There are no new assessment results from 2008 for these oreo stocks.

Southland smooth oreo fishery (OEO 1/OEO 3A)

Current and virgin biomass for smooth oreo, in Southland (OEO 1/OEO 3A), were estimated in 2004 using a new CASAL stock assessment. These biomass estimates are uncertain because of the paucity of observer length frequency data, the poor quality of recent catch data resulting from area misreporting, and the lack of fishery-independent abundance estimates and the consequent reliance on commercial CPUE data for abundance indices. Therefore, quantitative biomass estimates are not reported here and are not considered suitable as a basis for providing management advice. But the analysis suggested that the mature virgin biomass was probably small, less than 21 000 t, and that the stock was unlikely to be able to support a large fishery.

Five year projections to estimate future mature and vulnerable biomass were subject to the same data problems as the biomass estimates. However, the Plenary concluded that catches at the level of the 2000–01 annual catch (1010 t) are probably not sustainable.

Pukaki Rise smooth oreo fishery (part of OEO 6)

Current and virgin biomass for smooth oreo, on Pukaki Rise (part of OEO 6), were estimated for the first time in 2006. These biomass estimates are uncertain because of the lack of fishery-independent abundance estimates and the consequent reliance on commercial CPUE data, and because of the lack of biological parameter estimates specific to smooth oreo in this assessment area.

Model results suggest that mature virgin biomass is about 24 000 t with wide 90% confidence intervals (16 000 - 78 000 t). The Plenary noted that large stock sizes were unlikely, particularly because standardised CPUE has declined rapidly under catch levels that have been small relative to other smooth oreo fisheries. Smooth oreo life history parameters suggest a median long-term yield (MAY estimate) of about 550 t, which is lower than the current catch of 1300 t.

The estimated confidence intervals around % 

B0 were so wide that it is not possible to make a definitive statement about stock status. However, based on CPUE trends and the catch history, the

OEO 1 black oreo and smooth oreo

The TACC was increased from 5033 t to 6044 t in 1992–93 under the adaptive management programme but reverted to 5033 t in 1998–99. It is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable or will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield. From 1 October 2007 the TACC was reduced to 2500 t.

OEO 6 black oreo and smooth oreo

The current TACC increased from 3000 to 6000 t in 1996–97 and is not based on historical catch levels or on estimates of biomass and productivity. It is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow this stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield.

Plenary agreed that current annual catch levels are unlikely to be maintained in the future.

No projections were made because of the uncertain biomass estimates.