The Condition of the Fishery for Barracouta, Thyrsites atun (Euphrasen), in Australian Waters

Abstract

Barracouta is equal first with sea mullet in order of contribution by individual species to the Australian fish catch. The fishery is important only in Victoria and Tasmania, although the species is plentiful along the entire southern coast of Australia. From analysis of catch records, supported by observations on the fishery and the marketing situation, it is evident that there is no depletion. Variations in the Catch reflect principally the demand for the fish, which is usually below the catching capacity of the fishermen. At present the catch is being maintained at twice the pre-war level by a demand for fish for canning, largely for export.

The influence of demand upon catch was remarkably shown in Tasmania during the war. There, in spite of opinions that the stocks were depleted, a four-fold increase in the annual catch was achieved, because of the demand and suitable control procedures. Barracouta was the only species in Australia which made a substantial contribution to the war-time demand for more fish.