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Recreational fishery
assessment 2016 – small
eastern estuaries
Recreational Fishing Grants Program
Research Report
Recreational fishery
assessment 2016 – small
eastern estuaries
December 2016
Recreational Fishing Grants Program Research Report
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
ii
Published by the Victorian Government, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources
December 2016
© The State of Victoria, Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources, Melbourne 2016
This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the
provisions of the Copyright Act 1968.
Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Spring Street, Melbourne.
Preferred way to cite this publication:
Ingram, B.A. Hall, K. and Conron, S (2016) Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries.
Recreational Fishing Grants Program Research Report, Victorian Government, Department of Economic Development,
Jobs, Transport and Resources
ISBN 978-1-925532-88-3 (Print)
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Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Contents
Executive summary____________________________________________________________________ 1
Introduction __________________________________________________________________________ 2
Fisheries Management plans 2
Angler Fishing Diary Program (AFDP) 3
Purpose of this report 3
Methods _____________________________________________________________________________ 4
Angler Fishing Diary Program (AFDP) 4
Angler knowledge survey 5
Fishery stock status 5
Results and discussion ________________________________________________________________ 7
General results 7
Mallacoota Inlet 9
Sydenham Inlet 17
Snowy River 23
Lake Tyers 27
Anderson Inlet 34
Conclusions and recommendations _____________________________________________________ 37
Acknowledgements___________________________________________________________________ 39
References __________________________________________________________________________ 40
Appendix 1. Angler knowledge survey questions __________________________________________ 42
Appendix 2. Species caught by anglers fishing in selected eastern Victorian estuaries __________ 44
Appendix 3. Information on key eastern Victorian estuarine species __________________________ 46
Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri) 46
Estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum) 46
Dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) 47
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Executive summary
Coastal bays, inlets and river estuaries of eastern Victoria support important fish stocks that are highly popular
recreational fishing species. The Victorian government recognises the value of recreational fishing to the state and is
committed to sustainably managing and enhancing these fisheries.
Fisheries Victoria conducts periodic assessments of the status of key fish species and the fisheries they support. These
assessments compile relevant data from recreational fishery monitoring programs, scientific surveys and other data such
as age and length composition, to support a ‘weight of evidence’ approach to assessing stock or fishery status. The
information delivered through the stock and fishery assessment process is used by fisheries managers to consider the
need for review of current management arrangements.
This assessment analysed Angler Fishing Diary Program (AFDP) data in five estuaries (Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham
Inlet, Snowy River, Lake Tyers and Anderson Inlet), for three target species, black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri),
estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum) and dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus), spanning a time period of two decades
(1997/98 – 2015/16).
For each fishery assessed, information from the analysis of diary angler catch data, fish length distribution data, along
with angler knowledge, were synthesised to provide an overall evaluation and rating for a number of fish stock and
fishery performance measures. A formal assessment workshop to present and discuss the data with stakeholders was
conducted at Lake Tyers, Victoria on 30 November 2016 and was attended by recreational fishers; representatives of the
recreational fishing sector; Fisheries Victoria managers and scientists; and a catchment management representative
from the East Gippsland Catchment Management Authority.
Based on the trends in the performance measures the status of the fish stocks in each estuary were assessed as either
sustainable or uncertain, and in some cases there was insufficient data to assess stock status.
Black bream was assessed as sustainable in Mallacoota Inlet, Lakes Tyers and the Snowy River. With the exception of
Sydenham Inlet, stock abundance, as indicated by catch rates, was generally stable or increasing and there was a wide
range of size classes present in all estuaries indicative of spawning success and recruitment. In Sydenham Inlet there
was insufficient data to assess the status of the stock.
The status of dusky flathead varied depending on location. In Mallacoota Inlet dusky flathead was assessed as uncertain
due to limited catch and size data, particularly in 2015/16, and in Sydenham Inlet there was insufficient data to assess
the status of the stock. Dusky flathead in Lakes Tyers was assessed as sustainable with a wide range of size classes
present and an increasing proportion of dusky flathead >55 cm.
There was insufficient data available to assess the status of estuary perch in Anderson Inlet with information on angler
catch rates and size distribution limited to nine years from 2005/06 to 2013/14.
The collection of information needed to support management decisions that promote sustainable use of key recreational
fisheries is not possible without the volunteer angler participation in the AFDP. Future work will focus on more active and
regular engagement to increase and maintain participation in the AFDP, better use of technology to enable angler
activities to be analysed online by program participants, and improving trend analysis methods to better integrate multiple
lines of evidence into stock assessment. It will also be important to ensure good geographic distribution of the program to
increase its efficacy. Complementary to this, participation in the angler knowledge survey will need to be maintained
across the various inlets in order to be able to use the data over time for comparative purposes.
Estuary Black bream Dusky flathead Estuary perch
Mallacoota Inlet SUSTAINABLE UNCERTAIN
Sydenham Inlet LIMITED DATA LIMITED DATA
Snowy River SUSTAINABLE
Lake Tyers SUSTAINBALE SUSTAINBALE
Anderson Inlet
LIMITED DATA
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Introduction
Coastal bays, inlets and river estuaries of eastern Victoria support important fish stocks that are highly popular
recreational fishing species. The Victorian government recognises the value of recreational fishing to the state and is
committed to sustainably managing and enhancing these fisheries.
Fisheries Management plans
Fisheries management plans (FMP) identify policies and strategies for the ecologically sustainable development (ESD) of
Victoria's fisheries.
Recreational fisheries in eastern Victorian estuaries are covered by a number of FMPs,
East Gippsland Fishery Management Plan (EGFMP) (Department of Primary Industries 2012) - Sydenham Inlet
and Snowy River
Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan (AIFRMP) (Department of Primary Industries 2006a)
Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan (MIFRMP) (Department of Primary Industries 2006b)
Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve Management Plan (LTFRMP) (Department of Primary Industries 2007).
These management plans describe the main fishing waters and key recreational fishing species, current management
arrangements for fishing activities, goals, objectives, performance indicators, targets and actions for management of
fishing activities, and processes for managing other relevant issues, to provide for the sustainable use of natural
resources and recognition of social and economic values of the fishery by all relevant agencies.
Where information from these strategies and actions indicates a need to alter fishery management arrangements to
ensure sustainable use, or to meet changing demands for recreational fishing opportunities, then changes will be
considered in consultation with stakeholders and management agencies.
East Gippsland Fishery Management Plan
The goal of the East Gippsland FMP (Department of Primary Industries 2012), which includes Sydenham Inlet and the
Snowy River, is to manage recreational fishing in inland waters for at least the next five years in accordance with the
principles of ecologically sustainable development. This includes maintaining fishing at sustainable levels, protecting
habitats and aquatic environments on which fisheries resources depend, and maintaining and where possible improving
the social and economic benefits to all Victorians from recreational fishing.
To achieve this goal, this plan has four main objectives:
Maintain or improve recreational fishing opportunities
Ensure sustainable recreational use of fisheries resources
Promote protection and improvement of essential fish habitat
Maximise compliance with recreational fisheries management arrangements.
Fisheries Reserves Management Plans
The Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve, Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve and the Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve were
gazetted in 2003, 2004 and 2006, respectively, to provide for enhanced recreational fishing opportunities and to improve
the management and monitoring of these opportunities. The associated Fisheries Reserve Management Plans (FRMP)
(Department of Primary Industries 2006b, Department of Primary Industries 2006a, Department of Primary Industries
2007) were established to formalise fishery management arrangements for the next 10 years in accordance with the
principles of ESD.
The goal of the FRMPs is to manage fish stocks and the fisheries they support, and to identify and promote protection of
important fish habitats in a manner that is sustainable and which provides optimum social and economic benefits to all
Victorians in accordance with ESD principles.
To achieve this goal, the FRMPs contain the following objectives:
Social – To maintain, and where possible, enhance recreational fishing opportunities in the reserves.
Biological – To conserve and ensure sustainable use of key fish stocks in the reserves.
Environmental – To identify and promote protection of the habitats and environments which are essential for
production or maintenance of key fish stocks in the reserves.
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Governance – To achieve maximum community participation, understanding and support for the management
of fishing activities in the reserves.
Angler Fishing Diary Program (AFDP)
The angler fishing diary program (AFDP) is the principal means of providing stock abundance and population structure
information for assessment purposes in eastern Victorian estuaries (Conron et al. 2010, Conron and Oliveiro 2016). The
AFDP is a reliable and cost-effective program well suited to monitoring recreational fisheries of varying scales,
particularly smaller fisheries where alternative data sources are not available or cannot be implemented due to limited
funds. The AFDP, which commenced in 1997, provides time-series data on catch rates, catch length-frequency, and
catch age-frequency composition for key target species in selected Victorian recreational fisheries. This stock
abundance and population structure information is used to assess stock status, and thereby help meet the objectives of
the fishery and fisheries reserves management plans affecting important fish stocks, including black bream
(Acanthopagrus butcheri), estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum) and dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus), in small
eastern Victorian estuaries.
Purpose of this report
This report presents a time-series of information on fishery trends and the status of key target species from angler diary
programs in the Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, Snowy River, Lake Tyers and Anderson Inlet estuaries. It
consolidates available data from the commencement of angler diary monitoring in 1997 for each estuary up until
2015/16. Information used in the report includes outputs from several projects funded jointly by the Recreational Fishing
Trust and Fisheries Victoria.
Key target species in these estuaries are black bream, estuary perch and dusky flathead.
This report presents recreational catch and effort data to monitor trends in:
Targeting preference (species targeted by anglers)
Catch composition
Catch rates (as fish per angler hour)
Fish size (length/age) structure of the stock
Levels of recruitment and year class strength (as determined from fish size structure).
This report builds on previous fishery assessments undertaken on stocks in small eastern Victorian estuaries (Conron et
al. 2010, Ryan et al. 2010, Conron et al. 2011, Conron et al. 2012, Conron and Oliveiro 2016).
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Methods
Data analysed in this report are from the AFDP and an annual survey of recreational anglers in eastern Victoria.
Angler Fishing Diary Program (AFDP)
The Angler Fishing Diary Program (AFDP) is the primary source of information being used to monitor the status of the
stocks of selected recreational fish species in Victoria. A brief description of the program is provided below. Further
detail can be found in Conron et al. (2010, 2011 & 2012) and Conron and Oliveiro (2016).
Anglers
The anglers recruited to the program were volunteers with a high degree of fishing expertise and an excellent knowledge
of their preferred fishery. These anglers contributed to either the ‘General’ Angler Diary (GAD) or ‘Research’ Angler Diary
(RAD) program.
Both the GAD and RAD methods require fishers to record in diaries:
Time spent fishing
Fishing location
Species targeted and caught
Fish lengths
Number of rods
Bait and hook type/sizes used.
General anglers vary their target preferences in response to changes in the availability of fish species. General anglers
recorded detailed catch information in diaries and measured all fish that were caught. The GAD method, however, has
limited scope for control over the spatial and temporal coverage of sampling, the specifications of fishing gear deployed,
and the collection of ancillary data and biological material. Catch rates from the GAD method can be used as a ‘fish
abundance indicator’, but may be biased because the catch data can be overly influenced by fishing gear selection and
choices about when and where to fish.
Research anglers were required to target selected species, and altered their fishing techniques to catch the largest
possible size range of the selected species, both above and below the Legal Minimum Length (LML). Research anglers
provided information on catch rates (the number of fish caught per angler hour), length and age structure of the
population, the relative strength of successive year classes, and patterns of recruitment to the fishery. Catch rates from
the RAD method provide less biased indices of relative abundance which makes them more reliable as a stock
performance indicator.
The total length (TL) was recorded for fish species with truncate or rounded caudal fins (including dusky flathead) and
fork length (FL– distance from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail fin) was recorded for species with emarginated or
forked caudal fins (including black bream and estuary perch).
The data provided by the AFDP were collected throughout the year, which allowed intra-annual and inter-annual variation
among catch rates and catch composition to be analysed.
Data analysis
Information recorded by diary anglers was entered into an electronic database. Catch data from angler fishing diaries
were entered into an Access database. A time series of catch rates and size composition information was generated for
the key target species from five eastern Victorian estuaries to gain a better understanding of the past and current status
of these fisheries. Results are presented by financial year, considered the best representation of a single fishing season.
Both five year and 10 year moving mean catch rates were calculated from mean annual values. General angler data
were used to determine targeting preference of anglers and catch composition in each waterbody.
Mean catch rates were calculated for key species (retained and released fish) from targeted fishing trips using the ratio-
of-means estimator (Jones et al. 1995). Confidence limits were calculated using the survey means procedure in SAS
version 9.4. (SAS Institute Inc.) on log-transformed data and then back transformed. Length distributions (retained and
released fish) were generated by species and water body.
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Angler knowledge survey
Anglers taking part in the AFDP in eastern Victoria were surveyed to obtain additional information to support assessment
of key fish stocks in selected estuaries. SurveyMonkey (https://www.surveymonkey.com/), a web-based survey service
provider, was contracted to undertake the angler survey and collation of responses (See Appendix 1 for survey questions
provided to anglers via SurveyMonkey).
Questions asked of anglers sought to obtain their knowledge on changes in the abundance and size of fish targeted by
them in their chosen estuary. For the species anglers target in the chosen estuary, anglers were also asked to provide
their opinions on the status of the stock and what factors influenced catch. Finally, anglers were asked to comment on
their level of satisfaction with current fishing conditions, and whether or not the number of people fishing in their chosen
estuary has changed in recent years.
A public meeting, the Eastern Inlets Stock Assessment Meeting (Lake Tyers, 30 November 2016), was conducted to:
Discuss information on the status of key recreational fishery stocks in eastern Victorian estuaries
Seek further input from anglers and other key stakeholders, such as Catchment Management Authorities and
Fisheries Compliance Officers, into the assessment of these stocks.
The meeting was attended by recreational fishers; representatives of the recreational fishing sector; Fisheries Victoria
managers and scientists; and a catchment management representative from the East Gippsland Catchment
Management Authority.
Information provided by anglers through the survey and meeting contributed to the assessment of the status of fishery
stocks in selected estuaries as detailed below.
Fishery stock status
A “weight of evidence” approach was used to assess stock or fishery status. For each stock or fishery, information from
the analysis of diary angler catch data and fish length distribution data, along with angler knowledge, were condensed
into a summary table which provided an overall evaluation and rating for a number of fishery performance measures
(Table 1). Based on the trends in the fishery performance measures the status of the stock or fishery was assigned as
either sustainable, uncertain, limited data or unsustainable. A fishery management review would be recommended for
fisheries assigned the latter two categories.
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Table 1. Fishery stock status and performance measures.
FISHERY STOCK STATUS SUSTAINABLE
UNCERTAIN
LIMITED DATA
UNSUSTAINABLE
Performance measures Comments
Stock abundance
Trend in stock abundance as indicated by the five
year moving mean of the mean annual catch rate Combines RAD and GAD targeted catch data
Long-term trend in stock abundance as indicated
by the 10 year moving mean of the mean annual
catch rate
Combines RAD and GAD targeted catch data
Fish size (length/age) distribution
Wide range of fish size classes present in recent
five years, indicating regular successful spawning
events and recruitment to fishery
Length frequency distribution data combining RAD
and GAD data.
Signs of recent spawning success, as indicated
by presence of fish under LML* in catch Length frequency distribution data combining RAD
and GAD data.
Signs of sustainable fishery as indicated by
presence of fish approaching maximum size Length frequency distribution data combining RAD
and GAD data.
Angler knowledge
Trend in abundance over LML* Angler knowledge survey
Trend in abundance under LML* Angler knowledge survey
Perceptions of stock status Angler knowledge survey.
Scored as Good, improving, deteriorating or unsure.
Assessment status
Summary overview of fishery Synthesis of performance measures (stock
abundance, fish size distribution and angler
knowledge)
Fishery management review recommended YES = concerns regarding sustainability of fishery
NO = no concerns
? = Uncertain
* LML = Legal minimum length.
Trends in the above indicators are indicated by the following figures:
Increasing, yes and positive
Decreasing, no and negative
Stable
? Insufficient information.
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Results and discussion
General results
Data analysed in the present study for Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, Snowy River, Lake Tyers and Anderson Inlet,
covers 19 years of angler diary records, from 1997/98 to 2015/16. A total of 125 anglers contributed information on
fishing activities in these estuaries over this period, which represented 26,930 hours of fishing during 7,499 trips.
Anglers fished on average 3.6 hours per trip.
The number of anglers fishing and number of fishing trips conducted in each estuary were compared over three time
frames, 2011/12-2015/16 (the most recent five years), 2006/07-2010/11 (the previous five years to the most recent five
years) and pre 2006/07 (Table 2). Since the commencement of the AFDP in 1997, the number of anglers fishing each
year in Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers has been relatively stable, but in the most recent five years there has been a
noticeable decline in the number of anglers fishing each year in the Sydenham Inlet, Snowy River and Anderson Inlet.
These same trends are also apparent in the number of fishing trips conducted by anglers each year, with the exception
of Mallacoota Inlet where the number of trips per year has doubled in the last five years compared to earlier periods
(Table 2).
Species caught in Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, the Snowy River estuary, Lake Tyers and Anderson Inlet by diary
anglers is provided in Appendix 2. The most commonly caught species, and presumably the most popular species
targeted by diary anglers in each estuary are provided in Table 3. The species include Australian salmon (Arripis trutta)
in five estuaries, black bream and flathead (all species) in four estuaries, and luderick (Girella tricuspidata), tailor
(Pomatomus saltatrix) and silver trevally (Pseudocaranx dentex) in three estuaries. Some species were commonly
caught in just one estuary, such as southern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir) in Lake Tyers and King George
whiting (Sillaginodes punctatus) in Anderson Inlet (Table 3).
Table 2. Number of anglers and number of fishing trips undertaken to selected eastern Victorian
estuaries as part of the angler diary program.
Number of angler and
number of trips per year Mean values
Mallacoota
Inlet Sydenham
Inlet Snowy
River Lake
Tyers Anderson
Inlet
Number of anglers per
year
2011/12 – 2015/16 21 4 8 12 7
2006/07 - 2010/11 18 11 17 17 14
Pre 2006/07 20 16 13 15 6
Number of fishing trips
per year
2011/12 – 2015/16 421 12 168 66 77
2006/07 - 2010/11 215 56 177 194 120
Pre 2006/07 247 145 117 320 11
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Table 3. Common and popular species caught by diary anglers in selected eastern Victorian estuaries
(see Appendix 2).
Species Mallacoota
Inlet Sydenham
Inlet Snowy
River Lake
Tyers Anderson
Inlet
Bream, Black
Flathead, (unspecified)
Flathead, Dusky
Garfish, Southern Sea
Gurnard, (unspecified)
Leatherjacket, (unspecified)
Luderick
Mullet, (unspecified)
Mullet, Yellow-eye
Perch, Estuary
Salmon, Australian
Tailor
Trevally, Silver
Whiting, King George
Angler knowledge
A total of 17 responses to the angler knowledge survey were received from anglers with the majority from Lake Tyers (6)
and Sydenham Inlet (6) (Figure 1). No anglers that fished in Anderson Inlet responded to the survey. Most anglers (16)
have been fishing in their chosen estuary for more than a decade. Anglers mostly targeted black bream, flathead,
estuary perch and luderick, which is consistent with data collected via the AFDP (Table 3).
At the Eastern Inlets Stock Assessment Meeting (Lake Tyers, 30 November 2016), participants suggested that, although
fishing was generally good, there was a cyclic pattern occurring in the region as one estuary will be good one year and
then another estuary the following year. Social media is also creating significant interest in fishing in the region.
Participants at the meeting expressed concerns regarding the impact of increased fishing effort on sustainability of fish
stocks in the region.
Figure 1. Number of anglers that responded to the angler knowledge survey.
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Mallacoota Inlet
Mallacoota Inlet (Figure 2) in far eastern Victoria is a small estuary (approx. 25 km
2
) consisting of a smaller “Top Lake”
joined to a much larger “Bottom Lake” by a deep channel known as “The Narrows”
(http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/fishing-locations/inland-angling-guide/east-gippsland/east-
gippsland-angling-waters#mallacoota). The estuary is surrounded by forest most of which is the Croajingolong National
Park (http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/croajingolong-national-park). The Genoa and Wallagaraugh rivers are the
main streams flowing into the estuary. Mallacoota Inlet is usually open to the ocean all year, though it is known to close
during periods of low runoff (MacDonald et al. 1997).
Anglers taking part in the AFDP caught 49 estuarine species from Mallacoota Inlet (Appendix 2). Black bream and dusky
flathead were the two most important recreational target species in Mallacoota Inlet, representing 60% and 24% of the
catch over the last five years, respectively (Figure 3). This is consistent with historic data as both species were popular
and common in the recreational catch as indicated by surveys conducted between 1981 and 1984 (Hall et al. 1985) and
in 2000/01 (Henry and Lyle 2003). Black bream are more commonly targeted in June to November and dusky flathead in
November to March (Conron et al. 2010).
Small numbers of Australian salmon, snapper (Pagrus auratus), tailor and silver trevally were also caught by anglers
(Figure 3, Table 3), and other species caught by diary angers are listed in Appendix 2.
Angler knowledge
Three anglers responded to the angler knowledge survey, with black bream the primary species targeted by these
anglers. Anglers indicated that trends in abundance and size of black bream over the past five years were either stable
or decreasing, and that the status of the stock was good, deteriorating or unsure (Table 4). Anglers indicated that
improved fishing methods (gear and techniques), better knowledge of the area and certain environmental conditions
(such as the duration of the inlet entrance being open) have influenced the catch and stock status of black bream. Most
anglers (2) were satisfied with fishing conditions in the inlet. All anglers indicated that the number of people fishing in
Mallacoota Inlet has increased over the past 12 months compared with the previous 3-4 years.
Figure 2. Mallacoota Inlet.
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Black Bream
Since 1997/98, mean annual catch rates for black bream in Mallacoota Inlet have ranged from 1.39-4.33 fish/angler hour
(long-term mean 2.72 fish/angler hour) (Figure 4). Catch rates of black bream declined between the mid-2000s to the
early 2010s, which has seen trends in five year and 10 year moving mean catches decline. However, in recent years
catch rates have increased from a mean of 1.39 fish/ angler hour in 2013/14 to 2.79 fish/angler hour in 2015/16 (Figure
4).
The proportion of fish over the LML of 28 cm has generally increased over the last two decades, from <0.2 in the late
1990’s to >0.6 in the early 2010s, although a slight decline has occurred in the most recent year (Figure 5).
Length of black bream measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 5-46 cm (mean 26.5 cm),
while the mean ranged from 22-29 cm annually (Figure 5). Length frequency data for the recent five years (2011/12 and
2015/16) is presented in Figure 6. Small fish (< 15 cm), indicating signs of successful spawning, were observed in most
years. The increase in catch rate observed in recent years may have been attributed to successful spawning in the early
2010s, as indicated by the presence of small fish in 2011/12 and 2012/13 (Figure 6). Over the last five years, fish over
the LML of 28 cm size were regularly measured, indicating mature fish present in the estuary. Fish >40 cm were
occasionally caught, but no fish >45 cm were measured.
Fishery stock status and performance measures for black bream in Mallacoota Inlet are provided in Table 4. The fishery
was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that the black bream population in the Mallacoota Inlet
was in a good condition and is not over fished.
Figure 3. Species targeted by general angler diarists (GAD), and composition of catch, in
Mallacoota Inlet over three time frames, 2011/12-2015/16, 2006/07-2010 and pre 2006/07.
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Table 4. Fishery stock status and performance measures for key species in Mallacoota Inlet.
Fishery Stock status and performance
measures Black bream Dusky flathead
FISHERY STOCK STATUS - 2016 SUSTAINABLE UNCERTAIN
Fishery performance measures Trend1 Trend1
Stock abundance
Trend in stock abundance as indicated by the five
year moving mean of the mean annual catch rate.
Long-term trend in stock abundance as indicated by
the 10 year moving mean of the mean annual catch
rate.
Fish size (length/age) distribution
Wide range of fish size classes present in recent
five years, indicating regular successful spawning
events and recruitment to the fishery. ?
Signs of recent spawning success, as indicated by
the presence of fish under LML2 in catch. ?
Signs of sustainable fishing pressure as indicated
by the presence of fish approaching maximum size.
Angler knowledge
Trend in abundance of fish over LML. or ?
Trend in abundance of fish under LML. ?
Perceptions of stock status.3 Good, deteriorating or
unsure ?
Assessment status The data on balance
indicates that the black
bream population in the
Mallacoota Inlet is in a
good condition and is not
over fished.
Limited catch and size data
in 2015/16. No angler
knowledge information has
be included to date. Based
on the information
available the status of the
dusky flathead population
in Mallacoota Inlet is
uncertain.
Fishery management review recommended4 NO ?
1. = Increasing, yes and positive. = Decreasing, no and negative. = Stable. ? = Insufficient information.
2. LML = Legal minimum length.
3. Good, improving, deteriorating or unsure.
4. YES = concerns regarding the sustainability of the fishery. NO = management review is not required.
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Figure 4. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year
and 10 year moving mean catch rates, of black bream targeted by anglers
fishing in Mallacoota Inlet.
Figure 5. Length of black bream, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 28 cm,
caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box
= Median and 25-75 percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Figure 6. Length frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in
Mallacoota Inlet between 2011/12 and 2015/16 (n = number of measured fish). Grey bars = fish
above the Legal Minimum Length (LML) of 28 cm. Black bars = Fish below the LML.
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Dusky flathead
Since 1997/98, mean annual catch rates for dusky flathead in Mallacoota Inlet have ranged from 0.21-4.32 fish/angler
hour (long-term mean 1.59 fish/angler hour) (Figure 7). Highest mean annual catch rates (>3.5 fish/angler hour) were
observed in 2004/5 and 2006/07. Since then the mean annual catch rate has declined to a low of 0.51 fish/angler hour in
2013/14, which has since recovered slightly to 0.92 fish/angler hour in 2015/16.
The proportion of fish over the LML of 55 cm declined throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s and has remained low
(<0.1) since then (Figure 8).
Length of dusky flathead measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 15-95 cm (mean 37
cm), while the mean ranged from 29-50 cm annually (Figure 8). Length frequency data for the recent five years (2011/12
and 2015/16) is presented in Figure 9. Small fish (< 15 cm), indicating signs of successful spawning, were absent,
although this may have been due to gear selectivity. Over the last five years, fish over the LML of 55 cm size were rarely
measured, indicating there are few mature fish present in the estuary. Participants at the Eastern Inlets Stock
Assessment Meeting (Lake Tyers, 30 November 2016) suggested that there were few fish between 45 and 55 cm in size
being taken. Angler diary data presented in Figure 9 supports this observation.
Fishery stock status and performance measures for dusky flathead in Mallacoota inlet are provided in Table 4. The
status of the fishery is considered uncertain as there was limited catch and size data particularly in 2015/16. No angler
knowledge information has been included to date, although comments by two anglers that responded to the angler
knowledge survey indicated that the numbers of flathead being caught in the inlet had declined in recent years. Earlier
surveys have shown that recreational fishing for dusky flathead in east Gippsland estuaries was becoming increasing
popular while catches of large, mature, females had declined since the 1990s. Creel and research angler diary data
collected in Mallacoota Inlet and Lake Tyers since the late 1990s indicated that catches of dusky flathead > 50 cm had
declined (Conron et al. 2010, Stokie et al. 2010). Consequently, in 2012 an increase in the minimum size limit from 27
to 30 cm and a new maximum size limit of 55 cm were introduced to allow anglers to continue to take fish (bag limit of
five per person) of a suitable size to eat, while ensuring larger mature fish to remain in the population as breeding stock.
The impacts of these changes to regulations for the Mallacoota Inlet dusky flathead fishery are, at present, unknown.
Figure 7. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and
10 year moving mean catch rates, of dusky flathead targeted by anglers fishing in
Mallacoota Inlet.
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Figure 8. Length of dusky flathead, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 55 cm,
caught by diary anglers fishing in Mallacoota Inlet between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box =
Median and 25-75 percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Figure 9. Length frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in
Mallacoota Inlet between 2011/12 and 2015/16 (n = number of measured fish). Grey bars = fish
between the Legal Minimum Length (LML) of 30 cm and 55 cm. Black bars = Fish below and above
the LML.
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Sydenham Inlet
Sydenham inlet (Figure 10) is a shallow estuary (50 to 260 cm deep at low tide) west of Mallacoota in eastern Victoria,
which covers around 930 ha and surrounded by forest and tea tree. Much of the shoreline is within either the Cape
Conran Coastal Park or Croajingolong National Park. Swan Lake adjoins the inlet to the north east. The Bemm and Little
rivers are the primary streams flowing into the inlet. The entrance to the inlet closes at times, resulting in a considerable
rise in water level.
Anglers taking part in the AFDP have caught 18 estuarine species from Sydenham Inlet (Appendix 2). Black bream is
the most important recreational target species in the inlet, representing 57% of the catch over the last five years (Figure
11). Australian salmon, tailor, estuary perch, flathead and luderick were also caught by anglers (Figure 11, Table 3).
In January 2016, 500 hatchery produced estuary perch fingerlings were stocked into the Bemm River as part of the state
government’s Target One Million Initiative (http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/target-one-million).
These fish may affect estuary perch catch rates and catch composition in the estuary in future years.
Figure 10. Sydenham Inlet.
Figure 11. Species targeted by general angler diarists (GAD), and composition of catch, in
Sydenham Inlet over three time frames, 2011/12-2015/16, 2006/07-2010 and pre 2006/07.
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Angler knowledge
Six anglers responded to the angler knowledge survey, all of which indicated black bream was the primary species
targeted. Anglers suggested that trends in abundance of black bream over the last five years were either stable or
decreasing, but that the status of the stock was good (3), deteriorating (2) or improving (1) (Table 5). Anglers indicated
that, although removal of commercial netting has improved the status of the fishery, there are concerns that increased
fishing pressure and non-compliance of regulations may be affecting the fishery. Factors influencing the catch of black
bream mainly centred on improved fishing methods (gear and techniques). Most anglers (5) were satisfied with fishing
conditions in the inlet. Four anglers indicated that the number of people fishing in Sydenham Inlet has not changed over
the past 12 months compared with the previous 3-4 years, while two anglers indicated the number has increased.
Participants at the Eastern Inlets Stock Assessment Meeting (Lake Tyers, 30 November 2016), indicated that angling
pressure is increasing in the Bemm River.
Black Bream
Since 1997/98, mean annual catch rates for black bream in Sydenham Inlet have ranged from 0.75-2.48 fish/angler hour
(long-term mean 1.43 fish/angler hour) (Figure 12). Catch rates of black bream have been low and relatively stable over
much of the last two decades, although between 2009/10 and 2014/15 catch rate data was lacking.
No information on size of black bream caught by diary anglers is available after 2009/10 (Figure 13). For this reason,
length distribution data for the period from 2004/05 to 2008/09 is presented (Figure 14). Up to 2009/10, the length of
black bream measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 11-44 cm (mean 25.4 cm), while
the mean ranged from 22-28 cm annually (Figure 13). Small fish (< 15 cm), indicating signs of successful spawning,
were measured in some years, while fish >40 cm were rarely measured (Figure 14).
Historically the black bream stock in Sydenham Inlet has been characterised by large fluctuations in the abundance of
successive year classes over many years (Department of Primary Industries 2012), and the quality of fishing has been
closely related to the production of occasional strong year classes (Department of Primary Industries 2012).
There was insufficient available data to assess the status of the black bream population in the Sydenham Inlet (Table 5).
There was limited catch data between 2009/10 and 2014/15, and no size data after 2009/10.
Figure 12. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and 10 year
moving mean catch rates, of black bream targeted by anglers fishing in Sydenham Inlet.
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Table 5. Fishery stock status and performance measures for key species in Sydenham Inlet.
Fishery Stock status and performance
measures Black bream Dusky flathead
FISHERY STOCK STATUS - 2016 LIMITED DATA LIMITED DATA
Fishery performance measures Trend1 Trend1
Stock abundance
Trend in stock abundance as indicated by the
five year moving mean of the mean annual
catch rate. ? ?
Long-term trend in stock abundance as
indicated by the 10 year moving mean of the
mean annual catch rate. ? ?
Fish size (length/age) distribution
Wide range of fish size classes present in
recent five years, indicating regular successful
spawning events and recruitment to the fishery. ? ?
Signs of recent spawning success, as indicated
by the presence of fish under LML2 in catch. ? ?
Signs of sustainable fishing pressure as
indicated by the presence of fish approaching
maximum size. ? ?
Angler knowledge
Trend in abundance of fish over LML. or ?
Trend in abundance of fish under LML. ?
Perceptions of stock status.3 Good, deteriorating or
improving ?
Assessment status Limited catch data between
2009/10 and 2014/15 and no
size data after 2009/10.
There was insufficient
available data to assess the
status of the black bream
population in Sydenham
Inlet.
There is insufficient
available information to
assess the status of the
dusky flathead population
in Sydenham Inlet as data
are limited to the period
between 2004/05 and
2007/08.
Fishery management review recommended4 ? ?
1. = Increasing, yes and positive. = Decreasing, no and negative. = Stable. ? = Insufficient information.
2. LML = Legal minimum length.
3. Good, improving, deteriorating or unsure.
4. YES = concerns regarding the sustainability of the fishery. NO = management review is not required.
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Figure 13. Length of black bream, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 28 cm, caught
by diary anglers fishing in Sydenham Inlet between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box = Median and 25-
75 percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Figure 14. Length frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in
Sydenham Inlet between 2004/05 and 2008/09 (n = number of measured fish). Grey bars = fish
above the Legal Minimum Length (LML) of 28 cm. Black bars = Fish below the LML.
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Dusky flathead
Information on angler catch rates and size distribution of dusky flathead in Sydenham Inlet is limited to the period
between 2004/05 and 2007/08 (Figure 15, Figure 16) and consequently, there was insufficient data available to assess
the status of the population (Table 5).
Figure 15. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and 10 year
moving mean catch rates, of dusky flathead targeted by anglers fishing in Sydenham Inlet.
Figure 16. Length of dusky flathead, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 55 cm,
caught by diary anglers fishing in Sydenham Inlet between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box = Median
and 25-75 percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Snowy River
The Snowy River estuary (Figure 17) is located at Marlo in eastern Victoria. The estuary includes two shallow lakes,
Lake Corringle (160 ha) to the west and Lake Curlip (160 ha) to the east, both of which are surrounded by cleared land.
The major rivers of the Snowy estuary are the Snowy and Brodribb rivers.
Anglers taking part in the AFDP have caught 34 species from the Snowy River estuary (Appendix 2). Black bream is the
most important recreational target species in the estuary, representing 77% of the catch over the last five years (Figure
18). Estuary perch, flathead and Australian salmon, along with luderick, mullet and silver trevally, made up much of the
rest of the catch (Figure 18, Table 3).
Figure 17. Snowy River.
Figure 18. Species targeted by general angler diarists (GAD), and composition of catch, in the Snowy
River over three time frames, 2011/12-2015/16, 2006/07-2010 and pre 2006/07.
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Angler knowledge
Two anglers responded to the angler knowledge survey, both of which indicated that black bream was the primary
species they targeted. Anglers indicated that trends in abundance of black bream over the last five years were either
stable or decreasing, and that the status of the stock was good or deteriorating (Table 6). While one angler was satisfied
with fishing conditions in the estuary, the other was unsatisfied due to the lack of fish.
Black Bream
Since 1997/98, the mean annual catch rates for black bream in the Snowy River have ranged from 0.09-4.47 fish/angler
hour (long-term mean 1.91 fish/angler hour) (Figure 19). Catch rates of black bream have been variable over the last
two decades, but have generally increased in recent years. The annual mean catch rate has increased from 1.54
fish/angler hour in 2012/13 to 2.99 fish/angler hour in 2015/16 (Figure 19).
The proportion of fish over the LML of 28 cm has been >0.5 in all years except for 1998/99 and 2010/11 when the
proportion was <0.1 (Figure 20). Since 2013/14, the proportion of fish over the LML has declined.
Length of black bream measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 4-48 cm (mean 25.8 cm),
while the mean ranged from 19-37 cm annually (Figure 20). Length frequency data for the recent five years (2011/12
and 2015/16) is presented in Figure 21. Small fish (< 15 cm) were rare or absent in most years, suggesting that there
has been limited successful spawning in the estuary. Over the last five years, fish over the LML of 28 cm size were
regularly measured, indicating mature fish are present in the estuary. Large fish >40 cm were occasionally measured.
The black bream fishery in the Snowy river estuary was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that
the population is in a good condition and is not over fished (Table 6).
Figure 19. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and 10 year
moving mean catch rates, of black bream targeted by anglers fishing in the Snowy River.
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Table 6. Fishery stock status and performance measures for black bream in the Snowy River.
Fishery Stock status and performance measures Black bream
FISHERY STOCK STATUS - 2016 SUSTAINABLE
Fishery performance measures Trend1
Stock abundance
Trend in stock abundance as indicated by the five year moving mean of
the mean annual catch rate.
Long-term trend in stock abundance as indicated by the 10 year moving
mean of the mean annual catch rate.
Fish size (length/age) distribution
Wide range of fish size classes present in recent five years, indicating
regular successful spawning events and recruitment to the fishery.
Signs of recent spawning success, as indicated by the presence of fish
under LML
2
in catch.
Signs of sustainable fishing pressure as indicated by the presence of fish
approaching maximum size.
Angler knowledge
Trend in abundance of fish over LML.
or
Trend in abundance of fish under LML.
or uncertain
Perceptions of stock status.
3
Good or deteriorating
Assessment status The data on balance indicates that the
black bream population in the Snowy
River is in a good condition and is not
over fished.
Fishery management review recommended
4
NO
1. = Increasing, yes and positive. = Decreasing, no and negative. = Stable. ? = Insufficient information.
2. LML = Legal minimum length.
3. Good, improving, deteriorating or unsure.
4. YES = concerns regarding the sustainability of the fishery. NO = management review is not required.
Figure 20. Length of black bream, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 28 cm, caught by
diary anglers fishing in the Snowy River between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box = Median and 25-75
percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Figure 21. Length frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in the
Snowy River between 2011/12 and 2015/16 (n = number of measured fish). Grey bars = fish above
the Legal Minimum Length (LML) of 28 cm. Black bars = Fish below the LML.
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Lake Tyers
Lake Tyers (Figure 22) is a small estuary (approx. 25 km
2
) east of Lakes Entrance. The Main Lake occupies some 7 km
2
and is comparatively shallow with an average depth of three to four metres (Hall 1984). Stony and Boggy creeks flow
into the Toorloo and Nowa Nowa arms of the lake, respectively. These arms are characterised by deeper waterholes (up
to 24 m), rocky banks, coarse sands, siltation and submerged debris (Hall 1984). Most of the estuary catchment is
forested and lies within existing or proposed Forest Parks, State Forests or State Parks (Department of Primary
Industries 2007). The entrance to Lake Tyers is periodically closed by a sand bar, and may open naturally or as a result
of artificial manipulation. Consequently, salinity levels, water temperature, dissolved oxygen concentrations, growth of
aquatic vegetation and turbidity levels may vary substantially within the estuary (MacDonald 1997).
Anglers taking part in the AFDP have caught 22 estuarine species from Lake Tyers (Appendix 2). Black bream and
dusky flathead are the two most important recreational target species in Lake Tyers, representing 47% and 51% of the
catch over the last five years, respectively (Figure 23). Information on species targeted by anglers and catch
composition clearly indicate that flathead has become the most popular species in the lake in recent years (Figure 23).
Dusky flathead was only a minor recreational target species in the 1980s. Between 1984/85, black bream and river
garfish were the two most popular species targeted by recreational anglers followed by yellow-eye mullet (Aldrichetta
forsteri), whereas fewer than 10% of anglers were specifically targeting dusky flathead (Hall and MacDonald 1985).
The shift in the popularity of dusky flathead in particular may have been driven by increased use of artificial lures,
particularly soft plastics, for targeting this species (Department of Primary Industries 2007).
Other species caught by anglers in Lake Tyers include luderick, tailor, garfish, leatherjacket, Australian salmon and
gurnards (Chelidonichthys kumu) (Figure 23, Table 3).
Estuary perch are rare in the lake and generally neither targeted nor caught by anglers (Hunt and Ingram 2014). During
2015/16, 25,000 estuary perch fingerings along with 16,000 mulloway fingerlings, produced in hatcheries in NSW, were
released into Lake Tyers as part of the state government’s Target One Million Initiative
(http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/target-one-million). These fish may affect estuary perch and
mulloway catch rates and catch composition in the lake in future years.
Figure 22. Lake Tyers.
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Angler knowledge
Six anglers responded to the angler knowledge survey, four of which primarily targeted black bream, one flathead and
one luderick. Anglers that targeted black bream suggested that trends in abundance over the last five years were either
stable, increasing or decreasing, but that the status of the stock was good (3), or improving (1) (Table 7). Factors
influencing the catch of black bream included improved fishing methods (gear and techniques), local knowledge and
breeding success. Anglers fishing in Lake Tyers were either satisfied (4) or very satisfied (2) with fishing conditions in
the lake. Four anglers indicated that the number of people fishing in Lake Tyers has increased over the past 12 months
compared with the previous 3-4 years, while two anglers indicated the number has been similar. Participants at the
Eastern Inlets Stock Assessment Meeting (Lake Tyers, 30 November 2016), expressed concerns about the increase in
numbers of anglers.
Black Bream
Since 1997/98, mean annual catch rates for black bream in Lake Tyers have ranged from 0.65-4.94 fish/angler hour
(long-term mean 2.42 fish/angler hour) (Figure 24). Catch rates of black bream have generally increased since the early
2000s. Over the past five years catch rates have been relatively stable, as indicated by both annual mean values and
both five and 10 year moving mean catch rates. Historically, annual catches of black bream in Lake Tyers have been
variable but sustainable (Hall 1984).
Although the size of black bream measured by diary anglers has been relatively stable, over the last five years the
proportion of fish over the LML of 28 cm has declined from 0.61 in 2011/12 to 0.40 in 2015/16 (Figure 25).
Length of black bream measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 6-46 cm (mean 26.1 cm),
while the mean ranged from 23.5-33.8 cm annually (Figure 25). Length frequency data for the recent five years (2011/12
and 2015/16) is presented in Figure 26. A large number of small fish (< 15 cm), indicating signs of successful spawning,
were measured in 2011/12 while fewer were measured in later years. Over the last five years, fish over the LML of 28
cm size were regularly measured, indicating mature fish present in the estuary. With the exception of 2012/13, few fish
>40 cm were measured.
Fishery stock status and performance measures for black bream in Lake Tyers are provided in Table 7. The fishery was
as assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that that the black bream population in Lake Tyers was in a
good condition and is not over fished.
Figure 23. Species targeted by general angler diarists (GAD), and composition of catch, in
Lake Tyers over three time frames, 2011/12-2015/16, 2006/07-2010 and pre 2006/07.
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Table 7. Fishery stock status and performance measures for key species in Lake Tyers.
Fishery Stock status and
performance measures Black bream Dusky flathead
FISHERY STOCK STATUS - 2016 SUSTAINABLE SUSTAINABLE
Fishery performance measures Trend1 Trend1
Stock abundance
Trend in stock abundance as indicated
by the five year moving mean of the
mean annual catch rate.
Long-term trend in stock abundance as
indicated by the 10 year moving mean
of the mean annual catch rate.
Fish size (length/age) distribution
Wide range of fish size classes present
in recent five years, indicating regular
successful spawning events and
recruitment to the fishery.
Signs of recent spawning success, as
indicated by the presence of fish under
LML2 in catch.
Signs of sustainable fishing pressure
as indicated by the presence of fish
approaching maximum size.
Angler knowledge
Trend in abundance of fish over LML. or or ?
Trend in abundance of fish under LML. ?
Perceptions of stock status.3 Good or improving ?
Assessment status The data on balance indicates
that the black bream population
in Lake Tyers is in a good
condition and is not over fished.
The data on balance indicates
that the dusky flathead
population in Lake Tyers is in
a good condition and is not
over fished.
Fishery management review
recommended4 NO NO
1. = Increasing, yes and positive. = Decreasing, no and negative. = Stable. ? = Insufficient information.
2. LML = Legal minimum length.
3. Good, improving, deteriorating or unsure.
4. YES = concerns regarding the sustainability of the fishery. NO = management review is not required.
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Figure 24. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and 10 year
moving mean catch rates, of black bream targeted by anglers fishing in Lake Tyers.
Figure 25. Length of black bream, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 28 cm, caught by
diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box = Median and 25-75
percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Figure 26. Length frequency distribution of black bream caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake
Tyers between 2011/12 and 2015/16 (n = number of measured fish). Grey bars = fish above the
Legal Minimum Length (LML) of 28 cm. Black bars = Fish below the LML.
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Dusky flathead
Since 1999/00, mean annual catch rates for dusky flathead in Lake Tyers have ranged from 0.54-3.26 fish/angler hour
(long-term mean 1.79 fish/angler hour) (Figure 27). Catch rates increased steadily during the early 2000s and became
variable thereafter. Over the last five years the mean annual catch rate has declined from 2.76 fish/angler hour to 1.3
fish/angler hour in 2015/16 (Figure 27). Both the five year and 10 year moving mean catch rates appear to be relatively
stable.
Throughout much of the 2000s and early 2010s the proportion of dusky flathead over the LML of 55 cm generally
remained low (<0.05) (Figure 28). In more recent years the proportion has increased from 0.01 in 2012/13, when new
size limits for dusky flathead were introduced, to 0.12 in 2015/16. These results suggest that the new size limits have
increased the number of larger, mature fish in the population. One angler that responded to the angler knowledge
survey suggested that there has been a marked increase in the number of large fish being caught since the slot limits
were introduced.
Length of dusky flathead measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 12-95 cm (mean 41
cm), while the mean ranged from 31-47 cm annually (Figure 28). Length frequency data for the recent five years
(2011/12 and 2015/16) is presented in Figure 29. Small fish (< 15 cm), indicating signs of successful spawning, and fish
over the LML of 55 cm, indicating there are mature fish present in the lake, were measured in all years except 2012/13.
Participants at the Eastern Inlets Stock Assessment Meeting (Lake Tyers, 30 November 2016), also suggested there
were recent signs of spawning with many small fish being (approx. 15 cm) being caught in 2016.
The dusky flathead fishery in Lake Tyers was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that the
population is in a good condition and is not over fished (Table 7).
Figure 27. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and 10 year
moving mean catch rates, of dusky flathead targeted by anglers fishing in Lake Tyers.
Figure 28. Length of dusky flathead, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 55 cm, caught by
diary anglers fishing in Lake Tyers between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box = Median and 25-75
percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
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Figure 29. Length frequency distribution of dusky flathead caught by diary anglers fishing in Lake
Tyers between 2011/12 and 2015/16 (n = number of measured fish). Grey bars = fish between the
Legal Minimum Length (LML) of 30 cm and 55 cm. Black bars = Fish below and above the LML.
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Anderson Inlet
Anderson Inlet (Figure 30) is a small (about 20 km²) estuarine lagoon, located near Inverloch, which opens into Venus
Bay. The inlet comprises mostly shallow intertidal mud or sand flats (both bare and vegetated), and interspersed with
channels and islands (Harrison et al. 1990, Department of Primary Industries 2006a). The Tarwin River is the main
stream flowing into inlet while other smaller stream include Screw Creek, Pound Creek and Cherry Tree Creek.
Anglers taking part in the AFDP have caught 32 estuarine species from Anderson Inlet (Appendix 2). Popular and
commonly caught species caught by diary anglers in Anderson Inlet have changed over the last two decades. Although
estuary perch were highly targeted and caught by diary anglers prior to 2011/12, in the recent five years a number of
species are being targeted and caught, including King George whiting, mullet, Australian salmon, flathead and trevally
(Figure 31, Table 3).
Estuary perch
Angler diary catch records for estuary perch in Anderson Inlet were available for the nine years from 2005/06 to 2013/14.
Mean annual catch rates for estuary perch have ranged from 0.17-4.09 fish/angler hour (long-term mean 1.86 fish/angler
hour) (Figure 32). The annual mean catch rate has steadily declined from 4.09 fish/angler hour in 2006/07 to
0.17 fish/angler hour in 2013/14, a trend followed by the five year moving mean catch rate. Over this period, however,
the proportion of fish over the LML of 27 cm has increased from 0.67 in 2005/06 to 1.0 in 2013/14 (Figure 33).
Length of estuary perch measured by diary anglers (GAD and RAD data combined) ranged from 7-50 cm (mean 29 cm),
while the mean ranged from 28-34 cm annually (Figure 33). There was insufficient data to present fish size distribution
data for the most recent five years.
Information on angler catch rates and size distribution of estuary perch in Anderson Inlet is limited to nine years from
2005/06 to 2013/14 and consequently, there was insufficient data available to assess the status of the population (Table
8).
Figure 30. Anderson Inlet.
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Figure 32. Estimated mean catch rates (± 95% confidence limits), and five year and 10 year
moving mean catch rates, of estuary perch targeted by anglers fishing in the Anderson Inlet.
Figure 31. Species targeted by general angler diarists (GAD), and composition of catch, in the
Anderson Inlet three time frames, 2011/12-2015/16, 2006/07-2010 and pre 2006/07.
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Table 8. Fishery stock status and performance measures for estuary perch in Anderson Inlet.
Fishery Stock status and performance measures Estuary perch
FISHERY STOCK STATUS - 2016 LIMITED DATA
Fishery performance measures Trend1
Stock abundance
Trend in stock abundance as indicated by the five year moving mean of
the mean annual catch rate.
Long-term trend in stock abundance as indicated by the 10 year moving
mean of the mean annual catch rate.
?
Fish size (length/age) distribution
Wide range of fish size classes present in recent five years, indicating
regular successful spawning events and recruitment to the fishery.
?
Signs of recent spawning success, as indicated by the presence of fish
under LML
2
in catch.
?
Signs of sustainable fishing pressure as indicated by the presence of fish
approaching maximum size.
?
Angler knowledge
Trend in abundance of fish over LML.
?
Trend in abundance of fish under LML.
?
Perceptions of stock status.
3
?
Assessment status No catch or size data after 20010/11.
There is insufficient available data to
assess the status of the estuary perch
population in Anderson Inlet.
Fishery management review recommended
4
?
1. = Increasing, yes and positive. = Decreasing, no and negative. = Stable. ? = Insufficient information.
2. LML = Legal minimum length.
3. Good, improving, deteriorating or unsure.
4. YES = concerns regarding the sustainability of the fishery. NO = management review is not required.
Figure 33. Length of estuary perch, and proportion over legal size limit (LML) of 27 cm, caught by
diary anglers fishing in Anderson Inlet between 1997/98 and 2015/16. Box = Median and 25-75
percentile range. Blue line = Mean annual value.
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Conclusions and recommendations
This report analysed AFDP data for three target species (black bream, estuary perch and dusky flathead) in five
estuaries (Mallacoota Inlet, Sydenham Inlet, Snowy River, Lake Tyers and Anderson Inlet) for a time period spanning two
decades (1997/98 – 2015/16). This report builds on previous fishery assessments undertaken on stocks in small eastern
Victorian estuaries (Conron et al. 2010, Ryan et al. 2010, Conron et al. 2011, Conron et al. 2012, Conron and Oliveiro
2016).
Angler Fishing Diary Program
The AFDP continues to foster stewardship and engagement of stakeholders in the collection of information needed to
support management decisions that promote sustainable use of key recreational fisheries. A total of 125 anglers
contributed information on their fishing activities, which represented 26,930 hours of fishing during 7,499 trips. In some
estuaries, there were insufficient angler data to assess stocks of some target species (e.g. dusky flathead in Sydenham
Inlet and estuary perch in Anderson inlet). Further work is required to:
Determine minimum data requirements (e.g. number of trips, number of anglers, length of time series) to
undertake a stock assessment using the AFDP;
Improve trend analysis methods to better integrate multiple lines of evidence into stock assessments; and
Increase and maintain angler participation in the AFDP including improving the geographic coverage in areas
such as Sydenham Inlet.
The latter point may be addressed by more active and regular engagement with angling clubs and better use of
technology to enable anger activities be uploaded to a web platform, allowing the data to be analysed online by program
participants.
Additional information collected by the AFDP may be incorporated into future analyses of recreational fisheries in eastern
Victoria, including
The effects of gear type (hook size, bait versus lure) on the composition and size of fish caught;
Changes in fishing methods and gear used over time; and
Seasonality of fishing activities for target species.
Angler knowledge
The angler knowledge survey provided additional supporting information on the condition of target fish stocks in some
estuaries (e.g. Sydenham Inlet and Lake Tyers). In other estuaries, however, there were insufficient responses (nil to
three responses per estuary) for the information to be useful in assessing stocks. In order to be able to use this data
over time for comparative purposes, effort will be required to increase participation in future surveys.
Mallacoota inlet
Black bream and dusky flathead are the two most important recreational target species in Mallacoota Inlet.
Black bream in Mallacoota Inlet was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that the population is in a
good condition and is not over fished. Stock abundance, as indicated by catch rates, has increased since the early
2010s and there is a wide range of size classes in the estuary indicative of spawning success and recruitment.
Dusky Flathead in Mallacoota Inlet was assessed as uncertain as there was limited catch and size data, particularly in
2015/16. Catch rates are showing signs of recovery after declining to a lowest level in 2013/14. Small fish were
generally absent although this may have been due to gear selectivity, and fish over the LML of 55 cm were rarely
measured. The impacts of changes to dusky flathead size regulations are, at present, unknown.
Sydenham Inlet
Black bream in Sydenham Inlet was unable to be assessed as there was insufficient data available. Catch rate and size
data were lacking and not available after 2009/10. Prior to this, catch rates of black bream have been low and relatively
stable over much of the last two decades.
Information on angler catch rates and size distribution of dusky flathead in Sydenham Inlet is limited to the period
between 2004/05 and 2007/08 and consequently, there was insufficient data available to assess the status of the
population.
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Snowy River
Black bream was the most targeted species in the Snowy River over the last five years.
Black bream in the Snowy River was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that the population is in a
good condition and is not over fished. Stock abundance, as indicated by catch rates, while variable, has generally
increased in recent years and the presence of mature fish in the estuary indicates a sustainable fishery. Spawning
success has been limited over the past five years with small fish rarely measured.
Lake Tyers
Black bream and dusky flathead are the two most important recreational target species in Lake Tyers, representing 47%
and 51% of the catch over the last five years, respectively.
Black bream in Lake Tyers was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that the population is in a
good condition and is not over fished. Stock abundance, as indicated by catch rates, has been relatively stable over the
past five years and there is a wide range of size classes in the fishery indicative of spawning success and recruitment.
Dusky flathead in Lake Tyers was assessed as sustainable with the available data indicating that the population is in a
good condition and is not over fished. Stock abundance, as indicated by catch rates, has declined over the past five
years, however the proportion of dusky flathead >55 cm has increased. This suggests that the new size limits have
increased the number of larger, mature fish in the population. There is also evidence of spawning success with small
fish present in the lake.
Anderson Inlet
Although estuary perch were highly targeted and caught by diary anglers in Anderson Inlet prior to 2011/12, in the recent
five years a number of species are being targeted. Information on angler catch rates and size distribution of estuary
perch in Anderson Inlet is limited to nine years from 2005/06 to 2013/14 and consequently, there was insufficient data
available to assess the status of the population.
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Acknowledgements
This project was funded through the Victorian Government to improve recreational fishing in Victoria through revenue
from Recreational Fishing Licences.
The many volunteer anglers of the Angler Fishing Diary Program are especially thanked for fishing and providing their
catch data and knowledge for this project: Ray Airs, Joan Adams , Lynton Barr, Stuart Bate, Matt Bateson, Gerald Batt,
Allan Beazly, Craig Beekhuizen, Justin Bell, John Bentley, Terry Black, Lex Blythman, Ken Bradley, Glenda Brain, Sean
Brodie, Peter Brown, Blair Bryant, Chris Burbidge, Chris Buxton, Gary Carruthers, Reece Carter, Chris Chipperfield,
David Clark, Don Collins, Eddie Coronado, Peter Costa, Peter Coulton, Kevin Davies, Stephen Day, Wally De Lange,
Jason Deenen, Stan Dumbleton, Ken Edlington, Steve Eskildsen, Martin Fellows, Glen Foster, Allan Gee, Mal George,
Mel George, Peter Gifford, Bill Giliam, Ray Goding, Peter Grass, Ken Graves, Hayden Greaves, Dale Grey, Daniel Grixti,
Colin Hannah, John Harrison, Carl Hodgkins, Bruce Holding, Michael Holland, Don Howe, Terry Johnson, John
Johnstone, Bowan Joiner, Ian Jones, Jim Kavanagh, Kim Kellow, Michael Kincaid, Mike Kirwin, Robert Krix, Jason
Lamb, Sing Ling, Richard Linossi, Mike Linsell, Colin Marshall, Bryan Matthews, Peter McDiarmid, Dennis McMahon,
Bob McNeill, Graeme Merryful, Marjie Millen, Ken Millican, Ben Mullavey, John Murray, Barry Norris, David Oates,
Russell Patterson, Ken Pearson, Tony Pettie, Ted Potter, John Quinn, Lee Rayner, Kevin Reynolds, Frank Richards,
Allan Rogers, Paul Said, Robert Schroader, Darryl Scott, John Shiels, Barry Smith, David Smith, Luke Smith, Peter
Spehr, Philip Staindl, Peter Stephens, Trevor Stow, John Telford, Alby Thomas, Brian Thomas, Graeme Tobias, Trent
Tobias, Trenton Tobias, Andres Vidovic, David Walsh, Fergie Ward, Don Welsford, Travis Whitfield, John Whitford, Craig
Williams, Matthew Wilson, Ron Wilson, Steve Wilson, John Wood and David Young.
The authors also wish to thank Dr Daniel Grixti, Scott Gray, Andrew Both, Pam Oliveiro and Natalie Bridge for their work
on the angler diary program and Katrina Halse, Pieta Lindberg and Tina Whillock for data editing and entry. Allison
Webb and Kate Simpson (Fisheries Victoria) are thanked for providing comments on this report.
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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Printing Office, Melbourne. 249 pp.
Cashmore, S., Conron, S. and Knuckey, I. eds. (2000). Black bream – 1998, Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report no.
24 Marine and Freshwater Resources Institute, Queenscliff.
Conron, S., Bridge, N.F., Grixti, D., Ward, M. and Stokie, T.K. (2010). Angler diary monitoring of recreational target fish
stocks in selected Victorian estuaries. Recreational Fishing Grant Program Final Report (Project numbers:
5/05/06/1, 06/07/3 and 07/08/14). Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Queenscliff.
Conron, S., Bridge, N.F., Oliveiro, P. and Bruce, T.K. (2012). Angler diary monitoring of recreational fishing in selected
Victorian waters during 2010/11. Recreational Fishing Grant Program Final Report (Project number: R/09/10/04).
Department of Primary Industries, Victoria, Queenscliff.
Conron, S., Bruce, T.K., Bridge, N.F. and Grixti, D. (2011). Angler diary monitoring of recreational fishing in selected
Victorian waters during 2009/10. Recreational Fishing Grant Program Final Report (Project number: R/08/09/06).
Department of Primary Industries, Victoria., Queenscliff.
Conron, S.D. and Oliveiro, P. (2016). State-wide Angler fishing Diary Program 2011-14 Recreational Fishing Grants
Program Research Report June 2016. Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources,
Queenscliff. 45 pp.
Coutin, P., Walker, S. and Morison, A. (1997). Black bream – 1996. Compiled by the Bay & Inlet Fisheries and Stock
Assessment Group. Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report No. 14. Fisheries Victoria, East Melbourne.
Department of Primary Industries (2006a). Anderson Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan - 2006 Fisheries Victoria
Management Report Series No. 28.
Department of Primary Industries (2006b). Mallacoota Inlet Fisheries Reserve Management Plan. Fisheries Victoria
Management Report Series No. 36.
Department of Primary Industries (2007). Lake Tyers Fisheries Reserve Management Plan 2007. Fisheries Victoria
Management Report Series No. 43.
Department of Primary Industries (2012). East Gippsland Fishery Management Plan Fisheries Victoria Management
Report Series No. 84.
Gray, C. and Barnes, L. (2015). Spawning, maturity, growth and movement of Platycephalus fuscus (Cuvier,
1829)(Platycephalidae): fishery management considerations. Journal of Applied Ichthyology 31 (3): 442-450.
Gray, C.A. and Barnes, L.M. (2008). Reproduction and growth of dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus) in NSW
estuaries. Fisheries Final Report Series No. 101. NSW Department of Primary Industries. 26 pp.
Gray, C.A., Gale, V.J., Stringfellow, S.L. and Raines, L.P. (2002). Variations in sex, length and age compositions of
commercial catches of Platycephalus fuscus (Pisces: Platycephalidae) in New South wales, Australia. Marine and
Freshwater Research 53: 1091-1100.
Gray, C.A., Johnson, D.D., Young, D.J. and Broadhurst, M.K. (2004). Discards from the commercial gillnet fishery for
dusky flathead, Platycephalus fuscus, in New South wales, Australia: spatial variability and initial effects of change
in minimum legal length of target species. Fisheries Management and Ecology 11: 323-333.
Hall, D.N. (1984). Commercial Fishery Situation Report: lake Tyers, Gippsland. Department of Conservation, Forests and
Lands, Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Commercial Fisheries Report No. 11. 21 pp.
Hall, D.N. and MacDonald (1985). A Survey of Recreational Fishing iand Aquatic Resource Use in Lake Tyers, Victoria.
Department of Conservation, Forests and Lands, Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Marine Fisheries Report No. 6. 20
pp.
Hall, D.N., MacDonald, C.M. and Kearney, J.D. (1985). A survey of recreational fishing in Mallacoota Inlet, Victoria
Marine Fish Report No. 5. Fisheries and Wildlife Service, Victoria.
Harris, J.H. and Rowland, S.J. (1996). Australian freshwater cods and basses. In: Freshwater Fishes of South-Eastern
Australia (McDowall, R.M. ed.), pp. 150-163. Reed Books, Chatswood.
Harrison, I., Rogers, J., Smith, G. and Woodfull, J. (1990). Andersons Inlet: resources, issues and options for
management. Graduate School of Environmental Science, Monash University, Clayton.
Henry, G.W. and Lyle, J.M. eds. (2003). The National Recreational and Indigenous Fishing Survey. FRDC Project No.
99/158. Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra. 188 pp.
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estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum) in the Hopkins River, Victoria, Australia. Hydrobiologia 515 (1-3): 29-37.
Hunt, T.L. and Ingram, B.A. (2014). Investigating the historical abundance of estuary perch in Lake Tyers. Recreational
Fishing Grants Program Research Report, Fisheries Victoria. 15 pp.
Jones, C.M., Robson, D.S., Lakkis, H.D. and Kressel, J. (1995). Properties of catch trends used in analysis of angler
surveys. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 124: 911-928.
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Kailola, P.J., Williams, M.J., Stewart, P.C., Reichelt, R.E., McNee, A. and Grieve, C. (1993). Australian Fisheries
Resources. Bureau of Resource Sciences and the Fisheries research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
422 pp.
MacDonald, C.M. (1997). Lake Tyers fin fisheries - 1994. Fisheries Assessment Report Series Report No. 1. Victorian
Fisheries Research Institute, Fisheries Victoria, Queenscliff.
MacDonald, C.M., Winstanley, R.H. and Hall, D.N. (1997). Mallacoota Inlet commercial fin fishery – 1994 Fisheries
Victoria Assessment Report No.2. Fisheries Victoria, East Melbourne.
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perch (Macquaria colonorum) in Victorian waters. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research Technical
Report No. 42. Arthur Rylah Institute for Environmental Research, Melbourne. 21 pp.
McGilvray, J., Doyle, F. and Green, C. (2014). Dusky Flathead Platycephalus fuscus. In: Status of Key Australian Fish
Stocks Reports 2014 (Flood, M., Stobutzki, I., Andrews, J., Ashby, C., Begg, G., Fletcher, R., Gardner, C.,
Georgeson, L., Hansen, S., Hartmann, K., Hone, P., Horvat, P., Maloney, L., McDonald, B., Moore, A., Roelofs, A.,
Sainsbury, K., Saunders, T., Smith, T., Stewardson, C., Stewart, J. and Wise, B. eds.), pp. 426-432. Fisheries
Research and Development Corporation, Canberra.
Nicholson, G. and Gunthorpe, L. eds. (2008). Lake Tyers Fish Habitats 2006. Compiled by the Fish Habitat Assessment
Group, Fisheries Victoria Assessment Report Series No. 45. Fisheries Victoria, Queenscliff. 25 pp.
Ryan, K.L., Brown, L., Conron, S., Stokie, T. and Kemp, J. (2010). Small Estuaries in East Gippsland 2008/09. Fisheries
Victoria Unpublished Assessment Report.
Stokie, T.K., Bridge, N.F., MacDonald, M. and Conron, S.D. (2010). Evaluation of changes to dusky flathead catch limits
in Mallacoota Inlet. Recreational Fishing Grant Program - Research report (Project number: 11/03/04R). Fisheries
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Walker, S. and Neira, F.J. (2001). Aspects of the reproductive biology and early life history of black bream,
Acanthopagrus butcheri (Sparidae), in a brackish lagoon system in southeastern Australia. Journal of Ichthyology
and Aquatic Biology 4 (4): 135-142.
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species. CSIRO Marine Research, Hobart. 461 pp.
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Appendix 1. Angler knowledge survey questions
Name
Angler type (please circle) Fishing club member Other
Angler Fishing Diary Program member
Contact Details (optional) Email
mobile
Knowledge Survey for selected Eastern Victorian River Recreational Fisheries
Q1 Which of the following river fisheries had you fish most
over the last 12 months
(circle one)
Lake Tyers Sydenham Inlet Snowy River
Anderson Inlet Mallacoota Inlet
Q2 For how many years have you been fishing the ‘insert
selected River ’ (circle one) Less than 5 5-10 years >10 years
Q3 List the up to 3 species you most commonly target in
the ‘insert selected River ’ 1.
2.
3.
Q4 Out of the above target species previously mentioned,
what was your main target species when fishing in the
‘insert selected River ’
over the past 12 months?
Q5 And roughly over the past 12 months how many trips
did you make fishing for your main target species in the
‘insert selected River ’
. (circle)
< 5 trips 5-10 trips 10-20 trips >20 trips
Q6 How would you best describe the abundance of legal
sized ‘insert main target species’ in the ‘insert selected
River ’
over the last 5 years?
Increased
Similar
Decreased
Unsure
Why do you say that?
Response:
Q7 Would you say the average size of legal sized ‘insert
main target species’ in the ‘insert selected River ’
that you’ve caught over the last 5 years has gotten bigger,
smaller or is about the same?
Bigger
Smaller
About the same
Unsure
Why do you say that?
Response:
Q8 How would you best describe the abundance of under
sized ‘insert main target species’ in the ‘insert selected
River ’ over the past 12 months compared with previous
years (last year compared to the previous 3-4 years) ?
Increased
Similar
Decreased
Unsure
Why do you say that?
Response:
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Q9 How would you describe the status of ‘insert main
target species’ in
the ‘insert selected River ’
?
Good
Improving
Deteriorating
Unsure
Why do you say that?
Response:
Q10 What factors do you believe may be influencing
catches of ‘insert insert main target species’? e.g.
environment, gear/equipment, compliance, other
Response:
Q10 Would you like to make any further comments about
‘insert insert main target species’ in the ‘insert selected
River ’
?
Response:
Q11 In general, how satisfied are you with the current
fishing conditions in ‘insert selected River ’
Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Unsatisfied
Why do you say that?
Response:
Q12 Are there other species you target in the ‘insert
selected River ’
that you would like to comment on?
Yes
No
If so, please provide comment:
Response:
Q13 How would you best describe the average number of
people fishing in the ‘‘insert selected River ’ over the
past 12 months compared to the previous 3-4 years.
Increased
Similar
Decreased
Unsure
Why do you say that?
Response:
Q14 Is there anything other fishing issues in the ‘insert
selected River ’
that you would like to discuss?
Yes
No
If so, please provide comment:
Response:
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Appendix 2. Species caught by anglers fishing in
selected eastern Victorian estuaries
The following species have been angled from selected eastern Victorian estuaries by anglers taking part in the angler
diary program between 1997 and 2016. (+= rare, ++ = uncommon, +++ = common, ++++ = very common). Highlighted
species are discussed in this report.
Species Mallacoota
Inlet Sydenham
Inlet Snowy
River Lake
Tyers Anderson
Inlet
Barracouta +
Bass, Australian + + ++
Bream (Freshwater) + +
Bream, Black ++++ ++++ ++++ ++++ +
Bream, Silver + +
Bream, Yellowfin ++ + + +
Bull head +
Cobbler +
Cod, Southern Rock +
Crab, Other (Unspecified} + +
Eel, (Unspecified) + + + + +
Eel, Conger +
Elephant Fish +
Flathead, (Unspecified) ++++ + + +++ ++++
Flathead, Dusky ++++ ++ +++ ++++ +
Flathead, Rock +
Flathead, Sand + + +
Flathead, Tiger +
Flathead, Yank + + +
Flounder ++ +
Garfish, (Unspecified) +
Garfish, Southern Sea ++++
Globefish, Spiky +
Gudgeon +
Gurnard, (Unspecified) + + +++
Herring, Australian + +
Kingfish, Yellowtail +
Latchet +
Leatherjacket, (Unspecified) + +++ +
Luderick ++ ++++ +++ ++++
Mackerel, (Unspecified) + +
Morwong, (Unspecified) +
Mullet, other & Unspecified + ++ +++ +
Mullet, Yellow-Eye + ++ +++ + ++++
Mulloway +
Octopus + +
Parrot Fish + + +
Perch, (Unspecified) ++ + ++
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Species Mallacoota
Inlet Sydenham
Inlet Snowy
River Lake
Tyers Anderson
Inlet
Perch, Estuary ++ ++ ++++ ++++
Pike +
Pufferfish (porcupine) +
Ray, Shovelnose +
Ray, Southern Fiddler + + +
Salmon, Australian +++ ++++ +++ +++ ++++
Sergeant-baker +
Shark, draughtboard + + + +
Shark, Gummy + + +
Shark, Other + +
Skate + + +
Skipjack + +
Snapper ++++ + + +++ +
Sole +
Squid, Arrow +
Stingray + + +
Sweep +
Tailor ++++ ++++ ++ ++++ ++
Tarwhine + +
Toadfish, (Unspecified) + ++ ++
Trevally, Silver +++ + +++ ++ +++
Tupong + +
Warehou +
Whiting, (Unspecified) ++ +
Whiting, Grass + +
Whiting, King George ++ ++++
Whiting, Sand +
Wrasse, (Unspecified) +
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Appendix 3. Information on key eastern Victorian
estuarine species
Black bream (Acanthopagrus butcheri)
Description Moderate-sized, deep-bodied, compressed, robust golden-brown to bronze-coloured fish with a
bluish sheen over the snout. Both jaws with well-developed teeth, long-based dorsal fin and
elongated pectoral fins.
Grows to at least 55 cm and 3.6 kg.
Size at maturity is from 16 cm fork length and all mature by 25 cm total length.
Spawning occurs from August to the following January, and usually begins later in western
Victorian estuaries than in Gippsland estuaries.
Opportunistic feeder, with prey items including bivalve and gastropod molluscs, prawns and crabs,
polychaete worms and other small demersal fish.
Distribution Estuarine waters from New South Wales to Western Australia. Range overlaps with the closely
related to yellowfin bream (A. australis) in southern New South Wales and eastern Victoria.
Habitat Demersal species found in association with rocky river beds, snags and man-made structures
(e.g. jetties), and may also be caught over seagrass beds, mud and sand substrates.
Fishing methods Caught mainly using hook and line typically baited with prawns, shrimp, sandworms or bass
yabbies, and also using lures.
Management
arrangements For all bream species (Acanthopagrus spp) the minimum legal length is 28 cm (total length) and a
bag/possession limit of 10 (landed whole or as carcass)
(http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/recreational-fishing-guide, 2016).
References Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983, Kailola et al. 1993, Coutin et al. 1997, Cashmore et al. 2000,
Walker and Neira 2001.
Estuary perch (Macquaria colonorum)
Description Moderate-sized deep-bodied, compressed, robust fish, dark grey to silvery in colour on the back
becoming paler below. Eye large and snout profile concave. Fins darker in colour than body.
Grows to 75 cm and 10 kg, commonly caught up to 54 cm and 4 kg.
Females mature at 3 years of age (28-31 cm) and males at 2 yrs of age (22-26 cm)
The breeding season is from August to December. Spawning occurs earlier in eastern drainages
and later in western drainages. Spawning occurs in the mouths of estuaries.
Ambush predator feeding on a variety of prey including small fish, shrimp, prawns and aquatic
insects.
Distribution Catadromous and euryhaline, ranging from northern NSW to the mouth of the Murray River in SA,
and also in some Tasmanian estuaries. Occurs in most (78%) of Victorian coastal rivers, creeks
and estuaries.
Habitat Most common in estuaries and lower tidal reaches of rivers, Fish, particularly juveniles, will move
into freshwater reaches of coastal streams.
Occurs in a variety of habitats from deep channels to shallow mud-bottom habitats. Although
mainly occurs in brackish water, the species, usually immature fish, has been found in freshwater
habitats above tidal influence and at sea.
Fishing methods Caught mainly using artificial lures, and hook and line typically baited with prawns, crickets or
worms.
Management The minimum legal length is 27 cm (total length) and a bag/possession limit of 5 (of which no
Recreational fishery assessment 2016 – small eastern estuaries Recreational Fishing Grants Program
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arrangements more than 2 can be Australian bass) (http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-
fishing/recreational-fishing-guide, 2016).
Comments Hybridises with Australian bass in eastern Victoria where they are sympatric.
Since 2011/12, as part of the “Great Perch Search”, Fisheries Victoria and recreational anglers
have been capturing mature estuary perch from the Hopkins and Glenelg River estuaries and
transporting them to a commercial hatchery for breeding. Fingerlings produced from the
broodstock are being stocked into selected Victorian waters to enhance recreational fisheries.
References Cadwallader and Backhouse 1983, McCarraher and McKenzie 1986, Harris and Rowland 1996,
Howell et al. 2004.
Dusky flathead (Platycephalus fuscus)
Description Moderately large fish with an elongate and depressed tapering body. Eyes on top of head.
Colour brownish above with irregular mottling, and white below.
Largest of Australian flathead species, reaching a size of 120 cm and 15 kg (commonly 40-80 cm
and 0.5-6 kg). Females grow faster and attain a greater overall maximum size than males.
Reaches maturity at around 55 cm, but may occur at a smaller size in cooler (more southern)
waters.
Thought to spawn from January to March in Victorian waters, in open coastal waters, or in
estuaries
Ambush predator preying on fish, crabs, prawns, other crustaceans and polychaete worms.
Generally sedentary except during spawning movements. Some adult fish are known to migrate
substantial distances up or down the coastline.
Distribution Bays, estuaries and inshore coastal areas from Cairns in Queensland to the Gippsland Lakes in
Victoria.
Habitat Over mud, silt, sand and gravel beds, and seagrass beds, predominantly Zostera mulleri. May
use different parts of the estuarine habitats at different times of the year.
Fishing methods Baited fishing line and lures, especially soft plastics. Caught all year round, but may be harder to
catch during winter as fish are less active.
Management
arrangements Minimum legal size of 30cm and Maximum legal size of 55cm, bag/possession limit of 5
(http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/fisheries/recreational-fishing/recreational-fishing-guide, 2016).
Comments The biological stock structure of dusky flathead populations is unknown.
Populations may be affected by loss of seagrass, sedimentation and changes in habitat and
environment, particularly along east coast estuaries and inlets.
References Kailola et al. 1993, Yearsley et al. 1999, Gray et al. 2002, Gray et al. 2004, Gray and Barnes
2008, Nicholson and Gunthorpe 2008, Stokie et al. 2010, McGilvray et al. 2014, Gray and Barnes
2015.
vic.gov.au/fisheries
