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Queensland the Smart State

Annual status report 2007 Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery

PR08–3376

The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) seeks to maximise the economic potential of Queensland’s primary industries on a sustainable basis.

While every care has been taken in preparing this publication, the State of Queensland accepts no responsibility for decisions or actions taken as a result of any data, information, statement or advice, expressed or implied, contained in this report.

© The State of Queensland, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries 2008.

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or

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Annual status report 2007—Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery

1

IntroductionThe Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) comprises a suite of species including snapper (Pagrus auratus), pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare) and teraglin jew (Atractoscion aequidens) associated with rocky reefs and inter-reefal areas offshore down to 200 m (pearl perch has been recorded down to depths of 800 m1). The fishery is focussed off the southern part of Queensland, with commercial operators selling almost exclusively on the domestic market. Other minor species in the fishery include black kingfish (Rachycentron canadum), dolphin fish2 (Coryphaena hippurus), yellowtail kingfish (Seriola Ialandi), amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and samsonfish (Seriola hippos).

This report covers the calendar year 2006.

Fishery profile 2006Total harvest from all sectors: approximately 768 t (including 514 t snapper, 197 t pearl perch, 25 t black kingfish, 14 t teraglin jew and 18 t of other rocky reef fin fish)∗

Commercial harvest: approximately 287 t (including 173 t snapper, 57 t pearl perch, 25 t black kingfish and 14 t teraglin jew)

Recreational harvest (2005): approximately 430 t (including 310 t of snapper and 120 t of pearl perch)

Indigenous harvest: no estimate available

Charter harvest: approximately 51 t (including 31 t of snapper and 20 t of pearl perch)

Commercial Gross Value of Production (GVP): approximately $1.9 million

Number of licences: 1527 licences with the symbols L1, L6 or L7 (as of 30 June 2006)

Commercial fishing boats accessing the fishery: 151

Fishery season: fishing occurs all year round, with snapper catches higher from winter to early summer

Description of the fisheryFishing methodsRocky reef fin fish are generally taken using hook and line. Both recreational and commercial fishers are permitted to use up to six hooks.

Fishing areaMost rocky reef fin fish are taken in south east Queensland, which can be fished by commercial operators in possession of an L1, L6 or L7 fishery symbol (see Figure 1). Effort is concentrated in waters from Baffle Creek (24.5°S) south to the New South Wales border. However, fishers are permitted to harvest rocky reef fin fish species throughout Queensland waters provided they have the appropriate line endorsement for the area.

1 R J Mackay, FAO species catalogue, Vol. 17, Pearl perches of the world (Family Glaucosomatidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the pearl perches known to date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis, 1997.2 Dolphin fish are also known as mahi mahi. ∗ For the purpose of this report, the total harvest estimate for 2006 includes the recreational harvest estimate from 2005, based on the assumption that the subsequent years of catch would be similar enough for a gross total estimate.

Figure 1: L8 fishery area.

Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007


2

Main management methods usedA range of input and output controls are used by DPI&F to manage the harvest of rocky reef species, including:

minimum size limits for snapper (35 cm), pearl perch (35 cm) and teraglin (38 cm) for •both commercial and recreational fishers

recreational in-possession limits for snapper, pearl perch and teraglin (a limit of five for •each species)

apparatus restrictions with a limit on the number of hooks and lines that can used by •both commercial and recreational fishers

limited entry into the commercial sector. •

Approximate allocation between sectorsInformation provided to DPI&F through commercial fisher logbooks and recreational fish diaries indicates that the recreational sector harvests a little over half of the catch (56%). In 2006 the commercial sector harvested approximately 37% of the total harvest of RRFFF species. Compared to the recreational and commercial sectors, the annual harvest by charter operators (7%) is low.

Fishery accreditation under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)A Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) approval was granted in 2005 under the Commonwealth EPBC Act and expires on 29 April 2008.

Catch statistics CommercialCommercial catch statistics are presented in terms of total catch and catch rates (Figure 2) and by the amount of fishing effort being applied in the fishery (Figure 3).

In 2006, the commercial catch of pearl perch declined from 72 t in 2005 to 57 t, and snapper catches 219 t to 173 t. Notwithstanding this, the 2005 harvest levels were the highest recorded in the past ten years and catch and catch rates increased markedly from 2002 to 2005 (Figure 2).

The increase in the commercial catch of snapper from 2002 to 2005 is related to improved catch rates. The increase in catch may be due to a number of factors including speculative fishing activity following the Investment warning3 in September 2003, improved successive recruitment of year classes being captured, and/or prices for snapper increasing marginally to between $7 and $10 per kg. The decline observed in 2006 is associated with a drop in catch rate, not a decline in number of days fished. This may indicate a decline in abundance.

3 Investment warnings inform the industry of impending changes to management arrangements. For more information see www.dpi.qld.gov.au


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After the 2005 peak in catch and catch rate for snapper and pearl perch, the 2006 reported levels are the second highest reported in the previous ten years. The increase in snapper catch and catch rate from 2002 may indicate the success of an increased minimum size limit for both species that was introduced in late 2002. Given the majority of fish harvested in the fishery are two to three year old, and that the increased size limit has been in place for four years, it was expected that the positive effects of the change would be evident from 2005 onwards.

Figure 3: Number of boats and days when snapper and pearl perch were caught south of Baffle Creek, 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007).

Teraglin jew is historically one of the major secondary species targeted in the RRFFF, particularly in the recreational and charter sectors. Commercial catches and catch rates have tended to be variable, supporting the opportunistic harvest of teraglin jew by commercial fishers. A large increase in the commercial catch was observed during 2004 and 2005. The increase may be due to a decrease in the minimum size limit from 45 cm to 38 cm in 2002. The reduction was made in an attempt to reduce the high mortality resulting from the release of undersized teraglin jew (up to 95% do not survive following release). The reported catch in 2006 has declined from the high levels of 2005. The decline mirrors a reduction in the number of days fished along with a drop in catch rate.

Figure 2: Snapper and pearl perch catch and catch rate south of Baffle Creek, 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007).

Pearl peach catch Snapper catch

Pearl peach catch rate

250 000 80

70

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

200 000

150 000

100 000

50 000

0

Catc

h (k

g)

Catc

h ra

te (k

g/da

y)

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Snapper catch catch rate

3500

3000

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

180

160

140

120

100

80

60

40

20

Num

ber o

f boa

ts

00

Num

ber o

f day

s

No. of boats reporting pearl perch No. of boats reporting snapper No. of days fished for pearl perch No. of days fished for snapper


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Figure 4: Teraglin catch and catch rate south of Baffle Creek 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007).

A number of other species make up the remainder of the rocky reef fin fish commercial catch, including samsonfish, dolphin fish, yellowtail kingfish, black kingfish and amberjack. Figure 5 shows that the catch composition of these minor species has been variable over time. During the mid-1990s samsonfish and yellowtail kingfish dominated the commercial catch. A shift was observed in the late 1990s towards a commercial catch dominated instead by teraglin jew, black kingfish and amberjack. Between 2000–02 dolphin fish and amberjack dominated catch. A large increase in the contribution to the commercial catch by black kingfish and teraglin jew was observed between 2004–06.

Figure 5: Contribution to the commercial catch by minor rocky reef fin fish species, 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007).

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Catc

h ra

te (k

g/da

y)

Catc

h (k

g)

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5 000

0

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

100%

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

0%

AmberjackYellowtail kingfish

Catch rateCatch

Teragin jewDolphin fish

Black kingfishSamson fish


5

Table 1 shows the commercial catch trends of minor rocky reef fin fish species since 1996. The catch of minor species has increased over time, with the main contributor being black kingfish (cobia). Figure 6 shows the commercial harvest of black kingfish. Catch has increased since 2002, through to the highest reported catch in 2006 (approximately 25 t). The increase in catch is mirrored by an increasing catch rate. The increase in catch is reflective of the increase in number of days fished, from 33 in 2001 to 89 in 2006.

Table 1: Commercial catch (in tonnes) of minor rocky reef fin fish species 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007).

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006

Amberjack 1.1 1.5 1.6 1.1 1.5 2.2 4.9 3.8 6.3 9.9 9.8

Kingfish—black 2.3 3.9 3.9 3.1 2.8 5.5 2.7 4.1 11.0 18.4 25.0

Kingfish—yellowtail 4.7 2.4 0.8 0.8 1.1 3.4 1.7 4.1 2.7 2.7 5.6

Dolphin fish 0.4 0.4 0.5 0.8 0.3 2.0 2.7 5.9 10.1 4.6 2.0

Samsonfish 4.8 5.1 3.5 2.8 1.7 1.4 1.8 2.3 3.1 1.7 1.1

Total 13.3 13.2 10.3 8.7 7.4 14.5 13.8 20.1 33.2 37.1 43.5

Figure 6: Black kingfish catch and catch rate south of Baffle Creek, 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 25 July 2007).

30 000

25 000

20 000

15 000

10 000

5000

0

Catc

h (k

g)

Catc

h (k

g/da

y)

300

250

200

150

100

50

0

Catch rateCatch


6

RecreationalThe results of the fourth Recreational Fisheries Information System (RFISH) telephone survey and diary round that DPI&F undertook in 2005 indicate that approximately 311 t of snapper and 123 t of pearl perch were retained by recreational fishers (56% of the total harvest of rocky reef fin fish species).

Table 2 shows all of the available RFISH data on the recreational catch of rocky reef fin fish species. A more accurate conversion factor sourced from the average weights of snapper and pearl perch taken during surveys4 has been applied to estimate the total weight of the recreational catch.

The total weight of recreational harvest for snapper and pearl perch has increased since the 2002 survey. The increase in snapper harvest may indicate that the increased minimum legal size (MLS) introduced in late 2002 is having a positive effect on population age. In addition, both species were likely subject to increased targeting as a result of wider use of improved fishing technology (e.g. soft plastic lures, cheaper echo sounders coming onto the market, and bigger vessels being able to access offshore grounds).

Table 2: Recreational catch statistics for snapper and pearl perch. Note–Pearl perch catch details were not collected in 1997.

Snapper Pearl perch

1997 1999 2002 2005 1999 2002 2005

Number caught1 327 000

(±91 000)

1 284 850

(±115 700)

1 253 135

(±82 800)

1 218 316

(±100 160)

109 095

(±23 820)

74 370

(±10 300)

355 826

(±50 479)

Number released (% of the number caught)

750 000

(56%)

757 000

(58%)

956 695

(76%)

890 533

(73%)

43 700

(39%)

32 474

(43%)

207 798

(58%)

Total estimated harvest

577 000 527 000 296 440 327 783 64 400 41 903 148 028

Estimated weight of total harvest

~548 t# ~500 t# ~281 t# ~311 t# ~76 t* ~50 t* ~123 t*

#Using an average weight of 0.95 kg per fish, obtained from research surveys undertaken by Ferrel and Sumpton. *Using an average weight of 1.2 kg per fish, obtain from research surveys undertaken by Ferrel and Sumpton.

4 D Ferrell and W Sumpton, Assessment of the fishery for snapper (Pagrus auratus) in Queensland and New South Wales, Report to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, Project 93/704, 1997.


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CharterFigure 7 shows the charter catch and catch rate for snapper and pearl perch from 1996 to 2006. Following a peak in 2001, the total charter catch declined slightly in 2002 and 2003. The observed increase in catch in 2004 and 2005 suggests an increase in the snapper biomass that may have resulted from the increase in the minimum legal size limit. The catch in 2006 decreased, this may be due to a reduction in the number of days as the catch rate has remained relatively stable for both snapper and pearl perch over 2005 and 2006.

Figure 7: Charter catch and catch rate for snapper and pearl perch south of Baffle Creek, 1996–2006 (DPI&F CFISH database, 31 July 2007).

IndigenousThe National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey5 (NRIFS) conducted in 2000–01, provided initial estimates of Indigenous harvest of a range of species across northern Australia, outside the range of the rocky reef target species.

Spatial issues / trends Figures 8 and 9 provide the distribution of snapper commercial catch in the fishery for 2002 and 2006 respectively. Fewer grids have been fished, with higher catches observed in offshore areas off Fraser Island, Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island. The fewer grids fished may be associated with higher fuel prices and changes in fisher behaviour after the implementation of the Fisheries (Coral Reef Fin Fish) Management Plan 2003.

5 GW Henry and JM Lyle, The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey, FRDC Project No. 99/158, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra, Australia, 2003.

60 000

50 000

40 000

30 000

20 000

1 0000

0

Catc

h (k

g)

25

20

15

10

5

0

Catc

h ra

te (k

g/da

y)

Pearl perch catch Pearl perch catch rateSnapper catch Snapper catch rate


8

Figure 8: Distribution of snapper commercial catch, 2002.

Figure 9: Distribution of snapper commercial catch, 2006.

Socio-economic characteristics and trends Commercial operators sell almost exclusively on the domestic market, with prices between $7 - $10 a kilogram (whole weight) for snapper and approximately $6 a kilogram for pearl perch. Other species command lower prices.

Fishery PerformanceAppraisal of fishery in regard to sustainabilityAs reported in the 2006 annual status report, the DPI&F Reef Management Advisory Committee (MAC) holds significant concerns about the status of the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery, in particular snapper. A recent snapper stock assessment by Allan et al6, which was based on data from all fishing sectors, indicated fishing mortality is currently too high to ensure long term sustainability of the fishery. An independent review has supported the results of the assessment and confirmed the use of the stochastic stock reduction analysis model. Further data is required to validate some of the assumptions about the age-structure of the snapper population critical to the assessment model, which was sourced from surveys undertaken between 1993 and 1997. This is currently being obtained by DPI&F through the Long Term Monitoring Program (LTMP). Updated representative age structure data will ensure greater confidence in future assessments.

6 MS Allan, WD Sumpton, MF O’Neill, AJ Courtney, and WE Pine, Stochastic Stock Reduction Analysis for the Assessment of the Pink Snapper (Pagrus auratus) Fishery, Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries, Brisbane, Queensland, 2006.


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Researchers and modellers agree that the results from the stock assessment may be confounded by hyperstability issues in the snapper fishery, where good catch rates can be maintained regardless of overall declining stock abundance. Fishers spend more time searching for fish to maintain catch rates which is not reflected in the logbook information, making catch rates appear constant.

There is still some uncertainty surrounding the range of impacts on the snapper stock, particularly in relation to habitat changes and the size of the recreational catch. Results from the 2005 RFISH diary round indicate that the recreational catch of snapper and pearl perch has increased since the last survey in 2002 (3% and 18% respectively).


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Progress in implementing the Department of the Environment and Water Resources (DEWHA) recommendations

Recommendation Progress Improvements to management regime

DPI&F to inform DEW of any intended amendments to the management arrangements that may affect sustainability of the target species or negatively impact on by-product, bycatch, protected species or the ecosystem.

Ongoing

In 2006, L6 and L7 fishery symbols were given the opportunity to convert to an L1 to simplify licensing arrangements. There are 28 L6 and L7 symbols with all but one making the conversion during this period. The previous L6 and L7 areas were already a subset of the L1 area. This change now results in a small expansion of fishing area for these fishers.

N/A.

By the end of 2006, DPI&F to develop fishery specific objectives linked to interim performance indicators and performance measures for target, by-product, bycatch, protected species and impacts on the ecosystem. Within three months of becoming aware that a performance measure has not been met, the DPI&F to finalise a clear timetable for the implementation of appropriate management responses.

In progress

DPI&F held a workshop with fisheries managers, researchers and industry representatives in 2006 to develop operational objectives and performance measures for the RRFFF. Outcomes of this process were reviewed by the Reef Scientific Advisory Group (ReefSAG). The Performance Measurement System (PMS) is in the final stages of development and is planned to be implemented as policy and provided to DEW in early 2008.

The effectiveness of fisheries management in ensuring the sustainable use of rocky reef fin fish stocks and minimising any impacts on the broader ecosystem will be measured.

From 2005, DPI&F to report publicly on the status of the fishery on an annual basis, including explicit reporting against each performance measure, once developed.

Ongoing

The 2007 annual status report represents the third to be completed for the RRFFF.

Public reporting on the status of Queensland’s fisheries is an important aspect of managing fisheries on behalf of the Queensland community. These reports provide an important catalogue of historical information on the status of Queensland fisheries, links to ecological assessments demonstrating to the Australian Government that fisheries meet sustainability guidelines, assessment of management effectiveness against performance measures and the most up-to-date information on Queensland’s fisheries.


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DPI&F to conduct a compliance risk assessment of the RRFFF and develop a strategy to implement key outcomes within two years.

Complete

DPI&F conducted a compliance risk assessment for the RRFFF in early 2007 in order to determine the compliance priorities and allow for the most effective targeting of Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) resources to addressing higher risk issues.

Outcomes of the risk assessment have been incorporated into QBFP strategic and operational plans and will be reviewed annually.

A compliance risk assessment is used by the QBFP in undertaking operational planning activities associated with management of the fishery. Through identification and prioritisation of compliance risks associated with the fishery, planning and operational processes at the district level may be improved and risks mitigated.

DPI&F to continue to pursue collaborative management of shared rocky reef stocks with the AFMA and NSW DPIE.

Ongoing

DPI&F met with NSW DPI in April 2006 and committed to an ongoing collaboration with respect to managing shared rocky reef stocks.

Collaboration between the departments ensures management arrangements in place benefit the shared stocks.

DPI&F to develop and implement a robust system to validate commercial logbook reporting in the fishery within 18 months.

Ongoing

DPI&F’s logbook validation strategy for the RRFFF involves the use of independent observer data to validate logbook information. The first validation report for this fishery was completed in October 2006, with a high level of accuracy of logbook reporting found.

Validation of logbook information provides confidence in the level of reporting accuracy by commercial fishers. With reliance on logbook data for quantitative stock assessments and ecological assessments, there is a need for authentication of the information reported by fishers through the logbook program.

Within 18 months, DPI&F to develop a process to improve estimates of recreational take, which will be progressively implemented over the next 3 years.

In progressIn response to the results of the ABS study commissioned by DPI&F in 2005, and the April 2006 workshop, DPI&F have commenced planning of a pilot regional survey of recreational fishing in southeast Queensland. The survey will test the bus route creel survey methodology and interviews with anglers will be conducted at boat ramps from November 2007. A revised statewide diary program focussed on recreational boat owners will also commence in November 2007.

The survey outcomes will inform future reviews of the fishery’s management arrangements.


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DPI&F to develop a stock assessment program that considers all commercial, recreational, charter and indigenous harvest provides information on the status of target species and estimates ecologically sustainable harvest levels for target species of the RRFFF.

Partially completedA stock assessment was completed in 2006 for snapper by Allan et al4 using stock reduction analysis (SRA) methodology. It has since been independently reviewed and its results supported. Snapper has been included in a three year stock assessment strategy developed by DPI&F.

DPI&F is committed to implementing a stock assessment program to provide information on the status of major target species in the RRFFF.

DPI&F to identify areas of localised depletion by the end of 2006, and progressively implement relevant mitigation measures over the next 3 years.

In progressCommercial logbook data is being assessed to investigate spatial changes in catch and effort. This recommendation is to be addressed through longer term management arrangements for the fishery.

The identification of temporal and spatial changes in abundance will aid in the development of management arrangements to minimise adverse impacts of high fishing pressure.

DPI&F to develop and implement a recovery strategy by the end of 2006 to actively promote the recovery of overfished RRFFF target species to ecologically viable stock levels.

In progressDPI&F is working towards a recovery strategy in consultation with key stakeholders. This recommendation is to be addressed through the longer term management arrangements for the fishery.

Development of a recovery strategy ensures that if any harvest of RRFFF target species resulted in recruitment overfishing, the strategy may be implemented immediately.

Within one year, to support the implementation of the Species of Conservation Interest logbooks, DPI&F to ensure that an education program for fishers, both recreational and commercial, is developed and implemented, to promote the importance of protected species protection and accurate incident reporting.

CompletedA protected species education program was released in September 2005. Material was delivered to both recreational and commercial fishers about ways to minimise interactions with protected species, how to handle them should an interaction occur and the importance of accurate reporting of interactions.

DPI&F and the Queensland fishing industry are committed to minimising the impacts of fishing on protected species. The education package has increased the level of confidence in the data obtained from Species Of Conservation Interest (SOCI) logbooks.

DPI&F to develop and implement a system sufficient to identify changes in the composition and quantity of bycatch, within two years.

CompletedInformation is being sourced from the DPI&F fishery observer program. Bycatch data will be reported in the annual status reports, including trends over time once sufficient data has been collected.

N/A.


13

Management performance DPI&F held a workshop including fisheries managers, researchers and industry representatives in 2006 to develop operational objectives and performance measures for the RRFFF. Outcomes of this process were reviewed by the Reef Scientific Advisory Group (ReefSAG). The RRFFF Performance Measurement System (PMS) is in the final stages of development and is planned to be implemented as policy and provided to DEW in early 2008. DPI&F will report against these performance measures in the 2008 Annual Status Report.

Resource concernsThe status of pearl perch and teraglin jew is uncertain, in recognition that there is limited biological information available for the species on which to base a robust assessment. Significant resources are currently being invested by DPI&F through the LTMP to collect further information to improve future assessments of the status of the major target species in this fishery.

EcosystemNon-retained species / bycatch Fisheries observers have been introduced to the RRFFF, with a number of aims, one if which is to better identify and quantify the amount of bycatch in the fishery. Based on the observer trips undertaken to date, a large part of the bycatch is undersize target species. In total, 98% of all snapper caught were retained, with the remaining 2% released alive as they were undersized. Of the pearl perch caught, 58% were retained, and 42% were released alive as they were undersized. Another 33 species were caught by rocky reef fin fish operators. Of this catch 94% was retained. The remaining 6% was released alive as they were either undersized, not marketable, or the operator was not permitted to retain the fish as they did not have the appropriate fishery symbol (e.g. no RQ symbol to take coral reef fin fish).

Interactions with protected species In 2006, RRFFF fishers were still using the LF03 logbook – which has no requirement to record interactions with protected species. However, a number of rocky reef operators also use the LF04 logbook (if they hold an additional RQ symbol), which does require reporting of protected species interactions. No interactions were recorded in 2006 through the LF04 logbook. Fishery observers have not recorded any interactions with protected species to date.

A new logbook to be used by commercial rocky reef fin fish fishers (the LF05 Version 05 logbook) was distributed in mid 2007. The logbook will also be used by coral reef fin fish and Spanish mackerel fishers, and requires all interactions with protected species to be recorded.

Fishery impacts on the ecosystem It is unlikely that there is any significant physical impact on the ecosystem from the fishery due to the relatively benign line fishing method used. There is some concern, however, that heavy fishing pressure may have resulted in changes to the fish community structure.

Other ecosystem impacts Neither habitat use by rocky reef fin fish species nor the ecology of rocky reefs is well understood. Concern has been expressed by ReefMAC that areas of inshore and offshore rocky reef habitat in the Gold Coast area may have been smothered with sand as a result of the coastal beach nourishment program (Tweed bypass project), and that rocky reef fin fish that once inhabited these key areas can no longer be found. This has been supported by evidence of an increase in commercial spanner crab catches in the area that were previously predominantly reef, where spanner crab dillies were not normally placed.


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A sand dispersal meeting held at DPI&F in 2005, involving the Environmental Protection Agency and key researchers from Griffith University, agreed that further research is required to obtain historical bathymetric information including topographic information for reefs at depths 50 m and greater.

Research and monitoringRecent research and implicationsThe snapper stock assessment was reviewed and finalised in April 2006. DPI&F continue to conduct fishery dependent size and age structured sampling of various rocky reef fin fish, as well as fishery independent snapper recruitment surveys through the LTMP.

Monitoring programs and results

Long Term Monitoring Program

Rocky reef fin fish

The DPI&F Long Term Monitoring Program (LTMP) provides fishery-dependent monitoring of RRFFF resources. The objective of the program is to collect age, length and sex data representative of the commercial, recreational and charter boat catches in southern Queensland. LTMP primary target species include: snapper (P. auratus), pearl perch (G. scapulare) and teraglin (A. aequidens). Data is collected opportunistically on the following species: amberjack (S. dumerili), highfin amberjack (S. rivoliana), blackbanded amberjack (S. nigrofasciata), black kingfish (R. canadum), yellowtail kingfish (S. Ialandi) and samsonfish (S. hippos).

A range of sampling strategies are used by LTMP to obtain representative data and sample of harvested fish from all fishery sectors. These strategies include:

measuring fish at seafood processors•

asking charter boat operators to measure fish•

boat ramp surveys•

asking recreational anglers to retain fish frames. •

The collection of fishery-dependent data and biological samples from all sectors occurs all year round.

LTMP rocky reef fish data will be used in future stock assessments. This is a new program which commenced in July 2006, and as such LTMP data was not available for previous fishery assessments.

Snapper pre-recruit

The DPI&F LTMP provides fishery-independent monitoring of pre-recruit snapper (juvenile fish less than 1 year old) in Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay. The objective of the program is to collect:

length data representative of the pre-recruit snapper population found in nursery areas •in Moreton and Hervey Bay; and

data to estimate an index of abundance of pre-recruit snapper and an estimate of year •class strength in Moreton and Hervey Bay.

Annual surveys are planned, one in Moreton Bay and one in Hervey Bay between November and January. Approximately 10 nights of sampling are carried out in each bay using a 5 m beam trawl towed for 0.5 nm per site. Sites are selected using a systematic random sampling design.


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Several years of data will be required to establish the most suitable method for estimating the annual index of abundance and year class strength using the data collected during the fishery-independent surveys. The LTMP snapper pre-recruit data will be incorporated into future snapper stock assessments. As this program commenced in November 2006 LTMP data has not been available for previous fishery assessments.

Fishery Observer Program

The Fisheries Observer Program (FOP) provides an effective method to be able to obtain a wide variety of information from the RRFFF. The primary objectives for the program are to supply information to the fishery manager regarding the species composition of catch and bycatch from this fishery.

To achieve these objectives, information is collected by ‘at sea’ observers on commercial fishing vessels, including:

total catch numbers, size and form of product retained (target and non-target species)•

catch per unit effort•

total species catch compositions (target, non-target and bycatch)•

vessel and gear information•

interactions with species of conservation interest.•

Due to the size and complexity of Queensland’s fisheries, the FOP has designed a monitoring strategy that will, over a three year period, allow adequate coverage of a range of fisheries to meet both Departmental data requirements and Commonwealth recommendations.

There was limited coverage in the RRFFF for the 2006 fishing year, with only 13 observer sea days conducted on six individual trips. Approximately 35 different species of fish were recorded during these trips. Snapper was the most common, comprising 52% of the catch by number, followed by pearl perch which comprises 29% of the catch by number. A number of other species were caught, including a number of species of coral reef fin fish.

The relatively low level of coverage in 2006 was due to a change in the approach of the program to ensure adequate coverage is able to be directed towards all fisheries. The FOP will be targeting the RRFFF in 2008, and has allocated 50 sea days to obtain baseline information regarding catch composition (including bycatch) and fisher-submitted logbook validation.

Future directions

The DPI&F FOP functions on a voluntary basis within this fishery. Vessels are contacted and encouraged to participate in the program. During 2006, six vessels willingly provided a position for observers in the RRFFF. The program has enhanced DPI&F’s working relationship with industry and is continuing to develop a cooperative approach with respect to observers. It is important for the function of a voluntary program that data collected meets the needs of the department as well as industry. The FOP is working with industry to provide an assurance that collected information is used to develop a more sustainable and profitable industry in line with the core mission of DPI&F. Key actions for the FOP in the coming year (beyond the objectives above) are to establish greater understanding within industry of the aims and the importance of the program, and to assess the accuracy of logbook collected data. Through increased liaison with industry, the FOP aims to increase fisher participation in the coming years.

Collaborative researchThere has been no collaborative research this year.


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Fishery managementCompliance reportDuring 2006, 2009 units, including 48 commercial fishing vessels, were inspected in the RRFFF, with an associated compliance rate of approximately 95% on units inspected. Offences are reported as either a Fisheries Infringement Notice (FIN); Caution (FIN Caution or official caution issued by Legal); or Prosecution (to proceed by complaint summons) (Table 3).

A compliance risk assessment will be conducted for this fishery in early 2007 in order to determine compliance priorities and allow the most effective use of QBFP resources. Detailed strategies to address the risks identified by the assessment will be developed through the QBFP strategic and operational planning processes that are reviewed annually.

Table 3: Offences recorded in the Queensland Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery in 2006.

OFFENCE FIN Prosecution Caution

Recreational fisher take or possess fish regulated by size 57 - 30

Commercial fisher take or possess fish regulated by size 1 - -

Recreational fisher take or possess fish regulated by number 5 - -

Contravene closed waters by possessing fishing apparatus, namely fishing rods 2 - -

Fail to have a document required to be available for immediate inspection 1 - -

Did an act only an authority holder can do - 1 -

TOTAL 66 1 30

Changes to management arrangements in the reporting yearIn 2006, L6 and L7 fishery symbols were given the opportunity to convert to an L1 to simplify licensing arrangements. There are 28 L6 and L7 symbols with all but one making the conversion during this period. The previous L6 and L7 areas were already a subset of the L1 area. This change now results in a small expansion of fishing area for these fishers.

Outcomes of review processesThe ReefMAC and SAG have discussed the outcomes of the snapper stock assessment and consultation strategy for management planning. DPI&F are developing a management planning process for approval.

Consultation / communication / educationPromotion of regulations applying to both commercial and recreational fishers, including those relating to rocky reef fin fish species, is an ongoing role for DPI&F. Approximately 200 000 recreational fishing brochures containing size and possession limit information were distributed in 2005–06. Details of fisheries regulations are also on the DPI&F website.

Consultation with stakeholders in the fishery mainly occurs through ReefMAC, with meetings generally held twice a year. ReefMAC provides advice to DPI&F on management measures for the fishery. Consultation with stakeholders also occurred as part of the PMS development process.


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Complementary managementCurrently, the minimum size limit in New South Wales for snapper is 5 cm smaller than in Queensland, and anglers have a daily bag limit of 10 (compared to an in-possession limit of five in Queensland). NSW DPI are waiting on the results of a socio-economic impact study prior to implementing any changes to the snapper minimum size limit. Other size limit changes are being reviewed by NSW DPI, including those for pearl perch, samsonfish, amberjack, yellowtail kingfish and dolphin fish. Changes are expected to be implemented in 2007.

Information compiled by

Fiona Hill and Bonnie Holmes

Acknowledgements

Nadia Engstrom, Lew Williams, Dr Tracey Scott-Holland, Geoff Weir, Len Olyott, Dr Malcolm Dunning, Dr Brigid Kerrigan, John Kung, Michelle Winning, Cassandra France.

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Snapper (Pagrus auratus)

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