The population dynamics and fishable biomass of Snapper in South Australia are fundamentally driven by high inter-annual variation in recruitment, i.e. the numbers of 0+ juveniles that recruit to populations. Throughout the 2000s, SA’s Snapper stocks experienced different trends in recruitment that led to extraordinarily different trends in fishery catches. For the Spencer Gulf/West Coast Stock successive poor year classes led to the significant decline in fishable biomass, and a ‘depleted’ stock status. In contrast, the Gulf St. Vincent Stock increased to unprecedented levels due to numerous strong recruitment year classes, but since 2015 has also experienced considerable declines in fishery catches. In 2019 it was classified as ‘depleting’. From 2018, concerns about both stocks prompted a comprehensive review of the fishery management approach. This resulted in significant changes to the management strategy including a spatial and long-term fishery closure. Despite this, there remains the need to monitor the stocks and demographic processes. Given the significance of variable recruitment for Snapper, the need for regional, annual estimates of recruitment as an indicator of future trends in fishable biomass has re-emerged. Between 2000 and 2010, recruitment surveys were done in Northern Spencer Gulf, for which the sampling methodology, i.e. otter trawling, was non-selective and destructive of benthic and demersal biota. One need here is to develop a cost-effective, non-destructive sampling strategy for future annual sampling. Also, there is the need to develop a better understanding of larval ecology, connectivity, and the causes of variable recruitment. Combined benefits from addressing both needs would significantly enhance predicting future trends in fishable biomass.