An analysis of the impacts of long-term climate variability on the commercial barramundi (Lates calcarifer) fishery of north-east Queensland, Australia

Significant relationships between long-term climate indices such as the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation and fisheries catch have been shown for a number of oceanic species such as herring, cod, sardine and anchovy that are dependant on oceanic upwelling for food chain nutrients. However, there are no similar studies between long-term climate cycles and estuarine species. In this study, barramundi (Lates calcarifer) landings as recorded by the Fish Board across north-east Queensland were found to be significantly correlated with an index of the Quasi-biennial Oscillation at lags of three to four years and the latitude of the sub-tropical ridge one to four years prior to catch. These results indicate that long-term climate cycles may affect the early life cycle stages of the species by influencing climate variables such as rainfall, stream flow and temperature and hence nutrient availability and nursery habitat suitability. Significant relationships between long-term climate cycles and barramundi catch may provide an opportunity to predict catch a number of years in advance.