|
|
Document library
This site contains documents relating to Fisheries New Zealand and predecessors’ funded research from 1988 to the current date. To find the documents applicable to you, please expand the filter and select the relevant search parameters. If you identify errors or inconsistencies in the categorisation of specific documents please advise us by emailing Science Officer.
Filter works as follows: - 'Advanced' shows more filter options
- 'Word Search' will look for documents that contain any word provided in this option
- Selecting a 'Classification' will only return documents tagged under this document classification
- Selecting an 'Author' (last names only) will return documents tagged as being authored by the selected author
- Selecting a 'Publication year' will return documents tagged as being published in that year
- Entering a 'Reference value' will return documents that has a reference value containing this value (eg 2020/17 for FARs, 231 for AEBRs, ZBD2000-02 for biodiversity documents)
- 'Title contains words' will return documents where the title contains all the words provided in this filter option
Filter will return documents that meet all the provided options
2654 items (1 to 50 shown)
|
| 2026/43 | 15/10/2026 |
Standardised reports of the quantity and representativeness of observer sampling are provided for ORH to WWA from 1989–90 to 2024–25.
|
AUTHOR:
Middleton, D.A.J.;
|
| 2026/42 | 15/10/2026 |
Standardised reports of the quantity and representativeness of observer sampling are provided for BAR
to LIN from 1989–90 to 2024–25.
|
AUTHOR:
Middleton, D.A.J.;
|
| 2026/41 | 15/10/2026 |
Standardised reports of the quantity and representativeness of observer sampling were developed for all
deepwater stocks, and the key fisheries for each of these stocks. The reports are designed to be updated
annually, with the methods described here.
Use of the observer reports will assist in planning stock assessment projects and identifying situations
where further sampling is required. The reports should also promote more efficient tendering and
delivery of stock assessment research because researchers will have a clearer picture of the available
data.
A separate trip-level reporting template was also implemented, to assist the Observer Programme with
monitoring of observer sampling at a finer scale.
|
AUTHOR:
Middleton, D.A.J.;
|
| 2026/40 | 14/10/2026 |
This study investigated the main factors affecting recreational fishing activity and snapper catches in Fisheries Management Area 1 (FMA 1) between January 2003 and September 2025. Statistical models were used to examine the effects of weather, time of year and day, fishing location, tides, snapper abundance, fishing regulations, economic conditions, phases of the moon, and large-scale climate conditions. The results showed that the number of recreational fishing boats was mainly influenced by the type of day, the boat ramp used, wind speed and direction, and time of day. Other factors had much smaller effects.
The amount of snapper caught per fishing boat was mainly influenced by the boat ramp, month of the year, and time of day. The strong seasonal and daily patterns in catches were consistent with what is known about snapper behaviour, including their seasonal movements for spawning and increased feeding activity around dawn and dusk. Overall, the results indicate that when, where, and under what weather conditions people go fishing are the most important factors determining recreational fishing activity and snapper catches in FMA 1.
|
AUTHOR:
McKenzie J.R.;
Maggs, J.;
Bian, R.;
|
| | 14/10/2026 |
An assessment of the southern gemfish (SKI 3 & SKI 7) stock complex was undertaken in 2025. The assessment included characterising commercial fisheries, updating the catch-per-unit effort (CPUE) indices, and carrying out a stock assessment using an age-structured model.
The recent increase in SKI 3 and 7 commercial catches has continued with catches in 2023–24 being some of the highest on record. Because gemfish are mainly taken as bycatch in the SKI 3 & 7 fisheries, rising catches are likely to be due to increased gemfish abundance.
The recent increase in commercial CPUE was considered biologically implausible. The stock assessment modelling was unable to fit to adequately represent these CPUE indices and performed better when only the abundance information from research trawl surveys was used.
The assessment modelling suggested that the increase in the SKI 3 & 7 gemfish stock since 2017 was driven by recent above-average recruitment. There is some evidence to suggest that the recent period of above-average recruitment is due to ocean warming. If the current productivity of the SKI 3 & 7 gemfish stock is higher than the long-term average recruitment, then B0-reference sustainability measures would not be appropriate stock management.
The 2025 stock assessment Plenary recommended th
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997391-08-1;
AUTHOR:
McKenzie, J.R.;
Doonan, I.;
Bian, R.;
FAR:
2026/39;
|
| | 30/09/2026 |
This report documents the age and length frequency data collected for southern blue whiting (SBW) in 2025 from the Campbell Rise and Bounty Platform. These data add to the time series produced for the previous fishing years using the same methods. For Campbell Rise, a previously strong year class corresponding to fish born in 2015 represented only a minor component of catch in 2025, with catch dominated by fish born in 2020. For Bounty Platform two strong year classes continued to be observed, corresponding to fish born in 2012 and 2018.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-96-6;
AUTHOR:
Holmes, S.J.;
Stevens, D.W.;
Barnes, T.;
Sutton, C.;
Spong, K.;
FAR:
2026/38;
|
| 2026/37 | 23/09/2026 |
South Island recreational blue cod fisheries are monitored by Fisheries New Zealand using potting surveys. The Marlborough Sounds surveys, carried out every four years, are important for assessing the status of the blue cod stock in this region.
This report describes the results of the random-site blue cod potting survey carried out in Marlborough Sounds in October 2025 and compares these with the results from three previous surveys in 2012, 2017 and 2021. Abundance of blue cod has been low, but relatively stable, throughout the Sounds. Fish are generally small and the population is dominated by males (66–72% male). Fishing mortality has been higher than the target reference point for all surveys, indicating that overfishing is occurring.
The Long Island Marine Reserve has been included in the survey series since 2017. In 2025, blue cod abundance was 4–8-fold greater and mean length was 3–5 cm greater in the marine reserve than in adjacent fished strata in Queen Charlotte Sound, with no clear trend over time. Maud Island Closed Area was surveyed for the first time in 2025. Although mean catch rates were lower than those in Long Island Marine Reserve, abundance, size, and condition in the Maud Island Closed Area were all greater than outside. All blue cod caught in Long Island Marine Reserve and Maud Island Closed Area were released alive.
|
AUTHOR:
Beentjes M.P.;
Miller, A.;
Hamill, J.;
|
| 377 | 23/09/2026 |
Boyce, D.G.; Tittensor, D.P.; Schleit, K.E.; Fuller, S. (2026). A climate vulnerability framework for New Zealand marine fisheries. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 377. 113 p.
Climate change is warming New Zealand’s oceans and increasing the frequency and intensity of marine heatwaves, impacting marine species and creating challenges for fisheries management.
This report presents the Climate Risk Index for Biodiversity-New Zealand (CRIB-NZ), a framework developed to assess the climate vulnerability of New Zealand marine fish and invertebrate species.
The framework combines information on species biology, climate change exposure, sensitivity, and adaptive capacity to evaluate climate vulnerability.
CRIB-NZ uses climate projections and spatial data to estimate how marine species vulnerability may vary across different parts of New Zealand’s marine environment.
The framework can assess both surface-dwelling and bottom-dwelling species, making it relevant to a broad range of New Zealand fisheries.
An end-to-end example using yellowtail kingfish is provided to demonstrate how the framework operates, from data inputs through to vulnerability outputs.
Eight case-study species were also assessed to
|
AEBR:
377;
AUTHOR:
Boyce, D.G.;
Tittensor, D.P.;
Schleit, K.E.;
Fuller, S.;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-91-1;
ISSN:
1179-6480;
|
| 2026/36 | 21/09/2026 |
Holmes, S.J.; Dunn, M.R. (2026). Length-based spawning potential ratio (LB-SPR) assessment of silver warehou (Seriolella punctata). New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2026/36. 33 p.
Silver warehou are found all around New Zealand and are relatively common around the South Island and on Chatham Rise at depths of 200–800 m. There has never been an accepted stock assessment for New Zealand silver warehou. We applied length-based spawning potential ratio (LB-SPR) analysis to the SWA 3 and 4 stock. LB-SPR uses length frequency data and biological parameters to estimate spawning potential ratio, a measure of the impact of fishing on the potential productivity of the stock. Length frequency data were collated from observer samples and resource surveys, but length frequencies from the resource surveys were too sparse and variable to be used. Observer length frequencies were acceptable, but SPR estimates were not considered plausible, primarily because the assumption of constant recruitment was likely to be violated. The method assumes that a relative reduction in large fish within the proportions at length is caused by mortality, but this could also occur if there had been recent strong recruitment, which was suspected for silver warehou. The hypothesis of recent strong recruitment should be tested through further fish ageing and age frequency analysis.
|
FAR:
2026/36;
AUTHOR:
Holmes, S.J.;
Dunn, M.R.;
|
| 2026/35 | 21/09/2026 |
Holmes, S.J.; Dunn, M.R.; Bian, R. (2026). Fishery description and catch per unit effort analyses for silver warehou in SWA 3 and SWA 4 to the 2024–25 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2026/35. 46 p.
Silver warehou (Seriolella punctata, SWA) are found all around New Zealand and are relatively common around the South Island and on Chatham Rise at depths of 200–800 m. This report provides a fishery characterisation and Catch-Per-Unit-Effort (CPUE) indices for silver warehou in management areas SWA 3 and SWA 4 using data to the end of the 2024–25 fishing year. Silver warehou catches were almost exclusively taken by trawling and predominantly by bottom trawl. Most silver warehou was taken as a bycatch whilst targeting other species such as hoki and squid. Silver warehou were caught on Chatham Rise and along the South Island east coast shelf edge, with some catches also around the Subantarctic Auckland, Campbell and Bounty Islands, and on Pukaki Rise. In recent years, silver warehou catches from silver warehou target tows were mostly absent from Chatham Rise except for one small ‘hot spot’ on south Chatham Rise just east of 180°. Standardised CPUE increased in the early 2000s and then was variable around this higher level.
|
FAR:
2026/35;
AUTHOR:
Holmes, S.J.;
Dunn, M.R.;
Bian, R.;
|
| 2026/34 | 21/09/2026 |
Langley, A.D. (2026). Stock assessment of trevally in TRE 7 for 2026.
New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2026/34. 75 p.
The trevally catch from TRE 7 is predominantly taken by the inshore trawl fishery along the west coast of the North Island. Recent catches have declined due to operational changes in the fishery.
The stock assessment for TRE 7 was updated and refined for 2026, incorporating the recent annual commercial and recreational catches, length and age compositions, commercial CPUE indices and Kaharoa trawl survey indices.
The base assessment model estimates that spawning biomass was maintained at about the default target biomass level (40% SB0) during the 1980s and 1990s. From 2000, spawning biomass increased to above the target level and current (2024–25) biomass (SB2025) is estimated to be well above the target. The current level of fishing mortality is estimated to be well below the reference (FSB40%) level.
|
FAR:
2026/34;
AUTHOR:
Langley, A.D.;
|
| | 17/09/2026 |
This document presents a summary of recent literature on the ecological effects of aquaculture, to provide context for the 2026 update of the Overview of Ecological Effects of Aquaculture (the Overview), first published in 2013.
While the original scientific literature review has not been comprehensively revised, this update includes new information on changes in aquaculture policy, regulation, technology, monitoring and research relevant to understanding environmental effects in New Zealand. The document draws mainly on New Zealand studies where available and uses international research where local information is limited.
|
ISSN:
1179-6480;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-84-3;
AUTHOR:
McGrath, E.;
Knight, B.;
Elvines, D.;
Clement, D.;
Bull, L.;
Sneddon, R.;
Atalah, J.;
Hutson, K.;
Symonds, J.;
Costilla, R.;
Scholtens, M.;
Millar, R.;
Alder, A.;
AEBR:
376;
|
| | 17/09/2026 |
This document provides an update to the 2013 Overview of Ecological Effects of Aquaculture. It focuses on areas where there have been significant increases in understanding or new developments since the original overview was published.
Since 2013, New Zealand’s aquaculture industry has expanded and diversified, including increased interest in offshore farming and emerging species. Research over the past decade has improved understanding of aquaculture effects on water quality, seabed habitats, marine mammals, seabirds, wild fish, biosecurity and hydrodynamic processes. Advances in monitoring tools, modelling approaches and industry guidelines have also strengthened the ability to predict, monitor and manage environmental effects through adaptive management approaches. Despite these advances, important knowledge gaps remain, particularly in relation to open ocean aquaculture, climate change interactions and emerging industries.
This updated Overview also recognises increasing interest in restorative aquaculture, where farming activities may provide environmental benefits alongside food production. Shellfish and seaweed farming, for example, may contribute to habitat creation, nutrient cycling and water filtration in some environments. Overall, the ecological effects of aquaculture are highly site-specific and influenced by farm design, scale, location and management pract
|
ISSN:
1179-6480;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-83-6;
AUTHOR:
McGrath, E.;
Knight, B.;
Elvines, D.;
Clement, D.;
Bull, L.;
Sneddon, R.;
Hutson, K.;
Symonds, J.;
Costilla, R.;
Scholtens, M.;
Millar, R.;
Alder, A.;
AEBR:
375;
|
| 2026/33 | 10/09/2026 |
Aggregations of spawning hoki were surveyed in Cook Strait, and off the east coast South Island (ECSI), in Pegasus Canyon and Conway Trough. The surveys were carried out from 23 July to 4 September 2025 using the fishing vessel Rakaia.
A calibrated scientific echosounder was used to complete the surveys. Six acoustic surveys, or snapshots, of the main Cook Strait spawning grounds were completed between 23 July and 24 August 2025. Six snapshots of Pegasus Canyon were completed from 13 August to 4 September, and two snapshots of Conway Trough on 14 and 25 August 2025.
Hoki schools were found in the main Cook Strait Canyon, in the deepwater southeast of the main Cook Strait Canyon, Terawhiti Sill, Nicholson Canyon, and in Pegasus Canyon and Conway Trough.
The estimated average abundance of hoki for Cook Strait in 2025 was 124 000 t. This was more than double the estimate from the previous survey in 2023 (58 000 t).
The average abundance estimate of hoki for Pegasus Canyon in 2025 was 145 000 t, which was higher than that from the 2023 survey (102 000 t), and the highest estimate in the time series of acoustic surveys of spawning hoki for Pegasus Canyon.
The average abundance of hoki for Conway Trough in 2025 was 38 000 t. This was higher than the estimate from the 2023 survey, and the highest estimate in the time se
|
AUTHOR:
Escobar-Flores, P.C.;
Ballara, S.L.;
O’Driscoll, R.L.;
|
| 2026/32 | 10/09/2026 |
This report documents the 2025 stock assessment of red rock lobsters in CRA 1, including a primary ‘Far North’ assessment excluding areas 903 and 904 and a secondary “all of CRA 1” assessment. The model was fitted to length frequency data, proportion male data, tag-recapture growth increment data, and standardised catch-per-unit-effort indices. The model was fitted using a new lobster stock assessment software decamod that was coded in RTMB. This stock assessment estimated the Far North region to have had generally constant or slightly declining harvest rates since the 2000s, with stable population levels over that period. The Far North region lobster population was projected to increase over the next five years with constant current catch given recent recruitment.
|
AUTHOR:
Webber, D.N.;
Rudd, M.B.;
Starr, P.J.;
Roberts, J.;
Pons, M.;
|
| 2026/31 | 26/08/2026 |
The aim of this project was to estimate the extent of the spatial area that was commercially fished for longfin and shortfin eels in the North Island from 2020 to 2024. For longfin only, the area fished was compared with the total available habitat to update the proportion of longfin habitat that is commercially fished. This provides an indication of the spatial fishing pressure that both longfin and shortfin eel species have experienced, and can be used as a tool to assess the status or health of eel stocks.
From 2020 to 2024 there were 1690 North Island eel fishing events of approximately 20 fyke nets per event, from 24 fishers. Most events were in rivers (83%), followed by lakes (11%) and harbours (6%) with the latter targeting shortfin. More than three-quarters of fishing events were in just three regions (Northland, Waikato, Hauraki).
A total of 7156 unique river reaches (totalling approximately 6000 km) were fished over the five years. About half the river reaches were fished just once, but within the most intensively fished river systems, many experienced over 10 passes in the five years, with the highest intensity in the Waikato and Waipa Rivers where some stretches were fished from 60 to 100 times.
The total area commercially fished in the North Island was 33.7 km2 for longfin and 65.7 km2 for shortfin. Total current lo
|
AUTHOR:
Beentjes, M.P.;
Shankar, U;
|
| 2026/30 | 26/08/2026 |
This report presents the updated fishery characterisations and standardised catch per unit effort (CPUE) analyses for the North Island commercial freshwater eel fishery from 1991 to 2024. CPUE analysis is a method used to index abundance of a species by comparing catch with the effort over long periods of time. Results are often used by Fisheries New Zealand to adjust commercial total allowable commercial catch (TACC) of eels.
Characterisations were carried out for shortfin (Anguilla australis) and longfin (A. dieffenbachii) eels for each of the 12 fishery management regions known as Eel Statistical Areas (ESA), and CPUE analyses for four key ESAs (AA, Northland; AB, Auckland; AC, Hauraki; AD, Waikato). The current analyses were split into pre-ERS (i.e., before the electronic reporting system was used to report commercial catch) (1991 to 2019), and post-ERS (2020 to 2024) periods.
For the four key North Island shortfin eel fisheries there were initially no trends in the pre-ERS CPUE indices of abundance, followed by strong increases beginning from around 2002, especially in the last three years.
Longfin pre-ERS CPUE indices of abundance, for three of the four areas initially declined, followed by an increase, particularly in the last few years, whereas Hauraki showed no clear trend.
Post-ERS CPUE analyses for both species included
|
AUTHOR:
Beentjes, M.P.;
|
| 2026/29 | 26/08/2026 |
This study aimed to compile elver catch data for longfin and shortfin eels from hydroelectric dam sites during the 2022–23 to 2024–25 migration seasons. It continues a long-running monitoring programme designed to track juvenile abundance and support management of future adult eel stocks. Over the last three seasons, shortfin catches were generally low to moderate, while longfin catches were relatively high at the same sites. The average annual shortfin catch for the three fishing years was 2.6 million elvers, and was below the historical median, mainly because the Wairua Dam elver traps did not operate for two seasons and the Matahina Dam elver trap was being redesigned and did not capture elvers effectively for two seasons. If both sites had functioned normally, shortfin catch may have been closer to 6–7 million nationally. In contrast, the average annual longfin catch for the three fishing years was 721 061, which was above the historical median. Age structure differed markedly among sites and between seasons, showing that continued ageing work is needed to estimate recruitment strength accurately for individual years. Recruitment indices suggested that both shortfin and longfin recruitment have remained broadly stable over time, despite high year-to-year variability. Modelling results showed that water temperature was associated with daily longfin and shortfin catches at Karāpiro and Patea Dams. Other environmental variables such as moon phase, daylength
|
AUTHOR:
Crow, S.K.;
Nuri, S.H.;
White, R.S.A.;
Lambert, P.W.;
|
| | 20/08/2026 |
In 2026, Fisheries New Zealand commissioned an independent review to ensure that the science we use to understand the state of orange roughy stocks is as robust and informed as possible.
Orange roughy are among the world's longest-lived fish, reaching around 120–150 years old, making their stock assessment uniquely challenging.
The review concluded that New Zealand’s orange roughy research is “built on a solid foundation and is broadly consistent with orange roughy assessments in other jurisdictions”. It made 26 recommendations to improve our understanding of orange roughy fish stocks. They cover survey methods, biological information, assessment models, quality assurance processes and management frameworks.
The review found that “the single most important near-term science priority” for orange roughy is to resolve divergences between the 38 and 120 kHz acoustic biomass surveys. An acoustic survey is being planned for the East-South Chatham Rise (ESCR) orange roughy fishery, which will be conducted in July 2027. The findings from the review will be incorporated in the planning and delivery of this survey, which will ensure a robust biomass estimate for the next stock assessment for the fishery.
A work programme that responds to recommendations on biological parameters, age data and sampling design, and model struc
|
FSR:
2026/02;
ISSN:
2382-2406;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-64-5;
AUTHOR:
Burch, P.;
Dorn, M.W.;
Martell, S.J.D.;
|
| | 28/07/2026 |
This report documents the 2025 stock assessment of red rock lobsters in CRA 2. The stock model was fitted to standardised catch-per-unit-effort indices, length frequency data, proportion male data, and tag-recapture growth increment data. Modelling was done using a new lobster stock assessment software called decamod coded in RTMB. This stock assessment estimated generally increasing catch removals as a percentage of the population from 1979 to 2016. Catch cuts and a period of improved recruitment have helped the stock rebuild since the 2017 and 2022 stock assessments.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-48-5;
AUTHOR:
Rudd, M.B.;
Webber, D.N.;
Starr, P.J.;
Roberts, J.;
Pons, M.;
FAR:
2026/28;
|
| | 28/07/2026 |
Zooplankton are small, drifting animals living in the ocean that are a crucial link in marine food webs and actively transport carbon to the deep sea. We have been sampling zooplankton in cold Subantarctic and Southern Ocean waters south of New Zealand since 2008, and the information helps us to understand how climate change is affecting marine ecosystems and to anticipate future change. Our study also monitors microplastics in the ocean, which have been increasing over the last 15 years. The samples of zooplankton and plastic are collected by an instrument called the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) which is towed by a Sanford Ltd fishing vessel, the Fishing Vessel San Aotea II, as it travels between Timaru and the toothfish fishery grounds in the Ross Sea, Antarctica every year. This project extended the time series of observations by another two years and also investigated if subsampling could help us continue the work in a more affordable way. Our study found that subsampling the data 2:1 (that is, only analysing every-other sample of the continuous silk) makes the analysis cheaper and faster, only reduces the data quality by a small amount and does not affect our ability to understand change in zooplankton communities or our ability to monitor microplastic pollution.
|
AEBR:
374;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-49-2;
ISSN:
1179-6480;
AUTHOR:
Pinkerton, M.H.;
Halfter, S.;
Robinson, K.V.;
|
| | 27/07/2026 |
The 2026 stock assessment of scampi (Metanephrops challengeri, a small deep-water lobster) on the Mernoo Bank (fishery area SCI 3) off New Zealand found the population to be in a healthy state. Current abundance was estimated at about two-thirds of the stock's original, unfished level; comfortably above the 40% management target used for this stock and well clear of the lower limits that would trigger concern.
The smaller neighbouring fishery, SCI 4A, also appears to be above target, but with much greater uncertainty because far less information is available; the combined trawl/photographic survey in 2024 provided the first reliable abundance data for this area.
Drawing on commercial catch and catch-rate records, trawl and photographic surveys, and two independent population models, the report concludes that current catch limits are likely to be sustainable over the next five years — provided the recent strong numbers of young scampi entering the fishery continue to occur rather than dropping back to the long-term average.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-47-8;
AUTHOR:
Dunn, A.;
Hoyle, S.D.;
Webber, D.N.;
FAR:
2026/27;
|
| | 27/07/2026 |
Ling (Genypterus blacodes) is an important commercial fish species in New Zealand middle depths waters and is caught mainly by bottom trawls, bottom longlines, and increasingly by potting.
This report summarises the 2026 stock assessment of one of the five main ling stocks managed under the Quota Management System: the ling stock off the west coast of the South Island (LIN 7WC).
A stock assessment model was carried out, informed by commercial catches, commercial age compositions, commercial standardised catch per unit effort (CPUE) for both bottom longlines and bottom trawl, and information from the west coast South Island trawl survey biomass series.
The initial spawning stock biomass was at 54 144 t and status in 2026 was at 34% of initial biomass, with a downward trend in recruitment since 2003 and lower than average recruitment since 2008.
Five-year projections indicated that, under recent or a continued decline in recruitment, the spawning stock biomass would continue to decline even with a 30% reduction in recent catches and would most likely breach the limit reference point in 2031 at that level of catch.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-46-1;
AUTHOR:
Mormede, S.;
Dunn, A.;
Webber, D.N.;
FAR:
2026/26;
|
| | 27/07/2026 |
Ling (Genypterus blacodes) is an important commercial fish species in New Zealand middle depths waters and is caught mainly by bottom trawls, bottom longlines, and increasingly by potting.
This report summarises the characterisation of one of the five main ling stocks managed under the Quota Management System: the ling stock off the west coast of the South Island (LIN 7WC), up to and including December 2025.
Both the ling Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) and catches have been stable in most Quota Management Areas (QMAs) recently. Recent catches of ling in LIN 7 were close to the TACC.
Biological relationships were updated using the latest data available. Maturity has been variable in recent years.
The standardised catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices and the trawl survey biomass index all showed similar patterns from 2000, with a continued decline from 2012.
|
ISBN:
978-1-997337-45-4;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
AUTHOR:
Mormede, S.;
Dunn, A.;
Webber, D.N.;
FAR:
2026/25;
|
| 2026/24 | 22/07/2026 |
Holmes, S.J. (2026). Updated harvest control rule for SBW 6B to allow for partial uptake of catch allowance. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2026/24. 9 p.
Southern blue whiting (SBW) on the New Zealand Bounty Plateau (SBW 6B) is managed by using a harvest control rule (HCR) to set the Total Allowable Catch (TAC). The HCR as first developed depended on an industry acoustic spawning biomass survey conducted in the year before its use. It was later adapted to account for years with missing surveys (gap years). It was found, through simulation studies, that for each successive gap year the initial TAC should be reduced by a scalar, which was estimated to be between 0.87 and 0.83. The scalar reduced the catch to ensure that the stock remained above the limit reference point (20% of unfished spawning stock biomass) with an acceptable probability. The revised HCR assumed that the allowed TACs were fully caught, but this has not been the case in recent years. The current report investigated the effect of part utilised TACs. It found that:
- For a one-year gap there was a linear relationship between the proportion of TAC taken in the gap year and the level of ‘safe’ catch possible in the second year. This safe catch could be greater than the initial TAC set for the gap year if catch in the gap year had been less than 90% of the initial TAC.
- For a two-year gap ‘safe’ catches in the third year could
|
FAR:
2026/24;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-44-7;
AUTHOR:
Holmes, S.J.;
|
| | 21/07/2026 |
Snapper catch data were collected from the private and charter boat recreational fishing sectors in the SNA 1 Quota Management Area, which includes East Northland, the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty.
From January 2024 to January 2025, 1746 private boat outings were sampled with records of 16 912 captured snapper. At the same time, 240 charter boat fishing events were sampled with records of 7092 captured snapper.
More than 60% of snapper were released after capture in both the private (62%) and charter boat (69%) sectors.
This data was combined with results of other fisheries research, including experimental results on the survival of snapper after release as well as estimates of the annual snapper harvest.
The combined results provided estimates of the weight and numbers of snapper that are expected to die after release, known as release mortality.
The annual release mortality for SNA 1 was estimated at 200 t (477 000 fish) in the private boat fishery and 48 t (105 000 fish) in the charter boat fishery.
These estimates help describe the selectivity of recreational fishing methods and allow for a more informed allowance for snapper release mortality.
|
FAR:
2026/20;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-42-3;
AUTHOR:
Maggs, J.Q.;
Holdsworth, J.C.;
Curtis, S.;
Evans, O.E., Bodie, C.E.H., Madden, B.K.;
|
| | 21/07/2026 |
This report updates ongoing time series with catch-at-age data for hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) from commercial fisheries caught in the 2024–25 fishing year and a research trawl survey in January 2026. Catch-at-age estimates are based on biological data and otoliths (ear bones used for ageing fish) sampled by observers and survey staff. The sampled length frequencies are scaled to total catch or survey biomass to form representative estimates of catch-at-age.
The overall hoki catch in the 2024–25 fishing year was higher than the catch in 2023–24. Catch increased on Chatham Rise, in Cook Strait, and off the west coast South Island, but decreased off the east coast South Island and in the Sub-Antarctic. Most of the catch in 2024–25 was of hoki 45–90 cm in length from the 2007–23 year-classes. The most recent (2020–2023) year-classes appear to be lower than average in the commercial fishery. However, the abundance estimate for the 2024 year-class at age 1+ in the January 2026 Chatham Rise survey was the highest estimate in the time-series.
|
ISBN:
978-1-997337-41-6;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
AUTHOR:
Ballara, S.L.;
O’Driscoll, R.L.;
FAR:
2026/21;
|
| | 21/07/2026 |
The collection of seafood is an important recreational activity and of significant cultural importance in New Zealand. This recreational and customary fishing includes the hand-picking and gathering of intertidal bivalves, such as cockles and pipi, which occur on beaches and in estuaries and harbours throughout the country. To ensure the persistence of their populations, regular monitoring is carried out in northern North Island, collecting information of their abundance, density and sizes at a range of sites in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. This report provides the monitoring information for the 2025–26 fishing year, based on surveys carried out at Bowentown Beach, Eastern Beach, Grahams Beach, Hokianga Harbour, Little Waihi Estuary, Mangawhai Harbour, Marsden Bank, Ngunguru Estuary, Umupuia Beach, Whangamatā Harbour, and Whangateau Harbour. Across sites, cockle populations varied in their size and densities, although all sites had cockle populations of several million individuals. Cockle densities were high at most sites, with hundreds to over one thousand individuals per square metre. The pipi populations were generally smaller and also varied in size, with notable differences in the estimated densities of pipi. The lowest density estimates were 7 and 11 pipi per square metre, compared with over 600 pipi per square metre at one of the sites.
|
FAR:
2026/22;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-42-3;
AUTHOR:
Berkenbusch, K.;
Hill-Moana, T.;
|
| | 21/07/2026 |
There are two biological stocks of tarakihi around mainland New Zealand, one off the east coast and one off the west coast. This report presents the first assessment for the western stock of tarakihi, which includes TAR 8 and the western portions of TAR 1 and TAR 7. The adult population is estimated to have declined to the default target biomass level (40% SB0) by 2010. Stock biomass is estimated to have declined over the last 10–15 years (to 2024–25) and is predicted to continue to decline due, in part, to a period of low recruitment in recent years (2016–2022).
|
FAR:
2026/23;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-43-0;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
AUTHOR:
Langley, A.D.;
|
| | 30/06/2026 |
he 2026 trawl survey of the inshore area of FMA 2 was the second in a series of pilot surveys conducted using commercial vessels. The 2026 survey demonstrated the repeatability of the survey design. For most species, the 2026 survey yielded estimates of relative abundance that are comparable to the 2025 survey, particularly for snapper and red gurnard and the range of second tier species (trevally, John dory, rig and school shark). The survey results were more equivocal for tarakihi. The design of the next survey, scheduled for March 2027, will be further modified to improve the utility of the survey for monitoring the abundance of tarakihi.
|
ISSN:
179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-34-8;
AUTHOR:
Langley, A.D.;
FAR:
2026/19;
|
| | 19/06/2026 |
The red rock lobster supports the most valuable inshore commercial fishery in New Zealand. This fishery has been managed with catch quotas in nine Quota Management Areas (QMAs), which are usually treated as independent populations or stocks.
To estimate those quotas, each population is fully assessed every five years, requiring a lot of time and effort by a team of at least four to five researchers. Instead of a full assessment, a rapid update assessment can be done for some of the stocks that were not assessed in that year. A rapid update repeats the previous full assessment model, only updating data inputs, which significantly speeds up the process.
This document describes the operation of the stock assessment rapid update completed in 2025 for CRA 3 which can be used to guide management decisions.
For the beginning of the 2025–26 fishing year, the red rock lobster population in CRA 3 was estimated to be below sustainable levels and is projected to remain below reference levels in five years under current catch settings.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997337-17-1;
AUTHOR:
Pons, M.;
Webber, D.N.;
Rudd, M.B.;
Roberts, J.;
Starr, P.J.;
FAR:
2026/18;
|
| 373 | 06/05/2026 |
The project sought to identify whether experienced experts could identify captured seabirds from video clips provided from the onboard camera programme.
A total of 492 clips were provided for review, and a total of 777 seabirds were recorded comprising 26 species. Expert reviewers were able to positively identify the seabirds to species in 97% (477) of all clips compared to 41% accuracy by the MPI footage review team. A higher level of agreement was achieved with DOC expedited reviewers achieving 77–87% agreement.
The project demonstrated that the use of experts with experience in seabird identification can ensure rapid and accurate identification of seabirds from camera footage.
|
AUTHOR:
Bell, E.;
Bell, M.;
|
| | 29/04/2026 |
This report provides estimates of the spatial extent and frequency of trawl fishing on the seafloor within New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Territorial Sea (TS), focusing on areas open to trawling down to 1600 metres deep. It covers deepwater fisheries from 1990 to 2023, inshore fisheries from 2008 to 2023, and combines both as “All Stocks” from 2008 onwards.
Using fisher-reported start and end points, and a method that assumes trawl paths follow straight lines between those points, the study analyses trends in different measures of seabed contact for these groupings. The measures include the area in square kilometres of the overall trawl footprints and aggregate (cumulative footprint) areas by year and all years combined, the number of tows, the number of cells contacted (a 5 km × 5 km grid overlaid on the fishable area), and the number of ‘new’ cells contacted each year that had previously not been contacted.
Key findings include:
- All Stocks (2008–2023): The area of seabed contacted each year declined over time, with the lowest footprint recorded in 2023. Each year, trawling activity affected between 1.7% and 2.3% of the total EEZ + TS seafloor, and between 5.0% and 6.8% of the fishable area (areas open to trawling down to 1600 m). The number of
|
ISSN:
1179-6480;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-54-3;
AUTHOR:
MacGibbon, D.J.;
Wood, B.A.;
Mules, R.;
AEBR:
372;
|
| | 07/04/2026 |
This report summarises pāua shell length information collected by sampling the commercial catch from areas PAU 2, PAU 3A, PAU 3B, PAU 4, PAU 5A, PAU 5B, PAU 5D and PAU 7 during the 2024–25 fishing year.
Over the 2024–25 season the length frequency distributions from PAU 3A, PAU 4, PAU 5A, PAU 5B, PAU 5D showed that there has been a decrease in the overall length of pāua measured live on the SciElex boards while PAU 3B and PAU 7 showed an increase.
At the start of the following season, 2025–26, the Minister imposed a TACC reduction of 10% in PAU 2 and a 40% reduction in PAU 5A.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-41-3;
AUTHOR:
Cooper, J.P.;
FAR:
2026/17;
|
| | 26/03/2026 |
Title: FAR 2026/16 Annual survey of the Foveaux Strait oyster (Ostrea chilensis) fishery (OYU 5) and Bonamia exitiosa prevalence, intensity, and disease mortality in February 2025
FAR-2026-16-Annual-survey-OYU5-Feb-2025.pdf
(6.6 MB)
• The Foveaux Strait oyster fishery (OYU 5) is a high value, nationally important fishery.
• A defining feature of the OYU 5 fishery is the recurrent infection by the parasite Bonamia exitiosa (Bonamia)
• Annual research surveys monitor both oyster abundance within the fishery and the prevalence of Bonamia infection annually.
• A dredge survey was undertaken in February 2025, in collaboration with the Bluff Oyster Management Company Ltd on FV Golden Harvest.
• Oyster densities have declined since 2021.
• In 2025, 1752 oysters were tested from 71 stations, with 20.7% testing positive for Bonamia.
• Disease mortality caused by B. exitiosa is between 12.1 and 12.3%, an increase from 2024 (between 10.2 and 10.6%), and its highest since 2015.
• The increased disease mortality is expected to affect the number of recruited oysters in the population.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-37-6;
AUTHOR:
Morrison, M.A.;
Lane, H.S.;
Bian, R.;
Moss, G.;
Brooks, A.;
Smith, L.;
Forman, J.;
FAR:
2026/16;
|
| | 25/03/2026 |
Potting has recently become an important method of catching ling in many areas around New Zealand, alongside the traditional trawl and bottom longline fisheries.
Ling potting is now being undertaken by a fleet of dedicated vessels, many of which are using collapsible, cylindrical pots that are deployed on a long backbone.
This report summarises the development of the fishery using standard data sources, and identifies where further data are required. Some of these data needs can be met by modifications to the Electronic Reporting of potting.
Several plots in this report have been removed in accordance with Fisheries New Zealand’s Data Confidentiality guidelines.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-36-9;
AUTHOR:
Middleton, D.A.J.;
Steele-Mortimer, B.;
FAR:
2026/15;
|
| | 16/03/2026 |
- Ling is a commercially important fish species. An important ling fishery takes place on Chatham Rise.
- Fish and fisheries are affected by environmental conditions. Environmental conditions in Aotearoa New Zealand are affected by climate variability and change.
- We used information from drifting buoys, satellites and computer modelling to describe the oceanographic conditions experienced by ling on Chatham Rise over the last 40 years.
- Chatham Rise is an underwater feature that extends eastwards for about 800 km off the east coast of the South Island, with the Chatham Islands at the far end. The ocean is particularly productive here because it is where ocean currents meet, leading to good conditions for phytoplankton; the tiny plants living in the upper ocean. This in turn supports a rich food web, including ling and other deepwater fish.
- Environmental observations show that the oceans around New Zealand are getting warmer, and the pace of warming has accelerated over the last 20 years. Chatham Rise is warming particularly quickly, and the warming extends from the sea-surface to the seabed though warming at the seabed is slower than at the surface.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-30-7;
AUTHOR:
Pinkerton, M.H.;
Holmes, S.J.;
Sutton, P.J.H.;
Behrens, E.;
Dunn, M.R.;
FAR:
2026/14;
|
| | 16/03/2026 |
In Aotearoa New Zealand, a reference point is defined as “a benchmark against which the biomass or abundance of the stock or the fishing mortality rate (or exploitation rate) can be measured in order to determine its status”. Reference points are fundamental for assessing stock status and guiding effective fisheries management.
A review of reference points (management targets and limits) for scallop fisheries was undertaken. This review: 1) evaluated reference points previously applied in New Zealand scallop fisheries; 2) examined international practices in scallop fisheries; and 3) outlined essential design considerations for effective reference points.
In New Zealand, yield-per-recruit (YPR) modelling has historically informed target fishing mortality rates for the Northland, Coromandel and Marlborough Sounds scallop fisheries. Recent assessments in Marlborough Sounds have shifted to an empirical approach, establishing substock-wide reference points based on a harvest or exploitation rate (U) target and absolute biomass soft and hard limits.
While some international fisheries have well-established biological reference points, others are still in the process of developing them.
While New Zealand’s approaches are broadly consistent with international practices significant refinement is possible. De
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-29-1;
AUTHOR:
Williams, J.R.;
Underwood, M.J.;
FAR:
2026/13;
|
| | 16/03/2026 |
The new Earth Sciences New Zealand research vessel Kaharoa II arrived in New Zealand in August 2024. Kaharoa II (36 m) is larger and more capable than the 28 m Kaharoa, which was launched in 1981 and was used for previous New Zealand inshore trawl surveys.
The change in research vessel from Kaharoa to Kaharoa II provided an opportunity to standardise survey gear and protocols across all inshore surveys. To allow continuation of existing inshore survey time-series for key fish species, an intercalibration experiment was carried out on the west coast South Island in March–April 2025.
The intercalibration was designed as a paired-tow comparison, where the two vessels towed on parallel tracks in the same direction, so that both vessels experienced the same tidal and wave conditions, with a minimum separation distance. Fifty-nine paired tows were conducted.
Biomass catchability ratios from the intercalibration were derived and these will be used to adjust future Kaharoa II survey catch results in the short term.
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-28-4;
AUTHOR:
Devine, J.;
MacGibbon, D.;
Underwood, M.;
Jones, E.;
O’Driscoll, R.;
Beentjes, M.;
Hamill, J.;
FAR:
2026/12;
|
| | 16/03/2026 |
This report presents the results from the first inshore trawl survey in a new time series from New Plymouth south along the west coast of the North and South Islands to the Haast River mouth, and including Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. The survey covers depths from 10 to 400 m, using RV Kaharoa II and was principally aimed at surveying snapper, giant stargazer, red cod, red gurnard, spiny dogfish, and tarakihi, though useful estimates are achieved for other species too. The joining of the North Island strata to the South Island strata was to cover the full distribution of snapper in the geographic area at the same time of year. The survey was split into two areas: west coast central (WCC) and west coast South Island (WCSI); divided by a line drawn between Farewell Spit and Stephens Island.
Data collected include length, weight, and maturity data for selected species, and the collection of snapper, giant stargazer, red gurnard and tarakihi otoliths for ageing. The trawl survey provides the first relative biomass estimates of the new time series and age, length, and maturity stage information that is used for stock assessments and fisheries management advice for key inshore species.
This was the first survey to be carried out on RV Kaharoa II, with previous surveys carried out on the RV Kaharoa. This voyage also served as an intercalibration between the two vessels with both fishin
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-27-7;
AUTHOR:
Underwood, M.J.;
Devine, J.A.;
Jones E.G.;
MacGibbon, D.J.;
Bian, R.;
Ballara, S.;
Walsh, C.;
FAR:
2026/11;
|
| | 16/03/2026 |
This report presents the results from the 17th inshore trawl survey in a time series, which was started in 1992 and covers the west coast of the South Island, from Farewell Spit to the Haast River mouth, and within Tasman Bay and Golden Bay. The survey covers depths from 20 to 400 m (core strata), using RV Kaharoa, and is mainly aimed at surveying giant stargazer, red cod, red gurnard, spiny dogfish, tarakihi and snapper, though useful estimates are achieved for other species too, e.g. John dory and rig. Since 2017, two additional strata have been surveyed in 10–20 m in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay to cover the full distribution of snapper in that area.
Data collected include length, weight, and maturity data for selected species, and collection of otoliths of the target species for ageing. The trawl survey provides time series of relative biomass estimates and age, length, and maturity stage information that is used for stock assessments and fisheries management advice for key inshore species.
In 2025, a total of 57 trawls were successfully completed in the core strata and another six were carried out in strata 20 and 21.
Biomass estimates for the target species in the core strata were: giant stargazer, 724 t; John dory, 211 t; red gurnard, 1875 t; red cod, 879 t; snapper, 3557 t; spiny dogfish, 2662 t; and tarakihi, 660 t. The snapper
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-26-0;
AUTHOR:
MacGibbon, D.J.;
Ballara, S.L.;
Walsh, C.;
Buckthought, D.;
Bian, R.;
FAR:
2026/10;
|
| | 16/03/2026 |
This report presents the results from the first inshore trawl survey onboard the new research vessel Kaharoa II.
The survey extended from Scott Point on Ninety Mile Beach to Airedale Reef, to the north of New Plymouth, covering a depth range from 10–200 m, and was conducted from 13 February to 04 March 2025. There was no sampling within 2–4 nautical miles of the coast between Maunganui Bluff and the Waiwhakaiho River, New Plymouth, in the no-trawl area established to protect the Māui dolphin. The target species for the survey were snapper, red gurnard, John dory, and tarakihi.
All 67 planned Phase 1 stations were completed, followed by three Phase 2 tows for improving the coefficient of variation for tarakihi. Everything that is caught in the trawl is sorted, identified, and weighed. Length and maturity data are collected for selected species and otoliths (fish ear stones) are removed for ageing from the four target species. The trawl survey provides relative abundance estimates and age, length, and maturity stage information used for stock assessments and fisheries management advice for key inshore species.
Snapper catches were much smaller and concentrated much closer inshore than in previous west coast North Island surveys, which had been carried out in October-November. The results suggested that in late summer a significant proportion of the population, particula
|
ISSN:
1179-5352;
ISBN:
978-1-997309-25-3;
AUTHOR:
Jones E.G.;
Bian, R.;
Walsh, C.;
Underwood, M.J.;
FAR:
2026/09;
|
| 2026/08 | 09/03/2026 |
New Zealand’s jack mackerel fisheries comprise three closely related species of pelagic fish, two native
species (yellowtail and greenback jack mackerels), and the Chilean jack mackerel that periodically
arrives in New Zealand waters from the wider South Pacific. Although catch limits are set for the
species group, the abundance of each species must be monitored separately.
Off the west of New Zealand (JMA 7), jack mackerels are caught by a midwater trawl fishery with
target fishing focussed in the Taranaki Bight. Observer sampling information allows the catches of the
three species to be separated. Greenback jack mackerel currently make up about 80% of the catch, with
yellowtail jack mackerels most of the remainder.
As part of its management within the Quota Management System, jack mackerel abundance in JMA 7
is monitored using catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) from the midwater trawl fishery. In this report, this
information is given for 1990 to 2024.
Both greenback and yellowtail jack mackerels were likely to be at or above target levels in 2024. In the
case of greenback jack mackerels, the assessment is considered to apply to the species in both the
JMA 3 and JMA 7 areas as there are indications they are a single population
|
AUTHOR:
Middleton, D.A.J.;
|
| 2026/07 | 26/02/2026 |
Jack mackerels (JMA) support significant commercial fisheries in New Zealand, with over 75% of the total jack mackerel catch taken by trawl fisheries off the west coasts of the North Island and South Island, in the JMA 7 Quota Management Area. Three jack mackerel species are caught in New Zealand waters, namely Trachurus declivis, T. murphyi, and T. novaezelandiae. However, T. murphyi are now caught in relatively low numbers and mainly in JMA 3 and due to the low catches are not aged in the current project (MID2024-01).
New Zealand commercial catches of jack mackerels have been recorded against the generic species code JMA. Therefore, species-specific catch information is not available from the fishery data. Estimates of proportions of the T. declivis and T. novaezelandiae in the catch, based on species code specific observer data are used to derive species-specific catch estimates from the JMA catch data.
This report updates the data collected by the New Zealand observer sampling programme from trawl landings of jack mackerels in JMA 7 with the data collected during the 2023–24 fishing year, including estimates of species proportions and sex ratios in the landings, corroboration of observer species identification via otolith shape analysis, catch-at-length (fork length, cm), and catch-at-age for both species.
Estimated proportions of catch by species based on observer data
|
AUTHOR:
Barnes, T.C.;
Ó Maolagáin, C.;
Spong, K., Moore, B.R.;
|
| 2026/06 | 17/02/2026 |
This report provides catch-at-age for hake (Merluccius australis) in HAK 1&7 and ling (Genypterus blacodes) in LIN 3&4, 5&6 and 7 from commercial fisheries during the 2023–24 fishing year and research trawl surveys in the 2024 calendar year to update ongoing time series. These estimates are based on biological data and otoliths (ear bones used for ageing fish) sampled by observers and survey staff. The sampled ages are extrapolated via broader fishery or survey information (length frequencies scaled to total catch or survey biomass) to form representative estimates of catch-at-age. Catch-at-age estimates of exploited stocks are important for stock assessment and management because they provide information on the selectivity of fishing gear, magnitude of a given year class, and productivity (i.e. growth rate, age at reproduction, and natural mortality). To further improve the precision of the hake and ling catch-at-age estimates, increased observer sampling of hake and ling biological data and otoliths, in key areas and times, would be required.
|
AUTHOR:
Barnes, T.C.;
Ballara, S.L.;
Spong, K;
Sutton, C.;
Davey, N.;
Carter, M.;
|
| 2026/05 | 17/02/2026 |
Arrow squid represent an important fishery resource, but their fast growth and relatively short lifespan make stocks difficult to assess and manage. This study focused on developing a novel method to distinguish different squid cohorts based on size and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE), across different areas and over time. Using information from trawl fisheries on the Stewart-Snares-shelf and at Auckland Islands, the assessment assumed two dominant cohorts in each area, occurring in autumn (early season) and spring (late season). This assumption was used to develop a mixture model (i.e., a probabilistic model) to determine the proportional contribution of each cohort to a given fishing event, which, in turn, allowed simultaneous estimation of CPUE for each cohort. The model indicated consistent depletion (i.e., decreases in squid over time) for the late-season cohort, but there was no consistent trend for the early-season cohort. This proof of concept highlights the potential to further develop this approach for providing stock assessments for squid in these trawl fisheries.
|
AUTHOR:
Neubauer, P.; Large, K.; Tornquist, M.G.; Middleton, D.A.J.; Tremblay-Boyer, L.;
|
| | 09/02/2026 |
This project provided expert identification of non-coral benthic invertebrate bycatch collected by observers on commercial fishing vessels and fisheries research staff during research trawl surveys. This expert identification improves our knowledge of our marine biodiversity research and can inform the assessment of impact and risk of fishing on benthic habitats.
A total of 1398 benthic invertebrate samples, collected since 1985, were identified in this reporting period (1 July 2021 – 30 June 2024) and their revised expert identifications were then updated in Fisheries New Zealand catch databases. Samples were collected from 25 commercial target fisheries and across 11 Fisheries Management Areas with 42 samples processed from four High Seas regions. The samples covered 570 unique taxa across all major invertebrate groups and identified at least 32 undescribed species, two possible undescribed genera and a further 28 species and genera that were identified with a level of uncertainty that warrants further investigation. A further 551 specimens were also identified from 99 digital images of bycatch fauna taken by observers.
The continued discovery of undescribed taxa in observer and research trawl material being returned underscores both the ability of the ship-board staff to identify unusual organisms, and the value of this material for ongoing biodiscovery research of th
|
ISBN:
978-1-991407-84-9;
ISSN:
1179-6480;
AUTHOR:
K.E. Schnabel, V.S. Mills, A.M. Connell, D. Macpherson, M. Mitchell, M. Kelly, R.A. Peart, K.S.R. Bolstad, H.E. Braid, L. Hayward, S. Clinchard, C.R. Wood, J. Yeoman;
AEBR:
371/2026;
|
| 2026/04 | 08/01/2026 |
McGregor-Tiatia, V.L.; Langley, A.D. (2026). Assessment of hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) in 2025. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2026/04. 241 p.
Integrated stock assessments provide estimates of stock status based on available data and information. Stock status is the current biomass of the stock as a percentage of the biomass before the stock was fished. This report presents an integrated stock assessment for hoki, New Zealand’s largest finfish fishery. It includes information on movement and biology of hoki and data from commercial fisheries and research surveys.
The base model assumes there are two hoki stocks: an eastern stock that spawns in the Cook Strait and off the east coast of South Island; and a western stock that spawns off the west coast of South Island. To allow for uncertainty in this assumed stock structure, an alternative model with a single stock is also presented. Results from the assessment estimated current stock status to be at 55% of its unfished level for the eastern stock and 39% for the western stock. The combined stock status was estimated to be 45% (two-stock model) or 44% (single-stock model) of its unfished level. All assessments indicate the stock status for hoki is currently within the management target range of 35–50% of its unfished level.
|
FAR:
2026/04;
AUTHOR:
McGregor-Tiatia, V.L.;
Langley, A.D.;
ISBN:
978-1-991407-69-6;
ISSN:
1179-5352;
|
| 2026/01 | 07/01/2026 |
Tuck, I.D.; Hartill, B.; Baird, C.; Breen, P.A.; Cryer, M.; Curtis, S.; Edwards, M.; Holdsworth, J.C.; Maggs, J.Q. (2026). 2025 Review of potential methods for estimating recreational harvest of rock lobster. New Zealand Fisheries Science Review 2026/01. 29 p.
The National Panel Survey (conducted every 5 or 6 years) is the main approach used to estimate recreational harvest nationally. However, only a small proportion of the fishers recruited for past National Panel Surveys have targeted rock lobster, so harvest estimates have been very uncertain.
In this study, a technical working group reviewed alternative approaches to get annual estimates of rock lobster recreational harvest. An improved National Panel Survey or a mandatory registry sample frame panel survey supported by creel surveys were ranked highest for CRA 1 and CRA 2. But the other CRA stocks have more pot fishing, which is poorly sampled by creel surveys. So for these stocks a mandatory registry sample frame panel survey was considered the most viable annual survey approach.
Self-directed (voluntary or mandatory) reporting via an app, mandatory horn tagging or a voluntary registry sample frame panel survey were also reviewed but considered less viable.
|
FSR:
2026/01;
AUTHOR:
Tuck, I.D.;
Hartill, B.;
Baird, C.;
Breen, P.A.;
Cryer, M.;
Curtis, S.;
Edwards, M.;
Holdsworth, J.C.;
Maggs, J.Q.;
ISSN:
2382-2406;
ISBN:
978-1-991407-65-8;
|
| 2026/03 | 07/01/2026 |
This report describes the annual recreational catch of striped marlin in New Zealand and the data collected by the Logbook Programme for the 2022–23 to 2024–25 fishing years. Information on the annual catch and fishing effort help track trends in the fishery and the wider striped marlin population.
This report adds to a long record of recreational striped marlin catch in New Zealand including:
- 100 years of weigh station records of individual fish from some sportfishing clubs.
- 50 years of charter boat average catch per day fished for marlin.
- 50 years of tag and release information from the Gamefish Tagging Programme.
- 47 years of the number of billfish, sharks, and tuna weighed by sport fishing clubs.
- 19 years of daily catch and effort data from the Billfish Logbook Programme.
Overall, the records show striped marlin catch per day fished was relatively high in the late 1970s and early 1980s with three years of low CPUE in the mid-1980s. Catch rates were high again in the mid-1990s and there has been a declining trend since then. The 2024–25 fishing year was notable for a shift in the distribution of striped marlin with poor catches in the traditional fishi
|
AUTHOR:
Holdsworth, J.C.;
Gaskell, S.G.;
Curtis, S.;
|
|
|
