Fisheries Infosite

Region - Central (FMA 8)


Key statistics
Recreational significance High
Customary significance High
Environmental importance High
Reported commercial catch1 (tonnes)
Quota value estimate2 (NZ$m)
Exports estimate2 (NZ$m)
1 Reported commercial catch is calculated for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
2 Quota value and exports are calculated pro-rata to reported commercial catch for the 12 month period to 30/09/2025
Regional characteristics
Area 53,000 km2
Coastline 540 kms
Productivity Medium
Climate Temperate-sub-tropical
Total population2 746,000
Tangata Whenua2 113,000
Recreational fishers (est. 20%) 149,000
2 Census 2006
The Central West Region is swept by the predominant westerly winds. Coastal areas here are exposed and the seas are often rough and unfishable for many days.

The region can be divided into three main areas: the shallow-shelving, sandy beaches of the south; the mixed beaches / rock platforms of the Taranaki Bight; and the seacliffs and beaches of north Taranaki.

Despite its weather limitations, the region supports valued customary and recreational fisheries. It also supports valuable inshore commercial fisheries.

The region’s rivers support significant freshwater eel (tuna) fisheries.

Iconic species

Image drawing for Trevally (TRE)
       Trevally
Image drawing for Gurnard (GUR)

             Gurnard
Image drawing for Sand Flounder (SFL)

            
             Flatfish