Territory Grey Mackerel populations are healthy, sustainable and delicious
The Grey Mackerel, a key recreational and ecological fish in the Northern Territory (NT), and a target species of the Offshore Net and Line Fishery, is the latest fish stock to undergo a scientific analysis by NT Fisheries.
The purpose of undertaking systematic, scientific assessments is to determine species sustainability status in Territory waters, and further understand their population structure and dynamics.
The latest stock assessment of Grey Mackerel in the NT shows the stock is in a healthy condition, with the current population level and fishing pressure on the stock classified as ‘sustainable’.
Scientists have estimated the spawning stock biomass at around 61% of unfished levels, which is well above the 48% target set in the 2023 Offshore Net and Line Harvest Strategy.
The scientific approach used to estimate stock population is an advanced stock synthesis model, which integrates a wide range of data sources, including:
- commercial catch
- recreational and charter fishing data
- catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) indices and
- biological information, such as age and size structure.
This comprehensive approach provides a more reliable and transparent understanding of stock dynamics than previous methods, meaning the Territory community can have confidence in NT Fisheries management decisions.
These results confirm that the current fisheries management is effective.
Further refinement of the stock assessment, particularly around key biological parameters of the species, ongoing data collection by Fisheries scientists, in partnership with the commercial fishery.
This will further strengthen future assessments and ensure the sustainable and appropriate management of the fishery into the future.
