The Plenary Report summarises biological, fishery, stock assessment and stock status information for 80 species or species groups, each of which is split into 1-10 stocks. The Plenary takes into account the most recent data and analyses available to Fisheries Assessment Working Groups (FAWGs) and the Fisheries Assessment Plenary and also incorporates relevant analyses undertaken in previous years. This page enables you to search through all plenary reports since 2006.
Estimates of current and reference biomass are not available. The Working Group recognises that there are no stock assessments, or reliable data or time series on which to base specific recommendations on catch levels. Given the biology of eels, there is a risk that the current exploitation levels for longfin eels in particular, coupled with past and present anthropogenic impacts, are not sustainable. Recent reductions in catch levels for longfin eels in the North Island, the introduction of an upper size limit in the North Island, and additional areas closed to fishing, may have reduced the risk level. Based on available information, the Working Group does not consider that the same risk applies to shortfin eels, although caution is required given the nature of eel biology and exploitation before spawning escapement. The Working Group considers that further management action is required to improve the spawner escapement of longfin eels. It is not possible to recommend specific TACs but measures are required to increase the spawner escapement of longfin eels to improve recruitment. Measures could include reductions in catch levels, changes to size limits and area closures.
