Stock assessment and management
Snapper stock assessments monitor and evaluate the status of:
- the Spencer Gulf, West Coast (SGWC) stock
- the Gulf St Vincent (GSV) stock
- the South-East region (SE) stock – part of the Western Victoria stock.
These assessments rely on integrating multiple sources of information, including long-term fishery data, biological information (sex, age, and length), and documented seasonal spawning activity through structured egg surveys. The science underpinning this work is peer-reviewed by leading fisheries scientists.
Our Snapper stock assessments are completed every 2 or 3 years. The next assessment will be delivered in November 2025.
Latest Snapper stock assessment
The 2022 stock assessment provides the most recent status report of Snapper in South Australia.
Both the SGWC and GSV stocks are characterised by low biomass and have endured more than a decade of poor recruitment. The current Snapper closure appears to have stopped the declines in biomass, but there is not yet evidence of stock recovery.
Some evidence shows the closure allowed Snapper to increase their natural schooling behaviour to spawn throughout the warmer months. These undisturbed schools of fish may increase the potential for future spawning success and stock recovery.
Snapper assessment presentation
To help communicate the key findings, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) hosted Snapper Science information sessions across the state. Watch the presentation by Dr Mike Steer:
Snapper assessment 2022
Snapper stock summaries
| Publications and engagement | Stock status | Management response | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | SGWC remains depleted. GSV remains depleted. SE remains sustainable. | The Marine Scalefish Fishery Management Advisory Committee (MSFMAC) recommended continuing the fishing closure of SGWC and GSV stocks. State Government supported the recommendation and extended the closure to 30 June 2026. The Snapper Recovery Package was announced in December 2022. SE was classified as sustainable and remained open under a total allowable catch (TAC). | |
| 2020 | SGWC remains depleted. GSV downgraded from depleting to depleted. SE remains sustainable. | TAC limits set for SE in the 2021 season. | |
| 2019 | SGWC remains depleted. GSV classified as depleting for the first time. SE remains sustainable. | Feedback was sought on 2 possible management strategies to combat the significant declines in the Spencer Gulf and GSV Snapper stocks. New management arrangements announced, including closure of the SGWC and GSV stocks to fishing from 1 November 2019 to 31 January 2023. | |
| 2018 | Assessment of the South Australian Marine Scalefish Fishery 2017 ( ) | SGWC was classified as depleted for the first time. GSV classified as sustainable. SE remains sustainable. | Spatial closures revised to include Point Lowly, Tapley Shoal, and Sellicks Grounds. Daily bag limits reduced for recreational fishers on a charter boat. Commercial daily trip and hook limits continued, with weekend restrictions. Consultation with commercial, recreational, and charter sectors to continue in 2019 regarding future management arrangements for Snapper. Restricted the transfer of Marine Scalefish Fishery licences to once in every 5 years. |
| 2016 | SGWC classified as transitional depleting. GSV and SE classified as sustainable. | Seasonal and spawning spatial closures continued. Daily trip limits for the commercial fishing sector reduced to 200 kg for Spencer Gulf and 350 kg for GSV and SE. Restrictions to longlining on weekends for commercial sector. Snapper must be landed in the same region in which they were captured. Bag and boat limits reduced for the recreational sector following recreational fishing review. | |
| 2013 | Northern and southern Spencer Gulf, southern GSV and SE all classified as transitional depleting. Northern GSV classified as sustainable. West Coast undefined. | Spatial closures implemented for key spawning areas in Spencer Gulf and GSV from 1 November to 31 January inclusive. Daily trip limit reduced to 500 kg for the commercial sector. Number of hooks per longline reduced from 400 to 200 in Spencer Gulf and GSV. | |
| 2012 | Understanding the movement of Snapper and its contribution to the changing spatial structure of SA’s Snapper Fishery ( ) | 800 kg a day trip limit introduced in Spencer Gulf and GSV for commercial sector. Prior reporting requirements for the commercial sector. Extended the state-wide seasonal closure from 1 November to 15 December for all sectors. |