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Annual status report 2008 Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery

Queensland the Smart State

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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Introduction

The Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery (RRFFF) comprises a suite of species including snapper (Pagrus auratus), pearl perch (Glaucosoma scapulare), teraglin jew (Atractoscion aequidens) and cobia (Rachycentron canadus) associated with rocky reefs and inter-reefal areas offshore down to 200 m (pearl perch has been recorded down to depths of 800 m) (Mackay, 1997). The fishery is focussed off the southern part of Queensland, with commercial operators selling almost exclusively on the domestic market. Other by-product species in the fishery include mahi mahi (Coryphaena hippurus), yellowtail kingfish (Seriola Ialandi), amberjack (Seriola dumerili) and samsonfish (Seriola hippos).

This status report covers the 2007 calendar year.

Fishery profile 2007

Total harvest from all sectors: approximately 1345 t1

Commercial harvest: Approximately 254 t (including 141 t snapper, 52 t pearl perch, 27 t cobia, 10 t teraglin jew)

Recreational harvest (2005): Approximately 1000 t (including 550 t snapper, 283 t cobia and 123 t pearl perch)

Indigenous harvest: no estimate available

Charter harvest: Approximately 91 t

Commercial Gross Value of Production (GVP): approximately $1.7 million

Number of licences: 1523 licences with the symbols L1, L2 or L3 (as at 19 June 2008)

Commercial fishing boats accessing the fishery: 178

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

Source: DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008

Description of the fishery

Fishing methods

Rocky reef fin fish are generally taken using hook and line. Both recreational and commercial fishers are permitted to use up to six hooks.

Fishing area

Most rocky reef fin fish are taken in south east Queensland, which can be fished by commercial operators in possession of an L1 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 L2 or L3 endorsement.

Main management methods used

A range of input and output controls are used by DPI&F to Figure 1: Map of fishery area.

1 The total harvest estimate includes the latest recreational harvest estimate from 2005, based on the assumption that subsequent years of catch is similar for a gross total estimate. Annual status report 2008 – Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery

2

manage the harvest of rocky reef species, including:

• recreational in-possession limits for snapper, pearl perch, teraglin jew (a limit of five for each species), and cobia (a limit of 10)

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

• limited entry into the commercial sector

• commercial fishing vessels limited to a maximum of 20 metres in length, and a Boat Replacement Policy also applies

• minimum size limits for snapper (35 cm), pearl perch (35 cm), teraglin jew (38 cm), and cobia (75 cm) for both commercial and recreational fishers.

Approximate allocation between sectors

The recreational sector harvested a little over half of the catch of all rocky reef fish species in 2007 (55%, based on the 2005 recreational fishing estimate). The annual harvest by charter operators (11%) is relatively low.

Fishery accreditation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act)

A reassessment of the Wildlife Trade Operation (WTO) was conducted in April 2008, with a new two year WTO approval granted under the Commonwealth EPBC Act. The WTO expires on 29 April 2010. As this report is for the 2007 period, progress against the first set of recommendations is reported on for the final time.

Catch statistics

Commercial

There are complex management arrangements for the species harvested in this fishery, given that an east coast line fisher with an L1-L3 endorsement can capture and retain rocky reef species in addition to coral reef species if they also hold an RQ fishing symbol. As such, commercial fishers targeting coral reef species often also catch and retain traditional rocky reef fin fish even when they are not targeting their efforts towards catching them. For this reason, the commercial catch statistics are presented in terms of total catch2 for the species harvested in this fishery (Table 1).

Table 1: Historical total harvest (in tonnes) of all rocky reef species caught on an L1-L3 endorsement (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Snapper 147.12 159 114 110 110 80.2 129 169 264 202 141

Pearl perch 44.63 40.3 37.7 40.8 27.5 19.8 48.7 68 97.1 72.2 52.5

Teraglin jew 1.46 4.8 6.2 5.39 8.84 2.18 3.76 23.2 29.1 20.4 10.4

Cobia 9.62 10.3 8.05 7.28 9.11 8.42 15.9 14.6 26.9 35.6 27.1

Amberjack 2.62 5.4 3.79 2.41 4.55 6.05 4.68 9.18 13.1 13.1 13.6

Yellowtail kingfish 3.79 1.16 0.87 1.36 3.68 1.93 4.79 3.11 3.37 6.04 7.54

Mahi mahi 0.75 0.93 0.97 0.29 2.08 3.35 6.06 12.7 8.54 3.28 1.22

Samsonfish 8.25 5.7 4.78 2.18 2.45 2.63 3.01 3.21 1.94 1.38 1.48

A standardisation was then applied to only those fishers whose catch of rocky reef species was above 60%. This provides a catch and catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the target species snapper and pearl perch (Figure 2).

2 The total catch reported here will differ from the total catch reported in the snapper stock assessments, due to line-only caught snapper data being used here. Stock assessments also incorporate net caught snapper data. Annual status report 2008 – Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery

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In 2007, the commercial catch of pearl perch declined from 37 t in 2006 to 23 t, and snapper catches from 109 t to 60 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 decline observed in 2007 is associated with both a drop in catch rate and a decline in number of days fished for snapper (1700 in 2006 to 1145 in 2007). The number of boats and boat days where snapper and pearl perch were reported caught is defined in Figure 3.

60

80

140

160

180

120 200 Pearl perch catch Snapper catch Pearl perch catch rate Snapper catch rate

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

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Catc

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y)

120

100 60

40

40 20

20

0 0

Catc

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onne

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Figure 2: Standardised snapper and pearl perch catch and catch rate across the RRFF Fishery, 1997-2007 (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

1400

1600

80 1800 No. of boats reporting pearl perch No. boats reporting snapper No. days fished for pearl perch No. days fished for snapper

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

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501000

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Annual status report 2008 – Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery 4

Figure 3: Standardised snapper and pearl perch boat and days fished across the RRFF Fishery, 1997-2007 (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

Teraglin jew is historically one of the major secondary species harvested 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 (Figure 4). 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 catch in 2007 has declined from the moderate levels of 2006, attributed to the decline in the number of days fished.

The catch of by-product species has increased over time, with the main contributor being cobia (black kingfish). Figure 4 also shows the increased catch of cobia since 2002, through to the highest reported catch in 2006 (approximately 16 t when standardised). In 2007 the catch decreased to around 9 t, mirroring a decrease in catch rate.

Figure 5 shows that the catch composition of the by-product species including cobia, teraglin jew, samsonfish, mahi mahi, yellowtail kingfish, and amberjack 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 by teraglin jew, cobia and amberjack. A large increase in the contribution to the commercial catch by cobia and teraglin jew has occurred between 2004–07.

Recreational

The results of the fourth Recreational Fisheries Information System (RFISH) telephone survey and diary round that DPI&F undertook in 2005 indicate that approximately 550 t of snapper and 123 t of pearl perch were retained by recreational fishers (55% 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 surveys (Ferrell & Sumpton, 1997) has been applied to estimate the total weight of the recreational catch.

DPI&F has commenced a regional survey of recreational fishing in south east Queensland. The survey will test the bus route creel survey methodology and interviews with anglers at boat ramps were started in November 2007. A revised state-wide diary program also commenced in November.

10

15

20

25 80

Catc

h (t

onne

s)

Cobia catch Teraglin jew catch Cobia catch rate Teraglin jew catch rate

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

70

60

Catc

h ra

te (

kg/d

ay)

50

40

30

20 5

10

0 0

Figure 4: Standardised cobia and teraglin jew catch and catch rate across the fishery, 1997-2007 (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

Amberjack Cobia Mahi mahi Samsonfish Teraglin jew Yellowtail kingfish

100%

1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

80%

60%

40%

20%

0%

Figure 5: Standardised contribution to the commercial catch by minor rocky reef species, 1997-2007 (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

Table 2: Recreational catch statistics for snapper, pearl perch and cobia.

Snapper Pearl perch Cobia

1997 1999 2002 2005 1999 2002 2005 2005

1 327 000 1 284 850 1 253 135 1 218 316 109 095 74 370 355 826 52 000 Number caught

(±91 000) (±115 700) (±82 800) (±100 160) (±23 820) (±10 300) (±50 479) (±8 000)

Number released (% of 750 000 757 000 956 695 890 533 43 700 32 474 207 798 21 000

the number caught) (56%) (58%) (76%) (73%) (39%) (43%) (58%) (59%)

Total estimated 577 000 527 000 296 440 327 783 64 400 41 903 148 028 31 000

harvest

Estimated weight of total ~548 t# ~500 t# ~281 t# ~550 t# ~76 t* ~50 t* ~123 t* ~283 t^

harvest

#Using an average weight of 0.95 kg per fish for 1997–2002 surveys, obtained from research surveys undertaken by Ferrell and Sumpton (1997). With the increase in snapper minimum legal size limit (MLS) to 35cm in 2003, the 2005 estimate is using an average weight of 1.68 kg per fish, based on current 2007 unvalidated size structure estimates from the Queensland Fisheries Long Term Monitoring Program. *Using an average weight of 1.2 kg per fish, obtained from research surveys undertaken by Ferrel and Sumpton (1997). ^Using an average weight of 9.15 kg per fish, based on current 2007 unvalidated size structure estimates from the Queensland Fisheries Long Term Monitoring Program. The MLS for cobia is 75cm.

Charter

Figure 6 shows the charter catch and catch rate of snapper and pearl perch since 1997. The CPUE for pearl perch has decreased slightly, but the overall catches remain stable. Figure 7 demonstrates the proportion of all species caught by charter operators since 1997. Snapper and pearl perch continue to make up the majority of the catch. 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 Annual status report 2008 – Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery

5

number of days fished as the catch rate has remained relatively stable for both snapper and pearl perch over 2005 and 2006.

0

10000

20000

30000

40000

Snapper catch Pearl perch catch Snapper CPUE Pearl perch CPUE

60000 20

18 50000 16

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1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007

Figu1 9re97 7:1 9 Pr98 op1 999ortio2 0n 00 of2 char00 1 2 ter002 c2 a0tc03 h 2 for 004 a2 ll005 rock2 006 y reef 2007

Snapper Pearl perch Teraglin jew Cobia Amberjack Yellowtail kingfish Mahi mahi Samsonfish

100%

Cont

ribut

ion

of c

atch

90%

80%

70%

60%

50%

40%

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species, 1997-2007 (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

Figure 6: Charter catch and catch rate for snapper and pearl perch, 1997-2007 (DPI&F CFISH database, 10 June 2008).

Indigenous

There are no estimates for this fishery.

Spatial issues/trends

Figure 8 demonstrates the distribution of unstandardised snapper commercial catch in the fishery for 2003, 2005 and 2007 respectively. In 2007, higher catches were observed in offshore areas off of Moreton Island and Stradbroke Island, signalling a shift from the higher catches reported around Fraser Island in 2005.

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.

Figure 8: Distribution of snapper commercial catch in 2003, 2005, and 2007.


Fishery performance

Appraisal of fishery in regard to sustainability

As reported in the 2006 annual status report, the DPI&F Reef Fisheries 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 al. (2006), 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 supported the results of the assessment and confirmed appropriate use of the stochastic stock reduction analysis model. Further data was recommended 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). The stock assessment will be rerun in September 2008 incorporating recently collected age structure information.

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 may 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).

In July 2008, DPI&F announced a review of the RRFFF management arrangements. A Stakeholder Network Working Group has been formed, consisting of key representatives from the commercial, charter, recreational, marketing and tackle industry, research, government, conservation, and media sectors.

This group will work with stakeholders and the wider community to identify and prioritise issues and develop management options with DPI&F as a partner in the process. The working group members will have a central role in identifying fishery issues and developing management options to address these issues before they are released to the wider community for consultation.

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

DEWHA made a range of recommendations of DPI&F during its assessment of the fishery in order to address perceived risks or uncertainties. Details of progress made against each of these recommendations are provded in Table 3.

Table 3: Implementation progress of DEWHA recommendations for the Rock Reef Fin Fish Fishery.

Recommendation Progress

DPI&F to inform DEWHA 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.

Completed and Ongoing

There were no changes to management arrangements in 2007.



By the end of 2006, DPI&F to develop fishery Complete specific objectives linked to interim performance The Performance Measurement System (PMS) has indicators and performance measures for target, been finalised and is reported against below. by-product, bycatch, protected species and impacts on the ecosystem. Within three months of The PMS continues to ensure that fisheries

becoming aware that a performance measure has management is monitoring the sustainable use of

not been met, the DPI&F to finalise a clear rocky reef fin fish stocks and minimising any impacts

timetable for the implementation of appropriate on the broader ecosystem will be measured.

management responses.

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.


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

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 to determine compliance priorities and allow for effective targeting of Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) resources to addressing higher risk issues.

Outcomes have been incorporated into QBFP strategic and operational plans and will be reviewed annually. Identification and prioritisation of compliance risks allows planning and operational processes at the district level to be improved.

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


DPI&F meet with NSW DPI biannually as a part of an ongoing collaboration with respect to managing shared rocky reef stocks. NSW DPI is also a member of the Stakeholder Network Working Group reviewing management arrangements for the fishery.

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 project for this fishery was completed in October 2006, with a high level of accuracy of logbook reporting found. The next round of validation activities will commence in mid 2009.

Validation of logbook information provides confidence in the level of reporting accuracy by commercial fishers.



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.

Complete

In November 2007 DPI&F began both a regional survey of recreational fishing in southeast Queensland, and a revised state-wide diary program. The regional survey uses the bus route creel survey methodology and interviews with anglers will be conducted at boat ramps.

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

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 completed

A stock assessment was completed in 2006 for snapper (Allan et al., 2006). Snapper re-assessment will begin in mid 2008. There is no formal stock assessment planned for pearl perch, however other assessment methods are being utilised to monitor the sustainability of the stock built into routine assessment in the PMS.

DPI&F is committed to implementing robust assessment programs to provide information on the status of major target species.

DPI&F to identify areas of localised depletion by the In progress end of 2006, and progressively implement relevant Commercial logbook data is being assessed to mitigation measures over the next 3 years. 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 progress

DPI&F is working towards a recovery strategy in consultation with key stakeholders. Review of the RRFFF management arrangements began in July 2008.

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.

Completed

An education program was released in September 2005 to recreational and commercial fishers regarding minimising interactions with protected species, how to handle them, and the importance of accurate reporting of interactions.

The education package has increased the level of confidence in the data obtained from commercial operators.

DPI&F to develop and implement a system Completed sufficient to identify changes in the composition Information is being sourced from the DPI&F Fishery and quantity of bycatch, within two years. Observer Program. Bycatch data will be reported in

the annual status reports, including trends over time once sufficient data has been collected.

DPI&F now have a better understanding of the bycatch composition through the Fishery Observer Program.

Performance against fishery objectives

In early 2008, DPI&F finalised a performance measurement system which will now be reported on annually. The PMS functions as a reporting framework that is a transparent, defensible set of criteria for evaluating the performance of the fishery against management arrangements (Table 4). Within three months of becoming aware that a performance measure has been triggered, DPI&F is required to finalise a clear timetable for implementation of appropriate management responses. DPI&F became aware of the triggers in July 2008. The results of a detailed analysis of the catch and effort data will be considered by ReefMAC and ReefMAC Scientific Advisory Group (SAG) out-of-session in August 2008, and an appropriate management response developed.

Table 4: Performance measures and outcomes for the Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery in 2007.

Performance measure Performance

Target species

Standardised commercial catch per unit effort (CPUE) of snapper and pearl perch shows a decrease of at least 10% in each consecutive year over three years OR decreases by 20% from the preceding year.

Snapper – Triggered

The commercial CPUE for snapper decreased by more than 10% in each of the last 3 years.

Pearl perch – Not triggered

Standardised CPUE for snapper by region shows a decrease of at least 10% in each consecutive year over three years OR decreases by 20% from the preceding year.

Triggered

The standardised CPUE for the Fraser Offshore region has decreased by more than 10% each year since 2005. The Brisbane Offshore, Fraser Offshore, Moreton Bay and Rockhampton regions all decreased by more than 20% since 2006.



Performance measure Performance

Estimates of exploitable biomass of snapper falls below 40% of the estimated virgin biomass.

Not measured

The last stock assessment was completed in 2006. Estimates of biomass based on the 2007 calendar year will be calculated in the stock assessment beginning mid 2008.

There is a 20% decrease in recreational CPUE for snapper and pearl perch between consecutive surveys.

Not triggered

Recreational CPUE for snapper and pearl perch decreased 9% and 12% respectively.

Total mortality (Z) exceeds 2 times estimate of natural mortality (M) for snapper and pearl perch. [Future measure]

Not measured

The biological samples needed to calculate this measure have not yet been processed.

By-product species

In those years where more than 10 tonnes (per species) is retained, there is an increase or decrease in the total catch of teraglin jew, cobia, amberjack, yellowtail kingfish, samsonfish and mahi mahi of more than 40% from the preceding year.

Triggered

In 2007, the catch of teraglin jew decreased by 48% from the preceding year. The catch (10.4 t) has returned to levels caught prior to 2004 (when the reef quota system introduced).

Bycatch and protected species

Observer information [for a three year collection period] shows the amount of bycatch exceeds 10% of the total catch taken by commercial fishers.

Not measured

The collection period has not yet been completed.

The percentage of animals released (alive) from each category falls below 90%.

Not triggered

There have been no reported catches of any protected species in 2007.

Social

That the rate of compliance falls below 95% in the commercial fishery and/or 95% in the recreational fishery.

Not triggered

Compliance in the fishery remains high.

Economic

The commercial GVP for the rocky reef fin fish fishery falls below $1m.

Not triggered

The GVP for the fishery in 2007 is approximately $1.7 million.

Resource concerns The 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. Both of the performance measures for these

species did not trigger. 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.

Ecosytem

Fisheries observers operate in the RRFFF, with a number of aims including better identification and quantification of the amount of bycatch in the fishery. Based on the observer trips undertaken to date (in 2006), 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). Updated information will be available when RRFFF observer trips are conducted in 2008.

Interaction with protected species

In January – June 2007, RRFFF fishers were still using the LF03 or LF04 logbook. The LF03 had no requirement to record interactions with protected species. For those that used the LF04 logbook (fishers with an RQ symbol), reporting of protected species interactions was required. The new logbook (LF05 Version 05) was distributed in July 2007 and superseded both versions, and requires all interactions with protected species to be recorded and accompanied with a Species of Conservation Interest (SOCI01) logbook return.

No interactions were recorded in 2007 through the LF04 or LF05 logbook. Fishery observers have not recorded any interactions with protected species to date.

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.

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.

To address some of these concerns, an FRDC funded project ‘Addressing knowledge gaps for the sustainable management of rocky reef fisheries in Queensland’, commenced in July 2008 and will investigate important habitats for rocky reef fish and identify possible threats to those habitats. This research project is due for completion in 2011.


Research and monitoring

Recent research and implications

The latest snapper stock assessment was 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. The next snapper stock assessment is due to be completed by the end of 2008.

Monitoring programs and results

Long Term Monitoring Program

The DPI&F Long Term Monitoring Program (LTMP) conducts fishery-dependent monitoring of RRFFF resources. The objective of the monitoring 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 jew (A. aequidens). Data are collected opportunistically on the following species: amberjack (S. dumerili), highfin amberjack (S. rivoliana), blackbanded amberjack (S. nigrofasciata), cobia (R. canadum), yellowtail kingfish (S. Ialandi) and samsonfish (S. hippos).

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

• measuring fish at seafood processors

• asking charter boat operators to measure fish

• measuring fish at boat ramps

• asking recreational anglers to donate fish frames.

Currently, LTMP data collected for snapper during 2006 and 2007 are being prepared for inclusion in the 2008 snapper stock assessment. These data include representative length measurements for more than 7500 snapper as well as 775 otoliths from individual fish for estimating age.

Snapper pre-recruit

The DPI&F LTMP also collects fishery-independent data on pre-recruit snapper (juvenile fish less than one year old) in Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay. The objectives of the program are:

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

• 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 conducted in Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay between November and December. 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. An index of abundance generated from this monitoring will be included in future stock assessments.

Currently two years of data have been collected (2006 and 2007); however several years of data will be required to establish the most suitable method for estimating the annual index of abundance and year class strength. For this reason the LTMP snapper pre-recruit data will not be incorporated into the 2008 snapper stock assessment.


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. For this reason, there was no observer coverage in the fishery in 2007. 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.

Collaborative research

There has been no collaborative research this year.

Fishery management

Compliance report

During 2007, 2447 units, including 69 commercial fishing vessels, were inspected in the RRFFF, with an associated compliance rate of approximately 95.6% on units inspected.

A compliance risk assessment was conducted for this fishery in April 2007 in order to determine compliance priorities and allow the most effective use of Queensland Boating and Fisheries Patrol (QBFP) resources.

The assessment identified the following activities in the Queensland Rocky Reef Fin Fish Fishery as having a high or extreme level of risk. The QBFP will therefore direct their compliance resources to addressing:

• Take/possess regulated fish - size (recreational)

• Take/possess regulated fish - size (charter)

• Keeping inaccurate logbook records (commercial)

• Failure to comply with logbook requirements (charter)

• Violation of grey nurse shark closures

• Recreational fisher possessing fish not in the prescribed form e.g. skinned etc.

• Recreational fishers taking fish for commercial purposes.

There are also a number of activities rated as having moderate risk, which will be addressed, but at lower priority. Detailed strategies to address the risks identified by this assessment will be developed through the QBFP strategic and operational planning processes that are reviewed annually.

Offences in 2007 are summarised in Table 5, and 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 5: Offences recorded in the RRFFF in 2007.

OFFENCE FIN Prosecution Caution

Recreational fisher take or possess fish regulated by size 66 - 24

Recreational fisher take or possess fish regulated by number 7 - -

Recreational fisher possess fin fish on a boat with skin removed 2 - -

Contravene closed waters 10 - -

Fail to comply with a requirement to keep or give documents in approved form. (eg. logbook) 2 - -

Fail to have a document required to be available for immediate inspection 1 - 2

Did an act only an authority holder can do eg. take fish for trade or commerce without a commercial fisher licence - - 4

TOTAL 88 0 30

Changes to management arrangements in the reporting year

There were no changes to management arrangements in 2007.

Consultation/communication/education

Promotion 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 700 recreational fishing survey identification guides containing pictures and other biological information were sent out to diary program participants, as well as a regular recreational fishing update newsletter which is distributed to approximately 500 stakeholders each quarter.

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.

Complementary management

In September 2007, NSW DPI implemented changes to the bag and/or size limits for pearl perch (30 cm; bag limit five), amberjack and samsonfish (combined bag limit five), mahi mahi (60 cm; bag limit ten, with one over 110 cm), and yellowtail kingfish (65 cm; bag limit five). Currently, the minimum size limit in NSW for snapper (30 cm) is smaller than in Queensland (35 cm), and anglers have a daily bag limit of ten (compared to an in-possession limit of five in Queensland). NSW DPI has completed a socio-economic impact study proposal to raise the limit of snapper to 32 cm.

DPI&F will also be reviewing the bag and size limits for rocky reef species under the review of this fishery and as a part of the East Coast Inshore Fin Fish Fishery Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) process, both due for completion at the end of 2008.


References

Mackay, R. J. (1997). FAO species catalogue, Pearl perches of the world (Family Glaucosomatidae). An annotated and illustrated catalogue of the pearl perches known to date. FAO Fisheries Synopsis, Vol. 17.

Ferrell, D. and Sumpton, W. (1997). Assessment of the fishery for snapper (Pagrus auratus) in Queensland and New South Wales, FRDC Project 93/704.

Allan, M., Sumpton, W., O’Neill, M., Courtney, T., and Pine, B. (2006). Stochastic stock reduction analysis for assessment of the pink snapper (Pagrus auratus) fishery in Queensland. Department of Primary Industires and Fisheries, Queenland, Australia.

Information compiled by

Bonnie Holmes

Acknowledgements

Anna Garland, Nadia Engstrom, Prasadini Salgado, Dr Wayne Sumpton, Geoff Weir, Dr Jonathan Staunton-Smith, Dr Stephen

Wesche, Dr Tracey Scott-Holland, Dr John Kung, Michelle Winning

Front cover image

Snapper (Pagrus auratus)


PR08–3142

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