(Sillago ciliata)
Photo Credit
© State of NSW through NSW Department of Industry
Common
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Habitat
Within the estuary Sand Whiting prefer the sandy areas where the water is a little bit deeper. They are easily spooked by human behaviour so they will usually only inhabit places that are free of activity.
Threats
Destruction of the sandy substrates through dredging reduces the amount of suitable habitat for the Sand Whiting to live, feed and breed. Additionally, seawalls and other forms of shoreline modifications, prevent organic matter including seagrass to naturally be removed from the water. This organic matter breaks down in the water resulting in black ooze on the lake floor, again reducing the amount of available sandy lake floor.
Responsible Fishing
Leave our waterways clean and don’t leave anything behind. If it’s on the ground, it’s in our waterways.
Other Information
It is estimated that recreational fishers take more than three times the amount of Sand Whiting when compared to commercial fishers. Ensure you do not fish Sand Whiting excessively.
