*

Southern Garfish (2023)

Hyporhamphus melanochir

  • Craig Noell (South Australian Research and Development Institute)
  • Simon Conron (Victorian Fisheries Authority)
  • Nils Krueck (Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania)
  • Rodney Duffy (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia)

Date Published: June 2023

You are currently viewing a report filtered by jurisdiction. View the full report.

Toggle content

Summary

Southern Garfish has a wide distribution around Australia. There are eight stocks or management units across WA, SA, TAS and VIC. Four stocks are sustainable, one is depleted and three are recovering.

Toggle content

Stock Status Overview

Stock status determination
Jurisdiction Stock Stock status Indicators
South Australia Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Recovering Catch, effort, CPUE, harvest fraction, biomass, egg production
South Australia Spencer Gulf Recovering Catch, effort, CPUE, harvest fraction, biomass, egg production
South Australia South Australia West Coast Sustainable Catch, effort, CPUE trends
South Australia South-East Sustainable Catch, effort, CPUE trends
Toggle content

Stock Structure

Southern Garfish has a wide distribution in Australia, extending from Lancelin in Western Australia, along the southern coast of mainland Australia and up the east coast to Eden in southern New South Wales, as well as the surrounding waters of Tasmania [Gomon et al. 2008].

There has been no research into the stock structure of Western Australian populations of Southern Garfish. However, given the limited dispersal typically displayed by Southern Garfish, and the large spatial separation between the west and south coasts of Western Australia, it is highly likely that the west and south coast support separate biological stocks of this species [Ye et al. 2002; Steer et al. 2009].

In Victoria, there has been no research into the stock structure for populations of Southern Garfish and they are assumed to constitute a single jurisdictional stock.

In Tasmania, differences in size and age composition between the north coast and the east coast indicate that there may be multiple biological stocks; however, no firm evidence exists at present, and current stock assessments assume a single state-wide biological stock [Moore et al. 2018].

A multidisciplinary otolith-based study (otolith chemistry and morphometrics) identified at least five biological stocks in South Australia: West Coast, Northern Spencer Gulf, Southern Spencer Gulf, Northern Gulf St. Vincent and Southern Gulf St. Vincent [Steer et al2009]. Given the level of spatial separation of Southern Garfish observed between the gulfs, it was assumed that Southern Garfish from the south-east also comprised a separate biological stock. However, following a major reform of South Australia's Marine Scalefish Fishery in 2021 [Smart et al. 2022a], individual transferable quota arrangements and spatial scale of assessment for some key species(including Southern Garfish) were implemented at the spatial scale of four management zones: West Coast, Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island and South East.

Here, assessment of stock status is presented at the biological stock level for Western Australia (West Coast and South Coast), management unit level for South Australia (West Coast, Spencer Gulf, Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island and South East) and at the jurisdictional level for Tasmania and Victoria.

Toggle content

Stock Status

Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island

Southern Garfish is a primary species in South Australia's commercial multispecies, multi-gear and multi-sectoral Marine Scalefish Fishery. The most recent fishery assessment of Southern Garfish from the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island management unit was completed in 2023 and integrated catch and effort data from the commercial sector to the end of June 2022 [Smart et al. 2023], state-wide estimates of recreational catch data [Beckmann et al. 2023], and population demographic information (sex, age, and length composition) [Smart et al. 2023]. The Southern Garfish integrated stock assessment model was last run for the northern stock component of Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island using data until December 2020 [Smart et al. 2022a]. As part of a major reform of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery in 2021 [Smart et al. 2022b], four management zones were established, including consolidation of northern and southern components into the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island management unit.

The total catch of Southern Garfish from Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island was 68 t in 2021–22, constituting 96% of the total allowable commercial catch. This level of catch was comparable to the previous two fishing seasons which had relatively stable catch and effort. The total effort in 2021–22, was 1,721 fisher-days which was an increase from 1,593 in 2020–21. The haul net sector accounted for 63 t of Southern Garfish catch (93% of the total catch) with the dab net sector catching 5 t in 2021–22. This dab net catch was the lowest on record, matching a record low total effort of 108 fisher days in 2021–22. This was likely driven by haul net licence holders holding most of the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island quota and a likely reduction in dab net fishing through the fleet rationalisation that occurred through the fishery reform [Smart et al. 2023]. The recreational catch in 2021–22 was 9 t [Beckmann et al. 2023].

Modelled estimates of the primary biological performance indicators for the northern stock component of the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island management unit are modelled estimates of fishable biomass, percentage virgin egg production, harvest fraction and recruitment [Smart et al. 2022a]. Adult biomass declined rapidly between 2001 and 2007 from a peak of 380 t to a low of 218 t. In subsequent years, adult biomass stabilised at an average of 256 t y-1 until 2017. Modelled adult biomass has since increased to 304 t in 2019, indicating a stock recovery of 40% since the historically low adult biomass in 2007. The adult biomass has been within the upper and lower trigger reference points since 2013. The percentage of virgin egg production has averaged 14% since 1984, although this was higher in 2019 at 17%. Historically, the harvest fraction was > 70% from 1984 to 2003. However, from 2006 harvest fraction then followed a progressively declining trend and reached a low of approximately 30% in 2016. The harvest fraction in 2019 was 31%, which is within the operational target (< 35%). Despite these positive signs, recruitment remained impaired and there have been no further updates to the model outputs to warrant a change in stock status.

Adjustments to the management arrangements for the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island management unit over the past decade, such as changes to size limits, gear restrictions and the implementation of spatial closures, have reduced exploitation rates to target levels and enabled increases in adult biomass based on higher catch rates for hauling nets and dab nets.

The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is likely to be depleted and that recruitment is likely to be impaired. However, for the period 2007 to 2019 model outputs for biomass, egg production and harvest fraction suggest a recovering stock. Furthermore, the above evidence indicates that the current level of fishing mortality should allow the stock to recover from its recruitment impaired state.

On the basis of the evidence provided above, the Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island management unit is classified as a recovering stock.

South Australia West Coast

The most recent fishery assessment of Southern Garfish from the West Coast management unit was completed in 2023 [Smart et al. 2023]. The primary measures for biomass and fishing mortality are catch, effort and catch rate. Small catches of Southern Garfish are landed by the commercial sector on the West Coast. Since 2005–06, total catch has averaged 3.4 t yr-1, making up 1.4% of the annual state-wide catch of Southern Garfish. The implementation of commercial netting restrictions in this region has contributed to the continuous reduction in hauling net effort since the late 1950s [Smart et al. 2023]. Targeted catch rates by dab net fishers have remained at or above the historic average (approximately 35 kg fisher-day yr-1) since 2016–17, reflecting a relatively high abundance of Southern Garfish in the region. The targeted dab net catch rate in 2021–22 was 38 kg fisher-day yr-1.

The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. Furthermore, the above evidence 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, the South Australia West Coast management unit is classified as a sustainable stock.

South-East

Southern Garfish on the south coast are likely composed of multiple semi-discrete stocks [Smith et al. 2017]. The most recent fishery assessment of Southern Garfish from the South East management unit was completed in 2023 [Smart et al. 2023]. The primary measure for biomass and fishing mortality is catch and catch rates. Few Southern Garfish are landed by the commercial sector in the South East. Since catch and effort logbook information became available in 1983–84, total catch has averaged 1.1 t yr-1, making up 0.3% of the annual state-wide catch of Southern Garfish. The total catch of Southern Garfish from the South East was 2.2 t for 2021–22 and taken entirely by dab net, while the target CPUE of 37 kg fisher-day-1 was among the highest recorded. The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. Furthermore, the above evidence 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, the South East management unit is classified as a sustainable stock.

Spencer Gulf

The most recent fishery assessment of Southern Garfish from the Spencer Gulf management unit was completed in 2023 and integrated catch and effort data from the commercial sector to the end of June 2022 [Smart et al. 2023], state-wide estimates of recreational catch data [Beckmann et al. 2023], and population demographic information (sex, age, and length composition) [Smart et al. 2023]. The Southern Garfish integrated stock assessment model was last run for the northern stock component of Spencer Gulf using data until December 2020 [Smart et al. 2022a]. As part of a major reform of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery in 2021 [Smart et al. 2022b], four management zones were established, including consolidation of northern and southern components into the Spencer Gulf management unit.

The total catch of Southern Garfish from Spencer Gulf was 84 t in 2021–22, which is 16 t less than the total allowable commercial catch. This was the lowest catch on record for this management unit while total effort was the third lowest. The total effort in 2021–22 was 2,413 fisher-days, which was a small increase from 2,379 fisher-days in 2020–21, while targeted catch rates in 2021-22 of 84 kg per fisher-day using haul nets had increased by 37% since 2017–18 (61 kg per fisher-day). The haul net sector accounted for 78 t of Southern Garfish catch (94% of the total catch) with the dab net sector catching 5 t in 2021–22. The dab net catch was the lowest on record, matching a record low total effort of 130 fisher days in 2021–22. This was likely driven by haul net licence holders holding most of the Spencer Gulf quota and a likely reduction in dab net fishing through the fleet rationalisation that occurred through the fishery reform [Smart et al. 2023]. The recreational catch in 2021–22 was 12 t [Beckmann et al. 2023].

Modelled estimates of the primary biological performance indicators for the northern stock component of the Spencer Gulf management unit are modelled estimates of fishable biomass, percentage virgin egg production and harvest fraction [Smart et al. 2022a]. Adult biomass increased from a historical low of 281 t in 2003 to 417 t in 2011. Since then, adult biomass has been stable and ranged from 294 t to 373 t. The adult biomass was estimated as 346 t in 2019. The estimated adult biomass has been within the upper and lower trigger reference points in every year since 2005, except in 2010 and 2011 when it exceeded the upper trigger reference point. The percentage of virgin egg production has averaged 15% over the history of the fishery with no long-term trend of rise or fall. While harvest fractions have reduced considerably over the history of the fishery, particularly since 2005 when a net licence buyback scheme occurred, in recent years, such as in 2019 when it was 40%, they have not met the operational targets (< 35%). Despite positive signs for biomass and egg production, recruitment remained impaired and there have been no further updates to the model outputs to warrant a change in stock status.

Adjustments to the management arrangements for the Spencer Gulf management unit over the past decade, such as changes to size limits, gear restrictions and the implementation of spatial closures, have reduced exploitation rates to near target levels and enabled increases in adult biomass due to higher catch rates for hauling nets and dab nets.

The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is likely to be depleted and that recruitment is likely to be impaired. However, for the period 2003 to 2019 model outputs for biomass and egg production suggest a recovering stock.  Furthermore, the above evidence indicates that the current level of fishing mortality should allow the stock to recover from its recruitment impaired state.

On the basis of the evidence provided above, the Spencer Gulf management unit is classified as a recovering stock.

Toggle content

Biology

Southern Garfish biology [Ye et al. 2002; Smith et al. 2017]

Biology
Species Longevity / Maximum Size Maturity (50 per cent)
Southern Garfish South Australia: 10 years, 380 mm TL Tasmania: 9.5 years, 460 mm TL. Western Australia: 12 years, 430 mm TL Western Australia: 12 months, 230 mm TL South Australia: 18 months, 190 mm TL Victoria: 19 months, 210 mm TL Tasmania: 22 months, 200 mm TL
Toggle content

Distributions

Distribution of reported commercial catch of Southern Garfish
Toggle content

Tables

Fishing methods
South Australia
Commercial
Dab Net
Unspecified
Seine Nets
Indigenous
Hook and Line
Dab Net
Recreational
Hook and Line
Dab Net
Management methods
Method South Australia
Commercial
Effort limits
Gear restrictions
Limited entry
Size limit
Spatial closures
Temporal closures
Indigenous
Bag limits
Size limit
Recreational
Bag limits
Gear restrictions
Size limit
Catch
South Australia
Commercial 157.08t
Indigenous Unknown
Recreational 79 t (2013–14 survey) [Giri and Hall 2015], 24 t retained (2021–22 survey) [Beckmann et al. 2023]

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 fishinglicence under the provisions of the Commonwealth’s Native Title Act 1993.

South Australia – Commercial (Catch). Data for the Northern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery (South Australia) and the Southern Zone Rock Lobster Fishery (South Australia) have been combined because of confidentiality requirements.

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.

Tasmania – Indigenous (Management Methods). In Tasmania, Indigenous people engaged in 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, aborigines must obtain a unique identifying code (UIC). The policy document Recognition of Aboriginal Fishing Activities for issuing a Unique Identifying Code (UIC) to a person for Aboriginal Fishing activity explains the steps to take in making an application for a UIC.

Western Australia – Recreational (catch). Current shore-based recreational catch and effort in Western Australia is unknown. State-wide surveys of boat-based fishing are conducted regularly, most recently in 2020–21 [Ryan et al. 2022].

Toggle content

Catch Chart

Commercial catch of Southern Garfish - note confidential catch not shown

Toggle content

References

  1. Beckmann, CL, Durante, LM, Graba-Landry, A, Stark, KE and Tracey, SR 2023, Survey of recreational fishing in South Australia 2021–22, Report to PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture. South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide. SARDI Publication No. F2022/000385-1. SARDI Research Report Series No. 1161. 185pp.
  2. Bell, JD, Ingram, BA, Gorfine, HK and Conron, SD 2023, Review of key Victorian fish stocks — 2022, Victorian Fisheries Authority Science Report Series No. 38, First Edition, June 2023. VFA: Queenscliff. 51pp.
  3. Conron, S, Green, C, Hamer, P, Giri, K and Hall, K 2016, Corner Inlet- Nooramunga Fishery Assessment 2016. Fisheries Victoria Science Report Series No. 11.
  4. Cresswell, K, Sharples, R, Hartmann, K and Krueck, N 2023, Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery Assessment 2021/22. Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania.
  5. Dureuil, M and Froese, R 2021, A natural constant predicts survival to maximum age. Communications Biology 4, 641
  6. Gomon, M, Bray, D and Kuiter, R 2008, Fishes of Australia’s southern coast, New Holland Publishers, Australia.
  7. Henry, GW and Lyle, JM 2003, The national recreational and indigenous fishing survey, Fisheries Research Development Corporation project 99/158, Australian Government Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra.
  8. Krueck, N, Hartmann, K and Lyle, J 2020, Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery Assessment 2018/19
  9. Marks, R, Hesp, SA, Denham, A, Loneragan, NR, Johnston, D and Hall, N 2021, Factors influencing the dynamics of a collapsed blue swimmer crab (Portunus armatus) population and its lack of recovery. Fisheries Research, 242, 106035.
  10. Martell, S and Froese, R 2013, A simple method for estimating MSY from catch and resilience. Fish and Fisheries, 14: 504–514.
  11. Moore, BM, Lyle, J and Hartmann, K 2016, Tasmanian Scalefish Fshery Assessment 2016/17, The Institute of Marine and Antarctic Studies, University of Tasmania, Tasmania.
  12. Pearce, A, Lenenton, R, Jackson, G, Moore, J, Feng, M and Gaughan, D 2011, The “Marine Heat Wave” off Western Australia during the Summer of 2010/11, Fisheries Research Report 222, Department of Fisheries, Western Australia.
  13. Ryan, KL, Lai, EKM and Smallwood, CB 2022, Boat-based recreational fishing in Western Australia 2020/21. Fisheries Research Report No. 327 Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia. 221pp.
  14. Smart, J, Steer, M, Bailleul, F, Hall, D, Knuckey, I, Magnusson, A, Morison, J, Presser, J and Schirmer, J 2022b, Informing the structural reform of South Australia’s Marine Scalefish Fishery. Adelaide. Fisheries Research Development Corporation and South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide. FRDC Project No. 2017-014. 319pp.
  15. Smart, JJ, Earl, J, McGarvey, R, Feenstra, J, Drew, MJ, Bailleul, F, Fowler, AJ, Matthews, D, Chaplin, G, Matthews, JM, Freeling, B, Rogers, TA, Beckmann, CL and Tsolos, A 2022a, Assessment of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery in 2020. Report to PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture. South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide. SARDI Publication No. F2017/000427-5. SARDI Research Report Series No. 1162. 266pp.
  16. Smart, JJ, McGarvey, R, Feenstra, J, Drew, MJ, Earl, J, Durante, L, Beckmann, CL, Matthews, D, Matthews, JM, Mark, K, Bussell, J, Davey, J, Tsolos, A and Noell, C 2023, Assessment of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery in 2021–22, Report to PIRSA Fisheries and Aquaculture. South Australian Research and Development Institute (Aquatic Sciences), Adelaide. SARDI Publication No. F2017/000427-6. SARDI Research Report Series No. 1184. 259pp.
  17. Smith, K, Dowling, C, Mountford, S, Hesp, A, Howard, A and Brown, J 2017, Status of southern garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir) in Cockburn Sound, Western Australia. Fisheries Research Report, No. 271, Department of Fisheries, Western Australia. 139pp.
  18. Steer, MA, Fowler, AJ and Gillanders, BM 2009, Spatial management of Garfish in South Australia – stock structure and adult movement, final report to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, project 2007/029, Canberra.
  19. VFA 2017, Review of key Victorian fish stocks—2017 Victorian Fisheries Authority Science Report Series No. 1
  20. Ye, Q, Jones, GK, McGlennon, D, Ayvazian, S and Coutin, P 2002, Fisheries Biology and Habitat Ecology of Southern Sea Garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir) in Southern Australian Waters, final report to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, project 1997/133, Canberra.Conron S, Green C, Hamer, P, Giri K and Hall K 2016, Corner Inlet- Nooramunga Fishery Assessment 2016. Fisheries Victoria Science Report Series No. 11.

Downloadable reports

Click the links below to view reports from other years for this fish.