STINKER: How many snapper do you need

IT is interesting to learn that NSW Fisheries have asked members of the public to respond to a proposed bag limit of three snapper, down from five, and a reduction in kingfish from five to one.

This proposed change will certainly impact recreational fishers around the state in different ways.

My opinion is that I am quite comfortable with the reduction in snapper numbers as I have a small family to feed and I have a ready supply of snapper around Fingal.

Basically, I can go fishing whenever the need arises for fresh local snapper in the house.

Not everyone is so lucky. Coming to the coast from outside the area, it might make visiting fishers wonder if the effort, to catch three snapper, is worth it.

Then the size of the fish comes into consideration. Three snapper over 3kg is a good bag of fish whereas three snapper (squire) at 30cm is hardly worth launching the boat.

Upsizing – where smaller fish, that had been kept would be tossed over the side, dead or alive – can occur if a bigger fish is caught.

As suggested, the proposal will impact in many ways, but spare a thought for the craziness in WA where fishing for snapper along a huge coastline has been banned totally.

Maybe we should be thankful to NSW Fisheries, who are taking measures to protect the snapper stocks before we get to the WA solution.

I would add, on snapper, that the legal minimum size should increase to 35cm from 30cm.This move is highly unlikely. But looking at a 30cm snapper, it astounds me that it could be considered a legal fish. Commercial fishers have a different opinion.

What needs to be considered, above all else is – why is the proposal is being tabled by Fisheries? Why is it necessary to drop the bag limit? One can only assume that snapper stocks are in decline and have reached a dangerously low level. In which case, all fishers – recreational and commercial – should support any efforts by Fisheries to limit catch.

Let me revisit an article I wrote about six years ago:

“I have been saying for quite some time how the snapper resource in and around Port Stephens is in excellent shape. It’s pleasing to inform you that recently released results of a long term study by Marine Park scientist Dave Harasti have confirmed my opinions. Dave researched snapper populations throughout the Marine Park both inside and outside the Sanctuary Zones and found that the numbers have doubled”.

Ah! Scientists, don’t you just love them.

By John ‘Stinker’ CLARKE