*

Stocks of Southern Calamari are considered to be sustainable in SA, VIC and NSW waters, while the stock in TAS is considered to be depleting. In Commonwealth waters, the stock is negligible.

The biological structure of populations across the distributional range of Southern Calamari is complex and potentially dynamic. One study using allozyme markers identified three genetic types with overlapping distributions and possible stocks off Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales and Tasmania (data were not available for Victoria) [Triantafillos and Adams 2001]. In contrast, another study using microsatellite markers found little genetic differentiation between seven study sites in Western Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia [Smith et al. 2015]. The same study identified Tasmania as a possibly important site for gene flow. Life history dynamics and studies of movement and statolith microchemistry in Tasmania suggest some localised population structuring [Pecl et al. 2011]. In the absence of conclusive evidence on biological stock boundaries, assessment of stock status is presented at the jurisdictional level—Commonwealth, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.

Victoria

Catches of Southern Calamari in Victoria are almost entirely taken by seine nets with landings averaging around 45 t state-wide during the past five years and being 47 t in 2021–22. Prior to the 1990s squid jig was also important, but effort by squid jig has virtually ceased. There has been a decline in seine effort in all bays and inlets with Corner Inlet (CI) now accounting for most of the commercial catch and seine effort following the closure of the Western Port (WP) commercial fishery in 2009 and the Port Phillip Bay (PPB) commercial net fishery in 2022 [Bell et al. 2023]. As a result, state-wide commercial landings have declined by over 60% from a peak period during the early 2000s [Bell et al. 2023]. Southern Calamari are targeted by recreational fishers in bays and inlets, and coastal waters, throughout the state, although there is no current information on landings.

Catch rates by commercial seine nets in Corner Inlet have been around, or above, historic highs since 2017–18 in CI [Bell et al. 2023]. Recreational catch rates from creel surveys have been relatively consistent since 2004, though these declined in 2020–21 before returning to around average in 2021–22 [Bell et al. 2023]. 

Given that Southern Calamari only live for a maximum of one year, the available stock within any given year is reflective of annual spawning success, and inter-annual changes in catch rate likely reflect this aspect of their population biology.

The above evidence indicates that the biomass is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. The evidence also indicates 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, Southern Calamari in Victoria is classified as a sustainable stock.

Southern Calamari biology [Pecl 2001; Pecl et al. 2004; Triantafillos 2004]

Distribution of reported commercial catch of Southern Calamari

Commonwealth – Recreational. The Australian government does not manage recreational fishing. Recreational fishing in Commonwealth waters is managed by the states or territory immediately adjacent to those waters, under their management regulations.

Commonwealth – Indigenous. The Australian government does not manage non-commercial Indigenous fishing (with the exception of the Torres Strait). In general, non-commercial Indigenous fishing in Commonwealth waters is managed by the states or territory immediately adjacent to those waters. In the Torres Strait both commercial and non-commercial Indigenous fishing is managed by the Torres Strait Protected Zone Joint Authority (PZJA) through the Australian Fisheries Management Authority (Commonwealth), Department of Agriculture Fisheries and Forestry (Queensland) and the Torres Strait Regional Authority. The PZJA also manages non-Indigenous commercial fishing in the Torres Strait.

Commonwealth – Commercial (Management Methods/Catch). Data provided for the Commonwealth align with the Commonwealth Southern and Eastern Scalefish and Shark Fishery for the 2021–22 financial year.

New South Wales – Commercial (Catch). Data are provided in financial years.

New South Wales – Recreational (Catch). Estimate from Murphy et al. [2020, 2022], based on a survey of Recreational Fishing Licence households. Note, estimates for Southern Calamari are highly uncertain, with a relative standard error of greater than 30% and based on survey data from fewer than 20 households.

New South Wales – Indigenous (Management Methods). https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fishing/aboriginal-fishing).

Victoria – Indigenous (Management Methods). A person who identifies as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander is exempt from the need to obtain a Victorian recreational fishing licence, provided they comply with all other rules that apply to recreational fishers, including rules on equipment, catch limits, size limits and restricted areas. Traditional (non-commercial) fishing activities that are carried out by members of a traditional owner group entity under an agreement pursuant to Victoria’s Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 are also exempt from the need to hold a recreational fishing licence, subject to any conditions outlined in the agreement. Native title holders are also exempt from the need to obtain a recreational fishing licence under the provisions of the Commonwealth’s Native Title Act 1993.

Tasmania – Commercial (Catch). Catches reported for the Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery are for the period 1 July to 30 June the following year. The most recent (complete) assessment available is for 2021–22.

Tasmania – Recreational (Management Methods). In Tasmania, a recreational licence is required for fishers using dropline or longline gear, along with nets, such as gillnet or beach seine. A bag limit of 10 individuals and a possession limit of 20 individuals is in place for recreational fishers.

Tasmania – Indigenous (Management Methods). In Tasmania, Indigenous persons engaged in traditional 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. For details, see the policy document 'Recognition of Aboriginal Fishing Activities” (https://fishing.tas.gov.au/Documents/Policy%20for%20Aboriginal%20tags%20and%20alloting%20an%20UIC.pdf).

Commercial catch of Southern Calamari - note confidential catch not shown

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