While trout fishing in the remote Arthur River on the north-west coast of Tasmania, an angler recently caught an estuary perch which had two tags in it. After reporting the capture to the IFS, it was found the fish was first tagged in January 2015 as part of a University of Tasmania/Australian Maritime College Honours Project led by Bryan Van Wyk. Initially measuring 303 mm and already estimated to be 12–14 years old, the fish was recaptured in September 2025 measuring 332 mm. Over the 10 year period this fish showed extremely slow growth of just 2.7 mm per year, which is typical for estuary perch, especially males.

This catch sets a new record for the longest time a tagged estuary perch has been at liberty in the Arthur River: 3,902 days (10 years, 8 months, 6 days). It is now estimated to be 22–24 years old, highlighting the species’ longevity and further supporting evidence that the local population is small due to high tag recapture rates.

Ongoing monitoring of the estuary perch population is currently being undertaken, as well as the development of a recovery plan. 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.

Please remember that due to their protected status, any estuary perch caught should be released immediately. Penalties apply for taking protected fish.