Aspects of the life history and management of tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) in Queensland

Abstract

Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) is an important commercial and recreational species. Published and unpublished information on the reproductive biology and seasonal migrations of P. saltatrix in southern Queensland are summarized for 1978-93. Gonad index (GI) data from commercial ocean beach catches gave mean monthly values for fish ≥ 250 LCF (length to caudal fork; n = 389), decreasing from January to April before increasing to a peak in November. R saltatrix taken on Fraser Island in September and on South Stradbroke Island in November had high GI values. Adult fish in spawning condition were captured, tagged and released (n = 7090) on Fraser Island beaches in 1978-80 and 1987-89. Most tagged fish dispersed southward, being recaptured within 400 km of the tagging point. Gonad maturity at tag release and recapture locations and egg concentrations in plankton tows identified a major spawning area for P. saltatrix as the inshore waters between Indian Head and Waddy Point, Fraser Island. Although it is generally accepted that the eggs and/or larvae move southward with the East Australian Current (EAC), distribution and movement of larval P. saltatrix in Queensland waters are not known. Juveniles inhabit and move extensively throughout estuaries to the south of Fraser Island until recruitment as adults on ocean beaches. Recent stock management strategies in Queensland include a minimum legal size of 300 mm (total length), an annual one-month (September) closure to all forms of fishing in the spawning area identified on Fraser Island and input controls on fishing effort of commercial ocean-beach net fishers. Bag limits for recreational anglers may be introduced.