Distributed from Cape York southwards to eastern Victoria and to Ulverstone, northern Tasmania (Ref. 7300), although there are unsubstantiated reports of their presence on the east coast of Tasmania (Ref. 6335). The species' distribution includes Lord Howe Island waters.

Stock structure: There are 2 schools of thought on the nature of the sand whiting stocks. One considers that separate stocks are associated with different river systems along the mainland coast and at Bribie and Moreton islands in southern Queensland (Ref. 27622). The other, based on tagging studies, believes that sand whiting belong to a unit stock. Another study (Ref. 27573) did not resolve the issue. Sand whiting and golden-lined whiting (S. analis) are sibling species (Ref. 6335).

Commercial fishery: Whiting have been the basis of an established inshore fishery along the eastern seaboard since early last century. In 1947, three-quarters of the Queensland catch of whiting came from Maryborough, Gympie and Wynnum (Brisbane) co-operatives (Ref. 1254). Moreton Bay and Tin Can Bay are now the major finfish areas in Queensland and an estimated 240 t each year was taken in southern Queensland in 1977 and 1978 (Ref. 27635). The 1989-90 value of the combined sand whiting/golden-lined whiting (S. analis) fishery in Queensland was A$2.2 million. The whiting fishery is also important in New South Wales.

Sand whiting are taken mostly in summer, mainly using beach seine nets off sandy beaches and in estuaries. Tunnel nets, bottom set gillnets and handlines are also used. Fish 23-42 cm fork length are targeted (Ref. 1254, 27636). Catches around Bribie Island are highest from August to November and the fishery is usually associated with aggregations during the spawning period. In New South Wales estuaries and river mouths, particularly in the north of the State, are more popular for whiting fishing. Generally, the catch rates fluctuate with the ability of beach seine crews, weather conditions and seasonal whiting abundance. Some sand whiting are caught incidentally by prawn trawlers in Moreton Bay, and there is a moderately high incidental catch of other fish species in beach seine hauls.

Sand whiting are marketed locally as chilled or fresh whole fish or fillets. All whiting species command high prices on local markets and sand, golden-lined and trumpeter whiting (S. maculata) are often boxed together.

Recreational fishery: Whiting are caught by rod-and-line and handlines from shore and boat, using live baits of worms, soldier crabs and yabbies, or squid bait (only for trumpeter whiting) (Ref. 27636, 27622). They are popular angling species for their fighting ability and table value.

Sand, trumpeter and golden-lined whiting are some of the most popular recreational angling species in southern Queensland (Ref. 27635), especially around Bribie Island and Moreton Island. Large catches are made on banks close to breaking surf and on spring high tides.

In New South Wales, whiting do not constitute a large proportion of anglers' catches despite their relative abundance in estuaries. Larger catches are generally made during the warmer summer months, and over sandbars at the entrance to estuaries. Sand whiting is a commonly caught recreational fish in Sydney harbour. The largest sand whiting caught by a recreational fisher was 1.4 kg from New South Wales (records of the Australian Underwater Federation).

Also Ref. 4537.