Grey mullet have been exploited by customary, commercial, and recreational fishers for over 100

years. They are found predominantly in harbours and these environments have undergone

considerable change over this period due to a range of anthropogenic sources. The impact of these

changes on potential carrying capacity and productivity are not understood and this potentially has

impacts on the yields for GMU.

GMU 1 is currently assessed using CPUE data and these analyses suggest that the GMU 1 fishery is

composed of a number of spatially distinct substocks and tagging data suggest low to moderate

mixing between them. CPUE analyses undertaken using data through to 2001-02 led the Inshore

FAWG to conclude in 2005 that catches on the west coast of GMU 1 were unlikely to be sustainable.

Updated CPUE analyses using data up to 2005–06 have found that the CPUE in the Kaipara Harbour,

Manukau Harbour, and east Northland (which collectively account for over 80% of the GMU 1 catch)

have increased since 2002. Therefore catches in these areas appear to be sustainable in the short term.

It is not known if the recent catches will allow the sub-stocks to move toward a size that will support

the MSY.