Assessing changes in threatened black rockcod Epinephelus daemelii abundance and length over the past 15 years in New South Wales, Australia

Despite being protected from fishing and spearfishing for over 40 years, the relative abundance of the threatened black rockcod (Epinephelus daemelii) has not increased over the past 15 years in New South Wales, Australia. A study comparing surveys conducted between 2009-2011 and 2023 found that while the proportion of mature females in the population has risen, overall abundance either declined or remained constant at long-term monitoring sites. This lack of recovery is concerning for a slow-growing, late-maturing species still vulnerable to incidental capture mortality. Researchers used roving diver timed counts and stereo-video measurements to assess relative abundance and length, revealing that more active management may be needed to aid the species' recovery.

Harasti, D., & Malcolm, H. A. (2024). Assessing changes in threatened black rockcod Epinephelus daemelii abundance and length over the past 15 years in New South Wales, Australia. Journal of Fish Biology, 106(4), 1160–1168. Portico. https://doi.org/10.1111/jfb.16010