In 2009, there was sufficient information to report on the status of 117 stocks or sub-stocks out of a total of 628 stocks managed under New Zealand’s Quota Management System.
Of these 117 stocks, 79 were considered near or above target levels set out in the Fisheries Act.
Of the 38 stocks known to be below target levels, two are highly migratory tuna species (which New Zealand has limited influence over).
Other stocks currently below target levels include; several orange roughy stocks or sub-stocks, black cardinal fish, gemfish, two rock lobster stocks, Tasman Bay and Golden Bay scallops, three paua stocks, west coast North Island snapper, all bluenose stocks and longfin eels.
Allowable catch levels have been reduced in all these fisheries to allow them to rebuild to target levels. In the case of west coast snapper and longfin eel stocks, issues relating to river and harbour habitats may also be impacting on stocks.