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Goldband Snapper (2023)

Pristipomoides multidens

  • Grant Johnson (Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade, Northern Territory)
  • Fabian Trinnie (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia)
  • Marlee Jesson-Kerr (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Queensland)
  • Corey Wakefield (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia)
  • Stephen Newman (Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia)

Date Published: June 2023

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Summary

Goldband Snapper is widely distributed across northern Australia. There are nine stocks—defined at either the management unit or biological stock level—across WA, the NT and QLD. All are classified as sustainable apart from the East Coast Queensland management unit, which Is undefined.

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Stock Status Overview

Stock status determination
Jurisdiction Stock Stock status Indicators
Western Australia Gascoyne Sustainable Age structure, catch, fishing mortality
Western Australia Pilbara Sustainable Age structure, catch, fishing mortality
Western Australia Kimberley Sustainable Biomass, age structure, catch, fishing mortality, CPUE
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Stock Structure

Goldband Snapper is widely distributed throughout northern Australia and the tropical Indo–West Pacific. Ovenden et al. [2002] examined the genetic connectivity of Goldband Snapper using mitochondrial DNA from samples collected at six Australian locations (four in Western Australia: Exmouth, Pilbara, Broome, Northern Kimberley; two in the Northern Territory: Timor Sea, Arafura Sea) and three south east Asian locations (Kupang, Irian Jaya, Madang). The mitochondrial DNA data for Goldband Snapper did not differ genetically among Australian locations, except for the northern Kimberley location that exhibited restricted gene flow. Ovenden et al. [2002] reported that samples taken from locations in Southeast Asia were genetically distinct from those sampled from Australian locations. This study indicated that within the region sampled, Goldband Snapper are likely to form a single biological stock.

Newman et al. [2000] examined otolith stable isotopes in each of three management regions in Western Australia (Kimberley, Pilbara and Gascoyne), and across northern Australia. Significant differences in stable isotope ratios provided evidence that there was limited mixing of adult Goldband Snapper between all sites sampled in Australia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. Therefore, each of these broad locations could be treated separately for the purposes of fishery management, if management arrangements were mediated in a way that harmonized with the spatial patterns of exploitation. Saunders et al. [2018] used otolith microchemistry and parasitology to identify separate biological Goldband Snapper stocks in the Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Timor Sea, Arafura Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria.

Here, assessment of stock status is presented at the management unit level for four stocks—Kimberley, Pilbara, Gascoyne (Western Australia) and East Coast Queensland and at the biological stock level for an additional four stocks—Joseph Bonaparte Gulf, Timor Sea, Arafura Sea and Gulf of Carpentaria.

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Stock Status

Gascoyne

Goldband Snapper is one of the indicator species in the Gascoyne management unit of the Gascoyne Coast Bioregion of Western Australia [Newman et al. 2018] and as such the stock status of Goldband Snapper contributes to determining the risk-level for the biological sustainability of the demersal scalefish resources in the Gascoyne management unit. Goldband snapper are primarily landed by commercial line fishers in the Gascoyne Demersal Scalefish Managed Fishery (GDSMF) [Jackson et al. 2023]. The major performance measures for Goldband Snapper in the Gascoyne management unit are based on an assessment of fishing mortality derived from catch curve analysis of representative samples of the age structure and relative female spawning biomass (SPR) (Brel) from per-recruit analyses relative to standard reference levels defined within the Harvest Control Rules (HCRs). An assessment of fishing mortality and SPR for Goldband Snapper caught in the GDSMF was undertaken in 2022 and included catch data up to 2020–21 and age composition data from 2018–20. This assessment of Goldband Snapper is supported by predictions for biomass and harvest rates from a data-limited Catch-MSY assessment model compared periodically to a model prediction for maximum sustainable yield (MSY).

The derived fishing mortality estimate, and associated uncertainty ranges indicated that the fishing levels on Goldband Snapper in this management unit (F= 0.07 year[-1]) was below the value of natural mortality (M=0.16 year[-1]); the fishing mortality was above the target level [Jackson et al. 2023]. Analysis of female relative spawning ratio suggested that the stock remained around 66% of the unfished level, with the point estimate of Brel well above the threshold level of 0.3 [Jackson et al. 2023]. This indicates that, on average, the level of exploitation experienced by Goldband Snapper in the Gascoyne has been low. 

The total catch of Goldband Snapper in the Gascoyne management unit over the last 10 years (2012–13 to 2021–22) have ranged from 62–122 t, with a mean annual catch of 92 t. Recreational and charter catch are relatively low compared to the commercial catch, in the past 10 years where reliable catches estimates are available, their contribution of the total catch has averaged 17%. Analyses using a Catch-MSY model applied to data on annual catches for this species (1985–86 to 2021–22), demonstrated that the annual catches since 2008–09 have remained below the point estimate of the model prediction for maximum sustainable yield (MSY), and the biomass has been above BMSY for the entire time series. For this assessment, these included specified ranges for initial depletion (0.8–0.95), based on close to no depletion prior to the first year of catches, final depletion (0.5–0.9), based on relative spawning biomass from the per-recruit analysis, and low resilience (r=0.1–0.6, consistent with species longevity, of approximately 32 years). The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted 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 Gascoyne (Western Australia) management unit is classified as a sustainable stock

Kimberley

Goldband Snapper is one of the indicator species in the Kimberley management unit of the North Coast Bioregion of Western Australia [Newman et al. 2018] and as such the stock status of Goldband Snapper contributes to determining the risk-level for the biological sustainability of the demersal scalefish resources in the Kimberley management unit. Goldband Snapper is landed commercially in the Northern Demersal Scalefish Managed Fishery (NDSMF). The major performance measures for the Kimberley management unit of Goldband Snapper are periodic assessments of spawning stock levels and fishing mortality estimated using an integrated age-structured model relative to standard reference levels and fishing mortality from catch curve analysis derived from representative samples of the age structure. Catch, effort and/or catch rates for the indicator species/fishing sector are also reviewed annually, to determine whether they are consistent with current harvest control rules (HCRs) for the resource [DPIRD 2017]. An assessment was undertaken in 2018 and included age composition collected during fisheries independent sampling in 2016–17.

The spawning biomass level of Goldband Snapper was estimated to be approximately 30% in the NDSMF in 2017 [Wakefield et al. 2023]. The above evidence indicates that the biomass of this stock is unlikely to be depleted and that recruitment is unlikely to be impaired. The fishing mortality-based assessments indicated that the fishing level on Goldband Snapper is at or below the limit level (F=1.5M) in 2017. However, these estimates remain highly uncertain due to data limitations [Wakefield et al. 2023]. This indicates that fishing is not having an unacceptable impact on the age structure of the population. The 2018 assessment resulted in a medium risk to the stock over the next 5 years. 

The total catch of Goldband Snapper in the Kimberley over the last 10 years (2013–22) have ranged from 398–598 t, with a mean annual catch of 485 t. This is an increase on the average catches across the previous 10 years of 375 t. Recreational and charter catch are very low compared to the commercial catch, in the past 10 years where reliable catches estimates are available, their contribution to the total catch has averaged < 0.3%. Since 2017, fisheries-dependent catch rates have remained stable with no evidence of a marked decline. The above evidence indicates that the current level of fishing mortality is unlikely to cause the stock to become recruitment impaired. A representative age structure from fisheries independent sampling was undertaken in 2021 and the next periodic assessment is currently underway.

On the basis of the evidence provided above, the Kimberley (Western Australia) management unit is classified as a sustainable stock.

Pilbara

Goldband Snapper in the Pilbara management unit is landed both commercially (Pilbara Fish Trawl Interim Managed Fishery, Pilbara Line Fishery and Pilbara Trap Managed Fishery) and recreationally (recreational vessels and charter operations) in the Pilbara demersal scalefish fisheries. The major performance measures for Goldband Snapper in the Pilbara management unit are based on periodic assessments of fishing mortality derived from catch curve analysis of representative samples of the age structure relative to standard reference levels (target, threshold and limit) based on ratios of natural mortality (M) [DPIRD 2017]. An assessment of fishing mortality for Goldband Snapper caught in the Pilbara was undertaken in 2008 and included age composition data from 2007. Goldband Snapper are also assessed on the basis of the status of several indicator species (including, for example, Red Emperor, Rankin Cod, and Bluespotted Emperor in the Pilbara region) across the North Coast Demersal Resource (NCDR) that represent the entire inshore demersal suite of species occurring at depths of 30–250 m [Newman et al. 2018]. The indicator species in the Pilbara have been classified as sustainable. The level of risk associated with the sustainability of Goldband Snapper in the NCDR is assessed as low. This assessment of Goldband Snapper is also supported by the results of a data-limited Catch-MSY assessment, where recent catches are compared to median model estimates for maximum sustainable yield (MSY).

The fishing mortality-based assessments indicated that the estimated fishing mortality rate on Goldband Snapper in this management unit was below the target level in 2008 for the eastern Pilbara region. 

The total annual catch of Goldband Snapper from the Pilbara over the last 10 years (2013–22) has ranged from 132–231 t, with a mean annual catch of 188 t. This is an increase in the average annual catch across the previous 10 years of 147 t. Recreational and charter catch are relatively low compared to the commercial catch, in the past 10 years where reliable catch estimates are available, the proportion of the total catch has averaged approximately 3%. Analyses using a Catch-MSY model applied to data on annual catches for this species (1993–2022) demonstrated that the annual catches since 2000 have remained within the 95% CI of the median model estimate for MSY. This is also consistent with the predicted values for biomass never falling below BMSY, and fishing mortality remaining below FMSY. However, it is important to recognise that Catch-MSY is a data-limited technique with strong assumptions, dependent on user inputs. For this assessment, these included specified ranges for initial depletion (0.4–0.8), based on the relative high catch at the being of the time series, final depletion (0.15–0.7), based on recent catches relative to maximum recorded annual catch and, and low resilience (r=0.1–0.6, consistent with species longevity, of approximately 30 years). Given the recent catches of this species across multiple fisheries are within the predicted MSY, and status of the indicator species for the NCDR, fishing pressure was not having an unacceptable impact on the age structure of the population, it is considered unlikely that the biomass of Goldband Snapper in the Pilbara is depleted, and that recruitment is impaired. A representative age structure was sampled in 2019–20 from the western Pilbara region, which will be included in the next periodic assessment that will be available at the end of 2023.

On the basis of the evidence provided above, the Pilbara (Western Australia) management unit is classified as a sustainable stock.

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Biology

Goldband Snapper biology [Newman et al. 2001; Newman and Dunk 2003; Wakefield et al. unpublished data]

Biology
Species Longevity / Maximum Size Maturity (50 per cent)
Goldband Snapper 30 years, 700 mm FL, 810 mm TL 4.6 years, 417 mm FL , 526 mm TL
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Distributions

Distribution of reported commercial catch of Goldband Snapper
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Tables

Fishing methods
Western Australia
Commercial
Hand Line, Hand Reel or Powered Reels
Otter Trawl
Fish Trap
Charter
Hook and Line
Indigenous
Hook and Line
Unspecified
Recreational
Hook and Line
Unspecified
Management methods
Method Western Australia
Charter
Bag limits
Limited entry
Passenger restrictions
Size limit
Spatial closures
Spatial zoning
Commercial
Effort limits
Gear restrictions
Limited entry
Spatial closures
Spatial zoning
Total allowable catch
Total allowable effort
Vessel restrictions
Recreational
Bag limits
Licence (Recreational Fishing from Boat License)
Possession limit
Size limit
Spatial closures
Catch
Western Australia
Commercial 854.42t
Charter 19.2 t
Indigenous Unknown
Recreational 15.37 t ± 4.30 t se, 9.93 t (2020–21)

Western Australia – Commercial (catch). Goldband Snapper forms part of the combined Total Allowable Commercial Catch for other mixed demersal species in the GDSMF.

Western AustraliaActive Vessels. Data are confidential as there were fewer than three vessels operating in Pilbara Fish Trawl Interim Managed Fishery and Pilbara Trap Managed Fishery.

Western Australia – Recreational (Catch). Boat-based recreational catch is from 1 September 2020–31 August 2021. These data are derived from those reported in Ryan et al. [2022].

Western Australia – Recreational (management methods). A Recreational Fishing from Boat License is required for the use of a powered boat to fish or to transport catch or fishing gear to or from a land-based fishing location.

Western Australia – Indigenous (management methods). Subject to application of Section 211 of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), and the exemption from a requirement to hold a recreational fishing licence, the non-commercial take by Indigenous fishers is covered by the same arrangements as that for recreational fishing.

Northern Territory – Recreational (Catch). Catch quantities are derived from those reported in West et al. [2022]. 

Northern Territory – Charter (management methods). In the Northern Territory, charter operators are regulated through the same management methods as the recreational sector but are subject to additional limits on license and passenger numbers.

Northern Territory – Indigenous (management methods). The Fisheries Act 1988 (NT), specifies that: “Unless expressly provided otherwise, nothing in this Act derogates or limits the right of Aboriginal people who have traditionally used the resources of an area of land or water in a traditional manner to continue to use those resources in that area in that manner.”

Queensland – Indigenous (management methods). For more information see: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/traditional-fishing

Queensland – Commercial (Catch). Queensland commercial and charter data have been sourced from the commercial fisheries logbook program. Further information available through the Queensland Fisheries Summary Report https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/monitoring-research/data/queensland-fisheries-summary-report 

Queensland – Commercial (Management Methods). Harvest strategies are available at: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/sustainable/harvest-strategy

Queensland – Recreational Fishing (Catch). 

Data with high uncertainty (Residual Error >50 %) have been excluded and listed as unknown. More information available at: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/fisheries/monitoring-research/monitoring-reporting/statewide-recreational-fishing-surveys 

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Catch Chart

Commercial catch of Goldband Snapper - note confidential catch not shown
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References

  1. DPIRD 2017, North Coast demersal scalefish resource harvest strategy 2017–2021, Version 1.0, Fisheries Management Paper No. 285. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Government of Western Australia, Perth, Australia. 35p.
  2. Jackson, G, and Walters, S 2023, Gascoyne Coast Demersal Resource Status Report 2022, pp. 167–176, In: Gaughan, DJ and Santoro, K (eds.) 2023, Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia 2021/22: The State of the Fisheries. Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
  3. Knuckey, IA and Koopman, M 2022, Survey of tropical snapper in Northern Territory fisheries - 2021, Fishwell Consulting.
  4. Knuckey, IA, Koopman, M and Hudson, R 2022, Survey of tropical snapper in Queensland Gulf of Carpentaria Developmental Fin Fish Trawl Fishery - 2021, Fishwell consulting.
  5. Newman, SJ and Dunk, IJ 2003, Age validation, growth, mortality and additional population parameters of the goldband snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) off the Kimberley coast of northwestern Australia, Fishery Bulletin, 101(1): 116–128.
  6. Newman, SJ, Brown, JI, Fairclough, DV, Wise, BS, Bellchambers, L.M, Molony, BW, Lenanton, RCJ, Jackson, G, Smith, KA, Gaughan, DJ, Fletcher, WJ, McAuley, RB and Wakefield, CB 2018, A risk assessment and prioritisation approach to the selection of indicator species for the assessment of multi-species, multi-gear, multi-sector fishery resources. Marine Policy 88: 11–22.
  7. Newman, SJ, Moran, MJ and Lenanton, RCJ 2001, Stock assessment of the outer-shelf species in the Kimberley region of tropical Western Australia, final report to the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, project 97/136, Fisheries Western Australia, Perth.
  8. Newman, SJ, Steckis, RA, Edmonds, JS and Lloyd, J 2000, Stock structure of the goldband snapper, Pristipomoides multidens (Pisces: Lutjanidae) from the waters of northern and western Australia by stable isotope ratio analysis of sagittal otolith carbonate, Marine Ecology Progress Series, 198: 239–247.
  9. O'Neill, MF, Leigh, GM, Martin, JM, Newman, SJ, Chambers, M, Dichmont, CM, Buckworth, RC 2011, Sustaining productivity of tropical red snappers using new monitoring and reference points, Fisheries Research and Development Corporation Project Number 2009/037.
  10. Ovenden, JR, Lloyd, J, Newman, SJ, Keenan, CP and Slater, LS 2002, Spatial genetic subdivision between northern Australian and southeast Asian populations of Pristipomoides multidens: a tropical marine reef fish species, Fisheries Research, 59(1–2): 57–69.
  11. Pazhayamadom, DG 2023, Stock assessment of Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) in the Northern Territory 2022 - unpublished fishery report, Department of Industry, Tourism and Trade.
  12. Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, 2020, Reef line fishery harvest strategy: 2020–2025, Brisbane, Queensland.
  13. Ramm, DC 1994, Assessment of the status, composition and market potential of the demersal trawl fish resources in northern Australian waters, Final report the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation on project number 90/15.
  14. 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.
  15. Saunders, T 2020a, Stock Status Summary - 2020 Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) Timor Sea Stock Reduction Analysis. Unpublished Fishery Report.
  16. Saunders, T 2020b, Stock Status Summary - 2020 Goldband Snapper (Pristipomoides multidens) Arafura Sea Stock Reduction Analysis. Unpublished Fishery Report.
  17. Saunders, T, Barton, D, Crook, D, Hearnden, M and Newman, S 2018, Stock/management unit ivision in the Northern Territory Offshore Snapper Fishery, Unpublished Fishery Report.
  18. Teixeira, D, Janes, R, and Webley, J 2021, 2019–20 Statewide Recreational Fishing Survey Key Results, Project Report. State of Queensland, Brisbane.
  19. Wakefield, C, Trinnie, F, Skepper, C, Boddington, Newman, SJ, and Steele, A 2023, North Coast Demersal Resource Status Report 2022, pp. 167–176, In: Gaughan, D.J and Santoro, K (eds.) 2023, Status Reports of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of Western Australia 2021/22: The State of the Fisheries, Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
  20. West, LD, Stark, KE, Dysart, K and Lyle, JM 2022, Survey of recreational fishing in the Northern Territory: 2018 to 2019, Northern Territory Fisheries, Darwin.

Downloadable reports

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