Fisheries Infosite

Fishery - Southern reef fish (FMA 3,5)


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
Related links
 
The Southern Reef Fish (SR) fisheries plan area encompasses the eastern and southern inshore parts of the South Island. It is a multi-stock fishery that is associated with the reef coastal areas from close inshore to the edge of the continental shelf (about 200 metres depth). Commercial fishers target blue cod and butterfish, but the other SR stocks tend to be a bycatch of fishing for other species. Commercial fishers take around 2,400 tonnes of fish annually, predominantly by potting and set netting. The commercial catch of the fishery is valued at around $25 million. Recreational and customary fishers target all SR stocks, and catch about 1,500 tonnes annually. Recreational and customary fishers place a high value on catching these species.Image drawing for Butterfish (BUT)