Standardised catch rates for Queensland Moreton Bay bugs (Thenus spp.)

Abstract

Annual harvest and catch rates of Moreton Bay bugs (Thenus spp.) are presented for two major fishing areas in Queensland. Data on commercial catch and effort was analysed to estimate catch rate in each area as a proxy for biomass. Overall, the catch rate increased between 2002 and 2013 in both areas. After 2014, the catch rate from the northern area declined while the southern area increased. The increase in the south is likely due to the targeting of Moreton Bay bugs as the market value for bugs increased.