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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 59(5)

Population characteristics of southern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir, Hemiramphidae) in South Australia

A. J. Fowler A B , M. A. Steer A , W. B. Jackson A and M. T. Lloyd A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A South Australian Research and Development Institute, PO Box 120, Henley Beach, SA 5022, Australia.

B Corresponding author. Email: fowler.anthony@saugov.sa.gov.au

Marine and Freshwater Research 59(5) 429-443 https://doi.org/10.1071/MF07230
Submitted: 30 November 2007  Accepted: 5 April 2008   Published: 6 June 2008

Abstract

Population dynamics, demography and spatial distribution of an important species of ‘halfbeak’, the southern sea garfish (Hyporhamphus melanochir), were studied in South Australia, which accounts for most of the national catch. Commercial catch and effort data were used to indicate spatial and temporal abundance. Catch sampling provided fish measurements and estimates of age, sex and reproductive maturity. Catches were from throughout South Australia’s gulf region, but three areas separated by hundreds of kilometres produced the highest catches. These relatively protected areas support extensive beds of intertidal and subtidal seagrasses. Statewide commercial fishery catches demonstrated considerable inter-annual variation of 240–320 t year–1. Catches were dominated by 1+ and 2+ fish, with few individuals from the 3+ to 5+ age classes. Females dominated the sex ratios, were the largest individuals, and the largest from each age class. No running ripe fish were sampled. Seasonal variation in the catch and in the lack of spawning fish suggested that adults might move from fishing areas during the spawning season. Length/weight and length/age relationships did not differ between areas separated by hundreds of kilometres, suggesting large-scale movement. Possible population truncation related to fishery exploitation has prompted a stock rebuilding program for the South Australian stock.

Additional keywords: age estimation, age structures, biased sex ratios, halfbeaks, otolith, population truncation, reproductive analysis.


Acknowledgements

We gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Don Dew, manager of Adelaide’s SAFCOL fish market, who gave us ready access to the garfish catches and a place to work (in the fridge). Also, the workers at the market often facilitated the market-measuring program. The data on catch and effort of garfish from the commercial sector of the Marine Scalefish fishery were provided by Angelo Tsolos of the Fisheries Statisitics Unit of SARDI Aquatic Sciences. Annette Doonan prepared several of the maps. Dr Tim Ward provided advice on an early draft of the manuscript and three anonymous referees provided comprehensive comments that led to a substantial improvement in its presentation. The contributions of all are much appreciated.


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