Snapper tagging insights in NSW

Did you know snapper is now on the recommended species list for the Game Fish Tagging Program? They even have a special tag type designed just for their unique body shape! To qualify for tagging, snapper must measure over 60cm total length.

Since 2014, recreational anglers along the NSW east coast have tagged over 1,850 snapper, with 115 recaptures reported during this time. This data provides valuable insights for Fisheries researchers about movement, growth, and survivability of this key species.

The overall recapture rate for snapper sits at 6.2%, influenced by factors like non-reporting, post-release survival, tag shedding, fishing pressure, and fish distribution.

Interestingly, most snapper are recaptured close (within 4km) of where they were originally tagged and released, showing their strong site affinity to specific reefs or areas. However, there have been multiple recaptures that highlight that mature snapper can travel considerable distances.

 

Here are some examples of larger-scale movements:

• A snapper tagged offshore of Wollongong was recaptured 400km north, offshore of Point Plomer after 106 days
• A snapper tagged offshore of Kiama was recaptured 380km north, offshore of Camden Haven after 1,200 days
• A snapper tagged offshore of Stanwell Park was recaptured 370km north, offshore of Port Macquarie after 1,162 days
• A snapper tagged offshore of Wollongong was recaptured 315km south, offshore of Eden after only 55 days
• A snapper tagged offshore of South West Rocks was recaptured 240km north, offshore of Ballina after 240 days.

Snapper movement is influenced by various environmental and behavioural factors like currents, water temperature, salinity, food availability, and spawning behaviour.

Stay tuned for more species insights from the Game Fish Tagging Program.

For more information on the program, check out DPI NSW website.

The Game Fish Tagging Program is a fantastic example of your license fees at work.