Review of size, bag and boat limits in South Australia’s recreational fishing sector, marine and freshwater SUPPORT DOCUMENT FOR THE MANAGEMENT PLAN FOR RECREATIONAL FISHING IN SOUTH AUSTRALIA January 2016

Review of size, bag and boat limits in South Australia’s recreational fishing sector, marine and freshwater

Information current as of January 2016

© Government of South Australia 2016

Disclaimer

PIRSA and its employees do not warrant or make any representation regarding the use, or results of the use, of the information contained herein as regards to its correctness, accuracy, reliability and currency or otherwise. PIRSA and its employees expressly disclaim all liability or responsibility to any person using the information or advice.

In this document common and scientific fish names are, where possible, according to AS:SSA-001 Australian Fish Names Standard published by Seafood Services Australia in July 2007, as amended from time to time. The use of this standard is regulated in the South Australian Fisheries Management Act 2007. All enquiries

Primary Industries and Regions SA (PIRSA) Level 14, 25 Grenfell Street GPO Box 1671, Adelaide SA 5001 T 08 8226

Objective ID: A1281801

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Table of Contents

Introduction 5 This review 5 Summary of proposed changes 6 Future reviews 7

Key Marine Finfish Species 8 Southern Garfish Hyporhamphus melanochir 8 King George Whiting Sillaginodes punctatus 10 Snapper Chrysophrys auratus 11 Australian Herring (Tommy Ruff) Arripis georgianus 13 Australian Salmon - Western (Arripis truttacea) 14

Other Marine/Estuarine Finfish Species 15 Albacore Thunnus alalunga 15 Bight Redfish, Swallowtail, Redfish/Nannygai Centroberyx spp. 16 Blue Morwong Nemadactylus valenciennsi 16 Bluethroat Wrasse Notolabrus tetricus 17 Bream Acanthopagrus spp. 18 Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii 19 Flathead Platycephalus spp. 20 Flounder Family Pleuronectidae and Family Bothidae 20 Harlequin Fish Othos dentex 20 Mullet Family Mugilidae 21 Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus 21 Samsonfish Seriola hippos 22 Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex 22 Snook Sphyraena novaehollandiae 23 Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyyii 23 Sweep Scorpis spp. 24 Western Blue Groper Achoerdus gouldii 25 Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares 25 Yellowfin Whiting Sillago schomburgkii 25 Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi 26

Sharks 27 Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus 27 School Shark Galeorhinus galeus 27 Whaler Sharks (Bronze and Dusky) Charcharhinus spp. 28

Key Marine Invertebrates 29 Blue Swimmer Crab Portunus armatus (formerly P. pelagicus) 29 Southern Calamari Sepiotheuthis australis 30 Pipi (Goolwa Cockle) Donax deltoides 30

Other Marine Invertebrates 32 Abalone Haliotis spp. 32 Black cowry Zoila friendii thersites 32 Bloodworms Glycera ovigera 32

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Giant Crab Pseudocarcinus gigas 33 Sand Crab Ovalipes australiensis. 33 Cockle Katelysia spp (Mud Cockle) 34 Cuttlefish Sepia spp 34 Razorfish Pinna bicolor 34 Scallop Family Pectinidae 35 Sea Urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma 35 Southern Rock Lobster Jasus edwardsii 36

Freshwater species 37 Cooper Creek Catfish Neosiluroides cooperensis 37 Catfish - Hyrtl’s Tandan Neosilurus hyrtlii and Silver Tandan Porocilus argenteus 37 Golden Perch (Murray Catchment) Macquaria ambigua 38 Golden Perch/Lake Eyre Perch Macquaria spp. 38 Grunter Terapontidae spp. (except Silver Perch) 39 Spangled Perch Leiopotherapon unicolor 39 Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii 40 Trout, Brown Salmo trutta and Rainbow Oncorhynchus mykiss 41 Yabby Cherax destructor 41

References 42

Appendix 49

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Introduction The most recent survey of recreational fishing estimated that approximately 277,000 South Australians enjoyed recreational fishing in 2013/14 (Giri et al. 2015). Recreational fishing generates valuable social and economic benefits to regional areas of the state. For future generations to continue to enjoy this activity, it is imperative that recreational fishing is managed in a way that shares the stocks and protects the aquatic environment.

A recent definition of recreational fishing is “fishing activities undertaken either for personal consumption or for fun, sport, thrill of the catch or social bonding” (Arlinghaus et al. 2010). This definition highlights a social shift in which increasing numbers of recreational fishers seek to enjoy the total fishing experience in addition to harvesting fish. However, research has shown that a relatively small proportion of fishers account for a significant proportion of recreational fishing effort in Australia (Henry and Lyle 2003), indicating substantial latent effort in this sector of South Australia’s fisheries.

One of the ways that recreational fishers are able to continue to operate sustainably, and at the same time experience high quality fishing, is through the application of personal harvest limits. Since the mid-1970s personal bag limits (the number of fish of each species that one person can harvest in one day) have been applied to key recreationally important species in South Australia. Boat limits, which limit the harvest per boat trip (usually 3 times the bag limit), were introduced in 1994. Size limits, applied to both commercial and recreational sectors, have been in place for many more years. Where possible, size limits are chosen to allow fish at least one spawning period in which to reproduce. This information is not always known, and some size limits have been chosen for other reasons such as precautionary approach, controlling harvest and marketing reasons.

The first formal review of recreational regulations, including size, bag and boat limits, occurred in 1998 (PIRSA 1998). That review introduced recreational fishers to a number of innovative options for regulating their catches, and these included simplified multi-species bag limits and commercial quantity limits. This review

The present review aims to update the existing limits by taking into account the status of fishery stocks, harvest shares and recent biological research, and is guided by the principle that recreational fishing is considered a sport/pleasure activity and is not managed to provide a return on investment in boats or fishing gear. This review takes the stance that current harvest shares between recreational and commercial fishers should be maintained unless there are explicit reasons for changing shares1.

In preparing this review, advice has been sought from fisheries scientists, fisheries managers, compliance officers as well as the RecFish SA and the Conservation Council of South Australia. The review covers all recreational fishing including that undertaken as part of the SA Charter Boat Fishery. It does not include review of gear or closures.

At the front of this document is a summary and recommendations section that highlights any changes that have been proposed in an easy to reference section

This is followed by the detail for each species including: • current limits • proposed changes • fishery biology in brief (including distribution and size at first maturity where known). Unless otherwise specified, fish species distribution information is taken from Gomon et al. (2008) and invertebrate distribution from Edgar (2000)

1 Catch allocation is based on catches by SA residents only, and does not include the catch taken by interstate residents fishing in SA waters.

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• current stock status, if known • catch from the 2007/2008 (Jones, 2009) and 20014/2015 recreational fishing surveys (Giri et al. 2015) • percent of total harvest, if known, from the 2013/14 (Giri et al. 2015) recreational fishing survey • reasons for proposed changes

A list of meetings and workshops held to inform this review (Table 2) and the current recreational size, bag and boat limits and a summary of the proposed changes can be found in Appendix 1 at the end of the document.

For convenience the species are grouped into the following sections and listed alphabetically within each sections: a) Primary marine finfish b) Other marine/estuarine finfish c) Primary invertebrates d) Other invertebrates e) Freshwater species

The recreational fishery is largely regulated through size limits, bag and boat limits (which is the focus for this review). Fishing rules also apply in relation to fishing gear, closures (spatial and temporal) and protected species (these rules are not considered by this review). The legal minimum length is generally set so that most fish will have the chance to reach their reproductive size. With the protection of size limits, most fish will survive to spawn at least once before capture. This allows the replenishment of the species. Bag limits are also a management measure for protecting and maintaining fish stocks, as this restricts the number of fish taken by fishers. Summary of proposed changes

The review proposes to:  reduce the bag/boat limit for Garfish, Australian Herring, Samsonfish, Western Blue Groper, Large (>60cm) Yellowtail Kingfish, Blue Swimmer Crab/Sand Crabs state-wide (grouping of six species)  reduce the bag/boat limit for Snapper in Spencer gulf, Scallops in Coffin Bay and formalise the reduction in the bag limit for Pipi on Gunyah Beach (grouping of three species)  increase the bag/boat limit for Spangled Perch (one species)  increase the size limit for Bream, Mulloway (Marine waters) and Samsonfish (grouping of three species)  introduce a maximum size limit (slot limit) for Blue Throat Wrasse and Whaler Sharks (grouping of two species)  introduce limits for Albacore, Bloodworms, Blue Throat Wrasse, Whaler Sharks, Congolli, and Harlequin Fish (grouping of six species)  introduce boat limits/car boot limits for Pipi and Yabbies (grouping of two species)  remove limits for Yellowfin Tuna (one species)  protect Cooper Creek Catfish from fishing (one species)

Some species have more than one proposed change (e.g. changes to size limit and bag limit). These changes are outlined in Table 1 of the Review in the Appendix (page 50) and explained under the description for each species. There are no changes proposed for 20 regulated species. In addition, it should be noted that a separate review document has been prepared for consultation on proposed new management options for King George Whiting.

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Future reviews

Future ‘Recreational Size Boat and Bag Limit Reviews’, will be undertaken as necessary as part of the review of the ‘Management Plan for Recreational Fishing in South Australia’ (the management plan), which is required to occur every 5 years.

In addition, individual species arrangements may be reviewed, as per the management plan, where: • the status of the species has changed and the need for a management change in the recreational fishery sector is identified following updated scientific information (harvest strategy) • a change to the recreational catch is needed in order to maintain the sector’s catch within its allocated share where updated catch information is available and a management change is considered necessary to maintain shares (allocation)

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Key Marine Finfish Species Southern Garfish Hyporhamphus melanochir

Current limits: Min Size: 23 cm. Bag: 60. Boat: 180

Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 60 to 30, and boat limit from 180 to 90. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The status of Garfish stocks in both gulfs are currently classified as transitional depleting.

A reduction to recreational bag limit will contribute to meeting the harvest fraction targets in the Garfish harvest strategy.

Social The current limits (Bag: 60. Boat: 180) are considered excessive by some members in the community, and maybe considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing.

As many recreational fishers do not reach their daily bag limit, such a reduction to the bag limit will not impact all fishers, and/or will not impact every fishing trip. It is therefore considered that a bag limit reduction would have limited impact on most fishers.

A bag limit of 30 and a boat limit of 90 Garfish is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.

Other information The Garfish Harvest Strategy key aim is to recover the fishery by reducing the harvest fraction and increasing egg production. Commercial management changes have been implemented, including hauling net seasonal closures in the commercial Garfish fishery to reduce exploitation. In addition, new gear restrictions on hauling nets were implemented in 2013 to minimise and avoid the capture of undersize Garfish. In 2015, further restrictions were introduced for haul nets combined with an increase to the commercial size limit of Garfish to increase the age of Garfish captured in the commercial fishery and avoid undersize Garfish.

Garfish are a schooling species and found in shallow, inshore marine waters throughout southern Australia from Shark Bay in Western Australia to Eden in southern New South Wales, including Tasmania (Kailola et al. 1993). Southern Garfish have been particularly abundant in the two gulf regions of South Australia.

The association with sheltered seagrass habitat is linked to diet, a hypothesis first proposed over 50 years ago (Ling 1958). This has been supported by several more recent studies in both Victoria and South Australia. The study undertaken in north eastern Gulf St. Vincent confirmed that Zosteracean seagrasses were consumed in relatively large quantities during the day, followed by a switch to hyperbenthic invertebrates in lower volumes at night (McGarvey et al. 2009).

The estimated L502 for female Southern Garfish in South Australia is 21.5 cm (total length), equivalent to 1.7 years old, which is smaller than for fish in both Victoria and Western Australia (Ye et al. 2002b). This, along with other evidence, suggests that the size and age of first maturity have decreased over time, possibly

2 L50 is the size (length) when 50% of females are sexually mature.

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as a result of a high exploitation rate (McGarvey et al. 2009). Southern Garfish are serial spawners with asynchronous oocyte development that occurs simultaneously in reproductively-active gonads. Spawning throughout the SA gulfs extends from October to March and during the summer of 1997/98 there appeared to be two spawning peaks, one during November/December and the other in February; mean estimate of batch fecundity is 960 oocytes (McGarvey et al. 2009).

Commercial catch samples taken during the 1990s were aged for a study on age and growth (Ye et al. 2002a). Seven age classes were present in the catch, from 0+ to 6+ age classes. However the catches were dominated by 1+ and 2+ fish which accounted for 88.8% of all fish sampled. Similar breakdowns in age classes were shown in recent ageing work from the northern parts of the two gulfs (Fowler et al. 2008a). This age structure demonstrates that a single year class dominates the fishery for approximately 12 months before it is fished down and replaced by the following year class. Under such circumstances fishery productivity is driven by inter-annual variation in recruitment (McGarvey et al. 2009).

The age structure described above has not altered in recent years but differs markedly from that recorded in the 1950s. This historical comparison suggests that the fished populations of the upper gulfs are now significantly truncated with respect to size and age, consistent with high, long-term exploitation rates the Southern Garfish populations have been subject to (McGarvey et al. 2009). In 2007/08, 74.82 t were harvested by recreational fishers and in 2013/14, 79.82 t were estimated to have been harvested (23.3% of the total harvest for this species).

Southern Garfish are classified as transitional depleting in both gulfs (Steer.M et al. 2012). The size and age structures of the stocks are considered severely truncated as a result of high and sustained levels of exploitation. Despite a significant restructure in 2005 of the commercial fishery and spatial closures there has been little sign of improvement (Steer et al. 2011). A Garfish Harvest Strategy has been developed in the Management Plan for the South Australian Commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery. The key aim of the harvest strategy is recovery of the fishery by reducing the harvest fraction and increasing egg production. The commercial sector has implemented a series of stepped management measures (mesh size reductions, commercial size limit increase, and winter fishing closures) to reduce the commercial harvest fraction in line with the Garfish harvest strategy. Everyone who catches Garfish is contributing to the current stock issue, and as such their activities must be taken into account in developing a solution and arrangements for managing Garfish.

Management changes have been progressively implemented in the commercial sector to assist in rebuilding Southern Garfish stocks in line with the Garfish Harvest Strategy. These commercial management changes, including hauling nets seasonal closures in the commercial Garfish fishery, were implemented in 2012, 2013 2014 and 2015 to reduce exploitation. A total of 40 days is now closed to Garfish fishing in the peak catching period. In addition, new gear restrictions on hauling nets were implemented in 2013 to minimise and avoid the capture of undersize Garfish. In 2015, further restrictions were introduced for haul nets combined with an increase to the commercial size limit of Garfish to increase the age of Garfish captured in the commercial fishery and avoid undersize Garfish.

In line with the Garfish Harvest Strategy and maintaining each sectors catch shares, the recreational bag limit of Garfish should be reduced for sustainability reasons. A reduction to recreational bag limit will contribute to the harvest fraction targets in the Garfish Harvest Strategy which apply to all sectors in proportion to their catch share.

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King George Whiting Sillaginodes punctatus Current limits: Min Size: 30 cm west of 136°. 31 cm east of 136°, Bag: 12. Boat: 36, Possession limit: 6 times bag limit 72 fish or 10 kg fillets or 36 fish and 5 kgs of fillets

Proposal: Separate management review underway

King George Whiting are a member of the family Sillaginidae and are endemic to the shelf waters of southern Australia ranging from Port Jackson on the east coast through Bass Strait and west to Jurien Bay on the west coast of Australia (Kailola et al. 1993). Juveniles occur in shallow waters to depths of 20 m, whilst adults are found in a range of habitats and depths from sandy patches in seagrass meadows to more exposed waters along coastal beaches and reef areas in the continental shelf waters to depths of 50 m and greater (Kailola et al. 1993). The nursery areas for King George Whiting are shallow, protected bays where the post-larvae arrive during the winter and spring each year (Fowler et al. 2008a).

Spawning in South Australia occurs at the offshore grounds to which fish migrate, including Investigator Strait along the north coast of Kangaroo Island and south-eastern Spencer Gulf around Corny Point and Wardang Island (Fowler et al. 2008a). Spawning typically occurs between March and May. King George Whiting are serial batch spawners, yet the number of spawnings in a season is unknown. Batch fecundity increases as the female fish grow; from an average of 100 000 eggs at 34 cm total length to 800 000 eggs at 45 cm (Kailola et al. 1993).

King George Whiting eggs are buoyant and the larvae are planktonic. The larvae move inshore to sheltered areas and settle out of the plankton between 60 and 150 days old and 15-18 mm long, depending on when spawned. Juveniles remain in protected waters for 2-3 years. King George Whiting greater than 25 cm total length generally move to deeper water, particularly during winter (Kailola et al. 1993) (Fowler and McGarvey 2000).

The King George Whiting fishery is a ‘gauntlet’ fishery, which relates to their migratory behaviour and targeting by both sectors of juvenile fish on route to their spawning grounds. When the fish reach approximately three years of age and approximately 30 cm in length, they undertake a once-off migration between the shallow, protected waterways to deeper, offshore waters (Fowler et al. 2002). As they do this, they run the gauntlet of fishing lines and nets that are used to target them. Some fish must complete this migration in order to replenish the populations of mature, adult fish that undertake the reproductive activity.

A maximum age of 22 years and a maximum size of 72 cm total length and 4.8 kg have been recorded. Growth rates vary from region to region, depending on the water temperature. King George Whiting grow rapidly in the summer months of December to March. They typically reach 31 cm in 3-4 years (Kailola et al. 1993). Maturity is attained at 3 or 4 years of age when males are between 27 cm and 32 cm total length and females between 32 cm and 36 cm total length. The sex ratio at that time is even but among older fish (greater than 50 cm total length) females are 4 times more numerous than males (Kailola et al. 1993).

Juvenile King George Whiting feed on benthic amphipods and other crustaceans. As they grow larger their diet expands to include polychaete worms, molluscs and peanut worms (Sipuncula). Adult King George Whiting are preyed upon mostly by sharks, whilst juveniles are eaten by other fish such as flathead (Platycephalidae), Australian Salmon (Arripis species) and Barracouta (Thyrsites atun).

The Spencer Gulf stock was classified as ‘transitional depleting’ based on declining trends for some key King George Whiting performance indicators: modelled biomass as outputted from the computer model ‘WhitEst’, commercial catch, commercial effort and commercial catch per unit effort (CPUE). The Gulf St Vincent and Kangaroo Island stock was also classified as ‘transitional depleting’, due to declining trends in key performance indicators for fishery statistics and fishable biomass. For both stocks there were record low commercial catch and effort in 2013. In 2007/08, 324.3 t were harvested by recreational fishers and in 2013/14, 366.9 t were estimated to have been harvested (58.1% of the total harvest for this species).

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There will be a separate process for the consideration of management review for King George Whiting, as this species was identified as needing a management change given the stock was classified as ‘Transitional depleting’ in the most recent stock assessment for the species. A management options paper has been provided for public consultation on the proposed management options. Feedback on this options paper may be provided as part of this size, bag and boat limit review.

Snapper Chrysophrys auratus

Current limits:

Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Min Size: 38 cm. Bag: 38 – 60 cm: 5. Bag: > 60 cm: 2 Boat: 38 – 60 cm: 15. Boat: > 60 cm: 6

All other waters Bag: 38 – 60 cm: 10. Bag: > 60 cm: 2 Boat: 38 – 60 cm: 30. Boat: > 60 cm: 6

Proposal: Change bag limits for Snapper between 38 cm – 60 cm in all other waters to 5, and boat limits to 15 for all state waters. No changes to Snapper larger than 60 cm

Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological Snapper stocks are considered transitional depleting in Southern and Northern Spencer Gulf, South East, Southern Gulf St Vincent. The Snapper stock in Northern Gulf St Vincent is considered sustainable. This review recommends that bag limits be standardised across state to 5 for fish of 38-60 cm (boat limit of 15). This will assist with reducing fishing pressure on Snapper and more closely reflects the status of the stocks.

Social The current Spencer Gulf limits (Bag: 15. Boat: 30) are considered excessive by some members in the community, and may be considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing. A bag limit of 5 Snapper 38 to 60 cm and 2 Snapper over 60 cm, and a boat limit of 15 Snapper 38 to 60 cm and 6 Snapper over 60 cm, given the species’ large size, is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.

Other information A number of management measures were introduced for Snapper in the commercial fishery. These changes included: • extension (15 days) of the annual state-wide Snapper fishing closure from 1 November to midday 15 December to provide the species with increased protection from fishing activity while spawning occurs • temporary seasonal Snapper spawning spatial closures 15 December – 30 January to maximise opportunities for spawning success and promote future recruitment to the fishery • 500 kg daily commercial trip limits, to control the level of commercial impact on Snapper stocks • an upper limit of 200 hooks by commercial longline operators inside the gulfs, 400 hooks outside the gulfs to control the level of commercial impact on Snapper stocks.

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Snapper are found in a broad range of habitats from shallow, coastal, demersal areas to the edge of the continental shelf and across a depth range from 1 – 200 m. The broad distribution is thought to be divisible into a number of separate stocks, including a division between Victorian and South Australian stocks in the vicinity of the mouth of the River Murray. Snapper can also form separate stocks at spatial scales smaller than the regional geographic scale. However there is little evidence for any finer-scale genetic differentiation amongst Snapper captured from the remaining SA waters.

Spawning in northern Spencer Gulf commences in late November, peaking in December and declining in January before finishing in early February. The timing appears to be approximately one month later in the Southern Spencer Gulf (Fowler et al. 2010a). Snapper are multiple batch spawners that spawn over several consecutive days. While spawning seems to occur widely through SA, the main nursery areas are thought to be in the northern parts of both gulfs, particularly Spencer Gulf (Fowler et al. 2010a). Mature adults form large aggregations in preferred spawning areas. Spawning generally occurs in waters less than 50 m deep (Kailola et al. 1993).

Snapper eggs are pelagic and hatch after approximately 36 hours at 21°C. The larvae are also pelagic and take 20-30 days to develop before they become demersal juveniles (Fowler et al. 2010a). Studies on the distribution patterns of eggs are limited but they have patchy distribution patterns, which suggest distinct spawning hotspots. Recruitment of Snapper is highly variable (Fowler et al. 2010a). The life history model for Snapper suggests that the majority of fish remain resident to their region whilst a lower proportion of fish are migrants (Fowler et al. 2010a)

Snapper are long-lived and slow-growing fish; the oldest estimate of age obtained so far from SA is 36 years. The age structures of Snapper from different regions of SA show the presence of strong and weak year classes (Fowler et al. 2010a). Age at first maturity also varies throughout their distribution. Snapper from New South Wales are, on average, 3 years old and 30 cm fork length at first maturity. Snapper in Port Philip Bay first breed when they are about 4 years old and 27 cm total length, while those from Southern Australian waters are about 28 cm total length at first maturity. In New Zealand, some juvenile Snapper change sex from female to male but all such changes are completed by the onset of maturity. There have been no investigations of sex reversal in Australian Snapper populations (Kailola et al. 1993).

Following an extensive review of Snapper management arrangements from 2011 through to 2013, which included State wide public consultation, a number of management measures were introduced for Snapper. These changes included: • an extension (15 days) of the annual state-wide Snapper fishing closure from 1 November to midday 15 December in order to provide the species with increased protection from fishing activity while spawning occurs • temporary seasonal Snapper spawning spatial closures 15 December – 30 January to maximise opportunities for spawning success and promote future recruitment to the fishery • 500 kg daily commercial trip limits to control the level of commercial impact on Snapper stocks • an upper limit of 200 hooks by commercial longline operators inside the gulfs, 400 hooks outside the gulfs to control the level of commercial impact on Snapper stocks

There are five biological Snapper stocks recognised in South Australian waters: Gulf St Vincent, southern Spencer Gulf, northern Spencer Gulf, West Coast and South East. The first four of these stocks appear to be genetically similar but demonstrate some physical or biochemical differences (Fowler et al. 2004). Recent stock assessments suggest that most of the biomass exists in three biological stocks: Gulf St Vincent, southern Spencer Gulf and northern Spencer Gulf (Fowler et al. 2010). Southern Spencer Gulf, Northern Spencer Gulf, and South East were classified as transitional depleting, and Gulf St Vincent sustainable. The information on the status of these three biological stocks is provided from the Status of Key Australian Fish Stocks 2014 report, which considered fishery information up until 2013/14.

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The recreational harvest of Snapper in 2007/08 was 177.55 t (19.3% of the total harvest, 10% of which is charter boat take3) and in 2013/14 the estimated harvest was 332.49 t (37.6% of the total harvest for this species). When the varying limits were introduced there was a larger biomass of Snapper in Spencer Gulf. Since then the situation has fluctuated and the differing limits are no longer the best option. Reduction in the bag limit in non-GSV waters to be equal to that in GSV reflects this new distribution data.

Australian Herring (Tommy Ruff) Arripis georgianus

Current limits: Min Size: none. Bag: 60. Boat: 180

Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 60 to 40 and boat limit from 180 to 120. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The Australian Herring stock has been considered as depleted, with a high risk to the sustainability of the stocks. A reduction to recreational bag limit will contribute to recover of the species.

Social The current limits (Bag: 60. Boat: 180) are considered excessive by some members in the community, and may be considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing. As many recreational fishers do not reach their daily bag limit such a reduction to the bag limit will not impact all fishers, and/or will not impact every fishing trip. It is therefore considered that a bag limit reduction would have limited impact on most fishers. It is noted that Australian Herring are used for both consumption and bait. A bag limit of 40 and a boat limit of 120 Australian Herring is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.

Other information The WA report ‘Status of near shore fish stocks in south-western Western Australia: Part 1; Australia Herring’ describes the status of Australian Herring as being depleted, with a high risk to the sustainability of the stocks due to: • high estimates of fishing mortality • high percentage of immature fish in the catch • truncated size and age structures • relatively poor recruitment since 1999 In WA, to encourage sustainable fishing and protect the Australian Herring stock, a daily bag limit was reduced from 30 to 12 for recreational fishers came into force on 1 March 2015. A number of management measures have already occurred in SA to the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery net licences, which have inadvertently reduced the commercial effort and catch of Australian Herring over time.

Australian Herring, also called ‘Tommy Ruff’, is an inshore schooling fish endemic to southern Australian waters and is generally fished off jetties. In 2007/08 it was the third and 2013/14 the second most commonly caught marine finfish in SA (Jones 2009 and Giri et al. 2015 ). The only known spawning aggregations occur off the south west Western Australian coast and are dependent on local WA recruits and sub-adults passing through gauntlet fisheries from SA, Victoria and Tasmania.

3 Based on the SA component, does not take into account interstate component.

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Size of first maturity (L50) of females is 20 cm in Western Australia. In some years, a strong current carries most eggs and larvae south and as far east as Victoria. In other years, more eggs and larvae stay on WA’s west coast. Herring stay where they settle until reaching maturity, when they migrate back to WA’s lower west coast to spawn. After this they stay on WA’s west coast – there is no return migration. Australian herring aggregate on the WA west coast around May to June to spawn. This life cycle has important implications for South Australia, as the fish caught in South Australia are immature/pre-spawning fish, which must migrate back to the WA west coast if they are to spawn.

The recreational harvest of Australian Herring in 2007/08 was 93.04 t and in 2013/14 was 157.23 t. This fish is considered to be a good training species for children learning to fish. There was a substantial decrease in Australian Herring recreational catch from 3.3 million fish in 2000/01 to 0.8 million in 2007/08. There was an increase in 2013/14 to 1.0 million fish, however it is worth noting that this is still lower than 2000/01.

The WA report ‘Status of near shore fish stocks in south-western Western Australia: Part 1; Australia Herring’ describes the status of Australian Herring as being depleted, with a high risk to the sustainability of the stocks due to: • high estimates of fishing mortality • high percentage of immature fish in the catch • truncated size and age structures • relatively poor recruitment since 1999

SA and WA fisheries have both observed a decline in annual commercial landings since the 1990s, with both fisheries in 2011 experiencing the lowest catches on record. WA catch rates have also declined during this period, while the SA catch rates have declined and fluctuated since a peak in 1997/98.

In Western Australia, where the majority (~ 75%) of the total commercial and recreational catch occurs, a daily bag limit was reduced from 30 to 12 for recreational fishers. In addition, closure of the commercial South Coast G trap-net Fishery came into force on 1 March 2015. These measures were intended to encourage sustainable fishing and protect the Australian Herring stock. A combination of environmental factors and fishing pressure has been identified as the cause of the current concerns.

In SA, a number of management measures have already occurred to the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery net licences that have inadvertently reduced the commercial effort and catch of Australian Herring over time.

There will be ongoing monitoring of the Australian Herring stock in SA and WA. This information, will inform any new management arrangements, which will be reviewed by the end of 2016.

Australian Salmon - Western (Arripis truttacea)

Current limits: Min Size: 21 cm Bag: 20 (21-35 cm), 10 (>35 cm). Boat: 60 (21-35 cm), 30 (>35 cm)

Proposal: No change

Australian Salmon is an inshore schooling fish endemic to southern Australian waters and is a species of high sport fishing value, especially when fished from shore (Lindsay et al. 1998). The only known spawning aggregations for the Western stock occur off the south west Western Australian coast and are dependent on local WA recruits and sub-adults passing through gauntlet fisheries from SA, Victoria and Tasmania.

There are two species of Australian Salmon: Eastern Australian Salmon (Arripis trutta) and Western Australian Salmon (A. truttaceus). The Western Australian Salmon biological stock is distributed from Kalbarri in Western Australia southwards to South Australia, Victoria and the west coast of Tasmania. Both species have spawning areas that allow eggs and larvae to be dispersed by the prevailing currents,

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southwards and then eastwards by the Leeuwin Current. The fish then grow and mature before moving back towards their spawning areas.

Western Australian Salmon live to 12 years of age with a maximum size of 85 cm. They reach maturity (L50) at 3–5 years; 60–65 cm (fork length). The smaller size ranges of this species (known as “salmon trout”) are regarded as a ‘bread and butter’ species for recreational fishing.

The estimated recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 91.30 t (89.7% of the total harvest) and in 2013/14 it was estimated at 56.23 t (48% of the total harvest). Low catches in the commercial sector (Marine Scalefish Fishery) are due to historically low levels of targeted fishing effort (Fowler 2010b).

Western Australian Salmon are an excellent fighting fish, which can be targeted from shore and out in boats. They are mostly fished for along the beaches and rocky headlands. Australian Salmon are also reported to inhabit deeper water at times and have been found in depths of up to 80 metres.

There are no sustainability issues for Australian Salmon that require a change in limits.

Other Marine/Estuarine Finfish Species Albacore Thunnus alalunga

Current limits: None.

Proposal: Introduce a bag limit of 2 and a boat limit of 64. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There is currently no bag limit for this species. As a conservative/precautionary approach the introduction of a bag limit for the species is proposed.

Social Albacore are a large fish species. A bag limit of 2 and boat limit of 6 may be considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing

Other information The recreational harvest in 2007/08 for all tuna was 44,171 kg (this includes Southern Bluefin Tuna). However, there is anecdotal evidence of recent increases in Albacore take, particularly in the South East of SA. Victoria currently has a bag/possession limit of 5 for Albacore and Skipjack Tuna.

While Albacore are generally a by-catch species when fishing for Southern Bluefin Tuna, they are also specifically targeted off Port MacDonnell while they migrate along the continental shelf.

Albacore is a highly migratory tuna species. They live till 14 years, and have size of first maturity of 85 cm for females and 60 cm for males (Wilson et al. 2010). There are a number of distinct stocks worldwide with the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean stocks relevant to Australia. Albacore are present in east and south Australian waters and from east of the Torres Strait to the north west shelf. The distribution of albacore is related to oxygen concentration and water temperature. Whilst albacore feed at the surface, they primarily live at the thermocline, which is the boundary separating warmer surface waters and deeper, cooler waters.

4 This proposal was supported by RecFish SA and The South Australian Game Fishing Association (SAGFA)

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Mature albacore travel from temperate waters to the tropics but return to temperate waters after spawning (http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/saltwater/sw-species/albacore).

The Albacore tuna fishery is managed by the Commonwealth as part of the Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery (Pacific Ocean stock) and Western Tuna and Billfish Fishery (Indian Ocean); there is no state commercial fishery. The Eastern Tuna and Billfish Fishery is considered not to be subject to overfishing (fishing mortality) and not overfished (biomass) (Georgeson et al. 2014). This stock is likely to be occurring in waters off SA. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 for all tuna was 44,171 kg (this includes Southern Bluefin Tuna) however there is anecdotal evidence of recent increases in Albacore take, particularly in the South East of SA. Suggested limits are in line with the current Southern Bluefin Tuna limits. There is no new additional information for Albacore from the 2013/14 survey. A further survey/study is currently being undertaken by the Commonwealth in south eastern Australia to develop methods to estimate the national recreational catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna. It is likely this methodology may also be applicable for estimating catches of other tuna species.

South Australia’s recreational game fishers, via the South Australian Game Fishing Association (SAGFA) and RecFish SA, have requested PIRSA to introduce bag and boat limits for Albacore Tuna. They have suggested that a lack of regulation has resulted in anglers exploiting the species as they migrate past Port MacDonnell in the State’s South East. These groups believe fisheries management should take a conservative approach.

Bight Redfish, Swallowtail, Redfish/Nannygai Centroberyx spp.

Current limits: Min Size: 30 cm, Bag: 10, Boat: 30

Proposal: No change

This genus includes fish known as Redfish/Nannygai (Centroberyx affinis), Bight Redfish/Red Snapper, (C. gerrardi), and Swallowtail (C. lineatus). All these species are mainly associated with offshore reefs with at least two species showing slow growth rates and high maximum ages. Redfish/Nannygai grows to 30 cm fork length (44 years) Morison and Rowling (2010). Bight Redfish can grow to 66 cm (60 years); its vulnerability to fishing is classed as high (Saunders et al. 2010). Bight Redfish size at maturity for males is ~8 years and females is ~14 years at 36-45 cm TL (Wilson et al. 2010). Swallowtail grow to 45 cm, and live to at least 30 years; this species is classed as having moderate vulnerability to fishing (Saunders et al. 2010). There is a combined limit for these species. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 of Bight Redfish was 15.28 t (82.7 % of SA total harvest5) and in 2013/14 was 18.99 t. Bight Redfish are currently classified as not overfished (Wilson et al. 2010). No stock status is known for the other two species.

Blue Morwong Nemadactylus valenciennsi

Current limits: Min Size: 38 cm, Bag: 5, Boat: 15

Proposal: No change

Blue Morwong is also known as Queen Snapper. No research has been done in South Australia on the size at maturity (Saunders et al. 2010). However, in the last 5 or so years, WA has investigated their biology in SW and South coast waters of WA (Coulson et al. 2007). Juveniles are mainly found in south coastal Western Australian waters and with maturity move to SW WA where they mature at 40 cm (L50 for females). Females in offshore south coast WA waters mature at 60 cm. The link between WA and SA fish is unknown. This is a low target fish for recreational fishers with the recreational harvest in 2007/08 at 1.25 t and in 2013/14 2.94 t. There are no changes recommended.

5 This does not include the Commonwealth managed GAB trawl fishery for Bight Redfish.

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Bluethroat Wrasse Notolabrus tetricus

Current limits: None

Proposal: Introduce a slot limit of 20 cm (minimum size limit) and 30 cm (maximum size limit) and a bag limit of 5 and a boat limit of 156. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological Due to Bluethroat Wrasse’s life history and site attachment it is intrinsically vulnerable to overfishing. As a precautionary measure introducing a bag limit and slot limit is proposed. The species changes sex during its life; it is proposed to introduce a slot limit to protect both sexes for part of their life cycle.

Other information Wrasse (Notolabrus spp.) are tertiary species in the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery; there are no controls in place and the species is increasingly targeted for the live fish market. The proposal to introduce limits reflects the vulnerability of this species to overfishing. The upper size limit may create potential issues for spear fishers.

The Bluethroat Wrasse is a temperate reef fish that inhabits shallow depths (<160 m), and is distributed from central South Australia to northern New South Wales and Tasmania (Gomon et al. 2008). It grows to 50 cm and lives to 23 years (Saunders et al. 2010). Due to its life history and site attachment it is intrinsically vulnerable to overfishing (Saunders et al. 2010). This is a protogynous hermaphroditic species with some fish starting life as female and then changing sex to male once they reach 25-30 cm. Consequently this species is sensitive to size-selective harvesting. Management measures should aim to ‘prevent sperm limitation, reproductive failure and skewed sex ratios’ (Shepherd et al. 2009). Wrasse (Notolabrus spp.) are tertiary species in the commercial Marine Scalefish Fishery; there are no controls in place and the species is increasingly targeted for the live fish market. There are currently no recreational limits. In 2013/14 22,073 fish were caught with 6,908 harvested (retained).

The proposal to introduce limits reflects the vulnerability of this species to overfishing. Sanctuary Zones introduced as part of the SA Marine Parks network may provide additional safeguards for this species from the effects of fishing, as wrasse species tend to be site attached, but the effects will be limited to those areas. It is noted there are difficulties in identification of different wrasse species that are similar to the Bluethroat Wrasse; adopting all wrasse under this proposal could occur in the future if the need is identified.

6 The slot limit proposal also requires consultation with the commercial sector.

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Bream Acanthopagrus butcheri

Current limits: Min Size: 28 cm Bag: 10 Boat: 30

Proposal: Increase the minimum size limit to 30 cm7. Separate management review to be undertaken for Black Bream in the Lakes and Coorong region. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological New size at maturity information is available for Black Bream indicating that 50% of female fish were sexually mature at 28.9 cm, and males at 34 cm. The proposed increase to the size limit is to take this scientific information into account.

Black Bream is a bottom-dwelling species occurring in estuaries and along the coast in southern Australian coast. They are dependent on strong flow for recruitment and the abundance of fish may be affected by reduction in river flow due to drought (Ferguson 2010). Black Bream are the key Bream species found in SA.

Found throughout southern Australia, Black Bream are common in the rivers and estuaries from Myall Lake, New South Wales, to the Murchison River in Western Australia. They are also found in tidal rivers in Tasmania, around Flinders and Kangaroo Islands, and are occasionally found in coastal waters, particularly in the Gulf region of South Australia. (WA Fisheries 2011)

A ‘true estuarine’ species, Black Bream complete their whole life cycle within an estuary, and are reliant on healthy rivers and estuaries for their survival. Black Bream are well adapted to life in a ‘euryhaline’ environment, coping well with salinity changes that range from freshwater to ‘hypersaline’ (extreme salinity). Their preferred adult habitat includes overhanging banks among the branches of dead trees, found in the bottom of deep pools in most rivers in Southern Australia. Juvenile Black Bream tend to inhabit shallower waters. (WA Fisheries 2011)

Black Bream almost never leave the estuary unless flushed out to the ocean under conditions of extreme flooding. This has led to genetically distinct populations within each estuarine system, as stocks are not replenished by eggs or larvae from the ocean. (WA Fisheries 2011)

As ‘rudimentary hermaphrodites’, they possess immature ovaries and testes when young, but will turn either male or female before their first spawning. During spawning, eggs and sperm are released into the water and fertilisation occurs externally. Female Black Bream release eggs more than once during the same spawning season. As they grow, larger females produce more eggs each year and become an increasingly valuable part of the breeding stock. However, many eggs and larvae will not survive to become mature fish. Nevertheless, a notably hardy Black Bream may live for up to 29 years. (WA Fisheries 2011)

Recent research on fish from the Coorong has shown that 50% of female fish were sexually mature at 28.9 cm, and males at 34 cm (Cheshire et al. 2013), making the current size limit too small. The suggested increase in the size limit reflects this new finding.

The most recent Black Bream stock assessment (Earl et al. 2016) indicated that the age structure for Black Bream from the 2014/15 commercial catch comprised mostly fish from two age classes of 5 and 8 year old fish. Despite the recruitment of several year classes since 1997/98, recruitment levels have been low and measurable improvements in adult biomass have not been detected. The low levels of recruitment appear to relate primarily to a low spawning biomass and environmental conditions. The current level of fishing mortality is unlikely to allow the stock to recover from its current weakened state. On this basis, the biological

7 This proposal also requires consultation with the commercial sector.

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stock is considered to be overfished. There will be a separate process for the consideration of management options for Black Bream in the Lakes and Coorong region.

Black Bream are a highly valued estuarine species, both for a feed, catch and release fishing and fishing tournaments. In 2007/08 Black Bream was 5.85 t and in 2013/14 was 4.97 t. For Black Bream >70% was reported for release rates in 2013/14 for this species which is consistent with the catch and release activities described for this species.

Congolli Pseudaphritis urvillii

Current limits: none.

Proposal: To introduce a bag limit of 2 and boat limit of 6. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological Congolli has been given a status of vulnerable; to assist in the protection of the species and allow for recovery it is proposed that Congolli have a bag limit of 2 and boat limit of 6.

Congolli is found predominantly in coastal rivers in Tasmania, Victoria, South Australia, and southern New South Wales. In the Murray-Darling Basin it only occurs in the Lower Murray drainage, where it has been recorded in the Murray River up to Echuca, streams of the Mt Lofty Ranges and the Lower Lakes (Alexandrina and Albert). It is never abundant in the Basin today, and is usually recorded in low numbers at a site, but once formed huge migrations in the lower Murray.

Congolli are an elongated, small to medium sized, slender fish with an almost cylindrical body. Maximum size ~330 mm; commonly 150–200 mm. Little is known of the Congolli’s ecology in the Basin. It is primarily an estuarine species, but can comfortably live in freshwater or the sea. It is known to migrate substantial distances upstream in coastal rivers and in the Lower Murray has been recorded 215 km upstream of the river mouth. In the Lower Murray it occurs in terminal wetlands and a few lowland stream habitats where it is often found partially buried in leaf litter or sand, or associated with cover such as logs, rocks or overhanging banks. (Information taken from MDBC Fact sheet.) It is also known to occur in the Port River/Barker Inlet estuary system, occurring in years of high stream flow (Jackson and Jones 1999).

Knowledge of reproduction in this species is limited, but spawning is thought to occur in autumn and winter, with adult fish moving downstream from freshwater habitats to estuaries. (Information taken from MDBC Fact sheet.)

Severe drought between 1997 and 2010 diminished flows in the Murray, restricting the movement of fish from fresh to estuarine/marine areas. This resulted in a greater than 90% reduction in juvenile upstream migrants as well as a contraction of migration and spawning periods (Zampatti et al. 2011). Sampling in 2013/14 found that there was an increase in the abundance of Congolli compared to samples in 2011/12 and to earlier years (2007-10). Enhanced recruitment in 2010/11 (relative to previous years) likely led to increases in abundance of the adult spawning population and may have resulted in enhanced spawning in 2013/14 (Zampatti et al. 2014). There were no reported catches in the 2013/14 survey for Congolli. This species is rarely caught and therefore is more difficult to detect via the state-wide survey. Determining catch trends for this species is not possible from these surveys alone.

Barriers to movement may be detrimental to this species, and declining river flows may also be a threat. (Information taken from MDBC Fact sheet.)

Congolli has been given a status of vulnerable in the SA freshwater fishes action plan (Hammer et al. 2009).

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The 2007/08 and 2013/14 recreational survey reported no take of Congolli; however this species is rarely caught. The rarely caught species tend to have very high relative errors as the numbers of fishers catching those species in the dairy survey tends to be low Giri et al, 2015.

Protection of the species will give the population a chance to recover. To recover the fishery environmental flows are also needed.

Flathead Platycephalus spp.

Current limits: Min Size: 30 cm Bag: 10. Boat: 30

Proposal: No change

Due to difficulties in identification, flathead species are combined in the recreational regulations. There is little biological information on Flathead species, but information from other states show that the Sand Flathead is a bottom dwelling species found from bays and inlets out to 60 m depth. They reach a maximum length of 43 cm. In Victoria they become reproductively mature by 22 cm. The Southern Blue Spot Flathead is bottom dwelling occurring from estuaries to 100 m. Males reach maturity after 1 year (19-31 cm) and females at two years (25-40 cm). The stock status of these fish is unknown and the current regulations are set at precautionary levels. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 18.39 t (88% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 8.33 t. The 30 cm size limit was chosen in line with the size limits in other states. No changes are proposed, although further research on fish populations is recommended.

Flounder Family Pleuronectidae and Family Bothidae

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 20. Boat: 60

Proposal: No change

Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish found in estuaries and coastal waters. The main flounder targeted in South Australia is the Greenback Flounder Rhombosolea tapirina. The recreational harvest for flounder in 2007/08 was 0.25 t (11.2% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 0.27 t. Recent data show that 50% female population of R. tapirina was sexually mature at 20.3 cm (Cheshire et al. in review). Size limits have not been set because many flounder are fished by spear and therefore will not survive if returned to the water undersized.

Harlequin Fish Othos dentex

Current limits: None

Proposal: To introduce a bag limit of 2 and a boat limit of 6. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There are concerns over the sustainability of Harlequin Fish due to their life characteristics. There are also concerns about the post-release mortality of this species, given that they may suffer the effects of barotrauma if pulled up from deeper water.

Harlequin Fish are harvested at relatively low levels by recreational fishers in South Australia. The 2007/08 Survey estimated a recreational harvest of 240 fish, increasing from 194 harvested fish in the 2000/01 Survey. No fish were recorded as being released. In 2013/14 no Harlequin Fish were reported.

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There is little known about the population biology for Harlequin Fish and more information is required.

There are concerns over the sustainability of Harlequin Fish due to their life characteristics. They are similar to Western Blue Groper in that they are site-attached fish that are often caught in deep water. There are concerns about the post-release mortality of this species, given that they may suffer the effects of barotrauma if pulled up from deep water.

Mullet Family Mugilidae Current limits: Min Size: 21 cm. Bag: 60. Boat: 180

Proposal: No change

The main target species in this family is the Yellow-eyed Mullet Aldrichetta forsteri. A. forsteri is an estuary- opportunist, occurring from sheltered to high energy ocean beaches. Females are sexually mature at 24.2 cm and males at 24.8 (Earl and Ferguson 2013). The Yellow-eyed Mullet fishery is considered sustainable (Earl and Ferguson, 2014).The recreational harvest for Mullet in 2007/08 was 27.52 t and in 2013/14 was 19 t. All mullet species are included and combined in the limits regulations because of difficulties with identification of separate species.8 Although the size of first maturity exceeds the current size limit, it was decided that the fishery is still sustainable and no changes are proposed.

Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus

Current limits: Min Size: Coorong Lagoon 46 cm. Marine 75 cm. Bag: Coorong 46-75 cm 10, Marine > 75 cm 2. Boat: Coorong none, Marine > 75 cm 6.

Proposal: Increase in size limit in marine waters to 82 cm 9 and introduce a boat limit in the Coorong Lagoon of 30 (46-75 cm fish which is 3 times the bag limit) and retain the marine boat limit of 6.

Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological An increase in the size limit in marine waters will assist in preserving capacity for egg production and allowing recruits to enter the adult population. It is proposed for consistency with other species that a boat limit be applied within the Coorong Lagoon.

Other aspects Recent research shows that size of first maturity is 81 cm and it is estimated that 80% of catches are sexually immature (Ferguson and Ward 2011). Controlled harvesting of Mulloway above the existing minimum size limit of 46 cm TL, within the Coorong, is considered to have an acceptable impact on the Mulloway population, provided exploitation rates are appropriately matched with resource availability. The 2014 Mulloway stock assessment report classified the status for Mulloway as sustainable.

8 Mullet – It has been suggested that the bag limit is too high for a fair days fishing, however it was decided at the 1st recreational workshop on the review to leave it the same as setting a lower limit may put pressure on other fish. 9 This proposal also requires consultation with the commercial sector.

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Mulloway are found from estuaries to depths of about 100 m along the southern Australian coastline. It is a relatively long lived species reaching an age of at least 35 years and a length of 180 cm. Within the Coorong and Coorong coastal waters Mulloway is a species that is limited by environmental conditions such as drought and flow regulation. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 61.68 t (61.7% of the fishery harvest) and in 2014/14 was 59.5 t. Total numbers decreased by 30.6% to 47,238 fish in 2013/14 from 68,038 fish in 2007/08. The release rate decreased to 79.1% in 2013/14 from 85.1% in 2007/08 (Giri et al. 2015). Mortality of Mulloway returned to the water is unknown although potentially high (Ferguson and Ward 2011). Mulloway were ranked second amongst South Australian species in terms of their susceptibility to catch and release mortality (McLeay et al. 2002).

Recent research shows that size of first maturity is 81 cm and it is estimated that 80% of catches are sexually immature (Ferguson and Ward 2011). Controlled harvesting of Mulloway above the existing minimum size limit of 46 cm TL, within the Coorong, is considered to have an acceptable impact on the Mulloway population, provided exploitation rates are appropriately matched with resource availability.

An Increase in the size limit will in Marine Waters assist in preserving capacity for egg production and allowing recruits, allowing recruits to enter the adult population. The 2014 Mulloway stock assessment report classified the status for Mulloway as sustainable.

Samsonfish Seriola hippos

Current limits: Min Size: 75 cm Bag: 2. Boat: 6

Proposal: Increase size limit to 88 cm. Reduce bag limit from 2 to 1 and boat limit from 6 to 3 Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological Recent research in WA has indicated the L50 for females is 88 cm. To be consistent with this information and as a precautionary measure it is proposed the size limit be increased to 88 cm. The bag/boat reduction is a precautionary measure for sustainability.

Social One fish is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs, given that Samsonfish are a large species.

Samsonfish occur in offshore waters, often schooling around reefs. No research has been done on this species in South Australia, but recent research in Western Australia has shown that 50% of females are mature at 88.1 cm total length (Rowland 2009) making the existing size limit too small. The South Australian population is thought to be linked to WA as they are known to move from the west coast of WA (spawning aggregations at Rottnest Island) to as far as 2400 km along the southern Australian coast (i.e. into offshore SA waters). Barotrauma is believed to be minimal, as the air bladder has a vent, so that the fish can expel air when rising to the surface quickly.

Western Australian Fisheries have produced a brochure on the handling of Samsonfish (Department of Fisheries WA 2007). The recreational harvest in 2007/08 in South Australia was 467 fish, which is over 7 times the catch in 2001. In 2013/14 the harvest was 1,629 fish, however it is noted that Samsonfish in the 2013/14 survey have a high relative error (> 50%).

Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex

Current limits: Min Size: 24 cm. Bag: 20. Boat: 60

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Proposal: No changes to bag/boat limits, but to include all species of the genus Pseudocaranx combined in this limit. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The proposal to include all species of the genus Pseudocaranx combined in this limit is to reduce confusion and the need to separately identify other trevally species from Silver Trevally

Silver Trevally is a wide ranging species found in warm temperate waters of Pacific Indian and Atlantic Oceans. In Australia the species forms schools in shallow shelf waters. They grow to 94 cm. Juveniles may be confused with a similar species, which only grows to 25 cm, and is found in similar waters of SA. The proposal to include all species of the genus Pseudocaranx is due to confusion with other species (Pseudocaranx georgianus). The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 11.65 t (53.8% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 14.57 t. P.georgianus mature between 18-24 cm fork length, at 2-4 years of age (Rowling et al. 2010). They are a relatively long-lived, slow growing species, attaining maximum age in excess of 25 years, in NSW they reach a maximum size of about 65 cm FL and weigh about 4 kg.

Snook Sphyraena novaehollandiae

Current limits: Min Size: 45 cm. Bag: 20. Boat: 60

Proposal: No change

Snook are a secondary carnivore found throughout southern Australian coastal waters and are a member of the Sphyraenidae (Barracuda) family. Snook have a slender elongated body and are veracious predators that use a darting/ambush technique to attack prey (O’Sullivan and Jones 2003). There is limited information on their life-cycle and reproduction biology. It is a summer spawning species, with size at maturity for (50% females) 40.3 cm (total length) and 39.1 cm for males (O’Sullivan and Jones 2003).

Low catches in the commercial sector (Marine Scalefish Fishery) are due to historically low levels of targeted fishing effort (Fowler 2010). The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 82.74 t and in 2013/14 it was 126.31 t.

In 2015, the size limit for Snook taken by the Commercial Fishery was reduced from 45 cm to 41 cm, following research undertaken by SARDI indicated that the size at maturity for 50% of females is 40.3 cm and 39.1 cm for males (O’Sullivan and Jones. 2003). Larger Snook are considered to be associated with enhanced recreational fisher satisfaction. For this reason, there is no proposal to change the minimum size limit for Snook taken by the recreational fishery.

Southern Bluefin Tuna Thunnus maccoyyii

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 2, Boat: 6

Proposal: No change

Southern Bluefin Tuna (SBT) are a large, migratory pelagic species that form a single population throughout its range. SBT are distributed throughout the temperate southern oceans and undertake a migration to a single spawning ground located in the north-east Indian Ocean between Java and Australia. Although the species is long-lived and highly fecund, characteristics such as slow growth, late onset of maturity, the presence of a single spawning ground and a highly migratory behaviour (exposing the stock to state, national and international fishing fleets) make it vulnerable to exploitation and potentially slow to recover from fishing. SBT are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN.

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Southern Bluefin Tuna live 40+ years and grown to ~1.9 m FL (fork length). Size a maturity L50 is ~11–12 years; 1.58–1.63 m FL. (Parterson et al. 2014)

The Southern Bluefin Tuna commercial fishery is managed by the commonwealth; there is no state commercial fishery. Southern Bluefin Tuna is also caught by many other countries. Australia’s catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna is a part of the total catch internationally. The stock status of this fishery as a whole is considered to be Overfished. (Parterson et al. 2014)

In 2011, the CCSBT adopted a management procedure (analogous to a harvest strategy) to guide the recovery of the biological stock to 20 per cent of unfished biomass by 2035 with 70 per cent probability. Performance of the management procedure is measured using the biomass of fish that are 10 years and older. Since 2012, the agreed management procedure has been used to set the global total allowable catch. In 2013 this was set at 10,949 t. In line with this, Australia’s total allowable catch for the 2012-13 fishing season was 4,663 t, of which 4,529 t was landed. The current level of fishing mortality from all sources is uncertain, but there are indications that it may be substantial. The most recent assessment (2014) undertaken by the CCSBT takes into account reported catch from all international jurisdictions. It also examines the sensitivity of the results to unaccounted mortalities; due to uncertainty this is based on scenarios (Parterson et al. 2014).

The most recent assessment estimated that the biomass of fish 10 years and older in the Southern Bluefin Tuna biological stock is at 6–9 per cent of unfished levels. The most recent estimate of spawning stock biomass is 8–12 per cent of unfished levels. Projections of the performance of the management procedure under scenarios of different levels of unaccounted mortalities showed that these mortalities reduce the probability of rebuilding to below 70 per cent, the specified interim management target. Although there has been a slight improvement in the estimated biomass of fish 10 years and older since the last assessment in 2011, the biological stock is recruitment overfished at a global scale, and well below the interim target level agreed by the CCSBT. The level of fishing pressure may prevent the stock from recovering from its recruitment overfished state in line with the management procedure, and a significant trend of improvements in biomass is yet to be detected. (Parterson et al. 2014)

The recreational harvest for Southern Bluefin Tuna in 2007/08 was 44.17 t and in 2013/14 10,427 fish were estimated as harvested at 150.78 t. Limited data are available on SBT recreational catch rates in Australia with a study currently being undertaken by the Commonwealth to estimate the national recreational catch of Southern Bluefin Tuna. In SA there were low levels of confidence (high standard error) in this species estimate in 2007/08 and 2013/14 recreational survey.

Recreational catches of Southern Bluefin Tuna are believed to have expanded in recent years, highlighting the need to find out more about recreational fishing and ensure that the management of these activities is aligned with the international Southern Bluefin Tuna Rebuilding Strategy. The recreational catch is one of many sources of mortality for the stock and Australia has committed to take this into account in managing mortality in Australian waters. (ABARE 2013)

Sweep Scorpis spp.

Current limits: Min Size: 24 cm. Bag: 20. Boat: 60.

Proposal: No change

Sweep is a schooling species associated with medium to high energy reefs off the South Australian coast. There is no information on the size of first maturity or growth rates in South Australia although similar species (Silver Sweep) found in NSW is a long lived species and becomes reproductively mature at 2-3 years (17 cm FL) (Stewart and Hughes, 2008). Sea Sweep in WA are reported to group to 60 cm and 3.6 kg. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 8.70 t (89.7% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 7.71 t. This fish is not highly targeted and there are no changes proposed to the limits.

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Western Blue Groper Achoerdus gouldii

Current limits: Protected within Gulf waters, Investigator Strait and Backstairs Passage. Other waters - Min Size: 60 cm, and max of 100 cm Bag: 2. Boat: 6. Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 2 to 1, and boat limit from 6 to 3. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological Reduction in the bag limit is for sustainability reasons given that their life history, long lives and large size makes them vulnerable to overfishing. In addition they are susceptible to barotrauma (Bryars et al. 2011)

Social One fish is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs, given that Western Blue Groper are a large species.

Other Information The upper size limit may create potential issues for spear fishers

Western Blue Groper is distributed from western Victoria to Western Australia. Juveniles move from inshore shallow areas to coastal and offshore reefs (Shepherd and Brook 2007). Adults are site-specific and males are highly territorial (Shepherd and Brook 2005), which makes them vulnerable to localised stock depletion. Their life history, long-lived and large size makes them vulnerable to overfishing (Saunders et al. 2010). In addition they are susceptible to barotrauma (Bryars et al. 2011)10. Sanctuary Zones introduced as part of the SA Marine Parks should assist in protecting this species within those areas.

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 714 individuals and in 2013/14 334 individuals, with all reported as released; however this species has high standard error around the estimate. The proposed reduction in the bag limit is for sustainability reasons.

Blue Groper is a trophy species, ‘Blue Groper are a serious angling proposition and present an exciting fishing challenge to anglers that chase big fish off our rocky southern coastline’ (Western Angler 2015), and also an important species for observation (diving) and spear fishing.

Yellowfin Tuna Thunnus albacares

Current limits: Combined with Southern Bluefin Tuna, No size limit. Bag: 2, Boat: 6.

Proposal: To remove from the recreational fishing regulations. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological This species is rarely found in SA and is proposed to be removed.

Social The species is rarely caught in SA.

Yellowfin Tuna is a tropical/sub-tropical species that does not usually occur in South Australian waters (Gomon et al. 2008). The proposal to remove it from the recreational regulations reflects this fact.

10 Groper – There was discussion about removing the slot size limit as survivorship is minimal, however this was rejected in favour of better public education on release techniques as 12/14 fish survived a catch and release scientific study.

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Yellowfin Tuna is considered sustainable for both the Indian Ocean and Western and central Pacific Ocean stocks (Paterson 2014).

Yellowfin Whiting Sillago schomburgkii

Current limits: Min Size: 24 cm. Bag: 20. Boat: 60.

Proposal: No changes11.

Yellowfin Whiting inhabit coastal sand flats and are consequently a popular target fish for boat and shore based line-fishers (Kailola 1993). They are relatively short-lived with females living up to 11 years and males to 9 years (Ferguson 1999). Spawning occurs during summer and juveniles grow rapidly reaching reproductive maturity in their second year of life (Ferguson 2000). Abundance of species fluctuates markedly from year to year, with catches often comprising of a strong year class as it progresses through the fishery (Ferguson 2000). By two years of age Yellowfin Whiting have an average length of 24 cm and the maximum recorded length of 42 cm (Kailola 1993). The average L50 is 22.5 cm for females and 20 cm for males (Kailola 1993).

Yellowfin Whiting are a popular species as they are very good table fish, they provide good sport on light line, and are easily accessible from beaches and jetties, with a boat not necessary for their capture.

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 23.11 t (22.0% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 45.31 t, which is almost double of the previous estimate.

Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi

Current limits: Min Size: 45-60 cm (Spencer Gulf). 60 cm. (rest of state waters). Bag: 10 fish 45-60 cm (Spencer Gulf), 2 fish over 60 cm (all waters). Boat: 30 fish 45-60 cm (Spencer Gulf) 30, 6 fish over 60 cm (all waters).

Proposal: To reduce the bag limit for Yellowtail Kingfish greater than 60 cm from 2 to 1 and boat limit from 6 to 3. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological Reduction in the bag limit to one for fish over 60 cm is precautionary for sustainability reasons.

Yellowtail Kingfish is a powerful gamefish species that occurs throughout South Australian waters from offshore reefs to the upper reaches of both gulfs. It is also widely distributed in warm temperate waters of the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Kingfish can grow to 190 cm and weigh up to 70 kg (Kailola et al. 1993). In South Australia reproductively mature fish may aggregate in northern Spencer Gulf (Hutson et al. 2007). However, further research is needed on the movement and reproduction of Yellowtail Kingfish in South Australia.

11 Yellowfin Whiting – The in-house PIRSA review 2006 suggested that the bag limit needs to be reduced to 12 as a precautionary measure for sustainability, but this was not thought necessary by the SBB Marine/Estuarine Workshop .

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Yellowtail Kingfish are also raised by aquaculture in the Spencer Gulf: by Clean Seas in Arno Bay (http://www.cleanseas.com.au/fish/kingfish.html) and Southern Star in Fitzgerald Bay (http://www.yellowtailkingfish.com.au/). In a study comparing the differences in morphology between cultured and wild Kingfish, small kingfish in northern Spencer Gulf were thought to have originated from aquaculture cages (Fowler et al. 2003). The split size level for recreational fishing was put in place in 2007 to cull escapees from Aquaculture 12. There are concerns that wild fish in Spencer Gulf that transit near to Aquaculture areas may pick up parasites from cultured fish (Hutson et al. 2007).

The Yellowtail Kingfish can grow up to 2.5 m in length and can weigh up to 70 kg. Females are believed to mature at around 75 cm total length (Australian Museum, 2015). The recreational harvest of Kingfish in 2007/08 was 100.58 t and in 2014/14 was 198.95 t, almost double the amount of the past estimate.

Marine Park 5, Thorny Passage Marine Park, includes waters between Coffin Bay and Memory Cove and Greenly and Rocky Islands. It has a number of Sanctuary Zones, some of which are thought to cover some spawning areas of Yellowtail Kingfish in the area.

Yellowtail Kingfish stock status is uncertain. Reduction in the bag limit to one for fish over 60 cm is precautionary for sustainability reasons.

Sharks Gummy Shark Mustelus antarcticus

Current limits: Combined with School Shark. Min Size: 45 cm (trunk) Bag: 2. Boat: 6

Proposal: No change

Gummy sharks are long lived with females live bearing and becoming mature at 5 years at 85 cm. The L50 for females: 110.5–125.3 cm TL and males: 95–113.3 cm TL with a maximum size at 185 cm (Marton et al. 2014). The Southern Australian Gummy Shark biological stock is assessed as sustainable. The recreational harvest for Gummy Sharks in 2007/08 was 18.65 t and in 2013/14 was 37.03 t. The limits for School and Gummy Sharks are combined in the regulations due to difficulties of quick identification in the field, however fishers have indicated less difficulty in recent years.

School Shark Galeorhinus galeus

Current limits: Combined with Gummy Shark. Min Size: 45 cm (trunk) Bag: 2. Boat: 6

Proposal: No change

School Shark is widespread in southern Australian and New Zealand waters from embayments to at least 200 m depth. This is a long-lived (to 50 years) slow-growing species that reaches maturity at 12-16 years with mean length at female maturity and pupping at 124 and 142 cm, respectively. Maximum size is 175 cm (Marton et al 2014).

Management of the commercial shark fishery is by the Commonwealth and the stock is assessed as overfished (FRCD 2014). There have been concerns for the School Shark population since the 1950s (Olsen 1959), with the population of this species estimated at being less than 20% of pre-fishing numbers (Walker et al. 2005). School Shark is listed under IUCN red list as vulnerable worldwide and conservation dependant in Australia under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Pognoski et al. 2002).

12 YT Kingfish – Only 2 incidents of escapees were reported in 2011.

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The recreational harvest for School Sharks in 2007/08 was 9.86 t and in 2013/14 was 53.49 t. The limits for School and Gummy Sharks are combined in the regulations due to difficulties of quick identification in the field. There is a Commonwealth management recovery strategy in place for this species.

Whaler Sharks (Bronze and Dusky) Charcharhinus spp.

Current limits: none

Proposal: To introduce a combined (Bronze and Dusky Sharks) bag limit of 1 with a boat limit of 3 and a maximum size limit of 180 cm13. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There is limited information on Whaler Sharks; the proposal to introduce a bag limit is a precautionary measure. Recent research information is available on the size at maturity - L50 for females is 27– 35 years; 254 cm FL, in addition this species has a slow growth & reproductive rates, and a large size (age) at first sexual maturity. As a precautionary measure a maximum size limit is proposed, which will protect all mature Whaler Sharks.

Social One fish is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs, given that Whaler Sharks are large species. Bigger sharks may also be unsuitable for human consumption because of the risk of higher than recommended concentrations of heavy metals in their flesh

Bronze and Dusky Whalers have low growth and reproductive rates and a large size (age) at first sexual maturity. These characters indicate low levels of population productivity, placing both species at a high risk of overfishing (Jones 2008b). The dusky whaler in particular has a high intrinsic vulnerability index equal to that of the protected Great White Shark (Rogers et al. 2015). The L50 for Dusky Shark females is 27–35 years; 254 cm FL (McAuley et al. 2014) and the size at maturity for Bronze Whalers is 177 cm at 20 years (Rogers et al. 2013).

In 2009/10 there were increased levels of longline effort which produced record catches of Bronze and Dusky Whalers in the commercial sector (Marine Scalefish Fishery), however these levels have declined in the last 5 years with commercial fishery (Fowler et al. 2014) management changes for Snapper also impacting on commercial Whaler Shark fishing. The Dusky Whaler Shark Western Australian biological stock (including SA) is considered transitional recovering (McAuley et al. 2014) and Bronze Whaler Sharks have not been classified.

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 1,730 – a 10 fold increase since the 2001 survey (104 Whaler Sharks). However for 2013/14 only 723 were caught and all were reported as released. It should be noted for this species there is a low level of confidence in the species estimates. The proposal to introduce bag and boat limits reflects the need to manage this fishery in a precautionary manner until further research is completed and/or alternative management options are considered.

13 This proposal also requires consultation with the commercial sector.

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Key Marine Invertebrates Blue Swimmer Crab Portunus armatus (formerly P. pelagicus)

Current limits: Combined with Sand Crab. Min Size: 11 cm carapace width Bag: 40. Boat: 120.

Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 40 to 20 and reduce boat limit from 120 to 60. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The Blue Swimmer Crab Spencer Gulf biological stock is classified as sustainable, Gulf St Vincent biological stock is classified as sustainable and West coast biological stock is classified as undefined (Beckmann and Hooper 2015).

Social The proposal to reduce the bag and boat limit is to share the resource of legal size crabs more fairly between all recreational fishers. The current limits (Bag: 40. Boat: 120) are considered excessive by some members in the community, and may be considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing. As many recreational fishers do not reach their daily bag limit such a reduction to the bag limit will not impact all fishers, and/or will not impact every fishing trip. It is therefore considered that a bag limit reduction would have limited impact on most fishers. A bag limit of 20 and a boat limit of 60 Blue Swimmer Crabs is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.

The Blue Swimmer Crab is a tropical species, and is distributed throughout the coastal waters of the western Indian Ocean and the Eastern Pacific (Kailola et al. 1993). It also survives in the warm northern waters of South Australia’s gulfs, although their growth and reproduction reduces in the winter months (Dixon and Hooper 2009). Male and female crabs generally reach sexual maturity at a size of 70 to 90 mm in carapace with, when they are one year old. The spawning season lasts for 3 to 4 months over summer/autumn. The Blue Swimmer Crab Spencer Gulf biological stock is classified as sustainable, Gulf St Vincent biological stock is classified as sustainable and West coast biological stock is classified as undefined (Beckmann and Hooper 2015).

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 283.68 t (29.8% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 375.88 t. There is a high degree of non-compliance with this species and a concern of illegal sales due to the generosity of the bag limit. Some of this is thought to be possible from availability of size crabs on a beach on a given day. The first fishers to the beach harvest many size crabs and leaving only small/undersize crabs for those later in the day resulting in many undersize crabs and frustration.

The proposal to reduce the bag and boat limit is to share the resource of legal size crabs more fairly between recreational fishers.

The 2013/14 South Australian Recreational Fishing Survey estimated a recreational harvest of 1.42 million crabs or 375.8 t, which was 39.5% of the total harvest weight across the state. This recreational harvest is 9.5% higher than the allocated recreational share of 29% specified in the Management Plan for the South Australian Blue Crab Fishery. The proposed changes to reduce the bag and boat limits will support maintaining the allocation of shares of the Blue Swimmer Crab resource.

Blue Swimmer Crabs are the most harvested invertebrate in SA. They are popular with beach fishers (crab raking) and also from boats/jetties (drop nets, hoop nets). They are good eating although they do not freeze as well as some other species. Some fishers go to the effort to extract and pickle the meat as a preservation method.

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Southern Calamari Sepiotheuthis australis

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 15 (combined with cuttlefish). Boat: 45 (combined with cuttlefish).

Proposal: No change.

Southern Calamari is from the family Loliginidae and is endemic to southern Australian and New Zealand waters (Steer et al. 2006). Its southern Australian range is from Dampier in Western Australia to Moreton Bay in Queensland, including Tasmania. Southern Calamari is found in coastal waters, usually in depths less than 70 m (Winstanley et al. 1983).

Southern Calamari is a short lived species, living for an estimated maximum of 280 days (Triantafillos 2001). There is considerable variability in growth during the short life span with males generally growing faster and attaining larger sizes (Triantafillos 2001). Individuals spawned in spring grow faster than those spawned in autumn (Steer et al. 2006). Such variability in growth rates is common among cephalopods and is suggested to be governed by a combination of factors including temperature, prey availability, population density, sexual maturation and genetics (Steer et al. 2006).

Southern Calamari, like all cephalopods, have separate sexes. Their courtship and reproductive behaviour is complex and involves the transfer of mature spermatophores from the male to the female using a modified arm (hectocotylus). Females store sperm inside their buccal membrane (spermathecae) and are capable of mating multiple times with numerous males before fertilising the eggs and spawning (Steer et al. 2006). Females are serial spawners and spawning occurs throughout the year. Fertilised eggs are ‘laid’ in an egg mass attached to the substrate. The egg mass consists of numerous individual fingers that hold up to 10 longitudinally-aligned eggs (Steer et al. 2006). Evidence suggests that eggs are preferentially attached to seagrass (e.g. Amphibolis spp.) and macroalgae (e.g. Cystophora spp., Sargassum spp.) (Steer et al. 2006) however they are also known to lay eggs on low relief rocky reefs and on sand (Triantafillos 2001).

Once laid the eggs undergo direct embryonic development to hatch as structurally and functionally adept ‘paralarvae’ (Steer et al. 2002). The embryos hatch at night and swim to the surface where they remain for an unknown period of time before they become benthic, at around 8 mm mantle length (Steer et al. 2006). Juveniles are generally found in the deeper offshore areas such as the middle of the gulfs. As they grow, the sub-adults move inshore where they reach maturity and aggregate to commence spawning on shallow seagrass habitats and low profile rocky reefs.

Southern Calamari populations are believed to follow a generalised anti-clockwise pattern of spawning behaviour within Gulf St Vincent (Steer et al. 2006). Spawning in late spring occurs in Kangaroo Island waters, continuing in a clockwise direction to Edithburgh where spawning occurs in late winter.

The stock status for South Australian stock is considered sustainable (Lyle et al. 2014). The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 206.20 t (40.5% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 154.93 t.

Pipi (Goolwa Cockle) Donax deltoides

Current limits: Min Size: 35 mm. Bag: 300. Boat: No boat limit. Possession limit: 1200

Proposal: To introduce a car boot (equivalent of a boat limit) limit of 900 for Pipi east of the line of longitude 136ºE. To formalise the reduction of the bag limit from 300 to 100 west of the line of longitude 136ºE and introduce a car boot limit of 300.

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Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There is currently no boat limit/car boot limit. For consistency with other species a car limit is proposed. There is limited information on the Pipi stocks west of the line of longitude 136ºE; the proposal is to formalise the reduction of the bag limit and introduce a car boot limit is precautionary for sustainability reasons.

Pipi, also known as Goolwa cockles, have patchy distribution along high energy beaches of South Australia’s coastline, with probably the highest population abundances along Coorong Beach, which is subject to high- energy south-west swells. They are also found in lower densities on other state beaches, such as Gunyah beach. Gunyah beach is located to the south of Coffin Bay on Lower Eyre Peninsula. They reach the minimal legal size of 35 mm after 13 months. The size at which 50% of cockles reached sexual maturity on the Coorong beaches is 33 mm.

A recovery strategy for the Pipi fishery, put in place in 2008, has enabled the stock to recover in some areas (Younghusband Peninsula). These restrictions were introduced to equitably reduce the impacts of both commercial and recreational fishing on the Pipi resource, due to possible overfishing and poor environmental conditions in the lower Murray region. In 2007/08, the Pipi resource was classified as overfished, with a recovery strategy in place to bring back harvest levels to within sustainable limits. For recreational fishers, this meant a reduction in daily bag limit, while commercial fishers had a reduction to TACC. In the 2014 stock assessment report, the Pipi resource was classified as sustainable (Ferguson, 2014).

Little is known about the population biology and ecology of the Pipi species on Gunyah beach, or any other beach in the state, except for the Coorong beach, where SARDI surveys and commercial logbook reporting is undertaken on the Pipi stocks found there. As a result of the sustainability concerns raised by the local community on the Lower Eyre Peninsula, a recovery strategy for Pipi west of 136ºE was put in place in 2011 to support recovery of the stock. For recreational fishers, this meant a reduction in the daily bag limit from 300 Pipi per person per day to 100 Pipi per person per day. The proposal to implement the bag limit of 100 seeks to formalise the temporary arrangements that have been in place since 2011.

A Pipi car limit would be a limit to how many Pipi taken can be in a car in a 24 hr period. The car limit will be set at 3 times the personal bag limit when there are 3 or more people in the car and taking the Pipi home. The personal bag limit would apply to each person when there are 1 or 2 people in the car taking the Pipi home. There is a limit to how many fish can be landed onto a boat. The boat limit is usually set at 3 times the personal bag limit when there are 3 or more people fishing in the boat.

The numbers of recreational fishers fishing for Pipi was low in all survey years, and so determining catch trends for this species is not possible from these surveys alone, in 2013/14 addition on site surveys were also undertaken. In 2013/14 the estimate of the total catch was 3.78 t (4.96 t in 2007/08). (Giri et al. 2015)

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Other Marine Invertebrates

Abalone Haliotis spp.

Current limits: Min Size: Greenlip (western zone) 14.5 cm. Greenlip (all other waters) 13 cm. Blacklip: 13 cm all waters. All other species: 13 cm. Bag: 5 (combined). Boat: 10 (combined).

Proposal: No change.

Greenlip (Haliotis laevigata) and Blacklip (Haliotis rubra) abalone are relatively slow-growing long-lived mollusc species patchily distributed on medium to high energy reefs around Southern Australia. Size of first maturity can vary between areas, for example in the Central Zone it is 7.5 to 8.7 cm for Greenlip and 7.6 to 9.6 cm for Blacklip (summarised in Mayfield et al. 2006). The Greenlip Abalone South Australian Western Zone Fishery management unit is classified as sustainable stock and South Australian Central Zone Fishery management unit is classified as a transitional–depleting stock (Mayfield et al. 2014). The Blacklip Abalone South Australian Western Zone Fishery management unit and the South Australian Central Zone Fishery management unit are both classified as transitional–depleting stocks, and South Australian Southern Zone Fishery management unit is classified as a sustainable (Mundy et al. 2014).

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 of Greenlip was 1690 kg (0.4% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 1.93 t and of Blacklip in 2007/08 was 0.66 t (0.1% of the fishery harvest) and in 2013/14 was 0.11 t. As the percentage of fish caught is a very small percent of the fishery harvest, there are no changes proposed for the recreational limits.

Black cowry Zoila friendii thersites

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 1. Boat: none

Proposal: No changes to limits.

The Black Cowry is found in South Australia and Victoria, and grows to 11-12 cm. There were no black cowries reported as taken in the recreational harvest in 2007/08 or 2013/14. However, Baker (2011) reports that this shell is collected by divers and by trawling and sold in the shell trade. There are some reports of over collecting of this species off Kangaroo Island and Port Lincoln. It is proposed that this species be registered with IUCN as data deficient or near threatened (Baker 2011). In South Australia more data is needed on the distribution and abundance of this and other specimen shells. It is proposed to retain the present limit until further research is done.

Bloodworms Glycera ovigera

Current limits: none

Proposal: Introduce a daily bucket limit of 4 litres and a boat limit of 12 litres. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There are currently no limits for Bloodworms, they are taken when the species are forming possible spawning aggregations. For precautionary sustainability reasons a limit is proposed.

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These large polychaete worms aggregate on the surface of the water over a few nights on the new moon three times each year in mid winter, a phenomena known as the “blood worm run”. The worms are collected by recreational fishers en masse during these ‘runs’. The main commercial fishery (included in the Miscellaneous and Marine Scalefish Fisheries) occurs in the outer reaches of the Barker Inlet. Fishers use hand-held spot lights and fine-mesh dab-nets to harvest the swarms (Jones and Westlake 2003). It was thought that these swarms were spawning aggregations, but research by Greg Rouse from the South Australian Museum showed that no reproductive material was found in these worms. There is some concern that this is a migratory event and pre spawning (Davies 2008).

Bloodworms are collected for bait. Large volumes are often collected for a year’s supply during the Bloodworm run. The worms are generally not able to be collected outside the runs. Anecdotal information provided to Fishwatch over a number of years provides some cause for concern of illegal trade with large catches being taken and sold by some. Some legal fishers have expressed concern about this activity having an impact on the stock.

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 3,209 worms (total worms in ‘other’ non-beach, category) and none were reported in 2013/14, however this species has a limited time period where it is taken (worm runs). The rarely caught species tend to have very high relative errors as the number of fishers catching those species in the dairy survey is low. This activity is thought to be becoming more popular amongst recreational fishers due to advertising. The proposal to introduce daily bag limits is due to this increased effort to share the catch with commercial fishery and may prevent the possibility of reducing the worm population prior to breeding.

Giant Crab Pseudocarcinus gigas

Current limits: Min Size: 15 cm carapace depth. Bag: no limit. Boat: no limit.

Proposal: No change

Giant crabs are endemic to Australian waters and are distributed from southern Western Australia to central New South Wales (Kailola et al. 1993). While they occur at depths ranging from 20 m to 600 m, the highest population densities are found at the edge of the continental shelf in a depth of approximately 200 m. They are a slow growing species that inhabits soft sedimentary environments. Males grow to more than twice the size of females and reach at least 13 kg. Approximately half of all females reach sexual maturity at 12.5 cm carapace length, and mate during the months of June and July. Females only bear eggs in non-moulting years, and the clutch sizes can range from 0.5 to 2.0 million eggs (Kailola et al., 1993).

Giant Crabs are classified as transitional–depleting (Hartmann et al. 2014). The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was zero. In 2013/14, 205 individuals were estimated to be caught and all were landed, with a high standard error. Although it appears that this crab is not targeted by recreational fishers, it is recommended that the existing management arrangements be retained to keep consistency between the recreational and commercial sectors, and to protect berried females.

Sand Crab Ovalipes australiensis.

Current limits: Combined with Blue Swimmer Crab. Min Size: 10 cm carapace width Bag: 20. Boat: 60.

Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 40 to 20 and reduce boat limit from 120 to 60

Species of the genus Ovalipes are found in sandy inshore bays from intertidal to 27 m along the southern coast from Perth, WA, to Wide Bay in Queensland and around Tasmania. In South Australia, the sand crab is common throughout many ocean beaches and the southern areas of Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf. Sand crabs are easily distinguished by two coloured spots at the tail end of its carapace. Females become reproductively mature from 65 mm (Deakin, 1996). The minimum legal length of 10 cm carapace width was

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implemented in the early 1990’s for marketing reasons. However, research indicates that this limit also protects most females (Westlake and Jones 1999).

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 11.11 t and in 2013/14 was 9.85 t. Sand crabs are currently combined with blue swimmer crabs in the regulations, and any reduction to the bag limit for blue swimmer crabs would be reflected in the limits for this species.

Cockle Katelysia spp (Mud Cockle)

Current limits: Min Size: Coffin Bay 38 mm, rest of state waters 30 mm. Bag: 300. Boat: no limit.

Proposal: No change.

Katelysia are marketed commercially as cockles. There are three species: K. peroni, K. rhytiphora and K. scalarina. They are distributed around the southern coast from WA to NSW and around Tasmania. Size of first maturity of cockles in Coffin Bay (L50) is 31.1 mm shell length for K. rhytiphora and 26.1 cm for K. scalarina (Gorman et al. 2010). Recreational fishers use cockles as bait when line fishing. The stock status of the overall fishery varies by region: west Coast sustainable, Port River – overfished – recovery strategy in place, Coffin Bay – sustainable (PIRSA, unpublished 2014). The Port River cockle fishing zone has been closed (from 1 July 2011 and reviewed annually) to give this resource a chance to recover. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 91,994 cockles, and in 2013/14 was 12,805 cockles with a high standard error.

Cuttlefish Sepia spp

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 15 (combined with Calamari). Boat: 45 (combined with Calamari).

Proposal: No changes

Cuttlefish belong to the Class Cephalopoda, a sub group of a much broader group of animals known as molluscs. They are very abundant in South Australian waters and comprise of several species. The most abundant and largest in South Australia is the giant Cuttlefish Sepia apana. Giant Cuttlefish are solitary animals, but close to spawning time they are known to form localised aggregations with one mass spawning ground located in False Bay near Whyalla. Spawning usually occurs in the winter months and in shallow inshore rocky reefs, in about 8 metres of water. They start appearing at their spawning ground around the first week of May and disappear towards the end of August. Eggs are laid individually and attached to the underside of flat rocks. The eggs hatch within three to five months, with hatchlings seen in early September. There is a total closure for cephalopods in False Bay.

Cuttlefish have a combined catch limit with Calamari because they are usually taken simultaneously. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 1.46 t and in 2013/14 was 0.34 t.

The unique spawning aggregation at Point Lowly has effectively been protected from fishing since 1999. In March 2013 after scientific surveys indicated a significant decline in the Cuttlefish biomass, PIRSA implemented a temporary closure in northern Spencer Gulf to provide greater protection. This closure has continued for 2016.

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Razorfish Pinna bicolor

Current limits: No size limit, Bag: 25. Boat: 75, Possession limit: 100.

Proposal: No changes to limits.

Razorfish are long-lived (14 years) bivalve molluscs. They are typically a tropical species, but in South Australia they are patchily distributed in shallow (0-10 m) waters of sheltered bays in the warmer gulfs waters, west coast and Kangaroo Island. They are semi-buried in sand and are conspicuous in shallow water. They become mature at about 20 cm (2 years). In November 1997 PIRSA reduced the bag limit for Razorfish by 50% due to concerns of localised depletion in some areas. However, there are still anecdotal reports of some areas with localised depletion14. The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 148.59 t and 2013/14 was 72.68 t.

Scallop Family Pectinidae

Current limits: Min Size: 6.5 cm. Bag: 100. Boat: 300

Proposal: Reduce bag limit from 100 to 75 for Coffin Bay and Boat limit from 300 to 225 for Coffin Bay Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The proposed reduction to the bag/boat limit in Coffin Bay is a precautionary measure given concerns of localised depletion in that area.

Social The current limits (Bag: 100. Boat: 300) are considered excessive by some members in the community, and may be considered above what is reasonable in a day’s fishing. As many recreational fishers do not reach their daily bag limit such a reduction to the bag limit will not impact all fishers, and/or will not impact every fishing trip. It is therefore considered that a bag limit reduction would have limited impact on most fishers. A bag limit of 75 and a boat limit of 225 Scallops is a moderate amount for a single day’s fishing for immediate personal and family needs.

Scallops are filter-feeding, bivalve molluscs that lie unattached on the seabed. They can swim actively but adults are generally sedentary. King Scallop (Pectin fumatus) distribution in Australia is from Tuncurry on the New South Wales coast, south through the Bass Strait, along the east and north coasts of Tasmania to South Australia, across the south coast and along the west coast of Western Australia to Shark Bay. Like other scallop species, King Scallops are found in discrete beds to depths of at least 120 m, over bare, soft sand or mud (Kailola et. al., 1993). Spawning occurs from late June to September (Shepherd, 1988). Annual reproductive cycles are well known for many species of scallop worldwide (Styan and Butler 2003).

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 4.82 t and in 2013/14 was 11.42 t, which is almost 3 times the previous estimate but noting there is a high standard error for this species. The proposal for a reduced bag limit in Coffin Bay is due to localised depletion concerns in that area. In 1991 the size limit of 65 mm was brought into the regulations as a precautionary measure.

14 Reported by fishers in possession limits comments.

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Sea Urchin Heliocidaris erythrogramma

Current limits: none.

Proposal: To introduce a daily bag limit of 20 and boat limit of 6015. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There is currently no limit for Sea Urchins. For precautionary/sustainability reasons a limit is proposed.

Heliocidaris erythrogramma is endemic to Australia and inhabits intertidal rocky reefs down to depths of 35 meters along the southern Australian coasts, from Shark Bay WA to southern Queensland (Edgar, 2000). In South Australia, they are commonly found amongst rocks, boulders or crevices of shallow sub tidal limestone and granite reefs. H. erythrogramma is usually 90 mm in diameter (Edgar, 2000). PIRSA Fisheries has adopted a precautionary approach to the management of the Sea Urchin fishery in the Miscellaneous Fishery. In the absence of scientific data and through concerns regarding the possibility of over-harvesting only a very limited number of entitlements to take Sea Urchin have been issued to the commercial sector (PIRSA 2008).

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 and 2013/14 are unknown. The proposal to introduce a daily bag limit is in response to reports of increasing levels of recreational harvest of up to 200 Sea Urchins per person per day. There is a need for improved estimates of the recreational harvest and this proposal is a first step in addressing increased catches. It is also recommended that the general public be educated about responsible fishing practices.

Southern Rock Lobster Jasus edwardsii

Current limits: Min Size: Southern Zone 9.85 cm carapace length. Northern Zone 10.5 CL. Bag: 4. Boat: 8

Proposal: No changes

The Southern Rock Lobster has a distribution from Dongara in Western Australia, to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales, around Tasmania and also New Zealand (Edgar, 2000).

The fishery in South Australia is divided into two management zones: the Northern Zone (NZ), extends from longitude 139ºE west to the Western Australia border and includes Kangaroo Island (Lewis, 1981a); the Southern Zone (SZ) extends from longitude 139ºE east to the Victorian border (Lewis, 1981b). Recreational fishing follows the same season as the commercial fishery, and runs from 1 November to 31 May in the NZ, and 1 October to 30 April in the SZ.

Recreational fishers can use a variety of harvesting methods, including pots, drop nets, hoop nets, diving and bait sticks. All Rock Lobster caught by recreational fishers must have the centre tail fan clipped to a recognisable straight line before landing, to allow compliance officers to identify recreational catches. Apart from the recreational limits, other management controls include restrictions on the harvesting of berried females, limits on the size and number of pots used, and the prohibition of fishing in reserve areas.

The stock classification for Southern Rock Lobster is sustainable (Linnane et al. 2014). The recreational take is small. Total numbers caught decreased by 3.3% to 102,931 lobsters in 2013/14 from 106,483 lobsters in 2007/08. The release rate decreased to 39.4% in 2013/14 from 55% in 2007/08. The recreational harvest (62,346 lobsters or 74.9 tonnes) was 4.5% of the total harvest weight. (Giri et al. 2015)

15 Sea Urchin, Bag limit in Vic is 20.

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Freshwater species Cooper Creek Catfish Neosiluroides cooperensis

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 10 (< 33 cm), 2 (>33 cm). Boat: 30 (< 33 cm), 6 (>33 cm).

Proposal: Change to ‘totally protected’ Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The proposal to protect this species is a precautionary measure as a species vulnerable to overfishing with currently limited biological information, low productivity, rarity in SA waters and the observation that no recruitment has been detected over a number of years for this species.

The Cooper Creek Catfish is found in larger and more permanent waterholes in the Lake Eyre Basin and is believed to be restricted to the Cooper Creek system where it is relatively widespread and commonly encountered, although not abundant. Its restricted distribution, status as a recreational target species, good eating qualities and generally low productivity suggest populations are vulnerable to fishing pressure. Very little is known about its biology. Size of first maturity is unknown. It is considered very rare (Hammer et al. 2009) and possibly under threat due to its very local distribution. The recreational fishing survey did not distinguish between catfish species; the harvest for all catfish in 2007/08 was 259 fish and in 2013/14 was 794 fish (with 20,538 caught and most released).

There are no available population status estimates for this species. Reasonable assumptions about the likely population status are difficult in the face of almost no information about biological and life history characteristics. Their restricted distribution, status as a recreational target species, good eating qualities and generally low productivity suggest populations are vulnerable to fishing pressure.

Fish surveys in the Lake Eyre Basin have shown that this species is now extremely rare with only 14 N. cooperensis collected out of over 96000 fish in the last 4 years. Eleven of these fish were captured on one occasion at Cullyamurra waterhole in May 2008 (McNeil et al. 2008) and those fish were between 136 and 180 mm. Subsequent extensive sampling has captured three larger individuals all greater than 300 mm (McNeil and Schmarr 2009, McNeil et al. in prep). There is anecdotal evidence of fishers catching these fish in the vicinity of Innamincka (Senior Ranger Darren Wilson pers. comm.).

Catfish - Hyrtl’s Tandan Neosilurus hyrtlii and Silver Tandan Porocilus argenteus

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 10 (< 33 cm), 2 (>33 cm). Boat: 30 (< 33 cm), 6 (>33 cm).

Proposal: No size limit and a bag limit of 10 (all sizes), and boat limit of 30 (all sizes).

Hyrtl’s Tandan lives in waterholes and lakes and is abundant in Cooper Creek and the Diamantina, Georgina and Finke catchments. It grows to 20 cm and may grow to 35 cm. Silver Tandan grows to 30 cm and lives in waterholes, lakes and flowing rivers and in South Australia is found in the Macumba River. (Information taken from Wagner and Unmack, 2000.)

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Golden Perch (Murray Catchment) Macquaria ambigua

Current limits: Min Size: 33 cm. Bag: 5. Boat: 15

Proposal: No changes

Golden Perch, also known in South Australia as Callop, occurs throughout the Murray-Darling catchment as well as the Lake Eyre catchment. The Murray catchment and Lake Eyre are distinct genetic stocks and are regulated separately in South Australia. The Murray River and Lower Lakes stocks are also able to be distinguished genetically, but are morphologically the same and are dealt with as one stock for management purposes (Ye, 2004). Callop are long-lived, up to 26 years, and can reach up to 76 cm in length. Growth rate is highly variable with some 1 year old fish larger than 5 year old fish. Females mature at 4-5 years and males at 2-3 years. The current minimum size of 33 cm is effective in protecting the reproductive potential, but specific data on size of first maturity is still needed for South Australian fish (Ye, 2004).

A commercial fishery operated in both the Murray River and Lower Lakes until 2002/03, when commercial fishing for Golden Perch ceased in the River Fishery. The fishery is considered sustainable (SARDI, 2013). The recreational harvest of Golden Perch in 2007/08 was 46.49 t and in 2013/14 was 37.40 t. These estimates may include the Lake Eyre species below.

Golden Perch/Lake Eyre Perch Macquaria spp.

Current limits: Min Size: 33 cm. Bag: 5. Boat: 15

Proposal: No changes

In contrast to the River Murray Golden Perch, Lake Eyre Basin Golden Perch grow at a faster rate and mature earlier. The maximum size reached is 60 cm (SAALNRMB) and the maximum age is thought to be 26 years. The species has adapted to the more variable river flows and relatively short-lived opportunities when favourable seasonal condition occur. The Lake Eyre Basin Golden Perch is now recognised as a separate species (Macquaria sp. B) to the Murray-Darling Basin Golden Perch (M. ambigua) (Musyl and Keenan 1992), although this Lake Eyre Basin species has not yet been scientifically described. They are endemic to the Lake Eyre Basin region and are generally similar in appearance to the Murray-Darling species.

They are widespread and abundant throughout the Cooper Creek, Diamantina, and Georgina River systems. Under flood conditions they also disperse widely to suitable habitat, including wetlands and ephemeral lakes.

Golden Perch are known to spawn during a flood at water temperatures over 23°C (73°F) and are highly fecund, typically producing between 100,000 and 1,000,000 pelagic eggs depending on the size of the female. They are able to spawn successively within a season in response to increased flow events, and with rising water at a range of flood sizes (DWLBC, 2004). Lake Eyre Golden Perch can also breed over a longer season than those of the Murray-Darling, and have higher initial growth rates, and a lesser age of first maturity (males at 2 years old, and females 3 years old versus 3 and 4 years respectively for the Murray- Darling species). These adaptations provide a reproductive advantage in the context of highly variable flow regimes experienced in the Lake Eyre Basin region. Golden Perch are harvested as part of the single license LEB commercial fishery.

There were few reports of Lake Eyre Golden Perch caught during the 2007/08 recreational survey (all Golden Perch harvested recreationally were from the Murray Catchment). However, this may have changed with recent floods, road upgrades and increased publicity making it more attractive to fish in this area. The catches of Lake Eyre Golden perch are not reported separately in the 2013/14 survey

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Grunter Terapontidae spp. (except Silver Perch)

Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 5. Boat: 15

Proposal: No changes

This family includes the Barcoo Grunter (Scortum barcoo), Banded Grunter (Amniataba percoides), Welch’s Grunter (Bidyanus welchi) and Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor). These are school species with spawning associated with summer floods.

Banded Grunters can reach 20 cm in size but are usually less than half this length (SAALNRM, 2009). Barcoo and Welch’s Grunter are a larger species commonly reaching over 20 cm with a few specimens attaining over 35 cm and weighing up to 1.5 kg. Welch’s Grunter is a small species commonly reaching 230 mm and 300 g although it has been reported that a few specimens attain 350 mm and weigh up to 1.5 kg. Welch’s Grunter is widespread and abundant, but patchy in occurrence. Welch’s Grunter is known to spawn during a flood at water temperatures over 24°C and is highly fecund, typically producing up to 100,000 pelagic eggs depending on the size of the female.

There was no recreational harvest reported for grunters in 2007/08 and in 2013/14 there was 212 grunters caught with all grunters released. Welsh’s Grunter is caught as part of the single licence Lake Eyre Basin Commercial Fishery. Further research is needed on reproduction and growth before size limits are included in the regulations for these species.

Spangled Perch Leiopotherapon unicolor

Current limits: Combined with other grunters. No size limit. Bag: 5. Boat: 15

Proposal: To list this separately from other grunters and introduce a bag limit of 15 and boat limit of 45. Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological The proposal to regulate this species separately with a higher bag limit is due to its abundance and wide distribution in South Australia compared to the other less abundant grunters with which it is currently grouped.

Spangled Perch are extremely widespread and common across northern and central Australia and are among the most tolerant and resilient of freshwater fish species (McNeil and Schmarr 2009). The fish are commonly captured at around 150 mm in length; with some reaching 300 mm.

Spangled Perch have a greater abundance and wide distribution in South Australia than other grunter species and are a separate management unit from the larger but less widespread Barcoo and Welch’s Grunters. Spangled Perch can sometimes be difficult to distinguish from Welsh’s Grunter (Wager and Unmack, 2000). They are a small species commonly growing to 150 mm in length; with some rarely reaching 250 mm and 550 g. Spangled Perch (Leiopotherapon unicolor) is one of the most widespread of the Australian freshwater species and is very abundant (Wager and Unmack, 2000). The Spangled Perch occurs in the largest numbers in still or slowly flowing waters, isolated billabongs, dams and natural streams. The species has wide physiological tolerances, withstanding salinities 35 ppt. and temperatures from 5 to 44ºC.

The Spangled Perch is a schooling fish with an aggressive nature, feeding on a range of small aquatic insects, crustaceans, molluscs and some plant material; it is also described as an opportunistic carnivore. Although active and easy to maintain in captivity, they are very aggressive to all other fish – including their own kind.

JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 39

Spangled Perch are extremely widespread and common across northern and central Australia and are among the most tolerant and resilient of freshwater fish species (McNeil and Schmarr 2009).

Murray Cod Maccullochella peelii

Current limits: Catch and release only between 1 January and 31 July, it is an offence to lift or remove any part of Murray Cod from the water all year round, it is prohibited to target and take Murray Cod from any section of the Chowilla floodplain all year, seasonal closure between 1 August and 31 December and no trolling from a moving vessel during these dates, excluding the Coorong waters.

Proposal: No change

Murray Cod is the largest freshwater fish in Australian and the icon fish of the Murray River. It is distributed throughout most of the Murray-Darling Basin. Murray Cod can grow to 1.8 m and weigh over 100 kg, and can live to 48 years. Size of first maturity is variable and can be from 38 to 50 cm (Ye and Zampatti, 2007). Murray Cod mature at 4 - 6 years and are approximately 500 - 600 mm total length. Nevertheless, age and size data at maturity for populations of Murray Cod in the lower Murray River is lacking. Murray Cod have a relatively short, well-defined breeding season, with spawning occurring in spring and early summer cued by increasing photoperiod (i.e. longer days) and water temperature. Murray Cod spawn annually, but in the lower River Murray relatively strong year classes may only be established when the breeding season coincides with high river flows, both within channel and overbank.

Historically, Murray Cod were common throughout the South Australian MDB and supported a large commercial and recreational fishery. Today in South Australia there are no commercial fishing licences for targeting Murray Cod in the River Murray; these ceased in 2003. The commercial Lakes and Coorong Fishery has access to Murray Cod but recent catches have been negligible. There is currently a closure to all fishing, including recreational fishing of the species. Significant changes to the lower River Murray, including extensive flow regulation and habitat modification (Walker 2006), have resulted in significant declines in the abundance and potentially the distribution of Murray Cod (Ye et al. 2000).

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was estimated at 507 fish (2,111 kg). No Murray Cod were reported in 2013/14. All of the fish harvested were caught in the Lower Murray, whereas fish caught in upper Murray area and other inland waters were released. Since January 2011, the recreational management arrangements for Murray Cod have changed. These changes included:  ‘catch and release’ between 1 January and 31 July,  it is an offence to lift or remove any part of Murray Cod from the water all year,  it is prohibited to target and take Murray Cod from any section of the Chowilla floodplain all year,  no trolling from a moving vessel during the seasonal closure, excluding the Coorong waters. The listing of Murray Cod as a species vulnerable to extinction under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) in 2003 is an indication that implementation of effective long- term management is vital for reducing the risk of further declines in the Murray Cod population.

In 2013, PIRSA held a two day workshop to discuss the potential for stock enhancement of Murray Cod in South Australia. An outcome of the workshop was to recommend an appropriate course of action with a supporting framework for implementation. Two key recommendations arising from the workshop have been implemented, these relate to:

1. the South Australian Research and Development Institute Aquatic Sciences conducting research to understand the current stock status of Murray Cod 2. Primary Industries and Regions SA to form a steering committee to oversee the development of an enhancement program for Murray Cod in the lower River Murray.

JANUARY 2016 SIZE, BOAT AND BAG LIMIT REVIEW PAGE 40

The South Australian Research and Development Institute Aquatic Sciences completed its research in 2014 to understand the current stock status of Murray Cod and indicated that the population has remained low. However, recruitment of juveniles is evident in the flowing habitats of the Chowilla system and main stem of the River Murray following the high river flows in 2010/11. Primary Industries and Regions SA has also implemented a steering committee to oversee the development of an enhancement program for Murray Cod in the lower River Murray.

Trout, Brown Salmo trutta and Rainbow Oncorhynchus mykiss

Current limits: Min Size: 28 cm. Bag: none. Boat: none

Proposal: No change

Brown and Rainbow Trout are introduced but desirable species. Trout were introduced to Australia in 1864 and into South Australia in the 1880’s and are bought for stocking from local and interstate fish farms. A review on the effects of trout on native fish concluded that trout are not a major impediment to the security of native fish populations and recommended that fish continue to be stocked in 12 SA rivers and creeks (Fulton 2004). However, McDowall (2006) notes a ‘major decline in the galaxiods, especially from the Family Galaxiidae in areas where trout have been introduced.

The recreational estimated harvest in 2007/08 was zero as all fish taken (823 fish) were released. In 2013/14 482 Brown Trout, 302 Rainbow Trout and 1,386 trout unknown were harvested (kept).

Yabby Cherax destructor Current limits: No size limit. Bag: 200. Boat: none.

Proposal: To introduce a boat limit of 600 Key reasons for proposed change:

Biological There is currently no boat limit. For consistency with other species a boat limit is proposed.

Yabbies are widely distributed across central and western NSW, south western Queensland, most of Victoria, and throughout South Australia and are a popular target for recreational fishers. They are common in the Lake Eyre Basin region, inhabiting freshwater creeks, rivers, lakes, farm dams, swamps, floodplains and channels. They prefer turbid shallow water that is slow flowing or still and in the Lake Eyre Basin appear to be most abundant on the declining phase of a flood (DWLBC, 2004). Spawning peaks between December and February, although under suitable conditions Yabbies may spawn throughout the year. Following spawning the female carries her eggs under her tail, where they incubate for three weeks. Under favourable conditions they may grow up to 28 cm total length.

The boat limit is usually set at 3 times the personal bag limit when there are 3 or more people fishing in the boat; however there is no boat limit in place for Yabbies. Three times the bag limit is 600.

The recreational harvest in 2007/08 was 23.11 t and for 2013/14 was 4.90 t. This species estimate has a high standard error.

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Appendix

Table 1 Summary of current and proposed changes for recreational fishing size, bag and boat limits

Species Proposed Proposed Proposed Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit **not currently regulated Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit

Key Marine Finfish

Garfish 23 cm 60 180 No change 30 90

30 cm; west of 136 degrees King George Whiting 12 36 Separate review underway 31 cm; east of 136 degrees

38 – 60 cm: 15 38 – 60 cm: 5 (GSV/KI), 38 – 60 cm: 5 38 – 60 cm: 15 (GSV/KI), Snapper 38 cm 10 (rest of waters) No change (all waters) (all waters) 30 (rest of waters) > 60 cm: 2 (all waters) > 60 cm: 2 (all waters) > 60 cm: 6 (all waters) > 60 cm: 6 (all waters)

Australian Herring No size limit 60 180 No size limit 40 120

20 (21 – 35 cm) 60 (21 – 35 cm) Australian Salmon 21 cm No change 10 (> 35 cm) 30 (> 35 cm)

Other Marine/Estuarine Finfish

**Albacore None No size limit 2 6

Bight Redfish (Nannygai) 30 cm 10 30 No change

Blue Morwong 38 cm 5 15 No change

20 cm (min) and **Bluethroat Wrasse 5 15 30 cm (max)

Species Proposed Proposed Proposed Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit **not currently regulated Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit

Bream (all species) 28 cm 10 30 30 cm No change No change

**Congolli None No size limit 2 6

Flathead (all species) 30 cm 10 30 No change

25 cm Flounder (all species) 20 60 No change (commercial only)

**Harlequin None No size limit 2 6

Mullet – all species 21 cm 60 180 No change

Coorong Lagoon: CL 46-75 cm: 10 CL none Mulloway 46 – 75 cm Marine waters: 82 cm No change No change All waters >75 cm: 2 All waters > 75 cm: 6 Marine waters: 75 cm

Samsonfish 75 cm 2 6 88 cm 1 3

Silver Trevally 24 cm 20 60 No change to size, bag or boat limits, but include all species of the genus Pseudocaranx.

Snook 45 cm 20 60 No change

Southern Bluefin Tuna No size limit 2 6 Yellowfin Tuna to be removed – no change to size, bag or boat limit [YFT to be removed]

Sweep – all species 24 cm 20 60 No change

60 cm, Western Blue Groper (Max: 100 cm) 2 6 No change 1 3 Protected Gulf waters

Yellowfin Whiting 24 cm 20 60 No change

Species Proposed Proposed Proposed Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit **not currently regulated Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit

45-60 cm 45-60 cm (S.G.): 10 45-60 cm (S.G.): 30 (S.G.)(Interim) > 60 cm: 1 (all state Yellowtail Kingfish > 60 cm: 2 (all state > 60 cm: 6 (all state No change > 60 cm: 3 (all state waters) 60 cm (rest of state waters) waters) waters) waters)

Sharks

Sharks – Gummy, School 45 cm trunk length 2 combined species 6 No change

**Shark - Whalers No size limit None None Maximum size: 180 cm 1 3

Key Invertebrates

Blue Swimmer Crab 11 cm, carapace width 40 combined with Sand Change species name to P. release egg bearing 120 No change 20 60 Crabs amartus females

No change east of 136º Introduce a car boot limit 300 Pipi 35 mm No boat limit No change 100 west of 136º (equivalent of a boat limit): 900 (300

(Gunyah Beach) for Gunyah Beach)

15, combined with 45, combined with Southern Calamari No size limit No change cuttlefish cuttlefish

Other Invertebrates

Greenlip (western zone) 14.5 cm Greenlip (all other waters) 13 cm Abalone – Greenlip, Blacklip, other Combined 5 Combined 10 No change Blacklip: 13 cm all waters All other species: 13 cm

Species Proposed Proposed Proposed Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit **not currently regulated Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit

**Blood Worms None None 4 litres 12 litres

Black Cowrie No size limit 1 No boat limit No change

Coffin Bay 38 mm; Cockle (mud) 300 No boat limit No change Rest of waters 30 mm

15, combined with 45, combined with Cuttlefish No size limit No change calamari calamari

10 cm, carapace width 40, combined with Blue Sand Crab release egg bearing 120 No change unless there are changes to Blue Swimmer Crab Crabs females

15 cm, carapace depth Giant Crab release egg bearing No bag limit No boat limit No change females

Razorfish No size limit 25 75 No change

Scallop 6.5 100 300 No change 75 (within Coffin Bay) 225 (within Coffin Bay)

**Sea Urchins None None 20 60

SZ: 9.85 cm CL Southern Rock Lobster NZ: 10.5 cm CL release 4 8 No change egg bearing females

Freshwater Species

Cooper Creek Catfish 10 (< 33 cm); 30 (< 33 cm); No size limit Totally protected (N.cooperensis) 2 (> 33 cm) 6 (> 33 cm)

Catfish 10 (< 33 cm); 30 (< 33 cm); No size limit No change (Hyrtls and Silver) 2 (> 33 cm) 6 (> 33 cm)

Species Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit Proposed Proposed Proposed **not currently regulated Size Limit Bag Limit Boat Limit

Golden Perch, Murray Catchment 33 cm 5 15 No change

Golden Perch, Lake Eyre 33 cm 5 15 No change Catchment

Grunter (Family Teraponidae) (except Silver and Spangled No size limit 5 15 No change perch)

Murray Cod Catch and release only No change

Spangled Perch No size limit 5 15 No size limit 15 45

Trout – Rainbow, Brown 28 cm No bag limit No boat limit No change

Yabby No size limit, 200 No boat limit No change 600

Carp Redfin Introduced freshwater fish that must not be returned to the water alive No change Minnow (Gambusia) Marron

River Murray Catfish Silver Perch Trout Cod River Murray Crayfish South East Crayfish Protected freshwater fish, listed here for completeness, but not included in River Blackfish No change to species listed, addition of Cooper Creek Catfish (N.cooperensis) review Olive Perchlet Sthn Pygmy Perch Ewen Pygmy Perch Southern Purple-spotted Gudgeon

Table 2 List of meetings and formal workshops held to inform this SBB review

Date Meeting Participants

25/08/11 One on one consultation with Shirley Sorokin (PIRSA) consulting with Greg Ferguson, SARDI scientists. Tony Fowler, Paul Rogers, Tim Ward and Scoresby Shepherd (SARDI).

08/09/11 SBB internal workshop - Shirley Sorokin, Keith Rowling, Mark Ayliffe, Michelle PIRSA Fishery Managers and Besley, Mark Spencer, Randel Donovan, James Bennett, Fishery Officers at PIRSA Lianos Triantafillos (PIRSA).

20/09/11 Formal SBB Freshwater Keith Rowling, Shirley Sorokin, Jonathan McPhail, Penny Workshop at SARDI Heycock (PIRSA); Brenton Zampatti, David Schmarr (SARDI).

19/10/11 Formal SBB Marine/Estuarine Keith Rowling, Shirley Sorokin, James Bennett, Michelle Workshop at SARDI Besley, Mark Spencer, Randel Donovan, Troy Harris, Paul Faithow (PIRSA); Paul Rogers, Charlie Huveneers, Tony Fowler, Rick McGarvey, Graham Hooper, Stephen Mayfield, Greg Ferguson (SARDI); Alex Gaut, Kathryn Warhurst (CCSA); Ian Fitzgerald, Brenton Schahinger (SARFAC); Keith Jones (Sillago Research).

07/12/11 Formal ESD RA workshop for Simon Bryars (external facilitator); Keith Rowling, James marine/estuarine species at Bennett, Shirley Sorokin, Randel Donovan, Troy Harris, SARDI Michelle Besley (PIRSA); Greg Ferguson, Tony Fowler (SARDI); Kathryn Warhurst (CCSA), Keith Jones (Sillago Research); Ian Fitzgerald, Brenton Schahinger, Knut Gassmanis (SARFAC); Gary Haines (South Australian Tourism Commission); Neil MacDonald (Charter Boat and L&C Fishery); Diane Laube (EPLGA).

11/01/12 Formal ESD RA workshop for Keith Rowling (Facilitator), Jonathan McPhail, Shirley freshwater species at SARDI Sorokin, Michael Sierp (PIRSA). Qifeng Ye, Dale McNeil, David Schmarr (SARDI); Keith Jones (Sillago Research); Peter Copley (DENR); Ian Fitzgerald, Brenton Schahinger, Gary Flack, Peter Teakle, Lubin Pfeiffer, Stuart Walsh, Tony Bainbridge(SARFAC); Brett Ingram (DPI Vic).

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