The NSW FISHERIES Small Pelagic Tagging Program
As part of the Gamefish Tagging Program, a small pelagic tag has been developed to gather more information on the growth and movement of mahi-mahi. The tag can also be used for albacore tuna, cobia and yellowtail kingfish (that have a total length <80cm. Tag recovery rates for highly migratory oceanic fish are commonly only 1 to 2 percent. The recapture of tagged mahi-mahi is complicated by their extremely high annual mortality, highly migratory nature and overall short life expectancy. This means that each tag recovery is extremely valuable and very important. Currently, less than 1% of mahi-mahi tagged are recaptured. It is hoped that the FADs and new tag may improve recapture rates considerably.... see more

LATEST INFORMATION FROM NSW FISHERIES CONCERNING DIOXIN LEVELS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR FISH
Date of Notification: 03 May 2006
Hopeful early dioxin test results on some recreational fish species
There are hopeful signs that the dietary advice on some pelagic species of fish in some parts of Sydney Harbour could be changed with dioxin tests on some species continuing to return relatively low results.

With almost 20% of tests on species of fish completed, dioxin levels appear to be well below the elevated levels found in bream and prawns, although the figures in other bottom feeders like mullet and squid continue to be high .....see more

Questions and answers on dioxins in fish and prawns in Port Jackson ... see more

INFORMATION FROM NSW FISHERIES CONCERNING DIOXIN LEVELS IN SYDNEY HARBOUR FISH
Date of Notification: 16 Mar 2006
'The NSW Government has announced that dioxin levels in pelagic species of fish in Sydney Harbour appear to be well below the elevated levels found in bream and prawns. A small number of preliminary test samples indicate that species of fish like Yellowtail and Trumpeter Whiting have much lower levels of dioxin. Early results from tests on a range of species in Port Jackson, east of the Bridge, including Yellowtail, Sand Whiting, Kingfish, Luderick and Trumpeter Whiting have levels below the 6 picograms per gram recommended by our expert panel. For example, all Trumpeter Whiting caught at Rose Bay was below 4.4 pg/g, while all Yellowtail at Balmoral was below 1.97 pg/g. These are, however, early samples only – about 10% of the current testing program - but the signs are hopeful.

The dioxin problem in the Harbour comes from sediment in areas like Homebush Bay, a legacy of 100 years of industrial pollution by companies like Union Carbide. As a result, the dioxin levels are high in travelling “bottom feeders” like Bream, prawns and squid.

For comparison, bream caught at Balmoral in the December round of tests averaged 14.7 pg/g, bream caught at Clifton Gardens averaged 25.5 pg/g. Bream caught further west, at Homebush Bay (which has been closed to commercial fishing since 1989) had an average reading of 95.6. These readings are well above the panel recommendation of 6 pg/g – and that’s why the Government closed the Harbour to commercial fishing in January. It is important to note, however, that one of the species of trevally tested at Chowder Bay in the latest round of tests had a dioxin reading of 9.3 pg/g so there is a need for some caution.

The highest result in the latest round of tests to be over the acceptable dioxin level was squid – another “bottom-feeder”.'

For the full report at NSW Fisheries.....see more
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FOLLOWING IS AN EXERPT OF A RECENT NSW FISHERIES RELEASE CONCERNING SYDNEY HARBOUR COMMERCIAL FISHING
Date of Notification: 10 February 2006
'... I do now, by this Notification, prohibit the taking of all species of fish by all holders of commercial fishing licences issued under the Act, by all fishing methods, in all waters of Port Jackson and its tributaries, upstream of a line drawn from the northern extremity of South Head to the southern extremity of North Head.
This fishing closure takes effect at 5.00 pm on 10 February 2006 and remains in effect until 9 February 2011, unless sooner amended or revoked.'
IAN MACDONALD MLC
Minister for Primary Industries

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