All fishers in Western Australia’s north are being urged to donate their mangrove jack fish frames to a first of its kind nationwide study of the species.
Scientific research into the iconic mangrove jack is underway to understand the species’ stock structure across northern Australia and ensure this popular fish remains sustainable into the future.
The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is leading WA’s involvement in the Australian Fisheries Research and Development Corporation (FRDC) funded research project ‘Basement Jacks – where’s your stock at?’, which has been running since mid-2023.
Mangrove jack is not only good eating, but can also live up to 50 years and grow to over one metre in size. It is known for its aggressive feeding and tendency to school, which makes the species vulnerable to overfishing.
In Western Australia, the daily bag limit is two and a minimum size limit of 300 millimetres applies.
Fishers are being asked to play a key role in this citizen science project by donating fresh or frozen intact frames which include the head and guts. The samples can come from estuaries, inshore areas and offshore reefs in the Gascoyne, Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
Senior DPIRD research scientist Michael Travers said the support of fishers was vital to this national project.
“We are seeking mangrove jack fish frames so we can build a better understanding of the species,” Dr Travers said.
“The donation of frames by all WA fishers is a great opportunity to demonstrate how citizen science can play an important role in the improvement of sustainable management of a popular species like this.
“Fishers can keep the fillets and wings, however, we would like the frames, labelled with the precise location of where the fish was caught, which can be donated to a number of collection points in northern WA.”
Mangrove jack frames can be dropped off at Telomac Tackle & Camping in Carnarvon, Exmouth Tackle and Camping, Karratha Adventure Sports and Tackleworld Broome.
School students and all fishers in the northern regions are being encouraged to participate in the project, with anyone donating a frame receiving a unique Basement Jacks fishing lure and going in the running to win a mangrove jack fishing shirt.
WA peak recreational fishing body Recfishwest is a partner in the project, with CEO Andrew Rowland welcoming the opportunity for fishers to contribute to a better scientific understanding of the stock make-up of the species in northern Australia.
“Good science is based on good data, and this project helps tap into northern communities’ love of fishing,” Dr Rowland said.
“It gives fishers the chance to contribute to the management of the fishery ensuring plenty of these great fish will be around for future generations to enjoy.
“This is a great initiative and we encourage all fishers who fish for mangrove jacks to get involved and contribute their frames.”
