A dedicated information hub providing a one-stop source of information relating to South Australia’s Snapper Science Program and Snapper recovery has been launched by the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA).
The PIRSA webpage includes an overview of the research program which involves 12 projects related to biology and ecology, estimates of biomass, and monitoring and assessment which will be regularly updated throughout the program.
The three-year, $5 million Snapper Science Program is funded by the Australian Government’s Fisheries Research and Development Corporation and the South Australian Government from its $8.8 million recovery package, which was announced in response to the extended closure of the Spencer Gulf / West Coast and Gulf St Vincent Snapper Stocks.
“There is enormous interest in our Snapper fishery, especially given the closures, so having this resource available online is important to keep everyone informed of the science behind our decision making,” said SA Primary Industries Minister, Clare Scriven.
“The Snapper Hub also highlights the great work dedicated to the fishery recovery and it is essential we have a one-stop shop for all information about this important program.”
Led by PIRSA’s research division, the South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI), the Snapper Science Program is a collaboration between commercial and recreational industry stakeholders and researchers from various institutes and universities throughout southern Australia.
“The PIRSA Snapper Recovery Microsite is a great resource for the most up to date and innovative Snapper science information for South Australia,” said RecFish SA Executive Officer, Asher Dezsery.
“Having dedicated sections for the Snapper Science Program, as well as Snapper research progress is a great step forwards to involving the community in real time Snapper recovery results.
“RecFish SA are excited to see the various programs operational and delivering best available science within the Snapper fishery.
“The Snapper Science Stakeholder Group is a dedicated partnership of those invested in the successful recovery of Snapper in South Australia, and RecFish SA are proud to be involved in research decisions as stakeholders for the recreational fishing community.”
The program includes a range of projects focused on recruitment variability, population biology, stock structure and estimates of fishable biomass.
The online Snapper Hub can be viewed at pir.sa.gov.au/snapper-recovery.
