Golden snapper study finds just one-fifth of species’ original numbers remain in greater Darwin

One of Top End fishos’ favourite catches is in troubled waters, a newly released study has concluded, with stocks in greater Darwin declining to just a fifth of its original numbers. The CLP says it will act.

The government will develop a recovery plan to boost Golden Snapper stocks, which are declining in the Greater Darwin Region. Pic Katrina Bridgeford.

One of Top End fishos’ favourite catches is in troubled waters, a newly released study has revealed, with golden snapper populations dropping at unsustainable rates.

The Golden Snapper Stock Assessment report, conducted in 2021 but only finalised recently, found golden snapper around Darwin were overfished.

The report found local populations to be just one-fifth of their original number, with current fishing mortality rates estimated to be more than double the rate considered sustainable.

The report found sustainable populations of golden snapper in regional NT and the Gulf of Carpentaria, but noted data was limited for those regions.

To combat depleting stocks in the greater Darwin region, the CLP government said “a robust recovery plan” needed to be developed – but was yet to confirm what that might mean for commercial or recreational fishos.

Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley said a robust recovery plan would be developed in consultation with stakeholders. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“It is now up to the CLP government to make the tough decisions necessary to reverse the damage caused by Labor’s neglect, and restore fish stocks,” Fisheries Minister Gerard Maley said.

“We will now work through the new data and make evidence-based decisions to address overfishing and help restore snapper stocks.

“There are a number of options available to improve stock numbers and all of these will be considered in detail with stakeholders.

“These efforts will guide the development of a recovery plan, which Fisheries NT will prepare in consultation with key stakeholders and release for public consultation.

“We know how much Territorians love their fishing. We don’t want to limit access for fishos, but we understand the critical importance of fish sustainability for future generations.

“Tomorrow’s fishing depends on the decisions we make today, and it’s essential that we strike the right balance. We will consult with our key stakeholders and the broader community on this important issue.”

The report concluded golden snapper populations in the greater Darwin region declined significantly from 1970 to 2015.

A 2015 seizure of golden snapper, caught at the Tiwi Islands, which far exceeded the bag limits. Picture: File

The decline slowed from 2010, however, more fish were dying than being replaced, meaning the mortality rate was “expected to prevent any further recovery”.

Inshore reef fish in the greater Darwin region remain subject to high levels of fishing pressure.

They includes biological characteristics including slow growth and late maturity; advances in fishing technology; and low survival rates after catch and release.

A separate stock assessment for black jewfish is also underway and expected to be completed by the end of this year.

The Territory’s agriculture and fisheries sector is valued at $1.3bn annually, and supports about 2400 jobs across the NT.

Recreational fishing is estimated to inject $144m directly into the economy and another $126m in related activity.

Department of Agriculture and Fisheries chief executive Andrew Kirkman said, “It is crucial for the Territory to maintain sustainable reef fish populations for future generations of both locals and visitors by delivering best practice management.”

“Fishers can help recover stocks by taking a best-practice approach when out on the water,” he said.

Originally published as Golden snapper study finds just one-fifth of species’ original numbers remain in greater Darwin