspotted, or estuary rockcod is a popular 12 Catch (t) Days fished 350 recreational species that is easily accessible as they 10 300 inhabit inshore waters and estuaries. Currently, the 250 8

2005 recreational fishing estimate for species of 200 rockcod was recorded as ‘cods–unspecified’, 6 150 Days Catch (t) meaning that a specific estimate for this species is 4 100 not available. The new statewide recreational fishing 2 survey, which began in 2010, will provide updated 50 estimates of rockcod catch, but not at the species- 0 0

3 4 5 6 8 0 0 0 specific level. This is due mainly to issues in 200 20 200 20 2007 20 2009 accurate identification by recreational fishers o f Figure 59: Commercial catch of estuary rockcod and cods. number of days fished, reported in logbooks 2003–09. Commercial catch of estuary cod has increased from approximately 2 t in 2006 to 10 t in 2007 and 2008 (Figure 59). Large cods have attracted good prices at the fish markets. Charter catch is neglig ible at around 1 t, however, inshore operators (fishing in <2 m of water) are not required to complete charter logbooks. Therefore the catch is likely to be higher than reported here.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 71 Scallop–mud (Amusium pleuronectes) East Coast

©R. Swainston

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification The mud scallop is taken mainly as by-product in the tiger/endeavour prawn sector of the ECOTF. Since 2001, effort and landings have been decreasing, while catch rates have been variable. Little is known of this species’ biology and sustainable harvest levels. However, the recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found that there is not more than an intermediate risk of mud scallops being overfished at 2010 effort levels.

Information sources 80 Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 90 x Commercial logbook catch and effort 80 x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings 60 70 60 Comments 50 40 40 Kg/day

The mud scallop is a tropical Indo-West Pacific (t) Catch species of shellfish taken mainly as by-p roduct in the 30 20 20 tiger/endeavour prawn sec tor of the ECOTF. Since 10 2001, effort and landings have been d ecreasing, 0 0 while catch rates have been variable (Figure 60). 4 01 02 05 06 07 08 0 0 00 0 0 0 0 Little is know n of this species’ biology and 2 2 2003 2 2 2 2 2 2009 2010 sustainable harvesting levels and as such it was Figure 60: Commercial mud scallop catch (t) and catch rate considered ‘undefined’. However, the recent ECOTF (kg/day), reported in logbooks 2001–10. ecological risk assessment found that there is not more than an intermediate risk of mud scallops being overfished at 2010 effort levels.

Future assessment needs Assessment of trends of mud scallop harvest and trawl effort in areas that have high densities of mud scallop is required to improve reliability of fishery indicators as a measure of mud scallop abundance. For more information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 72 Scallop–saucer (Amusium balloti) East Coast

SSttoocckk ssttaattuuss 22001111 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) Justification Harvested in the ECOTF, the saucer scallop is the third most economically valuable trawl fishery resource in Queensland. Landings and catch rates are variable. In 2010, the ECOTF saucer scallop harvest was 411 t. Recent stock modelling indicates that recent levels of saucer scallop fishing effort and harvest have been within sustainable limits. The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found that there is not more than an intermediate risk of saucer scallops being overfished at 2010 effort levels.

Information sources stock from overfishing. The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found that there is not more than an x Commercial logbook catch and effort intermediate risk of saucer scallops being overfished x Performance measures at 2010 effort levels. x Published local biological information x Quantitative stock assessment (2010) Future assessment needs x Preliminary ecological risk assessment findings A scientifically rigorous estimate of stock MSY from quantitative modelling currently under way and Comments recently completed standardisation of saucer scallop Harvested in central and southern Queensland catch rates are providing reliable measures of waters less than 30 m deep, the saucer scallop is the sustainable saucer scallop harvesting in third most economically valuable trawl fishery Queensland. These will be used in future stock resource in Queensland. In 2010 the ECOTF saucer status assessments of saucer scallops. For more scallop harvest was 411 t (Figure 61). information see the latest ASR for the ECOTF.

Record high saucer scallop catch rates in Further reading Queensland during the 1980s were followed by very Campbell, MJ, Campbell, AB, Officer, RA, O’Neill, MF, low catch rates in the early to mid-1990s, where Mayer, DG, Thwaites, A, Jebreen, EJ, Courtney, AJ, Gribble, overfishing was likely to be occurring. Stock biomass N, Lawrence, ML, Prosser, AJ & Drabsch, SL 2010, ‘Harvest appears to have increased since 1997 when strategy evaluation to optimise the sustainability and rotational closures were put in place and catch rates value of the Queensland scallop fishery’, final report to began to recover. From 2001–10, landings and catch Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project No. 2006/024, DEEDI, Brisbane. rates have been variable. However, continued lower catch rates compared to historically higher levels indicate problems with stock production and Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) possible habitat degradation. 1000 140

120 Quantitative modelling of the stock has found that 750 100 recent harvesting levels are likely to be within the 80 500 60 estimated range for maximum sustainable yield Catch (t) (MSY) and effort is well below the estimated effort 250 40 Catch rate (kg/day) required to achieve MSY. Rotational closures of high 20 density harvesting areas (scallop replenishment 0 0

areas), an annual seasonal closure and a 90 mm 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 minimum legal size are specific management Figure 61: Commercial saucer scallop catch (t) and catch settings that have been introduced to protect the rate (kg/day), reported in logbooks 2001–10. Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 73 Sea cucumber–white teatfish East Coast (Holothuria fuscogilva)

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Bêche-de-mer Fishery (ECBDMF) Justification White teatfish continues to be commercially harvested at, or near, the quota level. The rotational harvesting strategy in place for sea cucumber (other than burrowing blackfish) is ensuring catch and effort for white teatfish is effectively distributed throughout the fishery area. Catch rates and individual mean size are relatively steady. However, the stock status of white teatfish is undefined until an appropriate resource assessment for this species is conducted.

Information sources Sea cucumber species are density dependent x Commercial logbook catch and effort spawners and are susceptible to unsustainable localised depletion from commercial harvesting. No x Performan ce measures estimate of the total white teatfish resource or a Comments sustainable yield estimate has been made for this White teatfish (Holothuria fuscogilva) is the second species. The stock status of white teatfish will be most valuable commercial sea cucumber species undefined until an appropriate resource assessment next to black teatfish (Holothuria whitmaei). The is conducted and a sustainable yield estimate species has been quota managed since 1999 and developed. continues to be harvested close to the allowable Future assessment needs level of take. Since 2004, the fishing industry has Stock status certainty will be improved by an operated under a memorandum of understanding, appropriate resource assessment for white teatfish which includes a voluntary rotational zoning schem e with industry involvement. (RZS) where 154 nominated fishing zones may be fished for up to 15 days in one of every three years. For more information see the latest ASR for the Fisheries Queensland review ed the effectiveness of ECBDMF. the RZS in 2011 to ensure fishing operations were not tending towards localised unsustainable harvestin g pressure on commercial sea cucumber species. It was noted that the RZS was particularly effective in maintaining catches at below quota levels for white teatfish.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 74 Sea cucumber––bbuurrrroowwiinngg bbl l aacckkffiisshh EastEast CCooastast ((Actinopyga spinea))

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Bêche de mer Fishery (ECBDMF) Justification Most of the burrowing blackfish harvest comes from spatially discrete zones in the fishery called burrowing blackfish zones. Most zones have precautionary total allow able annual catch levels that have been developed through industry led resource assessments. However not all areas where harvest occurs have been surveyed. It is also a requirement that the existing resource assessments are repeated after three years to confidently demonstrate sustainable harvest levels. Fisheries Queensland is awaiting these results from industry. The stock status of burrowing blackfish is undefined until all zones are surveyed, the re-surveys have been completed and all results scientifically verified.

IInnffoorrmmaattiioonn ssoouurrcceess The stock status of burrburrowiowinngg blackblackffishish is undefined until re-surveys of all separ xx CommercialCommercial lologgbbooookk catch and effort aate burrowing blackfish zones have been completed and the resand resultsults xx Performance measures assessed by Fisheries Queensland. CCoommmmeennttss Future assssesssmmeenntt neeedds Separate management arrangements exist for Stock status certainty will be improved by an burrowing blackfish in the ECBDMF. This species has appropriate resource assessment for burrowing discrete total allowable catch levels assigned to blackfish being completed for all burrowing blackfish defined spatial areas (burrowing blackfish zones)s) zones. Certainty will also be improved when the that have been based on an industry initiative to results of the repeated industry surveys are available provide scientifically verified resource assessments. for assessment. For more information see the latest While the sustainable yield estimates for these areashese areas ASRASR for the ECBDMF. are believed to be conservatively set, allowing continued annual harvesting at the level is dependent on the resource assessments being repeated after three years to demonstrate no declines in the resource.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 75 Sea mullet (Mugill cceephphalualuss)) EaEastst CCooaasstt

S tock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification The stock is shared with New South Wales (NSW). Queensland’s catches are below the lo ng term average; however, they are within historical levels. Both length and age data h ave been fairly consistent over recent years. Sea mullet was assessed by NSW as ‘fully fi shed’ due to a long history of stable landings and catch rates for estuary and oc ean fi sheries in both jurisdictions.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Bell, PA, O’Neill, MF, Leigh, GM, Courtney, AJ & Peel, SL x Recreational catch estimates 2004, ‘Stock Assessment of the Queensland–New South x Performance measures Wales Sea Mullet Fishery (Mugil cephalus)’, Queensland Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Deception x Fishery dependent length and age information Bay, Australia. x Published local biological information Rowling, K, Hegarty, A & Ives, M, (eds) 2010, ‘Sea Mullet’, Comments pp.275–278, in Status of Fisheries Resources in NSW Sea mullet comprise the largest catch by weight of 2008/09, Industry & Investment NSW, Cronulla. species harvested by commercial net fisheries in Queensland (Figure 62). The sea mullet stock is Net Net catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day) shared with NSW. Monitoring of length and age 2500 250 information from both stocks indicate no sustainability concerns (Figure 63). Catches and 2000 200 catch rates have been stable for many years, 1500 150 although overall these are near the lower limits in the

Catch (t) 1000 100 historical record dating back to the 1940s.

500 50 rate (kg/day)Catch Performance measures for sea mullet did not trigger in 2010. 0 0

6 0 Sea mullet was recently assessed by NSW as ‘fully 2002 2003 2004 2005 20 2007 2008 2009 2010 fished’ due to a long history of stable landings and Figure 62: Commercial net catch (t) and catch rate of sea catch rates for estuary and ocean fisheries in both mullet, reported in logbooks from 2002–10. jurisdictions. Future assessment needs Stock status certainty will be improved by a stock assessment (joint with NSW) of sea mullet; and more accurate estimates of recreational harvest of sea mullet. The next statewide recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 with results available in 2012. For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 76 Estuarine Male n=1170 Ocean beach Male n=1461 Female n=1993 Female n=2712 50% 2008 50% 2008

40% 40%

30% 30%

20% 20%

10% 10%

0% 0%

9 7 9 5 3 5 7 9 1 3 7 1 5 7 1 3 5 25 2 31 33 3 3 41 4 47 49 5 55 59 2 2 3 39 4 – –27 – –35 – – –43 –2 –4 –5 0– 2– 0– 6– 8– 8– 0–3 8– 4–4 2–5 24 26 28 3 3 34 36 38 4 42 44– 4 4 50–5152– 54– 5 24 26– 28– 3 32– 34–3536–3 3 40– 42–434 46 48–4950–5 5 54 58–59

Male n=863 Male n=1377 50% 2009 2009 Female n=2013 50% Female n=3722 40% 40%

30% 30%

20% 20% Proportion Proportion 10% 10%

0% 0%

9 7 5 3 9 5 3 3 5 9 25 2 31 33 3 39 41 4 49 51 5 55 59 25 2 31 3 37 39 4 45 47 51 5 5 5 – – – – –27 – –3 – –41 – – –49 – – 0– 6– 8– 8– 0– 6– 8– 4– 2– 24 26–2728– 3 32 34–3536– 38– 40 42–4344– 4474 50– 52– 54– 5 24 26 28 3 32 334 3 3 40 42 4 46 48 50 5 54 58–

Male n=1416 Male n=1522 2010 50% Female n=2124 50 % 2010 Female n=2483 40% 40 % 30% 30% 20% 20 %

10% 10 % 0% 0 %

9 7 9 5 3 5 3 1 9 27 35 43 51 31 39 47 55 9 – 25 –29 –37 –45 –53 4 6– 8–2 4– 6–3 8–3 2– 4–4 0– 2–5 4–55 4–2 8 0– 2–3 6 8– 0–4 4 6– 8–4 2 4– 8–5 2 2 2 30–3132–333 3 3 40–414 4 46–4748–495 5 5 58–59 2 26–272 3 3 34–353 3 4 42–434 4 4 50–515 5 5 Length Class (cm) Length Class (cm)

Figure 63: Length frequencies of estuarine and ocean beach-caught sea mullet from 2008 to 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 77 Shark (Elasmobranchii) East Coast anndd GGuullff ooffaCaC rrppeenntatarriia a

SSttoocckk ssttaattuuss 22001111 Undefined Stock status 2010 No assessment made Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) Justification Fisheries Queensland is undertaking a five year program of collecting and assessing critical information for determining the status of sharks harvested in Queensland. The major shark species are considered un defined until full stock assessments can be completed.

Information sources Queensland East Coast Shark Resources 2009–14 x Commercial logbook catch and effort has been developed. The plan documents the specific data needed for future stock assessments x Recreational catch estimates and describes Fisheries Queensland programs in x Charter logbook catch and effort place that address these needs. The list of major x Performance measures species in order of priority for stock assessment is as x Fishery dependent length and age information follows: x Published local biological information x Blacktip shark complex–Carcharhinus tilstoni and C. limbatus Comments x Spot-tail shark–C. sorrah New arrangements for shark harvest on the east x Scalloped hammerhead shark–Sphyrna lewini coast have been in place since mid-2009, including a x Milk shark–Rhizoprionodon acutus precautionary 600 t quota, an observer program, x Australian sharpnose shark–R. taylori limits on incidental take and a species-specific shark logbook. In 2009–10, 501 t of the quota was taken in x Spinner shark–C. brevipinna the ECIFFF. The shark fishery observer program has It is expected that full stock assessments will been in place in the ECIFFF since 2009 and commence for the major shark species in 2013. preliminary findings indicate that a large portion of Results will be applied to east coast and GOC shark shark catch harvested has occurred when targeting stocks where appropriate. more valuable species, such as mackerels. Future assessment needs Detailed catch reporting of sharks has been in place The plan that has been developed that sets out the in the Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery strategies to be implemented by 2014 to assess the since 2006 in the N3 fishery and 2007 in the N9. population status of the major shark species being Fisheries Queensland monitors annual catch and taken in Queensland fisheries. catch rate trends of 18 shark species and groups in the GOCIFFF to ensure that risks to the sustainability For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF of these species are identified. Monitoring is through and the GOCIFFF. the GOCIFFF Performance Measurement System and Further reading reported annually. No concerns for harvest of shark species were identified in these reviews. Welch, D, Ovenden, J, Simpfendorfer, C, Tobin, A, Morgan, J, Street, R, White, J, Harry, A, Schroeder, R & Macbeth, W Fisheries Queensland is two years into a five year 2011, ‘Stock structure of exploited shark species in north information collection and assessment phase for our eastern Australia’, report to the Fisheries Research and major shark species. This information collection is Development Corporation, Project 2007/035, Fishing & being coordinated through the Shark Assessment Fisheries Research Centre Technical Report No. 12, James Working Group. A Plan for Assessment of Cook University, Townsville, Australia. Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 78 Snapper (Pagrus auratus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Overfished Stock status 2010 Overfished Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational Justification The snapper stock is shared with New South Wales (NSW) and is considered 'overfished'. Stock assessment results indicated a high level of fishing pressure. Updated mortality estimates for 2010 together with decreasing commercial catch and no increase in catch rate suggest that stock status has not improved. Fisheries Queensland implemented new management arrangements in September 2011 with the objective of allowing for the rebuilding of the snapper stock to sustainable levels over the longer term.

Information sources years (Figure 65). Snapper are recruited to the fishery at about four years of age under current management x Stock assessment (2009, using data to 2007) regulations (minimum size 35 cm) but the landed x Commercial logbook catch and effort catch by all sectors of the fishery is dominated by x Recreational catch estimates fish less than 10-years-old (Figure 65). x Charter logbook catch and effort Total mortality estimates calculated from fishery x Fishery-dependent age, length and mortality estimate information (2006–10) dependent monitoring data show that performance measures would have triggered for all sectors in x Performance measures 2010 (based on natural mortality–M of 0.15) and x Published local biological information appear to be getting higher each year. Caution needs Comments to be shown in interpreting fishing mortality estimates alone when recruitment may be This is a shared stock with NSW; south east increasing. However commercial catch has Queensland is considered the most northern limit of decreased and there is no clear catch rate increase the species major distribution. Commercial catch has which, together with the mortality estimate, provide halved in weight since 2005 but the recreational no evidence to 2010 of stock recovery. estimate almost doubled from the 2002 to 2005 survey (due to the average weight of fish being The current NSW stock status for east coast snapper landed increasing from 0.9 kg in 2002 to 1.6 kg in is ‘growth overfished’. 2005 attributed to changes in minimum legal size Future assessment needs limits). Commercial catch in 2010 continued to decline to a ten-year low of 79 t (Figure 64). Charter Monitoring programs to collect length and age catches remained around 45 t. The stock assessment information on snapper being harvested by all undertaken in 2009 indicated that the snapper sectors (commercial, recreational and charter) are exploitable biomass levels are approximately 35% of ongoing and supplemented by fishery independent the virgin biomass and the stock requires rebuilding surveys for juvenile fish. These data are crucial for (see Campbell et al. 2009). future stock assessments, and are used annually to monitor recruitment and estimate total mortality rate Fisheries Queensland has routinely monitored the in the population. An updated recreational catch size and age of snapper caught by all sectors of the estimate will be available in 2012. fishery since July 2006, with the largest fish sampled measuring over a metre in length. These fishery- A revised quantitative stock assessment has been dependent monitoring programs have shown that scheduled for 2014. snapper can live to more than 20 years of age in Queensland waters and may even live as long as 30

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 79 Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) Management respo nse 300 80 70 250 New management arrangements for snapper were 60 introduced in September 2011. These included 200 50 reducing the recreational bag limit for snapper from 150 40

five to four, with a maximum of one fish with a total Catch (t) 30 100

length over 70 cm. The minimum size limit for 20 RateCatch (kg/day) 50 snapper remains at 35 cm. The objective of these 10 changes is to allow for the rebuilding of the snapper 0 0

01 10 stock to sustainable levels over the long term. 2000 20 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 20

For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF. Figure 64: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of snapp er, Further reading reported in logbooks 2000 –10.

Campbell, AB, O’Neill, MF , Sumpton, W, Kirkwood, J & Wesche, S 2009, ‘Stock a ssessment summary of the Queensland snapper fish ery (Australia) and management strategies for improving su stainability’, De partment of Employment, Economic D evelopment and Innovation, Brisbane.

2008 Recreational Commercial Charter 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.1 0.1 0.1

Proportion 0.05 0.05 0.05 0 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+ 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+ 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+

2009

0.25 0.25 0.25 0.2 0.2 02. 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.1 0.1 0.1 Proportion 0.05 0.05 0.05 0 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+ 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+ 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+

2010

0.25 0.25 0.25 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.15 0.15 0.15 0.1 0.1 0.1

Proportion 0.05 0.05 0.05 0 0 0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+ 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+ 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20+

Age group (yrs) Age group (yrs) Age group (yrs)

Figure 65: Relative abundance of snapper in different age groups from retained recreational, commercial and charter (recreationally catches fro m charter ve ssels) catches, 2008 to 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 80 Snapper–crimson (Lutjanu s erythropterus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF)/ Recreational Justification Commercial harvest is increasing to historical levels reported prior to the introduction of quota in 2003–04 (~20 t). There is some published information regarding length a nd mortality estimates from the Great Barrier Reef region from the late 1990s, however mo re age, sex and updated recreational catch information is required. Species-level r ecording of commercial catch was introduced in logbooks in 2007; however, the species is grouped with saddletail snapper in the current recreational fishing survey. There are suspected increases in catch efficiency with increasing affordability of advanced technology (sounders, GPS, radar and sonar). There is high discard mortality (60%) for this relatively long-lived species.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Currently, there is limited biological information x Total allowable catch (TAC) for red snappers available relating to crimson snapper on the east x Recreational catch estimates coast. More independent information is required to x Charter logbook catch and effort validate logbooks, which will occur in 2011 when fishery observers will be focusing on the east coast x Performance measures line fisheries. x Published local biological information For more information see the latest ASR for the Comments CRFFF. In 2004, crimson snapper catch was included as part Crimson Snapper Nannygai - Unspecified of the commercial other species ‘OS’ quota. Catch of 35 crimson snapper in the east coast line fisheries has 30 increased from 820 kg in 2005–06 to just over 20 t in 25 2009–10 (Figure 66). Since the introduction of th e 20 LF05 logbook in 2007, reporting of ‘nannygai­ 15 Catch (t) unspecified’ catches have decreased from 10 approximately 20 t to less than 1 t. Crimson snappe r 5 attracts a beach price of between $8–10/kg. 0

1 0 4 6 8 9 10 -00 -02 03 -0 -0 -0 0 - Recreational catches for ‘nannygai (unspecified)’, 0 - 1 2- 7 8- 00 003 005 006-07 which includes catch of saddletail snapper, show an 1999 200 200 2 2 2004-052 2 200 200 2009 increase in catch from 162 t in 2002 to 193 t in 2 005 Figure 66: Commercial catch (t) of crimson snapper (east (east coast and Gulf of Carpentaria combined). An coast), reported in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. Prior to updated estimate for catches by species in the the introduction of the new logbook in 2007, some catch recreational fishing sector is expected in 2012. may be reported as ‘jobfish-unspecified’. Although recreational anglers will still report ‘nannygai (unspecified)’, regional resolution will be available for the first time. Charter catch in 2009–10 was 7.5 t, down from 9 t in 2008–09.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 81 Snapper–crimson (Lutjanus erythropterus) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery (GOCDFFTF) / Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery (GOCLF) Justification There has been increased effort in the fishery with addit ional boats accessing the fishery, but catch rate has remained stable. The total mortality estimate (Z) is low but is reliant on small sample si ze at this stage. The Fisheries Observer Program has reported smaller fish being now caught in the Gulf. Stock status remains uncertain until the Fisheries Research and Dev elopment Co rporation (FRDC) Gulf of Carpentaria red snapper monitoring project outcom es are released in 2011.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Outcomes from the FRDC project 2009/037 x Total allowable catch (TAC) for red snappers ‘Sustaining productivity of tropical red snappers x Recreational catch estimates using new monitoring and reference points’ will be considered in future stock status assessments (see x Charter logbook catch and effort ‘emperor–red’ for more information on this project). x Performance measures x Fishery dependent length and age information For more information see the latest ASR for the (2004–06) GOCDFFTF. x Published local biological information Further reading

Comments Fry, GC & Milton, DA 2009, ‘Age, growth and mortality Crimson snapper continues to be the main red estimates for populations of red snappers Lutjanus snapper species harvested, comprising 46% of the erythropterus and L. malabaricus from northern Australia total catch by weight (344 t in 2009) in the GOCDFFTF and eastern Indonesia’, Fisheries Science, vol. 75, pp. (Figure 67). It is also a by-product species in the Gulf 1219–1229. of Carpentaria Line Fishery (GOCLF) (Figure 67). Trawl catch (t) Line catch (t) Trawl catch rate Line catch rate Minimal local biological data was available. Age 400 3000 based catch curves were considered from Fry and 350

2500 Milton (2009), from fish collected 1990–2003. 300 2000 Length information is available from the Fisheries 250 Observer Program (FOP) in the Gulf from north and 200 1500 Catch (t) 150 south regions sampled between 2004 and 2006. The 1000 100 500 rateCatch (kg/day) total mortality estimate (Z) is low but is reliant on a 50 small sample size. Performance measures relating to 0 0

8 incremental declines in catch rates for the species in 04 05 06 07 199 1999 the GOCDFFTF did not trigger in 2009. 2000 2001 2002 2003 20 20 20 20 2008 2009 Figure 67: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of crimson snapper (GOC) caught by trawl and line, reported in logbooks 1998–2009.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 82 Snapper–goldband (Pristip omoides mul tide ns) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) / Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery (DWFFF) Justification Commercial harvest is historically between 30–60 t per year. No recreational estimate is available for this species. It is unknown if there is a single stock or separate stocks on the east coast. Some otoliths have been collected but have not been aged. Goldband snapper will be monitored as part of the Fisheries Observer Program (FOP) focus on line fisheries in 2011. This species is also currently monitored as a key ‘other species’ (OS) through the Performance Measurement System (PMS).

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort This species is unlikely to be a priority for specifi c x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage monitoring at this stage, resulting in a likely x Charter logbook catc h ‘uncertain’ status for some time. There may be some x Performance measures potential for the collection of otoliths from the FOP to analyse fish age data. Comments For more information see the latest ASR for the CRFFF Goldband snapper is predominan tly a deep water and DWFFF. species that may be targeted more readily in the future, with the potential for L1–L3 line fishers Goldband snapper Jobfish - unspecified utilising mechanical reel technology to target deeper 80 70 waters. Catches have increased steadily from 30 t in 60 2004–05 (when OS quota was introduced), to 58 t in 50 2009–10 (Figure 68). The species is potentially slow 40

growing but information on its biology was (t) Weight 30 considered limited at the time of assessment. It is 20 10 also unknown if goldband snapper on the east coast 0 is made up of a single stock or separate stocks. 0 2 10 0 -01 0 -06 -08 -09 - 7 8 Recreational catch is unquantifiable as catch was 1999- 2000 2001- 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005 2006-07200 200 2009 reported as ‘tropical snappers–unspecified’ in the last survey (2005). There have been some concerns Figure 68: Commercial catch (t) of goldband snapper, reported in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. Some catch of about species identification over the minimal charter goldband snapper may be still reported as ‘jobfish­ catch reported (<1 t in 2009–10) as the species is unspecified’ in the logbook. thought to be popular in the charter fishery. ‘Jobfish­ unspecified’ catch reported in the charter fishery in 2009–10 was 4.5 t.

The FOP will be collecting species-specific catch and effort information from the east coast line fisheries in 2011. Results will provide a better understanding of the logbook reporting accuracy for the species, as well as provide length information for both retained and discarded fish.

Fisheries Queensland will continue to monitor this species through its PMS.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 83 Snapper–hussar (Lutjanus adetii and L. vitta ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF)/Recreational Justification Commercial catches a re currently well below long term average for this species group (~20 t in 2009–10), while recreational catches are thought to be substantial. A rece ntly published local biological study from the Great Barrier Reef (Heupel et al. 2009) does no t indicate any concerns about the stock between 1995 and 2005. Updated estimates of recreational catches may assist in determining stock status in 2012 at the completion of the statewide recreational fishing survey. Species complex Pink hussar (Lutjanus adetii) Brownstripe hussar (Lutjanus vitta)

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Heupel, MR, Currey, LM, Williams, AJ, Simpfendorfer, CA , x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage Ballagh, AC and Penny, AL 2009, ‘The Comparative Biology x Recreational catch estimates of Lutjanid Species on the Great Barrier Reef’, Project Milestone Report to the Marine and Tropical Sciences x Charter logbook catch an d effort Research Facility, Reef and Rainforest Research Centre x Fishery independent length information Limited, Cairns. x Performance measures x Published local biological information Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 100 60 Comments 90 80 50 Commercial catch levels have decreased 70 40 60 dramatically since quota was introduced in 2004 50 30

(80 t to 20 t, Figure 69). There is potential for the Catch (t) 40 20 commercial catch to increase if the ‘OS’ quota 30 Catch rate (kg/day) 20 10 component is more fully utilised (currently 59% of 10 quota). For the purpose of future reporting of status, 0 0 the two species will remain grouped as Hussar spp. 7 9 0 -01 -02 -03 04 -06 -0 -0 -1 0 3- 06 08 09 999-00 00 002 00 005 0 0 0 Recreational catch estimates from 2005 indicate that 1 2 2001 2 2 2004-052 2 2007-082 2 approximately 430 t were harvested. An updated Figure 69: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of hussar, Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey is currently reported in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. underway, with results expected in 2012. Future assessment needs This species is unlikely to be a priority for specific monitoring at this stage, resulting in a likely ‘uncertain’ category for some time. There may be some potential for further assessment through research projects on lutjanids on the Great Barrier Reef. For more information see the latest ASR for the CRFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 84 Snapper–Moses (Lutjanus russelli) East Coast

SSttoocckk ssttaattuuss 22001111 Undefined * Stock status 2010 No assessment made Principal fishery Recreational Justification This species is more commonly known as Moses perch. It has limited commercial catches and is predominantly a recreational species. Improved recreational estimates o f harvest would be required to determine stock status.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort This species is unlikely to be a priority for specific x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage monitoring in the foreseeable future. An updated x Recreational catch estimates recreational estimate will be available in 2012. x Charter logbook catch and effort 4 Comments

Moses snapper is another popular recreational 3 species that is easily accessible in inshore waters 2

and estuaries. The 2005 recreational fishing estimate (t) Catch for moses perch was a harvest of around 71,000 fish. 1 The updated statewide recreational fishing survey, 0 which began in 2010, will provide revised estimates 1 2 5 6 0 -0 0 -07 0 1-0 5-0 6 7-08 of moses perch harvest and release rates. 99 0 0 0 0 0 003-04004- 0 0 0 008-09 009-1 19 -0020 20 2002-032 2 2 2 2 2 2 Since 2004, the commercial catch of Moses snapper has been stable at around 2 t (Figure 70). Charter Figure 70: Commercial catch (t) of Moses snapper, reported catch is higher at around 6 t per year, although in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. inshore charter operators (fishing in <4 m of water) are not required to complete charter logbooks. Therefore, this estimate is likely to be higher than reported here.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 85 Snapper–rosy (Pristi pomoides filamentosus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) / Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery (DWFFF) Justification Catch for this species remains low (<10 t), with some catch still likely reported in logbooks as ‘Jobfish – unspecified’. Observers in the line fisheries in 2011 will aid in better defining the species composition of unspecified jobfish. This species is currently monitored as a key OS species through the Performance Measurement System (PMS).

Information sources Although there is limited biological information x Commercial logbook catch and effort available on this species, it is not considered a priority species for monitoring at this stage. x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage x Charter logbook catch For more information see the latest ASR for the CRFFF and DWFFF. x Performance measur es x Published international biological information Further reading

Comments Langi, VA & Langi, SA 1989, ‘Indicators of fishing pressure in the deepsea snapper fishery of the Kingdom of Tong a’, Rosy snapper (Pristipomoides filamentosus) are Fishbyte, vol. 7, pp.15–17. caught by handline and dropline in Queensland and, in some years, make up a si gnificant proportion of Mees, CC 1993, ‘P opulation biology and stock assessment the catch of the deep water fishery. The high catch of Pristipomoides filamentosus on the Mahe Plateau, rates of rosy snapper in particular areas might be Seychelles, Journal of Fish Biology, vol. 43, pp.695–708. due to their tendency to aggregate in large shoals in Polovina, JJ & Ralston, S (eds) 1987, ‘Tropical Snappers and up-current localities (Mees 1993). The maximum Groupers’, Biology and Fisheries Management, Westview reported length is 90 cm total length (TL) ( maturing Press, Colorado. at 35–50 cm TL; Polovina & Ralston 1987) and the maximum reported age is 30 years. The potential Rosy snapper Jobfish - unspecified vulnerability of rosy snapper to overexploitation has 80 been shown in Samoa, where commercial 70 development of a multiple hook fishery saw a 60 50 subsequent depletion of rosy snapper over the 40 seamounts and large fish (over 61 cm) had Catch (t) 30 disappeared altogether in just nine years (Langi & 20 Langi 1989). 10 0

There has been minimal commercial catch reported 4 6 -00 -02 0 -05 -0 -07 -08 09 9 6 7 9 0 0 with much reduced effort in Queensland since 2005 9 001 002-03 0 0 1 2000-01 2 2 2003- 2004 2005 2 2 2008- 2009-10 (Figure 71) and as such, there are no sustainability Figure 71: Commercial catch (t) of rosy snapper, reported in concerns at present. logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. Some catch of rosy Future assessment needs snapper may be still reported as ‘jobfish-unspecified’ in the logbook. Observers in the line fisheries in 2011 will aid in better defining the species composition of unspecified jobfish. This species is currently monitored as a key OS species through the Performance Measurement System (PMS).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 86 Snapper–saddleta li (Lutjanus mala baricus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) / Deep Water Fin Fish Fishery (DWFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial harvest remains about half that of pre-quota levels (~50 t). Similar to t he crimson snapper, there is some older published information for this species, but current biological information is needed. This species is also grouped with L. erythropterus in the current recreational fishing survey due to diffi culty in species identification. There is high discard morta lity (60%) for this relative ly long-lived species.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Basic biological information including length and x Other species ‘OS’ quota usage age structures is needed to move this species out of an ‘uncertain’ category. Discard mortality is believed x Recreational catch estimates to be high for this species. Fishery Observer Program x Charter logbook catch and effort data would help to validate catches, including x Performance measures undersized bycatch, which is not reported in Comments logbooks. This species is monitored as a key OS species in the performance measurement system. Commercial saddletail snapper, ‘large mouth nannygai’ or ‘nannygai-unspecified’ catches are less For more information see the latest ASR for the CRFFF than half of the pre-quota levels (115 t in 1999–00 to and the DWFFF. 51 t in 2009–10, Figure 72). Since the LF05 logbook was introduced to the CRFFF in 2007, reporting of 160 Saddletail snapper Nannygai-unspecified ‘nannygai-unspecified’ has dropped from 18 t in 140 2006–07, to less than 100 kg in 2009–10. Saddletail 120 100 snapper attracts a beach price of between $8–10/k g. 80

Recreational catches for ‘nannygai-unspecified’ Catch (t) 60 show an increase in catch from 162 t in 2002 to 40 approximately 193 t in 2005 (east coast and Gulf of 20 Carpentaria combined). Results from the updated 0

-01 -03 04 06 Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey are expected 9-00 -09 05- 07-08 08 to be publicly available by mid 2012. 199 2000 2001-022002 2003- 2004-0520 2006-0720 20 2009-10 Figure 72: Commercial catch (t) of saddletail snapper (east There is currently no fishery-dependent biological coast), reported in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009–10. information available for the east coast.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 87 Snapper–saddletail (Lutjanus malabaricus) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery (GOCDFFTF) / Gulf of Carpentaria Line Fishery (GOCLF) Justification Similar characteristics to crimson snapper in the Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC)—increased effort in the fishery but catch rates have remained stable. Performance measures relating to incremental declines were not triggered. Biological information would assist in reducing the uncertainty associated with this stock.

Information sources Outcomes from the FRDC project 2009/037 ‘Sustaining productivity of tropical red snapp x Commercial logbook catch and effort ers using new monitoring and reference points’ will be x Total allowable catch (TAC) for red snappers considered in future stock status assessments (see x Recreational catch estimates ‘emperor–red’ for more information on this project). x Charter logbook catch and effort For more information see the latest ASR for the x Performance measures GOCDFFTF and GOCLF. x Fisheries Observer Program (FOP) data (2004–06) Comments GOCDFFTF catch GOCLF catch GOCDFFTF catch rate (kg/day) 250 900 In 2009, a record 229 t of saddletail snapper was 800 reported in the GOCDFFTF (Figure 73). There was a 200 700 significant decrease in catch in the GOCLF from 10 t 600 150 in 2008 to 4 t in 2009 (Figure 73). Recreational 500 400 100 catches for ‘nannygai-unspecified’ show an increase Catch (t) 300 in catch from 162 t in 2002 to around 193 t in 2005 50 200 g/day) rateCatch (k (east coast and Gulf of Carpentaria combined). 100 Charter catch was <1 t in 2009. 0 0

4 999 002 007 Length information is available from the FOP in the 1998 1 2000 2001 2 2003 200 2005 2006 2 2008 2009 Gulf from north and south regions sampled between Figure 73: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of 2004 and 2006. Performance measures relatin g to saddletail snapper (GOC), reported in logbooks 1998 to incremental declines in catch rates for the speci es in 2009. the GOCDFFTF did not trigger in 2009. Future assess ment needs Other biological information including age, sex ratios and growth curves would assist in reducing the uncertainty associated with this species. Discard mortality is believed to be high for this species. Additional observer coverage would help to validate catches, including undersized bycatch which is not reported in the logbooks.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 88 Snapper–stripey (Lutjanus carponotat us ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) Justification There have been increased commercial landings of this species from 20 t in 2004–05 to 65 t in 2009–10, which could be reflective of shifts in fisher targeting behaviour. Available length and age distributions for stripey populations in the Great Barrier Reef do not indicate any sustainability concerns (Heupel et al. 2009). This species is generally not susceptible to hook and line until they reach larger legal sizes, when they are sexually mature. This species will c ontinue to be monitored thro ugh the Performance Measurement System (PMS) for the CRFFF.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Heupel, MR, Currey, LM, Williams, AJ, Simpfendorfer, CA, x Other species (OS) quota usage Ballagh, AC & Penny, AL 2009, ‘The Comparative Biology of x Recreational catch estimates Lutjanid Species on the Great Barrier Reef’, Project Milestone Report to the Marine and Tropical Sciences x Charter logbook catch and effort Research Facility. Reef and Rainforest Research Centre x Fishery independent length information Limited, Cairns. x Performance measures x Published local biological information Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 70 16 Comments 60 14

Commercial catch levels have increased dramatically 50 12 10 since quota was introduced in 2004 (5 t to 65 t, 40 8 30 Figure 74), which may also be attributed to new Catch (t) d 6 logbooks specifying the species. Significant 20

4 Catch rate (kg/day) recreational catches estimates were observed in the 10 2 2005 survey (90 000 fish). Stripeys are likely to b e 0 0 1 7 caught when fishers target coral trout, which likely -00 -0 -02 -0 08 00 01 7- 09-10 0 contributes to their high catches. Stripey snapper 1999 2 20 2002-032003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006 200 2008-0920 length, age, sex ratio and mortality estimate data Figure 74: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of from a Marine and Tropical Sciences R esearch stripey snapper, reported in logbooks 1999–00 to 2009– Facility (MTSRF) project on lutjanids was considere d, 10. although information presented in the publication was grouped for the 11-year period. Future assessment needs Further data collection should be conducted to obtain more recent length composition and age estimates by sector. This species will continue to be monitored through the PMS for the CRFFF. There will unlikely be any additional monitoring undertaken by Fisheries Queensland on the species at this stage. For more information see the latest ASR for the CRFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 89 Squid–pencil (Uroteuthis spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Otter Trawl Fishery (ECOTF) / Recreational Justification The commercial squid harvest, 95% of which is from trawling, is predominantly made up of pencil squid (Uroteuthis spp.). Some pencil squid may also be taken in the recreational fishery. Queensland and northern New South Wales fisheries catch the same pencil squid species. An estimate of the recreational squid catch composition is ne eded before a more definitive classification of Queensland pencil squid stocks can be made.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The Queensland pencil squid harvest is compose d of x Recreational catch estimates several species but two species dominate: broad x Charter logbook catch and effort squid in inshore waters and slender squid in mid shelf waters. Landings data have not been attributed x Performance measures to individual species. However, it may be possib le to x Published biological information derive representative catch estimates for squid x ECOTF ecological risk assessment findings species in the ECOTF using observer information of Comments species composition of the squid catch. Approximately 95% of the Queensland commercia l Collection and analysis of catch and effort data from squid landings are taken by trawling, mainly in the high catching areas in the ECOTF would also be ECOTF; the other 5% is taken in other net and line valuable to effectively assess and monitor the fisheries. The Queensland east coast trawl harve st of sustainability status of pencil squid species. squid is dominated by pencil squid (83 t in 2010). For more information see the latest ASR for the Pencil squid are also harvested in New South Wales, ECOTF. (25 t landed in 2008–09). Recreational squid ha rvest is currently unquantified. Reported charter boat Otter trawl catch (t) Boats reporting squid catches catches of squid are negligible. 200 400 The number of ECOTF boats reporting squid landings 350 has generally been in decline since 2003 (Figure 75) . 150 300 250

Landings increased steadily from 2001–05 but 100 200 decreased by 50% from 2005–06 and h ave remained Catch (t) 150 at historically low levels since. The RIBTF contributes 50 100 Number of boats little to overall landings (1 t f rom 12 boats in 2010). 50 0 0 Squid are an incidental component of the trawl catch 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 which are retained in greater quantities when th e 20 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 20 harvest of more valuable targeted species (e.g. Figure 75: Total commercial catch (t) and number of boats eastern king prawns) is low. reporting pencil squid (otter trawling), reported in logbooks 2001–10. The recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found that there is not more than an intermediate risk of pencil squid being overfish ed at 2010 effort levels.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 90 Squid–tiger (Sepiot euthis l essionana) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast commercial net and line fisheries/ Recreational Justification Most commercial inshore net and line-caught squid and some recreational squid landings are likely to be tiger squid (Sepioteuthis lessionana). Recreational landings may be increasing. A better estimate of the recreational tiger squid catch is needed before a more definitive classification of tiger squid stocks can be made.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Dunning, MC, Yeomans, K & McKinnon, SG 2000, x Recreational catch estimates ‘Development of a northern Australian squid fishery’, final x Charter logbook catch and effort report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project 94/017, Department of Primary Industries, x Published biological information Brisbane. Comments

Approximately 5% of the Queensland commercial Net catch (t) Line catch (t) Net catch rate Line catch rate squid landings taken in inshore net, beam t rawl and 10 50 line fisheries are probably tiger squid (Sepioteuthis 8 40 lessionana). Tiger squid is a tropical speci es likely to be harvested from the Queensland east coast, the 6 30

Gulf of Carpentaria, Northern Territory and Western Catch (t) 4 20 Australia. The Queensland commercial harvest of 2 10 Catch rate (kg/day) tiger squid was 5 t in 2010 (Figure 76). Commercial catch rates are variable. Total harvest of this spe cies 0 0

1 2 3 5 6 8 9 0 0 0 could be much higher as it is a major likely sq uid 00 00 00 20 2 20 2004 2 20 2007 200 2 2010 species taken by recreational fishers, which is currently unquantified and not species specific Figure 76: Total commercial catch (t) and catch rates of tiger squid from net and line sectors, reported in logbooks Reported charter boat catches of squid are negligible 2001–10. (averaging about 50 kg per year) and the indigenou s catch is uncertain (but likely to be low). The status of this species will be reviewed again when an updated estimate of recreational catch is available.

Future assessment needs An updated estimate of recreational harvest of squid would be of value to determine recreational harvest of this species. A statewide recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 and results will be available in 2012.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 91 Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) / Recreational Justification The tailor stock is shared with New South Wales and is considered sustainably fished. Commercial catch and catch rates are stable and within historical bounds post management intervention in 2002. Age classes absent from the stock in the mid 2000s are present in recent age structures. Performance measures were not triggered in 2009–10. A recent stock assessment (2009) indicates that the combined Queensland– New South Wales total harvest of tailor is below the estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) and above 50% of virgin biomass.

Information sources x Current biomass of tailor is approximately 120% of the biomass corresponding to MSY for the x Commercial logbook catch and effort combined stock. x Recreational catch estimates x Charter logbook catch and effort x Recruitment has been below average in every year since 2001. x Performance measures x Fishery dependent length and age information x There is uncertainty over the current magnitude of (1999–2010) the recreational component of the tailor catch. x Published local biological information Future assessment needs x Stock assessment (2009, data to 2008) More accurate, regionally separated estimates of Comments recreational harvest of tailor will improve stock Commercial catch and catch rates are stable and status certainty. The latest statewide recreation al within historical bounds post management fishing survey in Queensland commenced in 2 010 intervention in 2002 (Figure 77). Long term with results available in 2012. monitoring of length and age composition For more information see the latest ASR for the information for tailor indicates the stock is rebuilding ECIFFF. from the mid 2000s when older age classes were Net Line missing from catches. Continuation of monitoring Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day) Quota Net catch rate (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) has demonstrated that these age classes are once 250 120

again present in the age structures (Figure 78). 200 100 Performance measures were not triggered in 200 9– 80 10. 150 60

Catch (t) 100 Fisheries Queensland completed an update of the 40

Queensland–New South Wales stock assessment for 50 20 (kg/day) rate Catch tailor in 2009. The update incorporated additional 0 0

data on catch sizes, catch rates and age-length 2001-02 6 7 9 -0 -0 3-04 4-05 5-0 6 7-08 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 frequency distributions from 2004 to 2008. Key 2002-03 2 2 2 2 2 2 2009-10 findings included: Figure 77: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of tailor, x The combined Queensland–New South Wales reported in logbooks 2001–02 to 2009–10. total harvest of tailor is below the estimated MSY and above 50% of virgin biomass.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 92 2007 2008 Commercial (Other) Commercial (Ocean Beach) 0.8 0.8

0.6 0.6

0.4 0.4 m Proportion 0.2 0.2

0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6

2009 2010 0.8 0.8

0.6 0.6

ortion 0.4 0.4

Prop Prop 0.2 0.2

0 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 Age group (yrs) Age group (yrs)

Figure 78: Relative abundance of tailor in different age groups from retained commercial catches, 2007 to 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 93 Teraglin (Atractoscion aequidens ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) / Recreational Justification Commercial catches have been relatively stable the last few years and the catch performance measure was not triggered. There is some concern over lack of older fish in the population based on fishery dependent sampling data. Teraglin is also subject to hi gh discard mortality. Reliable estimates of recreational catch data may aid in better defining stock status. Teraglin is currently being assessed as part of a Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) project on the fishery.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort An updated estimate of recreational catch data, x Recreational catch estimates available in 2012, may aid in better defining s tock x Charter logbook catch and effo rt status. Otoliths have also been collected x Fishery dependent length information (2006–10) opportunistically as part of the fishery-dependent sampling, but have not been aged. x Performance measures Comments A three-year FRDC funded project to address some of the knowledge gaps in the rocky reef fishery began in The catch of teraglin increased substantially from <5 t early 2009. The research is examining the important to 29 t in 2005, which may be an artefact of logbook areas of juvenile habitat of rocky reef fish species in changes. The commercial catch has now stabilized to southern Queensland as well as assessing various approximately 15–20 t over the past two years (Figure harvest strategies for the fishery. Key growth, 79). Teraglin is consistently targeted in the charter reproductive, and other fisheries parameters are fishery. There are some concerns from the fishery- being derived for pearl perch and teraglin. dependent information collected in the commercial, charter and recreational sectors that many of the For more information see the latest ASR for the larger fish aren’t being seen anymore, but m ore long- RRFFF. term monitoring data is needed. Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) 35 60 There is currently no reliable estimate of recreational 30 50 take. New South Wales (NSW) has reported the 25 species as ‘fully fished’, saying that the stock is 40 20 susceptible to fishing from commercial fishers and 30 15 there is a likely significant reduction in the stock, Catch (t) 20 10 however, more information is required. Catch rate (kg/day) 5 10 Length frequencies indicate that in 2011, some larger fish are starting to come through, but the catch is 0 0 00 01 02 03 05 06 08 09 10 truncated at around 60 cm (Figure 80). The 20 20 20 20 2004 20 20 2007 20 20 20 performance measure relating to teraglin catch w as Figure 79: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of not triggered in 2009, indi cating that there is no teraglin, reported in logbooks 2000–10. immediate threat to the sustainability of the stock in Queensland waters. Teraglin has a restricted rang e in southern Queensland, extending only from the NSW border north to Rainbow Beach.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 94 2008 n = 109 n = 100 n = 339 Recreational Commercial Charter 0.3 0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2 0.2

0.1 0.1 0.1

0 0 0

30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 36–37 36–37 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 48–49 60–61 78–79 84–85 84–85 36–37 48–49 60–61 78–79 84–85 84–85 84–85 66–67 78–79 78–79 66–67 48–49 60–61 66–67

n = 95 2009 n = 100 n = 1372

0.3 0.3 0.3

0.2 0.2 0.2

0.1 0.1 0.1 Proportion Proportion 0 0 0 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 36–37 36–37 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 84–85 84–85 90–91 90–91 48–49 60–61 78–79 36–37 48–49 60–61 78–79 84–85 84–85 66–67 84–85 84–85 90–91 90–91 66–67 78–79 78–79 48–49 60–61 66–67

2010 n = 137 n = 91 n = 1546

0.3 0.3 0.3 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.1 0.1 0.1 Proportion 0 0 0 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 30–31 42–43 54–55 72–73 36–37 36–37 36–37 90–91 90–91 84–85 84–85 48–49 60–61 78–79 90–91 90–91 84–85 84–85 48–49 60–61 78–79 84–85 84–85 90–91 90–91 90–91 48–49 60–61 66–67 78–79 78–79 66–67 66–67 Length class (cm) Length class (cm) Length class (cm)

Figure 80: Length frequencies of teraglin from retained recreational, commercial and charter (recreational catches from ch arter vessels) catches, 2008 to 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 95 Threadfin–blue (Eleutheronema tetradactylum ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) Justification Commercial catches and catch rates in 2010 were slightly lo wer than 2009 however these are still within historical levels. Life history characteri stics for this species are resilient to fishing pressure. Minimum legal size (MLS) ensu res a good proportion of the stock is protected from fishing. There are no indications of stock declines.

Information sources Further reading x Commercial logbook catch and effort Welch, D, Ballagh, A, Newman, SJ, Lester, R, Moore, B, van x Recreational catch estimates Herwerden, L, Horne, J, Allsop, Q, Saunders, T, Stapley , J & x Charter logbook catch and effo rt Gribble, NA 2010, ‘Defining the stock structure of norther n x Performance measures Australia’s threadfin salmon species’, final report to Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project Comments 2007/032, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Technical Blue threadfin catches and catch rates have been Report No. 10, James Cook University, Townsville, relatively steady since 2002 (Figure 81). Assessment Australia. against performance measures in the Performance Measurement System (PMS) indicates that there are Net catch Line catch Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day) Net catch rate (kg/day) no declining sustainability trends evident for blue 250 45 threadfin on the east coast. 40 200 35 Blue threadfin are fast growing and early maturing. 30 150 These factors ensure the species receives adequate 25 protection from fishing impacts through a 40 cm MLS 20 Catch (t) 100 and 10 fish in-possession limit for recreational 15

10 Catch rate (kg/day) fishers. Recent genetic studies have suggested there 50 5 are multiple populations of blue t hreadfin on the 0 0

3 8 east coast, however given its robust life history 0 0 0 0 004 006 0 characteristics it is also likely to be resilient to 2002 2 2 2005 2 2007 2 2009 201 localised fishing pressures. Figure 81: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of blue threadfin (east coast) caught by net and line, reported in Future assessment needs logbooks 2002–10. More accurate, regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of blue threadfin wil l improve stock status certainty. The current statewide recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 with results available in 2012.

For more information see the latest ASR for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 96 Threadfin–blue Gulf of Carpentaria (Eleutheronema tetradactylum)

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) Justification Life history characteristics of this species are resilient to fishing pressure. Minimum legal size (MLS) ensures a good proportion of the stock is protected from fishing. There are no indications of stock declines.

Information sources The Fisheries Observer Program has collected length data of blue threadfin bycatch. When analysed, this x Commercial logbook catch and effort data will be considered in stock status assessment. x Recreational catch estimates x Charter logbook catch and effort For more information see the latest ASR for the GOCIFFF. x Ecological risk assessment (2004) and 2010 review Further reading

Comments Welch, D, Ball agh, A, Newman, SJ, Lester, R, Moore, B, van Commercial catches of blue threadfin were slightly Herwerden, L, Horne, J, Allsop, Q, Saunders, T, Stapley, J & lower in 2010 compared with 2009, although catch Gribble, NA 2010, ‘Defining the stock structure of northern rates were similar (Figure 82). Catches remain within Australia’s threadfin salmon species’, final report to historical levels. Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project 2007/032, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Technical Blue threadfin are fast-growing and mature at a Report No. 10, James Cook University, Townsville, young age. These factors ensure the species receives Australia. adequate protection from fishing impacts through a

40 cm MLS and 20 fish in-possession limit for Net catch (t) Line catch (t) recreational fishers. Similar to the studies on the QFJA catch (t) Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day) east coast, results of recent genetic studies of Gulf of 140 10 9 Carpentaria blue threadfin have suggested the 120 8 existence of multiple populations in the Gulf. 100 7 However, once again, it is believed that the life 80 6 5 history characteristics of blue threadfin are likely to Catch (t) 60 4 increase their capacity to recover from localised 40 3 2 fishing pressures. 20 1 Catch rateCatch (kg/100m net/day) Future assessment needs 0 0 0 1 3 4 5 6 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 10 0 002 00 007 0 The following information needs will improve stock 20 2 2 20 2 20 20 2 20 20 2 status certainty: Figure 82: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of blue x Spatially defined performance measures to be threadfin (GOC) caught by net, line and QJFA permit reported in logbooks 2000–10. developed to provide early detection of unsustainable localised fishing pressures. x More accurate, regionally separated estimates of recreational harvest of blue threadfin. The current statewide recreational fishing survey commenced in 2010 with results available in 2012.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 97 Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir ) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF) Justification Regional catches (north, central and south) decreased in 2010; however they are wel l within historical levels. The central region produces the highest catch rates while the north region had the highest catches. No trend indicating unsustainable harvest was evident in overall commercial catches and catch rates. Recent research sugges ts king threadfin may have highly localised populations and may be subject to high fishing pressure in some areas. The performance measure for this species is not monitored at a regional level so it is not possible to de termine stock status at this time.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The following information needs will improve sto ck x Recreational catch estimates status certainty: x Charter logbook catch and effort x Spatially defined performance measures to be x Performance measures developed to provide early detection of x Recent research (see Further reading) unsustainable localised fishing pressures. x Published local biological information x More accurate, regionally separated estimates of Comments recreational harvest of king threadfin. The current statewide recreational fishing survey commenced Recent research suggests king threadfin may have in 2010 with results available in 2012. highly localised populations and may be under increased fishing pressure in some areas. This is For more information see the latest ASR for the similar for blue threadfin, however, less resilient life ECIFFF. history characteristics of king threadfin place this Further reading species at a higher risk from fishing impacts. Moore, B, Welch, D & Simpfendorfer, C 2011, 'Spatial Commercial catches of east coast stocks are abou t patterns in the demography of a large estuarine teleost; half that of harvest in the Gulf of Carpentaria (13 3.7 t king threadfin, Polydactylus macrochir', Journal of Marine caught on the east coast in 2010, Figure 83). Catches and Freshwater Research, vol. 62, pp.937–951. were assessed from three regions based on the recent stock discrimination research. No trends Welch, D, Ballagh, A, Newman, SJ, Lester, R, Moore, B, van indicating unsustainable harvesting were detected . Herwerden, L, Horne, J , Allsop, Q, Saunders, T, Stapley, J & The central region (from 21 to 24.5° S) included the Gribble, NA 2010, ‘Defining the stock structure of northern Fitzroy River and consistently produced the highest Australia’s threadfin salmon species’, final report to catch rates while the northern region produced the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project highest catches (Figure 84). 2007/032, Fishing and Fisheries Research Centre Technical Report No. 10, James Cook University, Townsville, New regionally scaled performance measures are to Australia. be developed and monitored to ensure timely detection of potentially unsustainable harvesting through the performance measurement system for the ECIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 98 Net catch (t) Line catch (t) Net catch rate (kg/day) Net catch rate (kg/100m net/day)

200 50

180 160 40 day) 140 120 30 10 0

Catch (t) 80 20 60 40 10 Catch rate (kg/ 20 0 0

2 5 6 8 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2003 2004 2 200 2007 2 2 2010 Figure 83: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of king threadfin (east coast) caught by net and line, reported in logbooks 2002– 10.

a) South of 24.5°S Net (t) Line (t) Catch rate (kg/100m net/day)

100 20

80 15

60 10 40 Catch (t) net/day) 5 20 Catch rate (kg/100m

0 0 1 8 0 2 0 90 92 93 94 95 96 97 9 99 0 0 09 1 9 99 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 007 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 19 1 20 200120 20032004200520062 20082 20 b) Central (21° to 24.5°S)

10 0 20

8 0 15

60 10 net/day)

Catch (t) 40 tch rat rat tch m

5 (kg/100 e Ca 20

0 0

3 1 3 5 7 9 0 02 04 06 08 99 00 01 19901991 1992 1 19941995199619971998199920002 20 20020 20020 20020 200 2 c) North of 21°S

10 0 20

8 0 15

60 10 e (kg e (kg

Catch (t) 40 net/day) 5 20 Catch rat rat Catch /100m

0 0

8 0 2 3 5 7 91 0 0 04 06 0 08 10 990 99299399499599699799 999 001 00 00 009 0 1 19 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 20 2 20 2 20 2 20 20 20 2 2 Figure 84: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of king threadfin (east coast) caught by net and line as reported in logbooks 1990–2010, broken down into three regions.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 99 Threadfin–king (Polydactylus macrochir) Gulf of Carpentaria

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Uncertain Principal fishery Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (GOCIFFF) Justification Commercial catches and catch rates increased slightly over the last year. Recent resea rch suggests king threadfin may have highly localised populations and there may be indications of high fishing pressure in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria (GOC). The stud y, however, was not designed to provide population level estimates. There is uncertainty in the research implications on the stock status of king threadfin given that the resourc e exhibits a stable catch history. Performance measures/thresholds will be established to measure sustainability at a scale appropriate to the regional stocks.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The following information needs will improve stock x Recreational catch estimates status certainty: x Charter logbook catch and effort x A stock assessment. x Performance measures x Spatially defined performance measures to b e x Ecological risk assessment (2004) and 2010 developed to provide early detection of review unsustainable localised fishing pressures. x Published local biological information x More accurate, regionally separated estimates of x Recent research recreational harvest of king threadfin. The next Comments statewide recreational fishing survey is scheduled King threadfin commercial catches and catch rates in commenced in 2010 with results available in 2012. 2010 were the highest since 2002 (Figure 85). For more information see the latest ASR for the Although catch statistics have been stable for som e GOCIFFF. time, recent research suggests king threadfin may have highly localised populations and may be under Net catch (t) Line catch (t) QFJA (t) Catch rate 600 25 increased fishing pressure in some areas (refer to

Welsh et al. 2010 in further reading of east coast king 500 20 threadfin). It is important to note that the researc h 400 was designed to determine stock discrimination of 15 300 king threadfin and not to provide an estimate of the

Catch (t) 10 resource in the GOC. The research does provide a 200 good baseline for designing further studies and age 100 5 and length monitoring programs for king threadfin. 0 0 Catch rate (kg/100 m net/day)

1 The stock status was determined to be ‘uncertain’ 0 0 0 0 given that there is conflicting information with 200 2 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 201 research suggesting local population concerns while Figure 85: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate of king the stock continues to demonstrate a stable threadfin (GOC) caught by net, line and QFJA, reported in commercial catch history. Fisheries Queensland logbooks 2000–10. plans to monitor for local fishing impacts through new regionally scaled performance measures for the GOCIFFF.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 100 Trevally (Carangidae) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Undefined * Stock status 2010 No assessment made Principal fishery Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) /Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) / Gulf of Carpentaria Inshore Fin Fish F ishery (GOCIFFF) / Recreational Justification Trevally species are often difficult to identify, resulting in ‘trevally–unspecified’ often reported through commercial logbooks and recreational diary returns. As such, it is likely that this group will remain as a species complex for some time. Commercial catches of trevally have remained relatively stable over the past decade in both the line and net fisheries. There is no current biological monitoring of trevally in Queensland. A new recreational estimate from the Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey will be available in 2012.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort The trevally (all species combined) net catch is x Recreational catch estimates currently monitored through the ECIFFF performance x Charter logbook catch and effort measurement system. Given that there are currently x Performance Measurement System no sustainability concerns for trevally it is unlikely that any further monitoring will be undertaken in the Comments foreseeable future. Given the difficulty in accurately identifying species For more information see the latest ASR for the RRFFF of trevally, this group will likely remain as a species and CRFFF. complex for some time. Commercially, trevally are caught in the line and net fisheries, with harvest of ‘trevally–unspecified’ collectively between 160–240 200 Line Net t per year (Figure 86). Trevally is also a popular 160 recreational species, and new information is being 120 collected through the current Queensland Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey, with results expected in 80 Catch (t) 2012. It is anticipated however that limited species 40 resolution will be obtained through the recreational 0 survey also. 1 2 5 0 0 07 1 1- - 99-00 02-03 03-04 05-06 06 0 0 0 0 009- The stock status was determined as ‘undefined*’ 19 2000-0 200 2 2 2004-0 2 2 2007-08 2008-09 2 given the species complex, which is most likely Figure 86: Line (RRFFF and CRFFF) and net (ECIFFF) predominantly made up of four species, including commercial catch of trevally, reported in logbooks 1999– (but not limited to) bigeye trevally (Caranx 00 to 2009–10. sexfasciatus), giant trevally (Caranx ignoblis), golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus) and silver trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 101 Trochus (Trochus niloticus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Not fully utilised Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery East Coast Trochus Fishery (ECTF) Justification Market demand for trochus shell and meat is very poor. Prices paid to the harvester barely meet the cost of production. Consequently commercial effort and catch levels in this fishery are extremely low with only 11% of the 250 t quota taken in 2009–10. Performance measures designed to detect localised depletion were not triggered. The fishery has a history of sustained higher catch levels. With such a low level of harvest in 2009–10, trochus is considered to be not fully utilised.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort There are no identified future assessment needs for x Performance measures the trochus resource while commercial interest, market demand and harvest levels remain low. Comments For more information see the latest ASR for the ECTF. Trochus shell is utilised both domestically and internationally in the manufacture of jewellery, Further reading buttons, ornaments and cosmetics. Trochus meat is Wilson, D, Curtotti, R & Begg, G (eds), 2010, 'Fishery Status of secondary importance to the shell. Tota l annual Reports 2009: status of fish stocks and fisheries managed harvest has remaine d below the commercial total by the Australian Government', Australian Bureau of allowable catch (TAC) of 250 t, with the greatest Agricultural and Resource Economics - Bureau of Rural annual harvest of approximately 223 t in the 1997– Sciences, Canberra. 98 financial year. Harvest levels in 2009–10 were extremely low at only 11% of the TAC (29 t, Figu re 87). Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/day) Participation rates (only one fisher in 2009–10) and 200 900 catch levels reflect the depressed prices and 180 800 decreased demand for trochus. Prices paid for 160 700 140 600 landed product were close to or below the cost of 120 500 100 production. The fishery is tracked annually through 400

Catch (t) 80 performance measures to ensure localised 60 300 200 unsustainable harvesting is detected. This indicator 40 rateCatch (kg/day) 20 100 did not trigger in 2009–10. 0 0

7 8 -04 -05 0 6-0 Trochus is also harvested in the adjacent, 0 7- 005-06 0 2003 2004 2 2 200 2008-09 2009-10 Commonwealth-managed Torres Strait fishery, where similar low levels of harvest were reported in 2009. Figure 87: Commercial catch (t) and catch rate (kg/day) of trochus, reported in logbooks 2003–04 to 2009–10. In its recent stock status determination, the Commonwealth concluded that the overfished s tatus for trochus was ‘uncertain’ while the stock was ‘not subject to overfishing’ (see Further reading). With such low harvest levels in Queensland, trochu s was considered to be not fully utilised in 2009–10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 102 Tropical rock lobs ert (Panulirus ornatus) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Tropical Rock Lobster Fishery (TRLF) / Recreational Justification Commercial harvest levels in 2010 were below the 195 t total allowable catch (TAC) introduced in 2009. Although the catch rate was trending down in 2010, it was well above the performance measure threshold level and the stock is considered ‘sustainably fished’. The lower catch levels in 2010 are not a concern and resulted from lower participation levels. A proportion of the fleet moved north into the adjacent Australia n Government-managed Torres Strait fishery to take advantage of better catch rates for tropica l rock lobsters in 2010.

Information sources comprise a single stock (see Pitcher et al. 2005). Tropical rock lobster resources in the adjacent Torres x Commercial logbook catch and effort Strait fishery were assessed as ‘not overfished’ and x Recreational catch estimates ‘not subject to overfishing’ in 2009 (see Further x Performance measures reading). x Resource assessment (2004) Future assessment needs Comments An integrated east co ast and Torres Strait stock Commercial catches and catch rates decreased in assessment has been identified as a high priority 2010; however this was well within threshold levels research need for the TRLF in Fisheries Queensland (Figure 88). Management of the TRLF underwent a Harvest Fishery Research & Development Priorities major change in 2009 when it moved to a catch (2008–2013). Additional improvements to the quota system. A TAC of 195 t was implemented under performance measures in lieu of an integrated stock this system based on a conservative 80% of the assessment are also required. For more information estimated maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for the see the latest ASR for the TRLF. east coast resource. The TRLF is characterised by a highly mobile fleet with the majority of boats able to Further reading move between the east coast and the Australian Pitcher, CR, Turnbull, CT, Atfield, J, Griffin, D, Dennis, D & government-managed Torres Strait fishery to take Skewes, T 2005, ‘Biology, larval transport modelling and advantage of better catch rates as they arise. It is commercial logbook data analysis to support management understood that a proportion of the east coast fleet of the NE Queensland rock lobster Panulirus ornatus fished the 2010 season in the adjacent Torres Stra it. fishery’, report to Fisheries Research and Development This would explain the reduced catches on the east Corporation, project 2002/008, CSIRO Marine Rese arch, coast that year. Given the lower catch levels were Cleveland. related to lower participation levels and the total Wilson, D, Curto tti, R & Begg, G (eds), 2010, 'Fishery Status harvest was below the TAC, tropical rock lobster is Reports 2009: status of fish stocks and fisheries managed considered to be ‘sustainably fished’. by the Australian Government', Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics - Bureau of Rural Tropical rock lobster in northern Australia, Torres Sciences, Canberra. Strait and Papua New Guinea are considered to

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 103 Catch (t) Catch rate (kg/tender day) Ca tch rate standa rdised 30 0 80

70 25 0 60 20 0 50 15 0 40

Catch (t) 30 10 0 20 50

10 rateCatch (kg/tender day) 0 0

2 4 6 9 00 01 03 0 05 07 08 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 00 0 0 0 2 20 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 201

Figure 88: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates (kg/tender day) of tropical rock lobster, reported in logbooks 2000– 10.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 104 Tuskfish (Choerodon spp.) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Uncertain Stock status 2010 Not assessed Principal fishery Coral Reef Fin Fish Fishery (CRFFF) / Recreational Justification Catches are returning to pre-quota levels recently (~23 t). There are no current indications of sustainability issues. The majority of tuskfish catch is recorded as tuskfish– unspecified in the logbooks. Identifying shifts in Other Species (OS) targeting would aid in calculating appropriate catch rate parameters. The updated recreational catch estimate (in 2012) may assist in confidently assigning a status.

Information sources Although there are currently no sustainabi lity x Commercial logbook catch and effort concerns for these species, it has been noted th at post-release mortality for tuskfish may be high . This x Other species (OS) quota usage species is not a priority for further independent x Recreational catch estimates monitoring, and will continue to be assessed thro ugh x Charter logbook catch the performance measures and stock status process x Fishery independent length information(2005–09) annually. x Performance measures Future assessment needs Comments The updated recreational estimate is important to Commercial catch levels decreased when quota was determine if further monitoring for this species is introduced in 2004 (27 t to 12 t). However, in 2009– warranted in the future. 10 catch levels returned to pre-quota levels of arou nd For more information see the latest ASR for the 23 t (Figure 89). The majority of tuskfish is reported CRFFF. as ‘tuskfish–unspecified’, but small catches of

Venus tuskfish and blue tuskfish are reported. Tuskfish-unspecified Venus tuskfish Blue tuskfish 30 Charter catch has been historically stable at around 25 30 t for unspecified tuskfish, and 8 t for Venus tuskfish. Significant recreational catch estimates for 20 unspecified tuskfish were observed in the 2005 15 Catch (t) survey (155 000 fish), and it is anticipated that with 10 the release of the recreational species fishing guid e 5 in 2008, the new statewide recreational fishing 0 survey will provide better species-specific resolution 0 2 3 4 0 01 -0 0 0 08 -09 -10 3- 7- 8 9 0 0 0 0 001 002- 0 0 0 0 for tuskfish. There is limited local biological 199 9- 2000- 2 2 2 2004-052005-06 2006-07 2 2 2 information available to calculate an accurate numbers-to-weights conversion for the recreational Figure 89: Commercial catch (t) of tuskfish reported in logbooks, 1999–00 to 2009–10. estimate. The Long Term Monitoring Program has collected and analysed some length frequency information for tuskfish since 2005, but sample siz es are small (<60 fish/year).

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 105 Whiting–sand (Sillago ciliata) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery (ECIFFF)/ Recreational Justification Commercial catches and catch rates decreased slightly in 2010 but are within historical levels. There is a comprehensiv e span of ages and lengths in the sampled population and it is evident that reasonab le recruitment is occurring. Estimated total mortality in 2010 was below the threshold level of twic e the natural mortality. The minimum size limit is set at size-at-first maturity, which increases the opportunity for fish to spawn before recruiting to the fishery.

Information sources x Separation of catch and catch rates to account for suggested regional differences. x Commercial logbook catch and effort x Recreational catch estimates x More accurate, regionally separated estimates of x Charter logbook catch and effort recreational harvest of sand whiting. The current statewide recreational fishing survey commenced x Performance measures in 2010 with results available in 2012. x Fishery dependent length and age information (2008–10) For more information see the latest ASR for the x Published local biological information ECIFFF. Comments Further reading

Commercial catches and catch rates decreased Kerby, BM & Brown, IW 1994, ‘Bream, Whiting and Flathead slightly in 2010 (Figure 90), however catch-related in south east Queensland: a review of the literature’, performance measures were not triggered. Catches in Information Series QI94028, Queensland Department of Moreton Bay are likely to have been affected by Primary Industries, Brisbane. marine park closures to fishing and may explain some of the reported decrease. Although sand Net Line Net catch rate (1) (kg/day) Line catch rate (kg/day) whiting is caught along the Queensland coast, the Net catch rate (2) (kg/100m net/day) majority of commercial harvest comes from south of 450 70 400 60 Baffle Creek near Bundaberg. Fishery dependent 350 50 monitoring of commercial and recreational catches in 300 the main fishery area indicates that total mortality in 250 40 200 30 2010 was below the threshold level of twice the Catch (t) 150 20 natural mortality. Age and length data indicates a 100 10 (kg/day) rate Catch stable stock with good recruitment (Figure 91). The 50 0 0 combination of a stable commercial catch history,

04 07 acceptable total mortality estimates and a 2002 2003 20 2005 2006 20 2008 2009 2010 precautionary minimum legal size indicates that the sand whiting resource is sustainably fished. Figure 90: Commercial catch (t) and catch rates of sand whiting by net and line, reported in logbooks 2002–10. Future assessment needs The following information needs will improve stock status certainty: x Separation of sand whiting from other whiting in commercial fisher logbooks.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 106 200 8 Commercial 45% Recreational 40 % 35 % 30 % 25 % 20 % 15 % 10 % 5% 0%

2 4 6 8 0 2 6 8 0 0 2 4 -24 -2 -32 -3 -4 -4 7-1 3 5 7-2 1 34 3 11-1 13-1 15-1 1 19-2 21-2 2 2 2 29-3 3 3 35-36 37-38 39 41-4 4

Commercial 2009 45% Recreational 40% 35% 30% 25% 20 % oportion

Pr 15% 10% 5% 0%

2 2 8 0 -24 -30 -3 3-14 5-16 7-18 9-20 3 9 7-3 9-4 1-42 11-12 1 1 1 1 21-2 2 25-26 27-28 2 31 33-34 35-36 3 3 4 43-44

Commercial 2010 45 % Recreational 40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

2 0 2 4 6 8 0 2 4 0 2 14 16 18 -2 -3 -4 7- 9 3-2 5-2 9-3 1 3-3 7-38 9 3-44 11-1 13- 15- 1 1 21-2 2 2 27-2 2 3 3 35-36 3 3 41-4 4 Length Class (cm) Figure 91: Length frequencies of sand whiting retained from commercial and recreational catches, 2008 to 2010.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 107 Whiting–stout (Sillago robusta) East Coast

Stock status 2011 Sustainably fished Stock status 2010 Sustainably fished Principal fishery Fin Fish (Stout Whiting) Trawl Fishery (FFTF) Justification This is a single species stock shared with New South Wales (NSW), although Queensland takes the majority of the landings. Since 2005, total Queensland stout whiting landings have been substantially less than the predicted sustainable level upon which the annu al total allowable catch (TAC) is based, largely due to economic drivers. Biological monitoring data and commercial landings data for the stock are relatively stable.

Information sources Future assessment needs x Commercial logbook catch and effort Estimates of stout whiting mortality in the eastern x Charter logbook cat ch and effort king prawn sector of the ECOTF and increased fishing x Performance measures power associated with the recent ad option of Danish seine gear are being considered in a current x Fishery dependent length and age information (1992–2010) reassessment of the stock. x Stock assessment (2002) For more information see the latest ASR for the FFTF. x Preliminary ecological risk assessment findings Further reading Comments O’Neill, M, Yeomans, K, Breddin, I, Jebreen, E & Butcher, A Stout whiting are shared with NSW although 2002, ‘The Queensland Stout Whiting Fishery 1991 to Queensland takes the majority share (90% in 2009– 2002, Fisheries Assessment Report’.. Queensland 10). The NSW stock is considered to be ‘moderately Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. fished’. Taking into consideration the status of the O’Sullivan, S & Jebreen, E 2007, ‘Fisheries Long Term Queensland and NSW stock, the fishery is Monitoring Program—Summary of stout whiting (Sillago considered ‘sustainably fished’. In Queensland, robusta) survey results: 1991–2006’, Department of stout whiting is a commercial species fished Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Australia. exclusively using trawl nets and, since 2006, Da nish seine nets. Danish seine catch rates are higher than Danish seine catch (t) trawl catch rates (1.8 times higher in 2010). Fish trawl catch (t) Annual Total Allowable Catch (t) An annual TAC for stout whiting is set before the start 1500 of each fishing year using standardised catch-rates, 1250 catch-at-age frequencies and formal decision rules. 1000 While the TAC has increased incrementally from 750

800 t to 1500 t since 2003, annual landings Catch (t) 500 decreased from 2005–08 (Figure 92). This was due t o 250 limited effort in the fishery. In 2009 and 2010, 80% 0 and 78% of the TAC were harvested in successive 0 4 8 9 0 0 0 0 002 003 005 006 007 years in contrast to 53% in 2008. Stout whiting is a 1999 20 2001 2 2 20 2 2 2 20 20 2010 common bycatch species in the eastern king prawn Figure 92: Commercial catch (t) of stout whiting by fish sector of the East Coast Otte r Trawl Fishery (ECOTF). trawl and Danish seine, reported in logbooks 1999–2010 . However, the recent ECOTF ecological risk assessment found that there is not more than an intermediate risk of stout whiting being overfished at 2010 ECOTF effort levels.

Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 108 Stock status of Queensland’s fisheries resources 2011 109 Department of Employment, EconomicDevelopment and Innovation

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