Reply With Quote19 August 2005
Spanish and spotted mackerel under the microscope
The Department of Primary Industries and Fisheries’ (DPI&F) state-wide monitoring program for 2004/05 for Spanish and spotted mackerel has come to a close.
DPI&F fisheries biologist Jonathan Staunton-Smith said more than 4500 Spanish and spotted mackerel were measured between October 2004 and May 2005.
“DPI&F scientists collected length, sex and age information for spotted and Spanish mackerel caught by recreational and commercial fishers between Cairns and the Queensland/NSW border,” Dr Staunton-Smith said.
“About 75 per cent of the 1900 spotted mackerel and 90 per cent of the 2600 Spanish mackerel measured were from commercial catches.
“However, the dominance of commercially caught fish is more a reflection of the relative difficulty in collecting data from the recreational sector, than it is an indication of the relative catches of the two sectors.”
DPI&F monitors priority fisheries species on an annual basis to provide information on the sustainability of key fished stocks in Queensland waters.
Monitoring program teams, based in Cairns and Deception Bay, collect data from locations throughout the State.
“Spanish and spotted mackerel are popular species for recreational and commercial fishers. The information collected through the program indicates any changes to the health of the population over time and assists in developing management arrangements for the sustainability of the fisheries,” Dr Staunton-Smith said.
To ensure the monitoring is thorough and cost-effective, recreational and commercial fishers’ participation is essential.
“In 2005-2006 we are aiming to measure a great deal more fish from recreational catches. For example, we will be conducting more creel surveys at boat ramps,” Dr Staunton-Smith said.
“Recreational anglers can help by giving filleted mackerel frames to project staff at boat ramps or at drop off points throughout the State and by allowing us to measure their fish.
“Prizes of $100 vouchers for recreational anglers donating spotted and Spanish mackerel frames will continue to be drawn every three months during the 2005/06 season. The first prize will be drawn on 30 September 2005.
“The final prize winners for the 2004/05 season were Bill Bowtell from Yeppoon and Lincoln Campbell from Kuranda.”
Further details about the project can be found on the DPI&F website at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/fisheriesmonitoringprogram/ or by contacting the call centre on 13 25 23.
Bring on the singing drags! 
Originally Posted by DC
