Leatherjacket
pinungana (Fish)
In palawa kani, the language of Tasmanian Aborigines, with thanks to the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre.
Monacanthidae family (Leatherjacket)
2022/23 Leatherjacket Status (Released August 24)
| Stock Status | UNDEFINED | ||
| Summary | Several species of Leatherjacket inhabit coastal waters around Tasmania, with the Brown-striped (Meuschenia australis), Toothbrush (Acanthaluteres vittiger), and Six-spine (Meuschenia freycineti) Leatherjacket being the most commonly captured by coastal fisheries. These species are primarily caught as by-catch in the scalefish and rock lobster fisheries rather than being actively targeted due to limited market demand. Historical catches, estimated at around 40 tonnes in 1995/96, may have had uncertain impacts on individual species' biomass depletion. Due to the lack of comprehensive data, there is insufficient information to confidently assess the status of Leatherjacket stocks, especially considering the involvement of multiple species. Efforts are underway to improve data collection by encouraging fishers to identify catches to the species level. However, this process will take time to implement and gather enough data for species level assessments. | ||
| Importance | Minor | ||
| Stock | Tasmanian Scalefish Fishery | ||
| Indicator(s) | Catch, effort and CPUE trends | ||
| Managing Jurisdiction | State (Tasmania) | ||
Background
Leatherjackets are reef-associated species of the Monacanthidae family (Edgar 2008). There is no substantial commercial fishery for Leatherjackets in Tasmania and a small recreational fishery for this family. In the commercial fishery, Leatherjackets are a generally discarded by-product of fish traps and netting operations.
The latest full Scalefish Assessment can be found at the link:
Learn more about what each stock status classification means on our Stock Status Classifications Information Page:
Social and Economic Indicators