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Yelloweye Mullet is an estuary-based species found along southern Australia. Stocks in WA, SA and TAS are sustainable. The VIC stock is recovering.

SF

Scalefish Fishery (TAS)

Yelloweye Mullet is widely distributed along the southern coasts of Australia, from Murchison River in Western Australia to Hunter River in New South Wales, and around Tasmania [Gomon et al. 2008]. Yelloweye Mullet typically occur in schools in nearshore marine waters from the intertidal zone to depths of at least 10 m, and are often abundant in estuaries and the lower reaches of rivers [Kailola et al. 1993, Connolly 1994].

Biological stock structure for Yelloweye Mullet in Australia is uncertain. It has been suggested that there are two biological stocks—Western and Eastern—based on morphological differences [Thomson 1957, Pellizzari 2001]. However, further studies are required to confidently define biological stock delineation for this species.

Here, assessment of stock status for Yelloweye Mullet is presented at the jurisdictional level—Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Tasmania

In Tasmania, Yelloweye Mullet is caught mainly using beach seine nets, with annual commercial catches peaking at around 22 t in 1999–2000, before declining to less than 5 t over the past decade. The commercial catch in 2017 was 0.2 t [Moore et al. 2018]. Targeted beach seine effort on this species has been stable at low levels since 2005–06, while nominal CPUE has remained relatively stable over time with a sharp increase in 2012–13, before declining again to average levels. Recreational fishers in Tasmania target Yelloweye Mullet using gillnets and beach seine nets. Increased regulation of recreational netting over the past decade has resulted in a general reduction catch and effort, with around 1.7 t taken by netting in 2009–10. State-wide recreational catch of Yelloweye Mullet was estimated at 7.1 t in 2012–13, which included all fishing methods [Lyle et al. 2014]. Yelloweye Mullet are most abundant in estuarine habitats [Edgar 2008], where netting is prohibited or restricted, thereby providing a high degree of protection for the species throughout most of its range in Tasmania. The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. The above evidence also suggests that the current level of fishing mortality is unlikely to cause the stock to become recruitment impaired.

On the basis of the evidence provided above, Yelloweye Mullet in Tasmania is classified as a sustainable stock.

Yelloweye Mullet biology [Edgar 2008, Earl and Ferguson 2013, Gaughan et al. 2006]

SF

Scalefish Fishery (TAS)

Victoria – Indigenous (Management methods) In Victoria, regulations for managing recreational fishing may not apply to fishing activities by Indigenous people. Victorian traditional owners may have rights under the Commonwealth's Native Title Act 1993 to hunt, fish, gather and conduct other cultural activities for their personal, domestic or non-commercial communal needs without the need to obtain a licence. Traditional Owners that have agreements under the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (Vic) may also be authorised to fish without the requirement to hold a recreational fishing licence. Outside of these arrangements, Indigenous Victorians can apply for permits under the Fisheries Act 1995 (Vic) that authorise fishing for specific Indigenous cultural ceremonies or events (for example, different catch and size limits or equipment). There were no Indigenous permits granted in 2017 and hence no Indigenous catch recorded.

Tasmania – Commercial (Catch totals) Catches reported for the Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery are for the period 1 July to 30 June the following year. The most recent assessment available is for 2016–17.

Tasmania – Indigenous (Management methods) In Tasmania, Indigenous persons engaged in aboriginal fishing activities in marine waters are exempt from holding recreational fishing licences, but must comply with all other fisheries rules as if they were licensed. Additionally, recreational bag and possession limits also apply. If using pots, rings, set lines or gillnets, Indigenous persons must obtain a Unique Identifying Code (UIC). The policy document Recognition of Aboriginal Fishing Activities for issuing a UIC to a person for Aboriginal Fishing activity explains the steps to take in making an application for a UIC.

Tasmania – Recreational (Fishing methods) In Tasmania, a recreational licence is required for fishers using dropline or longline gear, along with nets, such as gillnet or beach seine. The species is subject to a minimum size limit of 250 mm. Mullet (all species combined) are subject to a bag limit of 15 individuals and a possession limit of 30 individuals.

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