Gascoyne Inshore-Estuarine Scalefish Sustainability

The project began with a focus on the sustainability of the Shark Bay inner gulf pink snapper stocks (Pagrus auratus) targeted mainly by recreational fishers. It has now been broadened to cover more species in the Gascoyne Bioregion and complement the offshore scalefish sustainability project.

This project will include the inner Shark Bay fishery, comprising the recreational fishery and the Shark Bay Beach Seine Mesh Net Managed Fishery, and extend to the Gascoyne northern coast inshore, with a focus on Ningaloo but also covering areas north of Carnarvon, such as Quobba.

Any changes in arrangements for managing the inner gulf pink snapper stocks may also affect project activities from 2006/07 onwards.

This project will:

* Provide ongoing scientific advice for the management for main estuarine/inshore species – pink snapper ( Eastern Gulf, Freycinet and Denham Sound stocks), black snapper, whiting spp., mullet, tailor, yellowfin bream.
* Provide biological, catch and stock assessments to recreational and commercial program managers and stakeholder groups as required.

Time : ongoing