Corner Inlet Whiting Fishery Investigation

We are becoming concerned about our whiting fishery with this being the second year of very low catches in our estuary system, and we believe this may be the case generally for the whiting fishery east of Wilson’s Promontory.

Port Phillip and Western Port seem to be fishing well.

We understand that the life cycle for this species is that they spawn in the ocean and are then washed into our estuary system where they will spend 3 to 5 years before returning to their ocean spawning area to repeat the cycle. 

It is speculated that there may be separate spawning areas for fish either side of Wilson’s Prom which tallies with the relative health of the different fisheries.

Our concern is whether the current scarcity of whiting is a natural cyclical phenomenon or whether something else is going on to cause this. Specifically, if something has happened to the oceanic spawning area such that we might need to preserve the few maturing fish in our system until that is repopulated. 

We’ve asked fishing clubs east of the Prom for any observations they might have on this situation ranging from their experiences of whiting stocks in their areas, any thoughts as to the reasons those stocks might be low, if they are, and whether they have any suggestions around remedies. 

The whiting fishery is important for our members, but it is also important for our overall community which relies on tourism and for which whiting fishing is a significant attraction. 

The best outcome from these enquiries would naturally be to confirm that the last couple of years are in fact a normal cycle and that nothing need be done. 

Given the importance of the fishery however, if something else is going on then whatever action we can take would be better done sooner rather than later.

I’ll update you with a summary of the responses we get from our enquiries as information comes in.

Tight Lines.

Article by Anthony Kennett

Port Albert Fishing Club Fishing, Friendship, and Tradition