Harasti D and Malcolm HA (2024). Assessing changes in Black rockcod abundance and size. Report to the National Environmental Science Program. NSW Department of Primary Industries.
Overview
This project report provides information for threatened species and marine park managers, researchers and the general community.
Key findings: Black rockcod abundance has seen a decline of over 40% at baseline monitoring sites over the past 15 years. Black rockcod were found to be larger in 2023 when compared to initial surveys in 2009-11. As the Black rockcod is slow growing, late to mature and still in low abundances across NSW, ongoing future recovery of this species will take time and ongoing protection measures for the species need to remain in place.
Data from this project is to be used the NSW Fisheries Scientific Committee in their biannual review of the species listing status. Marine park managers can use the data to help them with decision making regarding any potential changes to spatial management.
