Huge schools of sea mullet are moving steadily northwards on their annual run. The fish are pouring out of southern estuaries and river systems as far down as Lake Illawarra and Sydney Harbour.

Northward mullet migration of up to 724km has been observed on the east coast although 100km a year is more typical.

This amazing event, which continues for a couple of months, throughout the Easter break and Anzac Day each year, had been happening in Port Stephens well before commercial fishermen set their nets around 120 years ago.

What continually astounds me is how little people know about this remarkable display.

Individual mullet remain in the estuaries for three to six years before undertaking their spawning migration, which requires them to swim into the open ocean.

It is only when the mullet leave the estuaries, generally triggered by westerly winds, that they become "sea mullet" and transform into a highly prized table fish as they swim along the sandy beaches and are purged by the clean ocean water.

This is when they lose the "muddy" taste so often associated with mullet.

Sea mullet spawn off ocean beaches and their larvae is carried by the southern flowing East Australian current to enter estuaries to mature and the cycle starts all over again.

What frustrates recreational fishers is that the sea mullet will not take a bait or lure as the fish have their mind on other things. In fact the mullet do not feed at all while migrating.

The female fish, which can grow to 80cm, are larger than their brothers and are highly prized for their roe, fish eggs, considered a delicacy particularly in Asian countries.

No fish is wasted as the majority is consigned for human consumption locally and overseas, others for lobster bait or bait for recreational fishers.

Most importantly the practice of commercial hauling of mullet during their annual run has proven to be sustainable over many years.

I have never seen evidence to suggest otherwise.

Unfortunately this is also the time when some poorly informed choose to baselessly complain that the practice of netting migrating mullet is unsustainable.

Commercial fishers are doing what they are entitled to do by supplying an eager public with fresh fish.

I reckon those people who are unable to catch their own fish have the right to a feed of fresh fish.

I am interested in your comments. Send me an email stinkerfishing@yahoo.com

Further information on this subject is available through research conducted by Smith K A and Deguara K 2002 - Research into the Life Cycle of the Sea Mullet.

-Stinker