Pre-recruitment abundance indices for eastern king prawn, blue swimmer crab and snapper in south-eastern Queensland

Fisheries Queensland scientists conduct an annual beam trawl survey in south-eastern Queensland to collect information on pre-recruit eastern king prawns, blue swimmer crabs and snapper. After a successful pilot study was completed in 2006, the survey commenced in 2007 and has been conducted every year since, except in 2016. The survey provides an independent estimate of pre-recruit abundance for this time series. This report assessed the analysis methods and mathematical models used to estimate abundance indices for each species, to ensure the results are useful as empirical evidence in species sustainability assessments, periodic stock assessments and for fishery management purposes. The report identifies the most appropriate mathematical models for estimating abundance indices, where and how the indices are currently used and opportunities to value add to the existing survey into the future.