This study investigated the main factors affecting recreational fishing activity and snapper catches in Fisheries Management Area 1 (FMA 1) between January 2003 and September 2025. Statistical models were used to examine the effects of weather, time of year and day, fishing location, tides, snapper abundance, fishing regulations, economic conditions, phases of the moon, and large-scale climate conditions. The results showed that the number of recreational fishing boats was mainly influenced by the type of day, the boat ramp used, wind speed and direction, and time of day. Other factors had much smaller effects.

 

The amount of snapper caught per fishing boat was mainly influenced by the boat ramp, month of the year, and time of day. The strong seasonal and daily patterns in catches were consistent with what is known about snapper behaviour, including their seasonal movements for spawning and increased feeding activity around dawn and dusk. Overall, the results indicate that when, where, and under what weather conditions people go fishing are the most important factors determining recreational fishing activity and snapper catches in FMA 1.

 

Document date
Wednesday, 14 October 2026

Document type
V 1.3

File format
Adobe PDF

File size
2.1 MB

Reference number
2026/40

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AUTHOR: McKenzie J.R.; Maggs, J.; Bian, R.;

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