• Albacore are mostly caught by trolling on the west coast of New Zealand. Albacore catch is composed of three distinct sizes in most years, probably reflecting one- to three-year-old fish.

• Albacore caught by trolling during the 202122, 202223, and 202324 fishing seasons were sampled onshore to determine the length frequency composition and length-weight relationship. 

• Albacore were sampled from two ports, in Greymouth and for the first time, in Nelson, New Zealand. The numbers targeted for sampling were based on the commercial catch each month during recent years. Fish were sampled between January and March / April each year.

• Each year roughly 3700 – 4500 fish had their length measured, and approximately 400 fish were weighed. 

• We investigated patterns over space and time of catch and effort. These were different for the three fishing seasons. Sampling captured the patterns of the commercial fishery well.

• The length distribution showed three peaks visible in most samples during 202122 and 202223. In 2023−24 there was only one peak around 62 cm, with few small or large fish.

 

Document date
Thursday, 27 February 2025

Document type
V 1.3

File format
Adobe PDF

File size
12.6 MB

Reference number
2025/13

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