Research supporting our Snapper stocks
Significant declines in Snapper productivity over the past decade have impacted Australia's fisheries.
Snapper research is important in understanding their biology to assess the community-shared stocks and improve sustainability.
We're helping to rebuild Snapper numbers through planned initiatives, while supporting recreational and commercial fishers during Snapper closures.
Snapper Science Program
We are addressing industry and research priorities for Snapper fisheries, with a focus on boosting SA stock and informing management strategies.
Stock enhancement process
To supplement wild Snapper populations with those reared in captivity, we aim to release 900,000 juvenile Snapper over the next few years.
Snapper Recovery Package
The SA Government's $8.8 million recovery package is being used to fund Snapper restocking, support the impacted fishing industry, and conduct research.
Snapper stock status in SA
Snapper (Chrysophrys auratus) is a long-lived, slow growing species that is an iconic fishery resource in southern Australia. It supports commercial, recreational, charter boat, and Aboriginal traditional fisheries, with cultural significance across its distribution.
The latest Snapper stock assessment in 2022 outlined the continued depleted status of the species and a need for management measures. This led to extending the closure of Snapper fishing in the Spencer Gulf, West Coast and Gulf St Vincent, to help population growth until 30 June 2026.
The current Snapper management rules will be reviewed following the next stock assessment report in November 2025.
Snapper management
Find out about closure zones, total allowable catch limits, and support projects to protect Snapper stocks.
Snapper Rebuilding Plan
We are developing a plan to support the recovery of depleted stocks and potential future Snapper fishing in SA.
Snapper fishing limits
Recreational and charter limits apply to Snapper captured in the South-East fishing zone.
Previous Snapper research
See our stock assessments, management responses, and biological learnings from Snapper research projects.
We're all responsible for ensuring released fish have the best chance of survival.
Watch the barotrauma video about recent research from SARDI on using weights, best practice handling, and safe release techniques.
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