Operators in this fishery target demersal scalefish species such as pink snapper, Bight redfish, blue morwong (queen snapper) and hapuku stocks in waters of the South Coast Bioregion, primarily using droplines and handlines.

The fishery is often referred to as the south coast “wetline” fishery, although minor quantities of demersal scalefish taken in nearshore waters by haul nets and set nets whilst targeting nearshore species (e.g. herring, whiting, mullet) are included.

The take of scalefish by trap and trawl methods, salmon by line and beach netting, estuarine netting and pilchards by purse seine in the South Coast Bioregion are separately managed fishery activities.

The fishery operates in the South Coast Bioregion’s oceanic waters from near Black Point to the WA/SA border.

The commercial ‘wet line’ fishery is currently ‘open access’ for the holder of an unrestricted Fishing Boat Licence (for the boat) and a Commercial Fishing Licence (for the fisher).

The latest available figures (Season 2012):reveal 105.2 tonnes of demersal scalefish were landed in this fishery. Estimates of catches are monitored through the mandatory Catch and Effort Statistics (CAES) logbook system.

Bight redfish, blue groper, blue morwong and pink snapper are identified as the indicator species for the inshore demersal suite of finfish for the South Coast Bioregion. These indicator species are used to monitor the status of the resource and make up between 80-90 per cent of the catch.

In addition, Hapuku, blue-eye trevalla and eightbar grouper have been identified as indicator species for the offshore demersal suite of finfish in the South Coast Bioregion.

The catch of 105.2 t of demersal scalefish during 2012 is similar to the two previous years and remains within the range of catches since 2000.

Key Species Fished

Name
Bight Redfish
Hapuku
Pink snapper
Samson Fish
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