ASPECTS OF THE LIFE-HISTORY AND MANAGEMENT OF TAILOR (POMATOMUS SALTATRIX) IN QUEENSLAND

Tailor (Pomatomus saltatrix) is an important commercial and recreation al species. Published and unpublished information on the reproductive biology and seasonal migrations of P. saltatrix in southern Queensland are summarized for 1978-93. Gonad index (GI) data from commercial oce an beach catches gave mean monthly values for fish greater than or equ al to 250 LCF (length to caudal fork; n = 389), decreasing from Januar y to April before increasing to a peak in November. P. saltatrix taken on Eraser Island in September and on South Stradbroke Island in Novem ber had high GI values. Adult fish in spawning condition were captured , tagged and released (n = 7090) on Fraser Island beaches in 1978-80 a nd 1987-89, Most tagged fish dispersed southward, being recaptured wit hin 400 km of the tagging point. Gonad maturity at tag release and rec apture locations and egg concentrations in plankton tows identified a major spawning area for P. saltatrix as the inshore waters between Ind ian Head and Waddy Point, Fraser Island. Although it is generally acce pted that the eggs and/or larvae move southward with the East Australi an current (EAC), distribution and movement of larval P. saltatrix in Queensland waters are not known. Juveniles inhabit and move extensivel y throughout estuaries to the south of Fraser Island until recruitment as adults on ocean beaches. Recent stock management strategies in Que ensland include a minimum legal size of 300 mm (total length), an annu al one-month (September) closure to all forms of fishing in the spawni ng area identified on Fraser Island and input controls on fishing effo rt of commercial ocean-beach net fishers. Bag limits for recreational anglers may be introduced.