2019 Snapper management review

South Australia faces a major challenge in relation to the sustainability of Snapper in this state.

In June 2019, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) provided updated information on Snapper spawning biomass estimates from the Daily Egg Production Method (DEPM). This identified that over the past 5 years, biomass in Spencer Gulf has reduced by an estimated 23% and biomass in Gulf St Vincent has reduced by an estimated 87%.

This information was integrated into the 2019 Snapper stock assessment (PDF 1.7 MB) which identified:

  • an extended period of poor recruitment of juveniles entering the Snapper stock, especially in Spencer Gulf
  • a reduction in commercial catch rates
  • concerning declines in biomass.

The report also confirmed the classification of the Snapper stocks in:

  • Spencer Gulf/West Coast as ‘depleted’
  • Gulf St Vincent as ‘depleting’ – the first time the Gulf St Vincent stock has received this assessment
  • South East as ‘sustainable’.

These findings supported the need for urgent action to protect the future of Snapper stocks in South Australia.

Management measures for Snapper

From 1 November 2019, new measures were introduced following consideration of the latest available science and feedback from all stakeholders. These management measures aim to achieve long-term improvement and return the Snapper fishery to sustainable stock levels. See Snapper management.

Consultation process

The State Government held workshops with the commercial, recreational and charter sectors in November and December 2018. This led to development of additional management arrangements for the Snapper fishery, which were introduced on 15 December 2018.

Following this, it was determined that management measures would be necessary for all fishing sectors before the 2019-20 summer. Further workshops and consultation with Commercial and Charter Boat stakeholders, and the Ministers Recreational Fishing Advisory Council (MRFAC), were held throughout 2019. Feedback received through these processes were considered during the design of possible management scenarios.

Minutes from the stakeholder meetings:

In August 2019, a consultation paper containing 2 scenarios for managing Snapper was released for public consultation:

The feedback from this public consultation period was considered as part of finalising new management arrangements for the Snapper fishery:

Page last reviewed: 22 Mar 2024

 


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