Description

Key points: 2023 stock assessment outcomes:

  • The Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource (PDSR) spans from the North West Cape to 120ºE and comprises over 60 demersal scalefish species, including indicator species red emperor, rankin cod, and bluespotted emperor.
  • The PDSR is accessed by recreational fishers, charter operators and three commercial fisheries: Pilbara Fish Trawl (Interim) Managed Fishery, Pilbara Trap Managed Fishery, and the Pilbara Line Fishery.
  • The PDSR is a key ‘food bowl’ for Western Australia, supplying the local market with about 2,500 tonnes of demersal scalefish annually.
  • The PDSR provides unique and valuable recreational fishing opportunities at locations such as the Montebello and Mackerel Islands, and the Dampier Archipelago.
  • The status of the PDSR is assessed by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) via weight of evidence stock assessments undertaken every 3 to 5 years.
  • The assessment of red emperor in the Pilbara region is the most comprehensive finfish assessment in WA due to an extensive timeseries of catch and biological data.
  • The 2023 stock assessment shows that there are significant sustainability concerns for red emperor and goldband snapper and management action is required to reduce fishing pressure and begin recovery.

Publication Date

11-2023

Publisher

Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia

City

Perth

Number of Pages

6

Keywords

Pilbara Demersal Scalefish Resource, PDSR, Western Australia, management arrangements, stock assessments, commercial fisheries, recreational fisheries

Disciplines

Aquaculture and Fisheries | Environmental Indicators and Impact Assessment | Environmental Monitoring | Natural Resources Management and Policy | Sustainability

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