Snapper to be released into the gulfs

[Wert 180]

Hey guys, thought I heard something on the news while cooking so just had a Google and it seems I heard correctly, apparently about 150k snapper fingerings are going to be released into each gulf over the next few months.

It seems they got the brood stock from the appropriate gulfs so genetically everything should be ok and it only cost $500k which is pocket change even for a poor state like ours.

Dare I say our government is actually doing something positive for our fish stocks and fisherpeople in this state? Only time will tell but I actually feel this could be a positive thing.

Now if they could thin out the trumpeters and puffers a bit things would really be looking up.

[keenfisho 1,310]

It’s a good start but I wonder how many will survive? They are only 6cm at release

also until the government completely ban long lining it will not matter how many fingerlings they release because as soon as the ban lifts in 2023 the pros will just go back to their old ways and smash the snapper again

[Territory Lad 895]

Even if only 10% survive (which would be a poor strike rate) thats still 30K more snapper across the two gulfs. If even 10% if those that survived the 1st year or two then reach breeding age, thats 3K additional that can help re-populate stocks.

Regardless of how you cut it, that surely is a positive move in a sector which historically has not seen much love.

Imagine if they make this an annual program over the next 10 years.

[Softy 2,431]

I'd actually like to see them do it with flathead like they do in the eastern states.

Sent from my Pixel 3 using Tapatalk

[bjorn2fish 4,431]

Here's a link to an ABC News article about it.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-13/snapper-fingerlings-to-be-released-to-boost-sa-fish-stocks/13054414

[Savage 250]

It's nice to hear we've acted swiftly to get the first step sorted with the fingerlings (just over 12 months) . expected this to be released just as the ban finished 

Hopefully our government can take a leaf out of the Vic book (in banning all commercial net fishing of Port Phillip Bay) and do something similar here in our gulfs and passages. Perhaps going one step further and ban long lining in these zones also.

I don't have an issue with charters with in these zones, but maybe put a stricter limit especially to the larger snapper above 80cm. Maybe 2 fish max per boat above 80cm as well as a minimum 25% cut to their limits.
Your paying to go on a charter for the experience as well as catching some fish to take home for a feed (not a month worth of food so to speak).

That's my 2 cents. 

[Jimmy. 158]

5 hours ago, keenfisho said:

It’s a good start but I wonder how many will survive? They are only 6cm at release

also until the government completely ban long lining it will not matter how many fingerlings they release because as soon as the ban lifts in 2023 the pros will just go back to their old ways and smash the snapper again

now, if the 500k worth of fingerlings, becomes 1.5 million in return once they grow and overall biomass increases then doesnt everyone win?

its like the kingfish pens on a larger scale but boosting a fish stock which would be that abundant if not fished for commercially.

[Savage 250]

24 minutes ago, Jimmy. said:

now, if the 500k worth of fingerlings, becomes 1.5 million in return once they grow and overall biomass increases then doesnt everyone win?

its like the kingfish pens on a larger scale but boosting a fish stock which would be that abundant if not fished for commercially.

Keyword there IF...

These fingerlings will not reach sexual maturity for another 3-4 years.

That's 3-4 years of avoiding predators, nets etc. 

So you're still relying on the 'original' stocks by the time the ban is lifted again.

[keenfisho 1,310]

Agree with Savage IF

Yes @Jimmy. IF it goes well

but you mention the kingfish, these fingerlings will be enjoyed by the kingfish

i hope nobody took my comment that I’m against it, just need to look at the overall picture of not just snapper stocks but all species and the way everything has been managed is far far from ideal, also not much point in any restocking if the long liners are given full access again after the ban, it is why we now have a ban

[Rybak 495]

Well at least they are doing something albeit a drip in the ocean. Its all about perception but in the long run, longlining needs to be banned to stop the rape & pillage - simple as that. This is not restocking IMO. No where near enough being released if this is what they think will help!!. This should have started when the ban came in & many, many, many more thousands. We will see what happens. Is this just a once off or an ongoing project? Who will monitor this....etc. etc.

I have been sounding several pro grounds as I pass them in GSV since the ban & have generally seen plenty of fish schooled up so from my observations, the numbers seem to be good on most grounds.