Rocky Reef Survey

[webby]

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Queensland Government
Media Release

22 September, 2006

Rocky reef fish surveys underway

Recreational and commercial fishers are being asked to assist the Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries (DPI&F) with monitoring rocky reef fish to ensure their sustainability.

DPI&F fisheries biologist Stephen Wesche said surveys were already underway from Coolangatta to Bundaberg and that the rocky reef stocks would be surveyed annually.

“DPI&F’s Long Term Monitoring Program has been expanded to include rocky reef fish and will collect information on the age, length, and sex data of the catch from all fishing sectors,” Dr Wesche said.

“Methods used to collect the data will include measuring commercially caught fish at fish processors, boat ramp surveys to measure the catch of recreational fishermen and measuring fish caught on charter boats.

“Fish species that will be monitored include; snapper, pearl perch, teraglin, black kingfish (cobia), yellowtail kingfish, amberjack and samson fish, all of which are important commercial and recreational species.

“As a part of the program, all fishers will also be asked to provide researchers with intact fish frames (not gilled and gutted) to help them determine the age and sex of the fish.”

Dr Wesche said that like many other species, the length of rocky reef fish on their own was not a good indicator of age, however the age of the fish could be determined from the otoliths or ear bones.

“The program collects information about fish stocks over a number of years to assess the effectiveness of fisheries management practices in protecting and conserving fisheries resources,” Dr Wesche said.

“We will also incorporate information collected by the DPI&F fisheries observer program which places staff on commercial fishing vessels to collect fish length data.

“DPI&F scientists will be relying on the continued support from recreational and commercial fishing sectors which has so far been excellent,” he said.

The monitoring of pre-recruit snapper (juvenile fish less than 1 year old) in Moreton Bay and Hervey Bay using beam trawling will also be undertaken.

Further information:
Caroline Dalton A/Information Officer
(07) 3225 51038

Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries
Strategic Communication & Marketing
GPO Box 46 Brisbane Qld 4001 Ph 07 3239 6380
DPI&F Business Information Centre 13 25 23 (weekdays 8 am to 6 pm)

[reel_scream]

Webby,

I gave Steve some cobia frames recently. Bloody nice bloke. Even came around home to pick them up.

cheers scott