In mid-November 2025, Inland Fisheries Service (IFS) staff undertook a survey in the Arthur River, located on the NW coast of Tasmania.

The aims of the survey were to reassess the population structure of estuary perch (Percalates colonorum) in the Arthur River, determine the ratio of tagged vs untagged fish to obtain an updated population estimate, and to collect fin clips for genetic analysis of the population.  The genetic work aims to provide necessary information about the level of genetic diversity in the population to help inform a future potential breeding program for the species.

The last survey of the population was undertaken in December 2023, where 191 fish were tagged and released.

During this recent survey, 172 estuary perch were caught, with 138 fish tagged prior to release. The fish ranged in size from 157 mm to 432 mm fork length.

Numerous small fish under 200 mm were detected, suggesting that there had been recent successful recruitment. One tagged fish from a 2014/15 survey was recaptured, while eight fish tagged fish from the 2023 survey were also caught. A detailed report of the findings from this survey is currently being prepared.

Ongoing monitoring of the protected estuary perch population is currently being undertaken. Please remember that due to their protected status, any estuary perch caught should be released immediately. Penalties apply for taking protected fish.

To assist with this research and contribute to the sustainable management of this species, please report any tagged estuary perch if caught as bycatch while fishing for other species. Take note of the tag number before release and report it to 1300 INFISH or email infish@ifs.tas.gov.au. 

The results of the December 2023 survey can be found here.