SUMMARY

SUMMARY

IDENTIFICATION

SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)

Mugil cephalus

SPECIES NAME(s)

Flathead grey mullet, Mullet

COMMON NAMES

Gray mullet, Hardgut mullet

The sea mullet (Mugil cephalus) occurs around much of the Australian coastline, as well as in many temperate and subtropical areas worldwide. In NSW waters, sea mullet are found primarily in estuaries and inshore waters, although they also occur in the freshwater reaches of coastal rivers. Within estuaries, sea mullet are found in association with shallow weed beds and bare substrates (Smallwood et al. 2013).

Sea mullet is an important species in many coastal fisheries of Australia with a long history of stable landings and catch rates is evident for both the estuary and ocean fisheries. In New South Wales, sea mullet are caught on ocean beaches and in estuaries. Most landings occur in central or northern NSW regions between March and June. In 1999/00, sea mullet landings were the highest by quantity and total value of all finfish species caught by commercial fishers in New South Wales. Sea mullet comprise the largest catch by weight of all species taken in commercial fisheries in NSW, and are not a significant recreational species, but are targeted by a small number of specialist anglers. Populations on the Australian east and west coasts are genetically distinct (Smith and Deguara 2002). Results of extensive tagging studies suggest a single east coast biological stock of Sea Mullet, extending from central Queensland to eastern Victoria. 


ANALYSIS

Strengths

    SCORES

    Management Quality:

    Management Strategy:

    NOT YET SCORED

    Managers Compliance:

    NOT YET SCORED

    Fishers Compliance:

    NOT YET SCORED