best fish guide 2009-2010
TRANSCRIPT
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Best Fish Guide 2009-2010
How sustainable is New Zealand seafood
(Ecological Assessments)
Produced and Published by
Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc
PO Box 631 Level One 90 Ghuznee Street Wellington
wwwforestandbirdorgnz
November 2009
Acknowledgements
Forest amp Bird with to thank anonymous reviewers for their peer review comments on this draft We also thank Peta Methias Annabel Langbein Martin Bosely Margaret Brooker Lois Daish Kelder Haines Dobie Blaze Rohan Horner and Ray McVinnie for permission to use their recipes on the website
Special thanks to our Best Fish Guide Ambassador Dobie Blaze keyboard player with Fat Freddyrsquos Drop
Editing Kirstie Knowles Barry Weeber and Helen Bain
Technical Advisor Barry Weeber
Cover Design Rob Deliver
Cover fish (Tarakihi) Malcolm Francis
Photography
Malcolm Francis blue cod blue moki blue shark butterfish groperhapuku hoki jack mackerel john
dory kahawai kingfish leather jacket moonfish paua porbeagle shark red gurnard red snapper scallop school shark sea perch snapper spiny dogfish tarakihi trevally and trumpeter
Peter Langlands blue warehou cockles elephantfish frostfish lookdown dory oyster pale ghost
shark queen scallops red cod riglemonfish rubyfish and scampi
Ministry of Fisheries albacore tuna bigeye tuna blue mackerel pacific bluefin tuna skipjack tuna southern bluefin tuna and swordfish
John Holdsworth gemfish striped marlin and yellowfin tuna
Kirstie Knowles sand flounder and rock lobster
Department of Conservation kina and skate
Quentin Bennett mako shark
Scott Macindoe garfish
Jim Mikoz yellow-eyed mullet
Forest amp Bird arrow squid dark ghost shark orange roughy smooth oreo packhorse lobster
paddle crabs stargazer and white warehou
Illustrations
Bruce Mahalski Best Fish Guide ecological impact icons plus alfonsino ling and seahorse (below)
Robbie NCada grey mullet and pilchard
FAO barracouta black cardinalfish bluenose hake ribaldo southern blue whiting and
sprat
CSIRO anchovy and silver warehou
First published November 2004
Revised 2005 2007
Recommended citation Forest amp Bird (2009) Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How sustainable is New Zealand seafood (Ecological Assessments) Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc Wellington
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made by Forest amp Bird to obtain permission to reproduce the images in this guide and to credit them accordingly Where it has not been possible to contact the copyright holder we have included a credit Every effort has also been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this guide Forest amp Bird welcomes any comments or further information on the text and images but cannot accept any liability for any errors or omissions
Contents
Introduction 1
New Zealandrsquos oceans 1
Oceans under threat 1
Our vision 2
The Best Fish Guide 4
Questions to ask 4
Farmed seafood 5
Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 assessment summary 6
Fishery Facts 6
The Best and the Worst 7
Seafood assessment results 9 -128
Appendix I ndash Best Fish Guide Wallet Card 129
Appendix II ndash Table of assessment scores 130
Acronyms 133
Glossary of terms 134
Glossary of fish names 138
Note A full list of references used to complete the ecological assessments presented in this report are provided in the Best Fish Guide assessment methodology Weeber (2009) Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc Wellington
Index to fish species assessments Seafood species
Page Seafood species Page
Albacore tuna
Alfonsino
Anchovy
Arrow squid
Barracouta
Bigeye tuna
Black cardinalfish
Blue cod
Blue mackerel
Blue moki
Blue shark
Blue warehou
Bluenose
Butterfish
Cockles
Dark ghost shark
Eels
Elephant fish
Flatfish
Frostfish
Garfish
Gemfish
Grey mullet
Groper Hapuku Bass
Hake
Hoki
Jack mackerel
John dory
Kahawai
Kina
Kingfish
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Ling
Lookdown dory
Mako shark
Moonfish
Orange Roughy
Oreos Deepwater dory
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
30
31
33
35
37
38
39
40
42
44
46
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
60
61
63
Oyster
Pacific bluefin tuna
Packhorse lobster
Paddle crabs
Pale ghost shark
Paua
Pilchard
Porbeagle shark
Queen scallops
Red cod
Red gurnard
Red snapper
Ribaldo
Rig Lemonfish
Rock lobster Crayfish
Rubyfish
Scallops
Scampi
School shark
Sea perch
Silver warehou
Skates
Skipjack tuna
Snapper
Southern blue whiting
Southern bluefin tuna
Spiny dogfish
Sprats
Stargazer Monkfish
Striped marlin
Swordfish
Tarakihi
Trevally
Trumpeter
White warehou
Yellow fin tuna
Yellow-eyed mullet
65
67
68
69
70
72
74
76
77
78
80
82
83
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
113
115
117
119
121
123
124
125
127
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 1
Introduction New Zealandrsquos oceans
New Zealand has one of the largest marine areas in the world covering more than 1 of
the Earthrsquos surface Its marine area is also incredibly diverse from the sub-tropical oceans
in the north to our temperate waters around the mainland and cool sub-Antarctic waters in
the south
Many of our marine species are found nowhere else in the world Scientists estimate that
more than 80 of New Zealandrsquos biodiversity is found in our oceans and much more is
yet to be discovered About 15000 marine species are known while it is estimated that
another 50000 species are yet to be discovered ndash new species are being found all the
time
Our marine area is also a vital part of our economy supporting out $15 billion fishing
industry and our $20 billion tourism industry
It is also central to our national identity most New Zealanders live near the ocean and
have a close relationship with the marine environment We collect kaimoana or seafood
swim dive snorkel and sail and appreciate the variety of marine life
Oceans under threat
New Zealandrsquos marine environment is under increasing pressure from human activities
Climate change pollution coastal development mineral exploration and mining create
cumulative effects that are having a detrimental impact on the health of the marine
environment and marine life
Fishing operations have the most significant impact on the marine environment both
through the amount of fish caught and the methods used to catch it
Some fishing practices such as bottom trawling and dredging used by fisheries in
New Zealand waters damage the marine environment
Over the last 50 years fishing technologies have developed to such an extent that
the scale of fishing operations now exceeds a level that is sustainable The UN
estimates that 70 of the worldrsquos fisheries are now exploited to their limits over-
exploited or depleted
Many fisheries also catch significant levels of by-catch ndash species such as
albatrosses dolphins sea lions and other non-target species
According to Statistics New Zealand fishing uses more energy than any other
industry sector increasing by 40 in the last decade
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 2
New Zealand prides itself on our clean green image and promotes its fisheries
management as world-leading
Compared to some fisheries this is partly true ndash New Zealand does take a comprehensive
management approach and is recognised as being among the best But comparing
ourselves to countries with no management or very poor fisheries management does not
mean that we should be proud of our situation New Zealand is still far from living up to its
slogan ldquoIf itrsquos from New Zealand itrsquos sustainablerdquo
Wild fisheries typically take place in open waters with low levels of enforcement of rules
that aim to ensure sustainability and few observers to report any breaches or problems
New Zealandrsquos fisheries quota management system is a rights-based system that entitles
quota holders to a ldquoright to fishrdquo which encourages them to fish to the maximum level
allowed under their quota rather than take a more sustainable approach
To ensure sustainability the QMS requires good information and a precautionary
approach Fisheries management in New Zealand is failing by
Allowing significant waste of fisheries resources
Having no upper size limit and allowing fish that have gathered to spawn to be
caught reducing the ability of fish populations to reproduce
Targeting the maximum (rather than an optimum or precautionary) yield
Lacking information about fish stocks and how sustainable catches are
Allowing or poorly managing levels of marine mammal and seabird deaths
including endangered species
Using destructive fishing techniques such as bottom trawling and dredging which
destroy habitats and seabed life
Our vision
Forest amp Bird has a vision for a more sustainable fishery by 2030
A healthy and diverse marine environment supporting an abundance of marine life
where profitable fisheries operate alongside other activities
Adverse impacts of fishing on the marine environment have been repaired or
mitigated and ldquonursery areasrdquo important for replenishment of populations are
protected
New Zealand meets or exceeds worldrsquos best practice in fisheries management and
environmental practice so it can market truly sustainable products worldwide
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 3
Forest amp Bird hopes that making seafood consumers aware of problems behind our
fisheries management will help them make better choices and encourage our fisheries to
improve their practices
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 4
The Best Fish Guide
The Best Fish Guide is a tool to inform seafood consumers and encourage
environmentally sound choices of seafood
The guide covers an assessment of New Zealandrsquos wild-caught fisheries (see the section
about farmed fisheries for more information ndash page 5)
The assessment is based on six criteria some of which are given heavier weighting than
others
Criteria Weighting
Status and sustainability of catch High
Captures of protected or globally threatened species High
Fishing method and impact Medium
Fish biology and vulnerability to overfishing Medium
Management regime appropriate to species Medium
Management effectiveness and information levels Low
The Best Fish Guide assessment methodology has been peer reviewed and is available
for you to download at wwwbestfishguideorgnz It is also available from Forest amp Birdrsquos
national office
The Best Fish Guide presents the results of its assessments in three formats
A detailed ecological assessment report (pages 10 - 128 of this report)
A comprehensive online reference tool (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
A wallet guide that summarises fish rankings at a glance The wallet guide ranks
fisheries from green (best choice) to red (worst choice) (see Appendix I)
To help you get the best taste from your Best Fish Guide we asked New Zealand chefs
and fish fans including Peta Methias Annabel Langbein and Dobie Blaze to share their
favourite ndash and sustainable ndash fish recipes using the species identified as best choice in the
guide You can find them at wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Questions to ask
Unfortunately many seafood retailers have poor information and labelling making it difficult
to make a sustainable choice As well as using the Best Fish Guide you can ask your
retailer questions
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 5
What species is it
Most fish species are known by a number of different names For example groper is also
known as bass and hapuku Or it can work the other way sometimes different species
are known by the same name For example fish labelled as ldquotunardquo could be a good choice
species like albacore tuna or it could be a worst choice like southern bluefin tuna
To identify what type of fish you are buying go to the Best Fish Guide glossary of fish
names (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
Where was it caught
If your seafood was caught locally its ecological footprint is smaller because it doesnrsquot
have to be transported so far It is also easier to check how local fish were caught The
sustainability of fisheries in some regions is better than in other regions By asking where
the fish was caught and checking the Best Fish Guide seafood species assessments you
can find out whether that species is caught sustainably in that locality
How was it caught
Some fishing methods (bottom trawling and dredging) have devastating impacts on
seafloor habitats other methods (gillset netting trawl fishing long-lining) cause deaths of
vulnerable species By asking how your fish was caught you can avoid the high impact
and damaging methods
By asking these questions you can support more sustainable fishing practices and better
management of fisheries
Farmed seafood
The Best Fish Guide does not currently assess farmed seafood because it is managed
under a very different system from wild fisheries and its sustainability varies according to
very specific local factors
The main species farmed in New Zealand are molluscs such as mussels and oysters and
fin fish in particular salmon Farmed molluscs generally have a lower ecological impact
than farmed fin fish A particular concern about fish farming is the feeding of reared fish
with wild-caught seafood
Until Forest amp Bird develops its farmed fish assessment methodology we encourage you to
choose farmed seafood
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 6
Best Fish Guide 2009-10 assessment summary
The 2009-2010 Best Fish Guide assessment was carried out in August 2009 using the
latest government and published information on the biology status and management of
fish stocks protected species captures habitat damage and ecological damage caused by
fishing methods to marine life
Fishery Facts
Of New Zealandrsquos 75 commercial fisheries assessed
29 (39) are over-fished or there has been a substantial decline in stocks
49 (65) cause habitat damage 45 (60) kill significant numbers of seabirds 47 (63) kill a significant number of marine mammals 55 (73) catch too much non-target fish 51 (68) cause adverse ecological effects
42 (56) have never had a quantitative stock assessment and the stock status is unknown
15 (20) have had a full stock assessment in the last 10 years (some showed that little was known about the state of the stocks)
7 (9) have quantitative stock assessments which are more than 10 years old 18 (24) have had only a partial stock assessment in the last 10 years 11 (15) have had all stocks assessed in the last 5 years 24 (32) were missing basic biological information required to manage the stock
75 (100) have no management plan 8 (11) manage more than one species as a single species
Every year over 1300 commercial fishing vessels fish in New Zealand waters
Catching 453145 tonnes of fish in the 2008 fishing year with hoki making up the largest proportion (This is down from 652000 tonnes in 1998)
Setting 10000 km of nets Setting 50 million hooks Making 90000 trawls Making 90000 dredge tows
Also
On average around 55000 square kilometres were trawled each year in the middle depth and deep water fisheries between 1990 and 20051 (with most fishing in areas targeting hoki squid orange roughy scampi and snapper)
Around 1000 fur seals are killed annually in New Zealand fisheries2
1 Ministry for the Environment (2009) Environmental Report Area swept by trawling
(httpwwwmfegovtnzenvironmental-reportingoceansfishing-activitytrawlingarea-swepthtml) 2 Smith MH and S J Baird (2009) Model-based estimation of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus foresteri)
incidental captures and strike rates for trawl fishing in New Zealand waters for the years 1994-95 to 2005-06 NZ Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity No 40
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 7
The Best and the Worst
New Zealandrsquos most ecologically sustainable fisheries are generally those with low-impact
fishing methods targeting species with a low vulnerability to fishing or caught in well-
managed fisheries
The highest-ranking fisheries representing the best seafood choices are anchovies
pilchards and sprats
Close behind still offering a good seafood choice are skipjack tuna garfish cockles and
kina
Improvements3
A number of commercially caught species have moved up the Best Fish Guide rankings
including hoki blue cod trevally packhorse lobster and red gurnard
The worst-ranking fisheries are orange roughy and porbeagle shark followed by
oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna mako shark snapper blue shark and black
cardinalfish These fish represent a poor seafood choice and should be avoided
Degraded3
Quite a few commercially caught species have moved down the Best Fish Guide rankings
These include skates or rays bluenose rock lobster scallops eels and both bigeye and
yellowfin tuna
Below is a table illustrating some of New Zealandrsquos fisheries with the greatest
environmental impact (unless otherwise stated these numbers are based on a 3 year
average of the latest information)
Ecological impact Worst offending fisheries (in order of impact) Numbers killed per year
Marine Mammals
- Hectors dolphins4 Riglemonfish school shark elephantfish butterfish 110-150
- NZ sea lions5 Southern squid trawl fishery scampi southern blue
whiting 54
- NZ fur seals5
Hoki southern blue whiting ling 800
- Dolphins (common porpoise bottlenose)
5 Jack mackerel blue mackerel 55
Seabirds (2006-07)5
- Albatrosses Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline swordfish longline
1060
- Petrels Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline 1900
- Fishing methods Longline fisheries 1500
3 Change in status relative to the Best Fish Guide 2007-08 assessment 4 Davies N Bian R Starr P Lallemand P Gilbert D and McKenzie J (2008) Risk analysis of Hectorrsquos dolphins
and Mauirsquos dolphin subpopulations to commercial set net fishing using a temporal-spatial age-structured model NIWA Wellington
5 Abraham E R and Thompson F N (2009) Capture of protected species in New Zealand trawl and longline fisheries1998-99 to 2006-07 Dragonfly Wellington
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 8
eg Tuna longline fisheries (southern bluefin tuna big-eye tuna etc)
500
eg Bottom longline fisheries ndash snapper ling bluenose
990
Trawl fisheries (eg squid hoki scampi) 1680
Turtles5
Tuna longline fisheries 12
Sharks
- Basking sharks6 Hoki squid barracouta 50
- Blue sharks7 Tuna longline fishery 76000
Finned sharks (proportion of sharks finned between 2002 and 2007)
6
eg blue shark 87
eg porbeagle shark 85
eg mako shark 47
Seafloor species8
Bottom trawl fisheries (eg orange roughy and oreo) 30+ tonnes
Incidental (non-target) bycatch
Scampi fishery9 54 x total scampi
catch
Southern bluefin tuna10
20 x total southern bluefin
tuna catch
Trawl fisheries11
10-25 of total target catch
Dredge fisheries (eg oysters and scallops)12
1 - 25 x total target catch
New Zealand sea lion bycatch has been estimated to range from 45 to 115 sea lions over the last five years
A summary of the ecological assessment scores for each New Zealand seafood species is
presented in Appendix II (page130)
6 Ministry of Fisheries (2008) New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks
Ministry of Fisheries Wellington 7 Science Group Ministry of Fisheries (2008) Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008
stock assessments and yield estimates 157p 8 Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-
2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p 9 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02
to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
Ballara SL and Anderson OF (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the trawl fisheries for arrow squid and scampi in New Zealand waters New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 38 102p
Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p
Anderson O F and Smith M H (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2002-03 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 20053 37p
10 Griggs LH Baird S J and Francis MP (2007) Fish bycatch in New Zealand tuna longline fisheries 2002-03 to 2004-05 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200718 58p
11 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
12 Beentjes MP and Baird SJ (2004) Review of dredge fishing technologies and practice for application in New Zealand New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200437 40p
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 9
Seafood assessment results
The following pages detail the ecological assessments of each commercially caught New
Zealand seafood species (An index is presented at the front of this report)
To aid the reader a quick reference to the key ecological concerns are illustrated with one
of the following icons
Fish stock(s) increasing after period of substantial decline
Fish stock(s) over-fished or have substantially declined
Fishery causes habitat damage
Fishery has a seabird bycatch problem
Fishery has a marine mammal bycatch problem
Fishery has a non-target fish bycatch problem
Fishery causes adverse ecological effects
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 10
Albacore tuna
Scientific name Thunnus alalunga
Other names White tuna (canned) albacore longfinned albacore thon blanc (France) tunny (UK) binnaga bincho tombo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna that is mainly caught by troll and longline fisheries (30-50 of the catch) off the west coast of New Zealand‟s North and South Islands The albacore catch steadily increased following the start of commercial fishing in the 1960s and fluctuated (between 2200 and 6600 tonnes) in the last ten years (Lewis and Williams 2001 p29) The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals declining stock trends and the absence of catch limits a management plan and an updated stock assessment Removal of this large predatory species from the ocean‟s food web has wide ecological implications Economic value The main market is for canned albacore with the canning process done outside New Zealand Canned albacore tuna is sold as ldquowhite tunardquo mainly in the USA The export value is over $10 million per year Best option Troll caught tuna (eg West Coast of the South Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology amp risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Albacore tuna are a highly migratory species found on the west coast of the North and South Islands between New Plymouth and Fiordland It is also found on the East Coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit There are no catch limits set for New Zealand (it is not on the QMS) and there is no global catch limit Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 2251 tonnes in 2008 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown - Likely to be above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe current assessment indicates lower levels of stock size and maximum sustainable yield which appear to be more realistic than previous assessments There is uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the south Pacific albacore stock and the WCPFC [Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission] Scientific committee recommended that catches of south Pacific albacore remain at current levels considering the current rates of fishing mortality on adult albacorerdquo (MFish 2008 p31) Impact of fishing method and Protected threatened or endangered species bycatch (score D and C) Fishing Method(s) Trolling on the West Coast of the South Island and longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery and sharks are caught in the troll fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and Management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Management plan No The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 11
Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the WCPFC is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries (2000) A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report (2001) New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) stock assessments and yield estimates Ministry of Fisheries Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 12
Alfonsino
Scientific name Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Other names Splendid alfonsino sudlicher kaiserbarsch (Germany) roodbars (Netherlands) beryx (France) kinmedai kinme (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Alfonsino is actually the name used for two deepwater species related to the red snapper They are both widely dispersed in New Zealand waters and are particularly found around seamounts and deepwater reefs in waters 200 to 800m deep Ecological concerns Management of two species as one damage by fishing gear to seamounts ecological impacts of bottom trawling shark bycatch limited research lack of a management plan unknown stock status and unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and current catch limits in all of the fishstocks Economic value Main market is Japan with exports of about $7 million per year ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (Score C) Distribution Widely dispersed in New Zealand waters but mainly found near seamounts off the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Rise at depths of 300-600m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 4-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3000 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2748 tonnes in 2007-08 Catch limits have been exceeded in BYX 2 for seven of the last ten years Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For BYX 1 ldquois likely to be lightly fishedhellip no stock assessment has been conducted and the state of the stock in relation to BMSY is not knownrdquo For BYX 2 current catches ldquoappears to be sustainable in the short to medium termrdquo For BYX 3 ldquoIt is not known if the recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p43) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing Method(s) Mainly bottom trawling and some mid-water trawling over hills and seamounts around the Chatham Rise Habitat damage Trawling damages fragile underwater seamounts altering unique community complexes Bycatch Sharks and a range of non-target species including sponges and corals Ecological effects Destruction to seafloor habitats and seamount ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No assessments for any area except BYX 2 which has had no quantitative assessment since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 13
Anchovy
Scientific name Engraulis australis
Other names kokowhaawhaa korowhaawhaa (Maori) Southern anchovy
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This small fast growing but short-lived schooling fish is common in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays It is often found in mixed schools with pilchards and sprats and occurs around the world Jointly with pilchards and sprats anchovy has the best ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns There are no estimates of the size of its sustainable yield a lack of basic biological information on natural mortality growth or stock structure limited research and lack of a management plan There is also concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species Economic value New Zealand and exports of under $100000 per year Best option Anchovy are one of the best New Zealand seafood choices ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Commonly found in inshore waters around the North Island and upper South Island Maximum age (years) 6 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 560 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1 tonne in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status This species has been very lightly fished so it is thought to be at or close to its natural level The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for anchovyrdquo (MFish 2009 p46) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species capture (score B and B) Fishing Method(s) Lampara nets and purse seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch Some bycatch of other pelagic fish Ecological effects Reducing the anchovy population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other species including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals as has happened with anchovy fisheries elsewhere Sometimes anchovy are discarded when there are no markets making this effect unnecessary Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 14
Arrow Squid
Scientific name Nototodarus gouldi and Nototodarus Sloanii
Other names wheketere (Maori) short-finned squid calamari (Australia) kalamari teftis (Greece) kalmar (Germany) pota (Spain)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two species of squid are very short lived (1 year) and range from surface depths down to 500 metres in coastal waters around New Zealand Arrow squid are mainly caught off the South Island and the Auckland Islands with most taken by mid-water trawling with the rest caught by bottom trawling and jigging Ecological concerns Trawl caught squid where there is a high number of threatened NZ sea lions NZ fur seals seabirds and non-target fish killed as bycatch plus damage done to the seabed and associated species by bottom trawling The Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery is of particular concern killing hundreds of seabirds and up to 150 sea lions per year (72 in 2009) from the main breeding colony which is in decline The state of stocks absence of research and lack of a management plan are also concerns In addition two species are managed as one and there is an absence of basic biological information on squid and no research programme focussed on squid Economic value Most arrow squid are exported frozen to Greece (17) Spain (15) and Australia (12) Exports vary considerably between years and were worth about $70 million in 2008 which was well below 2004 exports ($172m) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Nototodarus sloanii is found off the East Coast of the South Island and the Southern Plateau while N gouldi occurs in warmer waters off the East and West coasts of the North Island south of the sub-tropical convergence Maximum age (years) 1 Size at sexual maturity 22-30 cm (mantle length) Growth rate High Reproductive output Very high Size exploited Approximately 20cm (mantle length) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 127332 tonnes every year since 1997-98 but there has been additional in-season adjustments in Squid 1T of an additional catch of 10 to 30 Recorded catch Reported landings of 56035 tonnes in 2007-08 was about two-thirds of the TACC set in all years since 1997-98 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquohellip it is not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for squid nor determine if recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p54) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing Method(s) Approximately 30 are caught by bottom trawling with the rest coming from mid-water trawling and a small amount by squid jigging a more environmentally friendly method which uses bright lights to attract squid to the jiggers Habitat damage Bottom trawling and mid-water trawl gear fished near the seafloor damages the seabed Bycatch Globally threatened NZ sea lions which have been in decline for the last 10 years NZ fur seals albatross and petrels drown in trawl nets The fishery also catches globally threatened basking sharks Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of these important prey species can affect populations of larger fish seabirds and marine mammals including the threatened NZ sea lion Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1988 Catch limits Yes Management plan No
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 15
Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd NZ SeaFIC website 2005
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 16
Barracouta
Scientific name Thyrsites atun
Other names maka makaa mangaa (Maori) couta snoek
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Barracouta is a relatively short-lived species that is related to gemfish It is widely distributed in the Southern oceans and whilst abundant in New Zealand‟s cooler waters south of Cook Strait they also occur in our northern waters ranging from shallow inshore areas to depths of 200m Once an undesirable bycatch species barracouta are now an important part of trawl fishery catches Ecological concerns The damage done to large areas of the seabed by bottom trawling poor knowledge of stock boundaries limited research lack of a management plan and uncertainty over the sustainability of the current catch limit and recent catches Bycatch of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels non-target fish plus removal of this important predator species on food webs are also of concern Economic value Main markets include Japan China Papua New Guinea and South Africa Total exports worth $28 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Mainly found off the South Chatham Stewart and Snares Islands to depths of 200m Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate to fast Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 32662 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 27968 tonnes in 2007-08 were well under the peak landings of 47000 tonnes reported in 1977 The catch for BAR 5 has exceeded the TACC by up to 25 in three of the last four years Stock trends Unknown A decline in Southland was indicated from trawl surveys in the 1990‟s but surveys have since been cancelled MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available for any barracouta stocks and therefore it is not known if current TACCs and recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p62) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing Method Bottom trawling Habitat damage Large areas of benthic communities are damaged by bottom trawling including bryozoans and crabs Bycatch Non-target fish species such as silver warehou and spiny dogfish and a significant bycatch in Southland of NZ fur seals white-capped (shy) albatrosses and sooty shearwaters Ecological effects Fishing for barracouta removes an important predator from food webs Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment Yield estimates based on average catch have not been reviewed since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 17
Bigeye tuna
Scientific name Thunnus obesus
Other names Ahi Bigeye thon obese (France) mabachi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bigeye tuna is a highly migratory species that is deeper swimming than other tuna found off the coast of the North Island for much of the year Longline fisheries for this tuna occur mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north New Zealand represents only 35 percent of the Pacific catch which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks declining stock trend lack of a management plan plus the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals Bigeye is internationally listed as a threatened species (vulnerable) Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value in 2008 was $17 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Big eye tuna are caught mainly on the east and west coast of the North Island mainly in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 11+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 714 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 201 tonnes in 2006-07 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Likely to be currently above BMSY but thought to be unsustainable - effort 30 higher than sustainable levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Recent [Pacific wide] catches are high relative to the estimated MSY both because of high recent fishing mortality and because the stock has benefited from above-average recruitment over the past 15 years The WCPFC Scientific Committee recommended a minimum 30 reduction in fishing mortality from the average levels for 2003ndash2006 with the goal of returning the fishing mortality rate to FMSY The SC acknowledged that projections indicate that the bigeye tuna stock may become overfished (biomass lt BMSY spawning biomass lt SBMSY) in the future with regard to both total biomass and spawning biomass even with a 30 reduction in fishing mortality Therefore it may be necessary to recommend additional reductions in fishing mortality in the future if assessments indicate that fishing mortality is greater than FMSY (MFish 2008 p39)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing Method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 18
Black cardinalfish
Scientific name Epigonus telescopus
Other names akiwa (Maori) big-eye cardinalfish cardinalfish apogon (France) tenjikudai yesemutsu (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing long-lived (over 100 years) deepwater species is the only cardinalfish that reaches a marketable size It is common off the east coast of the North Island at depths of 300 to 800m and is caught in association with alfonsino around seamounts and orange roughy which has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns The damage done to seamounts by bottom trawling the bycatch of deepwater sharks declining catch rates in the main fisher the unknown state of many stocks and the unsustainability of East Coast North Island and Chatham Rise fisheries where stocks have been estimated to be just 12 of the original unfished population size Limited research lack of a management plan and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit or recent catches are also of concern Economic value The main market is New Zealand with some exports to Japan and China Total exports of $15million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Most abundant off the east coast of the North Island in very mobile schools up to 150m off the bottom over hills and rough ground and at depths of 300-800m Maximum age (years) 100+ Age at sexual maturity 35-45 Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 50-60cm 35 years
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown but thought to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 3751 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1134 tonnes in 2007-08 represents the lowest catch since the fishery was developed in the mid-1980s Stock trends Declining catch rates in the main fishery (CDL2) to a level well below a quarter of that in the early 1990s MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For CDL2 3 and 4 ldquoB2009 was estimated to be 12 B0rdquo and ldquoModel projections indicate that the biomass will increase at catch levels near or below the 2007-08 level but will decline sharply at catch levels equal to the TACCrdquo For other stocks ldquothere is no informationrdquo (MFish 2009 p72-73)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing Method Bottom and mid-water trawling north of Chatham Rise where it is caught in association with Orange Roughy Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates sea floor benthic species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats bulldozing the sea floor destroying black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Deepwater sharks and a range of deepwater species including Orange Roughy Ecological effects Impact on seamount communities and deepwater fish populations
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 for CDL 2 to 8 and 1999 for CDL 1 and 9 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The first accepted quantitative stock assessment was completed for CDL 2 3 and 4 in 2009 An assessment of CDL 2 was previously attempted in 1997 and 2001 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 19
Blue cod
Scientific name Parapercis colias
Other names kopukopu paakirikiri paatutuki raawaru (Maori) New Zealand cod sand perch taragisu (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue cod is an endemic bottom dwelling species that is relatively common throughout New Zealand but is most abundant south of Cook Strait Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch limits which are significantly greater than yield estimates based on past average catches the combined commercial and recreational catches plus limited research The impact of trawling on long-lived slow-growing fragile corals and sponges is also of major concern Large and heavily baited pots can also damage seafloor species when dropped in deeper waters Other concerns include shags being caught in pots and the lack of a management plan Economic value New Zealand markets plus exports to Australia Malaysia China and Taiwan of less than $1 million in 2008 Best option Blue cod caught by hand line ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Blue cod is a bottom dwelling species found mainly inshore off southern New Zealand and the Chatham Islands to depths of 150m The main fisheries occur off Southland and the Chatham Islands with smaller but significant fisheries off Otago Marlborough Sounds and Wanganui Maximum age (years) 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-6 years - all blue cod start life as females with some changing into males when older Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited Enter commercial fishery at 6-12 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2680 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2316 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However a decline of over 40 in 6 years is indicated in the Marlborough Sounds from pot surveys and recreational fishers have suggested local depletion in parts of BCO3 BCO5 and BCO7 BCO5 productivity appears to be affected by dredging for oysters (Cranfield et al 2001) MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor BCO 12345 and 8 recent commercial catch levels and current TACCs are considered sustainablerdquo But ldquoFor [Marlborough Sounds] (in BCO 7) it is not known if the combined recreational and commercial catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p88) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mostly target caught in pots but some are caught on hand lines and some as bycatch by the inshore trawl fleet in BCO3 and BCO7 Apart from area BCO5 there are no limits on the size of mesh used in pots ndash this increases the chance of small fish being caught Habitat damage Long-lived slow growing soft corals sponges and bryozoans are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped on them Trawlers also scrape and damage the seabed and associated species Bycatch Shags may drown in pots and small fish may be caught Ecological effects The combined effects of a loss of large blue cod which are easily caught in fisheries the bycatch caught in trawl fisheries and the serial depletion of blue cod may all be having a degree of adverse impacts on the wider marine ecosystem
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 20
Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cranfield H J G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ J of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 21
Blue mackerel
Scientific name Scomber australasicus
Other names tawatawa tewetewe (Maori) pacific mackerel southern mackerel maquereau (France) saba (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue mackerel is a relative of tuna and is similarly widely distributed around the Pacific including New Zealand It is often found below schools of jack mackerel and kahawai and is caught year round off the North Island and northern South Island primarily by purse seine fishing Ecological concerns The little known state of fishstocks the unknown sustainability of catch levels declining catch rates on the West Coast limited research and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the bycatch of dolphins and other fish species plus the ecological impact of blue mackerel removal from food webs Economic value Exports worth about $10 million in 2008 Main markets are Australia Philippines and Eastern Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Pelagic species widespread around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 24+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but thought to be of a moderate population size Annual catch limit Set at 11550 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8982 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However large decline in catch rates in EMA7 (West Coast of both Islands) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the status of blue mackerel stocks and no estimates of current and reference biomass or yield are available for any blue mackerel area It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p96) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score C and D) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse-seining but also bottom longline bottom pair-trawl beach-seine bottom trawl driftnet (in international waters) dip net Danish seine hand line lampara midwater trawl lobster pot ring net surface longline set net and troll Habitat damage Low for purse-seine caught fish high for bottom trawl and bottom pair-trawl caught fish Bycatch Caught in association with other pelagic species including jack mackerel kahawai skipjack tuna and trevally When caught with the jack mackerel fishery there is a dolphin bycatch problem on the West Coast of the North Island Ecological effects This fishery has an impact on a range of pelagic fish species which play an important role in driving smaller baitfish species close to the sea surface where a variety of seabird species are able to feed on them Reducing these pelagic fish species can in turn reduce the amount of baitfish available at the sea surface for seabirds to feed on Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Management plan No Management component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 22
Blue moki
Scientific name Latridopsis ciliaris
Other names moki moki trumpeter isuzumi isaki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue moki is a comparatively long-lived species found in shallow waters Landings have declined since the mid-1990s when it was introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS) This species spawns between East Cape and Mahia and is culturally important for East CapeCape Runaway Iwi (Maori tribes) It is caught by trawl or set net Ecological concerns The reduction in landings since it was introduced to the QMS limited research the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock structure and the unknown status of stocks and population size Use of set nets and trawlers have impacts on seabed communities and non-target fish species The fishing methods may also have impacts on marine mammals Economic value The main market for blue moki is within New Zealand with exports of under $100000 in 2008 Best option Blue moki caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly found around the South Island and the entire east coast of the North Island south of Cape Runaway down to depths of 100m Blue moki spawns near Cape Runaway East Cape Maximum age (years) 43+ Age at sexual maturity 5-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 608 tonnes in 2001-2002 Recorded catch Reported total landings of 533 tonnes in 2007-2008 below reported annual peak landings in 1970 and 1979 of approximately 960 tonnes Stock trends Rebuilding MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available The current TACCs and recent catch levels are below the estimated MCY are considered sustainablehellip at least in the short to medium term TACs were originally set at low levels to promote stock rebuildingrdquo (MFish 2009 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Trawling and set nets Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on sensitive seafloor species Bycatch Range of non-target fish species caught in set nets and trawl nets plus potential impacts on marine mammals and seabirds including threatened Hector‟s dolphins Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 23
Blue shark
Scientific name Prionace glauca
Other names mango-pounamu poutini (Maori) blue whaler blue pointer peau bleue requin bleu (France) yoshikirizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing A highly migratory species Blue sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north Most of the blue sharks (around 87) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals limited research and the lack of a quantitative stock assessment or a management plan Removal of this predatory species may also have considerable negative ecological implications Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning which is legal in New Zealand is also enormously wasteful Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tail) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Blue sharks range and are caught in longline fisheries all around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 8 for males and 7 to 9 for females Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 1860 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Landings of 835 tonnes total reported catch Stock trends Uncertain estimates of reference and current biomass are not available At a CSIRO scientific meeting in 2007 blue sharks were estimated to have declined by 40 in the Tasman Sea over the last 10 years MSY Status Uncertain Listed on IUCN red list as a near threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics blue shark is possibly less vulnerable to overexploitation than mako or porbeagle sharksrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline fishery The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries figures show that from 2002-2007 more than 80 of blue sharks caught in New Zealand were taken just for their fins
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 24
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 25
Blue warehou
Scientific name Seriolella brama
Other names common warehou warehou okihirasu media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue warehou is a coastal species unlike other warehou (silver and white warehou) common in depths of 20 to 200m in cooler southern waters south of Cook Strait It is popular in fish and chip shops The main fishing grounds for include Cook Strait and the West Coast of the South Island Ecological concerns Limited research the unknown size of fishstocks the lack of a management plan the habitat damage caused by bottom trawling non-target fish bycatch and the associated ecological impacts caused by the fishing methods Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $1 million in 2008 mainly to Japan and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Mainly found in coastal waters around the South Island at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate until maturity Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown in all areas and poorly estimated for WAR3 Annual catch limit Set at 4513 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1530 tonnes in 2007-08 which is a large decline compared to previous catches In past years catches in WAR3 have exceeded the TACC by up to 40 Stock trends Probably declining in WAR 3 fishery and unknown in other areas MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of reference and current biomass are not available For all Fishstocks it is not known if recent landings or TACC‟s are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p109) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (eg squid) including bottom trawling for hoki Some are caught in coastal set nets Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans Bycatch A range of non-target fish species are caught as bycatch in set nets and trawl nets Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - an uncertain assessment was carried out in WAR3 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 26
Bluenose
Scientific name Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Other names matiri (Maori) bonita blue bream deepsea trevalla blue eye trevella (Australia) stone eye Griffin‟s silver fish minami media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bluenose is a long-lived slow growing relative of warehou found in the temperate waters of the southern Hemisphere They are caught year round by trawl and longline mainly around offshore reefs or drop off areas
Ecological concerns The damage caused to underwater banks and canyons north of the Cook Strait by trawling the bycatch of non-target fish species such as sharks and seabirds limited research the lack of a management plan and the uncertainty over stock boundaries Also of concern is the large decline in catch rates (64 in 5 years) throughout the zone the unknown state of stocks and the likelihood the stock will continue to decline at the current catch limits
Economic value Exports of about $14 million in 2008 with main markets in United States (about 50) and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand mainly around rocky areas at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 10+ Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited lt10
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2305 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2498 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining throughout the zone MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoStandardised catch per unit of effort (CPUE) series based on data from six fisheries which span most of major fisheries taking bluenose in the NZ EEZ have declined an average of 64 over the period 2001ndash02 to 2006ndash07 If this decline is indicative of the overall abundance of bluenose in these areas then BNS abundance could have declined by more than 50 across all areas over these six years If there has been replenishment of the features being fished in the period prior to the decline the overall decline in abundance could be even larger Although factors other than abundance may have contributed to the declines in CPUE and catches current BNS catches and TACCs do not appear to be sustainable hellip It is likely that the stock will continue to decline at the current TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p123-125)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Caught by bottom longline in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland and as a bycatch in the alfonsino midwater trawl fishery off the Wairarapa coast Habitat damage Trawling and associated seafloor scraping causes damage to underwater banks canyons and seamounts north of the Cook Strait Bycatch Other non-target fish species in the alfonsino fishery Longlining and trawling also catch a range of bycatch species including sharks Seabirds are also caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects The combined impacts of trawling and longlining on the structure of marine communities
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock estimates for all areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group MFish The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 27
Butterfish Scientific name Odax pullus
Other names marari matohe tarao kooaea (Maori) greenbone Bera-rui (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Butterfish is an endemic species of kelpfish found in shallow waters around the New Zealand coast They are more abundant south of East Cape especially around Cook Strait where they are caught year round in set nets Ecological concerns The unknown status of stocks and population size unknown sustainability of catch levels absence of research the lack of a management plan and the bycatch of non-target fish species Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However a pending court ruling may grant the fishery an exemption and raise the risk to these dolphins Economic value Butterfish is sold in New Zealand Best option Butterfish caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in shallow waters in rocky coastal areas of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands It is most common in areas around Cook Strait Maximum age (years) 11-15 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 ndash larger fish are males that started life as females Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - there are no estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit Set at 162 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 114 tonnes in 2007-08 mainly in the Cook Strait and around Stewart Island Recreational catch is estimated to be of a similar size Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known whether recent catch levels will allow the stock to move towards BMSY Butterfish populations are susceptible to localised depletionrdquo (MFish 2009 p131) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Method Targeted set nets Habitat damage Low for set netting Bycatch Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where butterfish fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Ecological effects Butterfish are important kelp eating fish so their depletion could have wider impacts on kelp forest ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative estimates References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 28
Cockles
Scientific name Austrovenus stutchburyi
Other names hinangi huangi huuai huangiangi tuangi (Maori) NZ littleneck clam (USA) clam venus-shells coque (Canada)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description A relatively short-lived but widespread shellfish species found in soft mud to silty sand habitats in harbours and estuaries The main commercial harvesting areas are at Whangarei NelsonMarlborough and the Otago Peninsula Ecological concerns The impacts of mechanical harvesting and digging at Tasman and Golden Bay Also the past depletion of stocks in Whangarei harbour gaps between surveys the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock size in relation to virgin biomass and BMSY in other areas The ecological effects of removing or killing this shellfish on wading birds that feed on cockles is also of concern Economic value Sold in New Zealand and exported (under $1 million in 2008) to United States and Europe (France) Best option Cockles collected by hand (eg Whangarei and Otago) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands in harbours and estuaries from mean high tide level down to low tide Maximum age (years) 8+ Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Biomass was estimated to be about 35 of virgin biomass in COC1A (Whangarei) In COC3A (Otago) adult cockles are just below or well below 1992 levels in Waitati and Papanui Inlet In COC7A+B (Top of South Island ndash Golden Bay - Marlborough) two of the three commercially fished areas have declined Annual catch limit Total catch limit was set at 3206 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported commercial harvest of approximately 1148 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends In Whangarei (COC1) large cockles (greater than 35mm) have declined to about 5 percent of 1982 levels In Whangarei harbour cockles have declined to well below 1980s levels For Otago areas the biomass is under 30 and 55 of 1992 levels for juvenile cockles and 65-90 of adult numbers In Tasman Bay-Golden Bay the Pakawau Beach population does not appear to have declined (and may have increased) whereas Ferry Point and Riwaka-Tapu Bay cockle size and abundance has declined to 20 and 50 respectively MSY Status Depleted in Whangarei harbour Fishery Assessment plenary report states For Whangarei harbour (COC1) that ldquoThis current TACC is higher than the estimated CAY (239 t) unless a smaller size (28 mm SL or shorter) at recruitment is assumed suggesting that fishing at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be sustainable in the long termrdquo For NelsonMarlborough (COC7A and B) ldquoAt Pakawau Beach the biomass of cockles does not appear to have declined since the start of the commercial fishery in 1983 and has probably increased owing to exceptional recruitment in 2000 At Ferry Point the size and abundance of cockles has declined markedly since 1996 At Riwaka-Tapu Bay size and abundance has also declined Because of the uncertainty over the relationsip between Bcurrent and BMSY it is not known if recent catches and current catch limits will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo For Otago ldquoIn Waitati Inlet the estimates of CAY hellipare above current catch levels and recent reported landings Furthermore CAY estimates for the area of the inlet where commercial fishing currently occurs are also above current catch levels and recent reported landingsrdquo (MFish 2009 p142 148 and 185)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 29
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and A) Fishing method(s) Mechanical digging and raking of mudflats in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and hand harvesting in Whangarei harbour and Otago Peninsula Habitat damage Mechanical digging and raking kills small cockles and impacts other species living within the sediment Minimal impact from hand harvesting Bycatch Impact of mechanical dredging on small shellfish and other sub-surface organisms Ecological effects Small cockles are an important part of the diet of some wading bird species Removing or killing small cockles reduces the amount of food available to wading birds including South Island and variable oystercatchers bar-tailed godwits and Caspian and white-fronted terns Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 for four areas Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Surveys for stock assessments were carried out in Whangarei 2007 Otago 2007 and Pakawau (Golden Bay) Riwaka and Ferry Point in 2008 Quantitative assessments for most areas using 1991-93 information Annual surveys are required for CAY assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 30
Dark ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Other names Chimaera pearl pearl fish chimeacutere (France) ginbuka ginzame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing deepwater shark species is only found in New Zealand and is most abundant in waters 150 to 500m deep off the West Coast of the South Island and the Chatham Rise It is caught almost entirely as bycatch in other target trawl fisheries notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological data the uncertain long-term sustainability of catch levels the unknown status of the fishstocks and the impact of trawling on benthic species As a bycatch species it has associated seabird and marine mammal bycatch and disrupted ecosystem concerns Whilst there is no management plan for dark ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo
Economic value Ghost shark exports of around $2 million to Australia and shark fins are exported to Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly off central and southern New Zealand at depths of 200-400m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown ndash 52-53cm for males and 62-63 cm for females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3012 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 1911 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquo[F]or all stocks it is not known if recent catch levels or current TACCs are sustainable in the long term or whether they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p289)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling (mixture of mid-water and bottom trawling) caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining Habitat damage Destruction of deepwater habitats by bottom trawling Bycatch Wide range of bycatch species (see hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) including seabirds marine mammals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target fish (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta)
Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available for dark ghost shark References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 31
Eels
Scientific name Anguilla australis (short-finned) A dieffenbachii
(long-finned) A reinhardtii (Australian long-finned)
Other names tuna hao tuna heke papakura (Maori short-finned) kuuwharuwharu reherehe (Maori long-finned) short-finned eel long-finned eel yellow eel silver eel (NZ) anguile australe (France)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Eels are important freshwater predators There are two main species of New Zealand eel ndash the endemic long-finned and native short-finned eels They are caught in baited fyke nets or traditional hinaki Both species are long-lived spending part of their life-cycle at sea and part in freshwater environments The long-finned eel is listed as a threatened species by the Department of Conservation (Hitchmough (comp) 2002) A third species - the Australian long-finned eel - is primarily found in Northland Ecological concerns The severely overfished status of the endemic long-finned eel declining catch rates and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels managing two species (short-finned and Australian long-finned) as one species in the South Island the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the lack of a management plan Bycatch of seabirds is also of concern Economic value New Zealand and exports of about $6 million in 2008 to markets including Germany Belgium Netherlands and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Eels are found throughout freshwater lakes rivers and streams plus some estuarine and coastal waters in New Zealand including the Chatham Islands Long-finned Short-finned Maximum age (years) 106 60 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity (migration) 11-56+ 5-41+ (uncertain) Growth rate variable unknown Reproductive output Low Low Sizeage exploited 8-17 6-13 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 872 in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 660 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 35 years Stock trends Declining catch rates in all areas for longfin eels and declines in many areas for shortfin eels Long-finned eel now classified as a threatened species ldquoModelling suggests longfin eels may be severely recruitment overfishedrdquo (MFish 2007 p 254) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Longfin ldquoThis species is more susceptible to overexploitation than shortfins because of their limited geographical distribution (confined to New Zealand and offshore islands) and longevityhellip A key component to ensuring the sustainability of eels is to maintain spawner escapement and to that end approximately 30 of available longfin habitat in the North Island and 34 in the South Island is either in reserves or in rarelynon-fished areas If hydro development and habitat loss are included and based on biomass estimates from several South Island rivers it is estimated that the biomass of longfin eels above the minimum weight at migration is less than 20 of historical valuesrdquo Shortfin ldquoThe catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for the main commercial shortfin fisheries in the South Island generally increased from 2001-02 to 2005-06 By contrast the North Island [areas] with the largest commercial catches showed less consistent trendshellip Caution is therefore required in managing shortfin stocks given the nature of their biology and the fact that they are harvested before they can spawnrdquo (MFish 2009 p248-249) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Fyke nets or hinaki
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 32
Habitat damage Impact of fyke net placement only Bycatch Seabirds (shags) caught in fyke nets Ecological effects The ecological effects of fishing are uncertain but likely to be much less than the impact of land drainage and dams on eel habitat Cumulatively overfishing and habitat loss are removing this important predatory species from New Zealand‟s increasingly degraded freshwater systems Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes - South Island since 2000 Chatham Island since 2003 and North Island since 2004
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Short-finned and bdquoother‟ (Australian long-finned) eels managed as one component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Hitchmough (comp) 2002 NZ Threat Classification System Lists Department of Conservation
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 33
Elephant fish
Scientific name Callorhinchus milli
Other names repe reperepe makorepe (Maori) silver trumpeter white fillets elephant shark (Australia) zoginzame zoginbuku (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small shark species which is only found in New Zealand has biological characteristics that make it relatively less prone to overfishing than most shark species It is most common on the east coast of the South Island to depths of 200m where it is caught mainly as bycatch off the Banks Peninsula in trawl fisheries and as a target species in set nets Ecological concerns The lack of a management plan the unknown sustainability of some recent catch levels and catch limits and the failure to carry out a full stock assessment Also of concern is the impact of trawling on the seabed and associated communities plus non-target fish bycatch of set netting Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk to these dolphins Whilst there is no management plan for elephant fish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for elephant fish nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Market in New Zealand and exports of about $1m in 2008 to Australia and North America ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around the South Island but most common near Banks Peninsula at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 9-15 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to medium Age exploited 3+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Current catches in ELE 3 and 7 well exceed the MCY estimates Annual catch limit Set at 1214 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Total landings of 1436 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but maybe increasing in ELE 3 and 5 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are availablerdquo For ELE 2 and 7 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo For ELE3 ldquoA mixed species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance peaked in 2000ndash01 then dropped by about 40 to 2004ndash05 but has since recovered to near the 2000ndash01 peakrdquo For ELE5 ldquoA mixed target species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance has shown a steady increasing trend since the early 1990s Present CPUE is more than double the lowest level observed in the early 1990srdquo For ELE 3 and 5 ldquoThe state of stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p214-220) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and set nets Most are caught as bycatch in one of the red cod trawl fisheries as well as other trawl fisheries The proportion caught by set nets has declined Habitat damage Removal of benthic species and change in biodiversity from trawling Bycatch Hector‟s dolphins caught in set nets and some trawl fisheries (eg the red cod trawl fishery off Canterbury coast where elephant fish is a bycatch species) Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Elephant fish fisheries also have non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts of marine food webs
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 34
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 35
Flatfish Black flounder yellow-belly flounder dabsand flounder greenback flounder brill turbot lemon sole and NZ sole
Scientific name rhomosolea retiaria (black flounder) R leporine
(yellowbelly flounder) R plebeian (dabsand flounder) R tairina (greenback flounder) Colistium guntheri (brill) C nudipinnis (turbot) Pelotretis flaviatus (lemon sole) Peltorhamphus novaezealandiae (NZ sole)
Other names Paatikitotara (Maori yellow-belly flounder) paatiki (Maori sand flounder greenback flounder NZ sole) paatikimohoao (Maori black flounder) kutuhori paatiki rore pakeke (Maori NZ sole) patikinui (Maori brill) paatiki nui (Maori turbot)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These eight flatfish species grow rapidly and are caught mainly by inshore bottom trawling with smaller amounts in set nets and smaller beach drag nets Sand flounder is the most abundant species and is found only in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of eight species as one fishstock uncertain stock structures and sustainability of catch limits plus limited research (uncertain age of the fish when caught lack of basic biological data for some of the species and absence of yield estimates) and the lack of a management plan Bottom trawling causes serious damage to benthic species and communities whilst set netting is associated with bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds sharks and other non-target fish Flatfish fishing was made exempt from the May 2008 set net restrictions as the fishery is thought to pose a lower risk than other set net fisheries due to low net height However it is unclear whether this is the case given the absence of observers on vessels using this gear Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $8 million mainly to Australia China and Spain ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (8 species) (score B) Distribution Flatfish are found throughout New Zealand Maximum age (years) 6-21 depending on species ndash brill and turbot live significantly longer than other species reaching a maximum age of 21 and 16 years respectively Age at sexual maturity 2+ depending on species Growth rate Rapid Reproductive output Ranging from medium to very high Age exploited 2+ depending on species Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown for all areas and species but can be highly variable Annual catch limit Set at 5409 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3629 tonnes in 2007-08 down from previous peaks of 5160 tonnes in 1983-84 (of which 16 was NZ sole) and 5086 tonnes in 1992-93 Stock trends Unknown for all areas and species MSY Status Unknown for all areas and species Eight species are managed as one fishery The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Flatfish populations typically consist of only one or two year classes at any time The sizes of the populations depend heavily on the strength of the recruiting year classes and are therefore expected to be highly variable For this reason TACCs were set high to allow fishers to take advantage of times of high abundance Recent CPUE analyses revealed that although yellow belly flounder are short lived inter-annual abundance in FLA 1 was surprisingly stable These results suggest that a more conservative approach is possiblerdquo (MFish 2009 p235) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Inshore bottom trawling set nets and drag nets
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 36
Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of non-target fish species including red cod and red gurnard plus possible bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other dolphins NZ fur seals and seabirds by set nets Ecological effects Direct adverse impacts of bottom trawling on seafloor communities and removal of these bottom-dwelling species (especially the removal of large fish) may cause wide disruption to marine ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Eight different species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments for any species or areas but current catch limits are nearly three times estimated yield (MCY) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 37
Frostfish
Scientific name Lepidopus caudatus
Other names tiikati paara hikau para-taharangi (Maori) Cutlassfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively short-lived species is widely distributed around the world In New Zealand it is normally found over the outer shelf in waters 200 ndash 500m deep It is mainly caught as bycatch (more than 90) in trawl fisheries for jack mackerel and hoki and to a lesser extent in the arrow squid barracouta and gemfish fisheries Half are caught off the West Coast of the South Island and Taranaki Bight in mid-water trawl fisheries Ecological concerns Lack of research (including the absence of some basic biological information) the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the uncertainty about stock structure plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species of other fisheries marine mammals non-target fish and impacts on seabed communities are also serious concerns Economic value Export markets include Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely dispersed around New Zealand but mainly caught off the west coasts of both main islands Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3858 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1392 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available The stock structure is uncertain the fishery is variable and almost entirely a bycatch of other target fisheries No age data or estimates of abundance available It is therefore not possible to estimate yields It is not known if recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p261) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method A mixture of mid-water trawl and bottom trawl fishing Habitat damage Damage to seafloor communities when caught by bottom trawl in the hoki gemfish and other trawl fisheries Bycatch Caught as bycatch in the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries which include fur seal and common dolphin captures Less than 10 is target fished Ecological effects The effect of this fishery combined with the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries contribute towards multiple seafloor and water column community impacts Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 38
Garfish
Scientific name Hyporhamphus ihi
Other names hangenge ihe wariwari takeke (Maori) piper half-beak NZ garfish (US) demi-bec neozelandias (France) sayori (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Garfish are relatively short-lived and whilst similar species occur around the world this species is found only in New Zealand They are common in shallow coastal waters such as bays and harbours when they school at the surface Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information information on stock size and yield estimates the uncertainty of some biological information limited research huge uncertainty about stock boundaries and absence of a management plan Economic value Export markets include Asia Best option Garfish is one of the best New Zealand seafood choices as the fishing methods have minimal ecological impact ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Inshore waters around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate (uncertain) Reproductive output High Age exploited 2-3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit TACC of 50 tonnes set in 2002-2003 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available A fishery has existed for several decades but it is not known how heavily this has exploited the stock It is not possible to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p265) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Beach seine and lampara net (Garfish are sometimes also taken as a non-target catch in the pilchard fishery) Habitat damage Low due to most fish being caught by beach seine and lampara nets Bycatch Relatively low bycatch but small fish can be caught by both methods Ecological effects Low although depletion of garfish may have impacts on associated species by altering food web dynamics Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 39
Gemfish
Scientific name Rexea solandri
Other names maha-taharaki maka-tikati tiikati (Maori) silver kingfish southern kingfish silver gemfish (US) kagokamasu ginsawara shirosawara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively long-lived slender fish is found within a wide depth range of between 50 and 550m but is sometimes found as deep as 800m They are usually caught in inshore to middle-depth waters by trawling
Ecological concerns A significant level of habitat and therefore ecological damage is caused by bottom trawling and a range of fish are caught as bycatch New Zealand fur seal and sea bird bycatch is also associated with fisheries in which gemfish is caught as bycatch Annual catches and catch rates have declined dramatically since peaking at over 8000 tonnes in 1985ndash86 due to over-fishing combined with low recruitment poor state of the stocks (about 22 of the original unfished stock size) and annual landings being in the hundreds of tonnes during the last two years There is also no management plan for this species
Economic value Exports of $2 million in 2008 mainly to Japan
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Gemfish is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters but is more common in the south at depths of 150-200m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3-5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size All populations are about 22 of the unfished biomass which is well below BMAY (34) Annual catch limit Set at 1060 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings were 662 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Low recruitment since the early 1990s has resulted in depleted populations could decline further if low recruitment continues MSY Status Populations depleted well below Fisheries Act requirement (MSY) and there is no rebuilding plan in place The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states The assessment of the southern gemfish stock has not been updated since 1997 Landings from SKI 7 increased from 2000 to be a level over twice the TACC in 2004ndash05 but have decreased since then Northern [gemfish] For all three models projections at the current TACC levels suggest the stock may increase with average recruitment (long term mean from 1978 to 2000) but is likely to decline if recruitment remains at the levels seen in more recent years (from 1992 to 2000) (MFish 2009 p280)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Target trawling off the east and north coasts of the North Island Catches off the west and southern coasts of the South Island are now primarily bycatch of hoki and squid fisheries Habitat damage After scampi gemfish trawling had the highest impact of target fisheries in the Bay of Plenty (Cryer et al 2002) Bottom trawling within hoki and squid fisheries results in significant damage to seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of fish and invertebrate species are caught in the targeted fishery When caught in the hoki and arrow squid fisheries seabird fur seal and deepwater shark bycatch problems are also prevalent Ecological effects Bottom trawling disturbs the seabed and changes the abundance and community structure of many bottom dwelling fish species and benthic species (Cryer et al 2002)
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for QMA1 and 2 in 2007 and QMA3 and 7 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer M Hartill B and O‟Shea S (2002) Modification of marine benthos by trawling toward a generalization for the deep ocean Ecological Applications 12(6) 2002 pp1824-1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 40
Grey mullet
Scientific name Mugil cephalus
Other names hopu hohopu kanae kopuwai (Maori) mullet striped mullet sea mullet (Australia) mule muge cabot (France) bora (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Grey mullet is a surface dwelling coastal species that is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical seas In New Zealand it is most commonly found in northern bays harbours mangrove swamps and estuaries They are caught year round in set nets and beach seines but mainly from November to March when they gather to spawn offshore Ecological concerns That the current commercial catch limit in the main fishery is 100 tonnes above the maximum current yield estimate that landings have fluctuated during the last four years raising doubts about the status of this stock the lack of yield or biomass estimates for nearly all areas the lack of a management plan and the apparent disparity between quota areas and likely stock boundaries Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced this risk however a pending court ruling may reopen some fishing areas and continue the pose an undue threat to these dolphins Economic value Main market is in New Zealand with some exports to Asia of less than $100000 in 2008 Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution A surface dwelling species mostly found in sheltered bays and harbours off northern New Zealand Maximum age (years) 15+ Age at sexual maturity 3 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1005 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 849 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reports of serial depletion and declines in catch rates in some areas since 1990 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoGMU 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 using data up to 2005ndash06 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 The status of GMU1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p313) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Set nets and beach seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch A range of species are caught by set nets including marine mammals and non-target fish species Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects Possible ecosystem impacts of removing larger fish from the population Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 41
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Inconclusive quantitative stock assessment for West GMU1 in 1998 There is no assessment for other areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 42
Groper Hapuku amp Bass
Scientific name Polyprion oxygeneios (groper) and Polyprion
americanus (Bass)
Other names hakuraa kapua kauaeroa kawerai kuparu moeone whaapuku toti (Maori) sea bass wrackbarsch (Germany) wreckfish (USA) hata ara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two long-lived slow growing species of sea bass are found around New Zealand though Bass is also found in many temperate oceans around the world Bass is more common in the north and ranges into deeper water (up to 800m) than grouper (up to 400m) They are mainly caught in deep underwater canyons off the East Coast of the North Island Cook Strait Kaikoura and the West Coast of the South Island Once commonly caught inshore and an important coastal predator groper have now almost disappeared from diving depths Ecological concerns The management of two species as one quota species the uncertainty and conflict over stock boundaries limited research (including a lack of information on sustainable yields and uncertainty over basic biological information for bass) Other concerns include the lack of a management plan the decline in reported landings in recent years and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit Bycatch of other fish species is also of concern as is the loss of these ecologically important species particularly hapuku which is a prey species for sperm whales Economic value Export value of about $4million in 2008 mainly to Australia Japan and United States ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found around New Zealand including the Chatham Rise but most common in deep underwater canyons over or near rocky areas down to 250m GroperHapuku Bass Maximum age (years) 60+ 40+ Age at sexual maturity 10-13 10 Growth rate Slow Slow Reproductive output Low Low Age exploited 5 5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but large hapuku have almost disappeared from diving depths Annual catch limit Set at 2181 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1651 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reported landings have declined from a peak of 2698 tonnes in 1983-84 to around 1600 tonnes in recent years MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches are less than the MCY estimates are considered sustainable and are probably at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield Current TACCs are larger than the MCY estimates and it is not known if they are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p322) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly longline and hand line but also caught using trawl and set net Habitat damage Low for line caught fish but trawling catches and damages bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch A range of bycatch fish species including tarakihi and blue cod Deepwater sharks are also occasionally caught (eg seal shark) Ecological effects Serial depletion of these species can occur with line fishing removing large individuals Hapuku or groper is a known prey species for sperm whale so depletion may reduce the whale‟s food availability The effects of trawling include reducing the diversity of fragile invertebrate species including cold water corals sponges and bryozoans
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 43
Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessments or yields References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 44
Hake
Scientific name Merluccius australis
Other names kehe tiikati (Maori) whiting merluza (Spain) merlu (France) heiku (Japan) seehecht (Germany)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hake is a relative of the hoki found only in New Zealand It is targeted on the Chatham Rise and in the sub-Antarctics but is usually caught as bycatch by mid-water hoki trawling Most hake is caught off the West Coast of the South Island with some taken from the south of the South Island and around the Chatham Islands The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Seabirds and marine mammals are commonly caught as bycatch in the associated hoki fishery (NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels) Other concerns include inconsistencies between quota boundaries and stock boundaries the uncertainty of stock size and trends for West Coast and Sub-Antarctic populations the lack of a management plan illegal mis-reporting of catches and the rapid decline in Chatham Rise hake Economic value The main export markets are Japan Spain Australia and Portugal which were worth $27 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in waters around the South Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size In 2004 about 35 of unfished population size (B0) on Chatham Rise and could be between 30 and 70 on the West Coast of the South Island Annual catch limit Set at 13211 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Recorded landings of 5930 tonnes in 2007-08 which is the lowest level in 20 years Stock trends Declining on Chatham Rise slow decline or stable in Sub-Antarctic unknown on West Coast MSY Status Over-fished and declining on the Chatham Rise uncertain in the sub-Antarctics and appears to be sustainable on West Coast of the South Island The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Rise ldquoThe 2004 model results suggested a decline in biomass with biomass in 2004 at about 35 B0 Year class strengths from 1995 to 2000 are estimated to be weaker than average In the projections the model assumes average year class strength since 2001 although more small hake have been caught in the most recent trawl surveys suggesting that the 2002 year class may be above average Projections for the Chatham Rise stock estimated the risk of reducing the stock below 20 B0 in 2009 to be 88 with catches of 3616 t and 28 with catches of 1800 t The higher assumed catch of 3616 t represents the current [Chatham Rise TACC] HAK 4 plus half the HAK 1 while the lower catch level of 1800 t represents the HAK 4 TACC onlyrdquo West coast South Island ldquoThe assessment [2004] suffers from a lack of an independent abundance index for the stock Hence these results should be treated with caution This run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0 The other runs gave similar estimates of biomass and stock status All the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo For the sub-Antarctic stock ldquoAn attempt was made in 2004 to determine the stock status of this stock [but] results should be treated with caution [One] run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0hellipAll the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo (MFish 2009 p343-344) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling Hake are targeted around the Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Islands and caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery elsewhere particularly the West Coast of the South Island
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 45
Habitat damage Bottom trawling reduces species diversity and transforms community structure and composition Bycatch As a bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery the hake fishery is associated with killing hundreds of NZ fur seals and hundreds of albatrosses and petrels each year The seabirds killed include nine species of which several are globally threatened including black-browed albatross Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Ecological effects There is a loss of bottom-dwelling invertebrate diversity due to bottom trawl fishing Also the dumping of offal and other fish waste during fish processing at sea is likely to have a broad range of ecological impacts on marine species and food webs (eg it attracts seabirds some of which are subsequently killed of trawl lineswarps) Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for Chatham Rise and West Coast stocks in 2004 and for sub-Antarctic stocks in 2007
References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 46
Hoki
Scientific name Macruronus novaezelandiae
Other names whiptail blue hake blue grenadier (NZ) langschwanz-seehecht (Germany) merluse (France) merluza azul (Spain) nasello azzurro (Italy) hoki de nouvelle-zelande
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hoki is a relatively fast growing deepwater species related to cod and hake It generally lives beyond the shelf edge from 50 to 900m but is most abundant between 300 and 600m There are two intermixing biological stocks generally referred to as the eastern and western stocks Trawling occurs year round making hoki one of New Zealand‟s largest fisheries Hoki are targeted and caught in their spawning grounds on the West Coast of the South Island and the Cook Strait plus some smaller spawning areas on the east coast of the South Island and Pusegar Banks When not spawning hoki are caught in the sub-Antarctics and on the Chatham Rise where juveniles of both stocks are found Despite being certified as sustainable under the international Marine Stewardship Council scheme it still has significant ecological impacts Ecological concerns The bycatch of hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels each year plus bycatch of globally threatened basking sharks When bottom trawling the fishery has significant impacts on the seafloor altering seabed communities Also of concern is the management of two stocks as one quota management area the slow response to past stock declines so that large quota cuts were needed and the failure to take precautionary action in the face of potential stock recovery (Quotas are this year being increased back to 110000 tonnes - just over the level set following initial cuts in 2004 This increase is based on estimated of the west coast hoki stock being just within target levels for the first time in many years Additional concerns include illegal mis-reporting of catches the significant catches of small fish (over 40) on the Chatham Rise and on the West Coast plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Most hoki is exported to the USA Europe - including the UK and Belgium ndash Japan and Australia Hoki exports were worth $103 million in 2008 down from $346 million in 2001 The Fillet ‟o‟ Fish sold at McDonalds in New Zealand is hoki ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution The main areas where hoki are caught are off the West Coast of the South Island the Cook Strait Chatham Rise to the east of the South Island and Sub-Antarctic waters at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) 20-25 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 years Growth rate Relatively fast Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Following many years of poor recruitment of juvenile fish to the adult population and depletion of stocks particularly on the West Coast hoki have recently been estimated to be within or above 35-50 of their original unfished population size (B0) However the western stock could be as low as 27 of that size Annual catch limit From 250000 tonnes in 2001-02 catch limits were dramatically reduced to 100000 tonnes in 2004-05 and to 90000 tonnes in 2007-08 The catch limit has just been increased this year (2009) by over 20 to 110000 tonnes The hoki fishery has recently identified an Interim Management Target of 35 ndash 50 B0 Recorded catch Estimated catch of 89300 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Rebuilding The stocks have been serially depleted particularly the Western stock and are now dominated by small fish and young ages classes In 2008 around 50 of the catch on the Chatham Rise was made up of juvenile fish smaller than 65 cm The Chatham Rise made up about 40 of the total hoki catch in 2008 Overall in the hoki fishery around 40 of the fish caught were less than 65cm MSY Status 2009 is the first year of suspected recovery to a level at or above MSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Western Stock ldquoModel run 11 B2009 was estimated to be 36 B0 About as likely as not (40-60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target [35 ndash 50 B0] Model run
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 47
12 B2009 very likely to be 39 B0 Likely (60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target The biomass of the western hoki stock is expected to increase over the next 5 years at 2007-08 western fishery catch levelsrdquo Eastern stock ldquoBiomass in 2009 was estimated to be about 48 B0 The biomass of the eastern hoki stock is expected to increase slightly over the next 5 years at 2007-08 eastern fishery catch levelsrdquo ldquoBoth stocks are projected to be within or above the 35-50 B0 target range by the end of the projection periodrdquo (MFish 2009 p 367-371) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawling targets non-spawning aggregations (Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Plateau) and mid-water trawling targets spawning aggregations on West Coast and Cook Strait Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans The expanding use of twin rigs and double linked nets (and some triple linked nets) with a large heavy roller in between has increased the impact of this fishery on fragile deepwater habitats Bycatch Hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels are drowned in the hoki fishery each year The affected albatrosses and petrels include several globally threatened species such as black-browed and Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Non-target fish species bycatch is also a problem and includes quota species hake ling and silver warehou which are caught in West Coast hoki fisheries Other bycatch species include vulnerable deepwater sharks (eg shovelnose dogfish seal shark and Baxter‟s dogfish) Globally threatened basking sharks are also caught There is also incidental mortality of young hoki passing through the net meshes Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but draft prepared Management component Single species however two stocks managed as one quota area Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for East and West stocks in 2009 References European marketing and the MSC SEAFOOD magazine May 2004 Vol 12 no 4 p8 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 48
Jack mackerel
Scientific name Trachurus declivis (Jack Mackerel) T
novaezelandiae (New Zealand Jack Mackerel) T symmetricus murphyi (Peruvian Jack Mackerel)
Other names haature hauture (Maori) horse mackerel horse jack mackerel slender jack mackerel chinchard neozelandias (Canada) Chilean jack mackerel saurel (France) maaji (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These three species of jack mackerels are managed as one species and are mainly caught in the purse-seine targetbycatch fishery in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland‟s east coast Trawl fisheries catch jack mackerel in other areas including the Taranaki Bight and Chatham Rise Peruvian jack mackerel are a southern ranging species found in deepwater whereas jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species forming schools in midwater and ranging from shallow bays and harbours to oceanic islands and reefs Ecological concerns The management of three species as one fishery limited research the lack of some basic biological data for Peruvian jack mackerel the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels especially for western New Zealand (JMA7) Of significant concern is the bycatch of dolphins in the fishery west of the North Island and fur seals in fishery east and south of the South Island (JMA 3) Non-target fish bycatch seabird bycatch bottom trawl impacts on the seabed and ecological implications of jack mackerel removal from the food web Other concerns include the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of $51 million in 2008 with main markets in Japan Eastern Europe and Fiji ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species above 450S and 420S respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is a more southerly species from around the Stewart-Snares Shelf and the Chatham Rise The two northern species are found lt150-300m respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is found to a depth of gt500m Jack mackerel NZ mackerel Peruvian mackerel Maximum age (years) 25+ 25+ 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 3-4 4 Growth rate Moderate Moderate Moderate Reproductive output Medium-high Medium-high Medium Age exploited 2-3 Unknown 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown (Biomass estimates for JMA7 are uncertain) Annual catch limit Set at 60546 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 47855 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest reported Stock trends Decline in T declivis in JMA7 Landings have consistently been lower than the total allowable commercial catch since the mid-1990s MSY Status Unknown Only a preliminary assessment for jack mackerel (T declivis) in JMA7 in 2007 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the resource in JMA 3 though estimated species proportions indicate a catch dominated by T murphyi For JMA 1 and 3 it is not known whether catches at the level of the current TACCs or recent catch levels are sustainable in the long-term The status of JMA3 relative to BMSY [the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield] is unknownrdquo For JMA7 ldquoOverall it cannot be determined if the TAC or current removals are sustainable for JMA 7 but it is likely that the removals from one component of the fishery (T declivis) are sustainable at this time Given increased catches in recent years continued monitoring of the catch composition is strongly recommended as is further work on potential abundance indicesrdquo (MFish 2009 p389) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling and purse seining
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 49
Habitat damage Low for purse seining bottom trawling in effect bulldozes the seabed and can kill or damage bottom dwelling species and alter seafloor communities Bycatch Trawl fishing around Taranaki off Waikato and Auckland catches common dolphins dusky dolphins and pilot whales The fishing area may also overlap with the range of Maui‟s dolphins posing a possible risk to this critically endangered species Trawling on the Snares shelf catches fur seals Blue mackerel is also a bycatch species in this fishery Ecological effects Ecological implications associated with bottom trawling plus as an important predator and prey species reducing jack mackerel numbers can in turn have impacts on associated food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes but only in all areas since 1995 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component All three species managed together as one Stock assessment A preliminary stock assessment for T declivis in JMA7 in 2007 No new quantitative assessment for T novaezelandiae since 1993 in JMA7 No yield estimates in JMA 1 or 3 or for T murphyi in any stock References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Information describing Chilean jack mackerel (Trchurus murphyi) fisheries relating to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Doc SPRFMO-III-SWG-16 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 50
John dory
Scientific name Zeus faber
Other names kuparu pukeru (Maori) saint-pierre zeacutee (France) pez de san pedro (Spain) buckler dory (Canada) matocircdai (Japan) European john dory (US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description John Dory are mid-water to seafloor dwelling and whilst found throughout New Zealand they are most common north of the Cook Strait They are caught in mixed species trawl catches where the main target species are snapper and tarakihi with some also caught by Danish seine Ecological concerns The damage done by bottom-trawling the unknown long-term sustainability of the catch limits the unknown status of stocks population size and stock trends (uncertainty around possible declines off the West Coast South Island) and the uncertainty about stock boundaries in relation to quota boundaries Limited research and the lack of a management plan are also of concern
Economic value New Zealand market plus exports to Australia United States and Germany with a value of about $5 million in 2008
Best option John dory caught by Danish seine rather than by trawl Avoid fish caught using bottom trawl gear
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Relatively common in coastal waters off northern New Zealand especially from the Bay of Plenty northwards Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively rapid Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2-3
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but likely to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 1129 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 725 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown maybe declining off the West Coast of the South Island (JDO7) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For JDO 1 recent catch levels and the current TACC are likely to be sustainable at least in the short-term It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term For all other JDO stocks it is not known if the recent catch levels and current TACCs are sustainable For all fishstocks it is unknown if recent catches or the current TACCs are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo ldquoThe JDO 7 point estimate of biomass in 2007 had declined by 40 from the long-term high in 2003 however the 2007 point estimate still lies within the range of uncertainty around the previous point estimatesrdquo (MFish 2009 p398-400)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) John dory is caught as bycatch in trawl and Danish seine fisheries (eg snapper and Tarakihi) Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed and kills or damages bottom dwelling species Bycatch Fish bycatch associated with its capture in the snapper fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf Ecological effects Trawling reduces species diversity and abundance plus catches large individuals
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments completed for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 51
Kahawai
Scientific name Arripis trutta
Other names koopuuhuri kooukauka (Maori) Australian salmon (Australia) Saumon Australien (France) bangeo (Korea) oki susuki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kahawai are found throughout New Zealand but are most common north of Kaikoura They form schools of similar-sized fish with juveniles found in shallow coastal waters and adults in open water often in large schools from seafloor to surface waters Most kahawai are caught in purse seine fisheries that also target skipjack tuna jack mackerel and blue mackerel A lesser proportion is caught seasonally in set net and mixed species trawl fisheries Kahawai is a particularly important species for recreational and customary fisheries
Ecological concerns The uncertain maximum sustainable yield unknown status of stocks stock structure and stock trends the bycatch of non-target fish and the lack of a management plan Limited past research and the ecological effects of removing this important prey species is also of concern
Economic value Exports of $15m mainly to Australia
Best option Fish caught using purse seine ndash avoid Kahawai caught using set net or trawl ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in inshore waters around New Zealand but most common from Kaikoura northwards Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size The KAH1 assessment shows that the stock has declined to a mid-range of 27-62 B0 (the estimated unfished population size) depending on assumptions including level of non-commercial catch Annual catch limit Set at 2728 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2288 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status While the assessment is uncertain the stock is most likely above BMSY ndash between 27 and 69 B0 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For KAH1 ldquoCurrent assumed removals are lower than almost all estimates of deterministic MSY Combining this with the result that most estimates of current biomass are well above BMSY it is unlikely that the stock will decline below BMSY at current assumed catch levels given the model recruitment assumptionsrdquo For all other KAH areas ldquoNo accepted assessment is available that covers these regions It is not known if the current catches allowances or TACCs are sustainable The status of KAH 2 3 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p 416)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most are caught by purse seiners with less taken seasonally in set-net and some in trawl fisheries Habitat damage Low impact from purse seiners and set netting high impact from trawl fisheries on bottom dwelling species Bycatch Range of other pelagic species including skipjack tuna kingfish blue mackerel and jack mackerel Ecological effects Loss of large older fish impact of bottom trawling bulldozing the seabed and ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 1 October 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A new quantitative assessment in 2007 for KAH1 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 52
Kina
Scientific name Evechinus chloroticus
Other names kina ariki kin koorako puurau (Maori) sea urchin sea egg Oursin de Nouvelle-Zelande (France)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kina are an important grazing species found throughout New Zealand Most are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by targeted dredging Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch levels or limits the risk a serial depletion of stocks and impacts on reef communities from changes in grazing levels the lack of stock assessments limited research and the lack of a management plan When dredged considerable habitat damage can occur Economic value Kina are sold in New Zealand Best option Kina collected by hand (breath-hold diving) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Throughout New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 8-9 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1147 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Reported catch of 7629 tonnes for all fishstocks in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor all Fishstocks it is not known if current catch levels or TACCs are sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support sustainable yieldsrdquo (MFish 2009 p424) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most kina are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by target dredging Habitat damage Minimal damage from diving dredging scrapes the seafloor killing or damaging bottom dwelling species Bycatch None from diving dredging has a high bycatch including a range of bottom dwelling species Ecological effects Changes in kina numbers have effects on algal community assemblages Impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Dredging for kina has considerable ecological implications as it destroys seafloor communities which affects associated mid-water species Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 (South Island) and 2003 (North Island) Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No stock assessments Biomass estimates have been made for Arapawa Island (1997) and Dusky Sound and Chalky Inlet (1995) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 53
Kingfish
Scientific name Seriola lalandi
Other names haku kahu makumaku warehenga (Maori) yellowtail kingfish northern kingfish
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively large fish is an important predatory fish rarely found south of Cook Strait preferring the warmer waters of the north It can form schools of up to several hundred but is mainly caught as a non-target catch of inshore set net trawl and longline fisheries Kingfish is a commonly sought after recreational fish Ecological concerns The loss of large individual fish the unknown sustainability of the combined commercial and recreational catch limits uncertainty about the stock structure the absence of biomass and yield estimates the absence of a quantitative stock assessment limited research and the lack of a management plan Some fishing methods cause damage to the seabed and have high fish bycatch Economic value About 25 of kingfish is exported (under $05m) to the USA and Australia with the rest going to the domestic New Zealand market Best option Line caught kingfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Common in coastal waters around the North Island Maximum age (years) 16+ Age at sexual maturity 4-7 (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but stock relatively small Annual catch limit The maximum current yield (MCY) was set at 200 tonnes in 2007-08 the second lowest catch in over 20 years Recorded catch Reported landings of 159 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but there is concern from recreational fishers about current catch rates MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Although commercial catches are near or below MCY levels it is not known if recent combined commercial and recreational catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p436) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly taken as a non-target catch of inshore set net and longline fisheries with some trawl bycatch Habitat damage Minimal damage from lines or set nets Trawling causes damage to seafloor habitats contacting the seabed Bycatch Range of species caught as bycatch in set net and trawl fisheries which are often highly unselective techniques Ecological effects Removal of large fish may alter food web dynamics whilst bottom contact trawling bulldozes the seabed reducing biodiversity of bottom dwelling communities Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 54
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Scientific name Parika scaber
Other names kokiri kiririi (Maori) trigger fish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Leatherjacket or creamfish is a relatively small coastal species found throughout New Zealand but largely caught off the South Island Most of the catch is taken as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries mainly targeting trevally red gurnard and snapper but in recent years it has also been caught in some fisheries targeting squid Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the lack of a stock assessment limited research and no management plan Bycatch of sharks and seabirds in associated fisheries is also of concern as are impacts on seafloor habitats when caught with bottom trawl gear Economic value The main market is domestic and Australia with exports of $660000 in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Leatherjacket is distributed throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands It is caught on the East Coast between Otago and East Cape in Southland and between Cape Farewell and Cape Foulwind on the West Coast Maximum age (years) 7+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit 1431 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 467 tonnes in 2007-08 well below the 1300 tonnes caught in 1999-2000 fishing year Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass It is not known whether the leatherjacket stocks are at above or below a level that can produce MSY (MFish 2009 p450) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Method Bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including those targeting trevally red gurnard snapper and squid Habitat damage Trawl fishing with bottom gear scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself this fishery is associated with the bycatch problems of other fisheries including sharks and seabirds Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of this coastal species has knock on impacts on associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management composition Single species Stock assessment No completed quantitative stock assessment References Final Advice Paper Setting of Sustainability and Other Management Controls for Stocks to be Introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2003 18 July 2003 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science GroupMinistry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 55
Ling
Scientific name Genypterus blacodes
Other names hoka hokarari rari (Maori) ashiro kingu (Japan) kingklip (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Ling is a bottom dwelling species of the eel family which lives at depths of 300-700m throughout New Zealand It is often caught as bycatch in hoki and hake trawl fisheries though it is also targeted with bottom longline and bottom trawl methods The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Damage to fragile deepwater species and habitats caused by bottom trawling and the high level of globally threatened seabird species and NZ fur seals caught as bycatch Also of concern is the unknown long-term sustainability of some current catch limits and landings the uncertainty of stock boundaries tthe lack of a management plan for the fishery and the loss of ling from diving depths Economic value The main export markets are in Asia particularly Hong Kong and Japan plus Australia and Spain Exports were worth $40 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Ling is widespread in water off the south of the North Island and off the South Island but is mainly caught south of the South Island and over the Campbell Rise at 200-700m Maximum age (years) 30 Age at sexual maturity 5-9 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (most of the North Island) and uncertain for LIN 7 (West Coast South Island) Other areas (LIN 3 4 5 and 6) are likely above BMAY Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 21977 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16264 tonnes in 2007-08 the third lowest catch in 15 years Stock trends Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (non-Cook Strait) declining for LIN2 (Cook Strait) uncertain for LIN 7 declining slowly LIN 5 and 6 and increasing for LIN 3 and 4 MSY Status Unknown for LIN 1 and 2 described as sustainable for LIN 3 and 4 and LIN 5 6 and 7 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For LIN1 ldquoIn the absence of a representative index of abundance it is not known whether current LIN 1 catches or the TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown The biological stock affinities of ling in LIN 1 are unknownrdquo For LIN 2 (Cook Strait ndash 40 of catch) ldquoThe model results hellip suggest that the stock has declined particularly since the late 1980s Based on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be above BMAY but is likely to continue to decline at current catch levels It is not known if recent landings and the current TACCs are sustainable or are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield] For LIN3 and LIN4 ldquoBased on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be well above BMAY and building Catches at the level of the current TACC are likely to be sustainablerdquo For LIN 5 and 6 (but not Bounty Plateau) ldquoBased on the 2007 assessment ling stocks are probably only lightly fished and current stock sizes are estimated to be well above BMAY Estimates of absolute current and reference biomass are unreliable It is likely that the current TACC is sustainable as current catches appear to be having only a small impact on biomass levelsrdquo For LIN7 (West Coast) ldquoBased on the 2008 assessment the status of the LIN 7WC stock is highly uncertain The stock assessment model results did not provide reliable estimates of current biomass as a percentage of B0 but it is unlikely that this value is less than 40 and it could be much higher The relatively constant catch history since 1989 and the relative constancy of the trawl catch-at-age distributions since 1991 suggest that future catches at the current level are sustainable at least in the medium termrdquo (MFish 2009 p466-467) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Ling is mainly caught in targeted bottom longline and bottom trawling operations
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 56
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage to seamounts sea floor species and fragile deep-sea ecosystems Bycatch Several thousand seabirds are drowned on the longlines used in the ling fishery every year This includes the critically endangered Chatham‟s albatross and other threatened species (eg white-chinned petrels grey petrels Salvin‟s albatross flesh-footed shearwaters and sooty shearwaters) In September 2007 12 critically endangered Chatham albatrosses and 22 Salvin‟s albatrosses were caught by a single long-line vessel on the Chatham Rise New Zealand fur seals are also killed in the trawl fishery as are a range of deepwater sharks including seal sharks Ling is itself a non-target bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery which also has serious bycatch problems Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for LIN 3 and 4 (2004) 5 and 6 (2003) 7 (2009) and 6 Bounty (2006) and an initial assessment for LIN2 (Cook Strait) (2007) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries
Guidebook The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 57
Lookdown dory
Scientific name Cyttus traversi
Other names king dory
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description An offshore deepwater species that is widely distributed around New Zealand and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries particularly the hoki fishery Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and the absence of a management plan The fishery also has direct impacts on seafloor communities as a result of trawl fishing As lookdown dory is a bycatch of other fisheries it is also associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Lookdown dory are caught all around New Zealand with the largest catches on the East Coast of the South Island the Chatham Rise and the West Coast of the South Island Maximum age (years) 30+ Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 783 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 430 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Uncertain but annual trawl survey on the Chatham Rise ldquoshow no decline in recent yearsrdquo MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no known sustainability concerns in the lookdown dory fishery Trawl surveys indicate stable abundance in the main fishery However it is not known whether recent catches will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p 473) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - lookdown dory is caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery and to a much smaller extent in the barracouta hake ling and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawl fishing scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species of other fisheries lookdown dory is associated with seabird and marine mammal bycatch problems It is also associated with high non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch plus seabird and marine mammal bycatch has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 58
Mako shark
Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus
Other names mako (Maori) mackerel shark shortfin mako
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Mako sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to porbeagle sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species A highly migratory species Mako sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north About 75 of mako sharks caught are processed and the rest are dumped at sea Mako shark are the third most common species of shark that are targeted for their highly priced fins with about 47 of the reported catch recorded as finned Jointly with snapper oreodeepwater dory and southern bluefin tuna mako shark has the second worst ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Limited research on mako sharks lack of a stock assessment and uncertainty about the state of the stocks The high number of juveniles in the catch is also of concern as is the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals Where mako sharks are caught using bottom fishing methods impacts on the seafloor and associated communities are also of concern Whilst there is no management plan for mako sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for makos nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning makos and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mako sharks are highly migratory oceanic fish that often visit coastal areas around northern New Zealand They are caught by longline vessels on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast Maximum age (years) 29 males and 28 females Age at sexual maturity 7-9 years males and 19-21 years females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 2 (Much of the catch is immature) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 406 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 73 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest landings in seven years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain but reported as bdquovulnerable to overexploitation‟ The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics mako shark is vulnerable to overexploitation (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p50) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Primarily pelagic longlining around the North Island with a smaller catch caught by bottom longliners and trawlers Habitat damage Low except when caught by bottom trawling which alters seafloor community structure and function Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of a large predatory species has wide implications for oceanic food webs The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 59
Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) Stock assessments and yield estimatesScience Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Bishop SD Francis MP Duffy C (2006) Age growth maturity longevity and natural mortality of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in New Zealand waters Marine and Freshwater Research 57 143-154 New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 60
Moonfish
Scientific name Lampris guttatus
Other names opah spotted moonfish nandai akamanbo (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Moonfish are a bycatch in tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main islands Ecological concerns the uncertainty of some basic biological information uncertainty about the state of the stocks basic biology the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals and the lack of a stock assessment or a management plan There are also ecological concerns given removal of this large predator species from the food web Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Moonfish are a widely distributed pelagic species found in both temperate and tropical waters of the Worlds oceans Maximum age (years) 14-20 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Medium-high Reproductive output Medium-high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size There is no information on stock structure but Moonfish is known to have a South Pacific wide distribution Annual catch limit Set at 527 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in over 10 years About 70 of moonfish caught are mature Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoWhile moonfish appear to have moderately productive life history characteristics the stock status is unknown It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p53) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Moonfish are caught mainly by pelagic longline vessels targeting tuna on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast with pelagic trawling for southern blue whiting and hoki being the second main method Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of moonfish and non-target species from marine systems Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 61
Orange Roughy
Scientific name Hoplostethus atlanticus
Other names Deepsea perch sea perch slimehead (NZ) red roughy (Australia) hoplostete orange granatbarsch (Germany) pesce arancio (Italy) beryx de nouvelle-zelande (France) rosy soldierfish (Canada)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Orange Roughy is a very slow growing and long-lived (120 ndash 130 years) deepwater fish making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing It does not breed until 23-31 years old and does so once a year in large spawning aggregations often around deepwater seamounts pinnacles and canyons around New Zealand There are nine distinct orange roughy fisheries within the New Zealand EEZ each managed independently The East and South Chatham Rise fishery is the largest and oldest orange roughy fishery in the world Jointly with porbeagle shark orange roughy has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns New Zealand‟s orange roughy have suffered from years of over-fishing on the spawning grounds which has decimated populations Although quotas have been reduced in recent years serious concerns remain as they may not be enough Nothing is known about roughy recruitment and there is a mismatch between model projections and catch information Most populations are now below 20 of their original unfished size with one reduced to just 3 As well as stock concerns orange roughy is caught by bottom trawling which destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It effectively bulldozes the sea floor demolishing black corals lace corals coral trees colourful sponge fields and long-lived bryozoans some aged at over 500 years old Deepwater sharks and other non-target fish species are also caught which alters marine food web dynamics As a prey species for sperm whales and giant squid orange roughy depletion has a direct impact on these deepwater species Some orange roughy fisheries have also caught seabirds and marine mammals Economic value Orange Roughy is one of the most valuable export fish species worth $57 million in 20086 Previously this was $200 million Most is exported to the USA and Australia with some to the UK where it is reportedly used by some fast food chains as fish fillet burgers Orange roughy is also sold in New Zealand for example as frozen fish fillets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution The main spawning grounds around New Zealand are the Challenger Plateau Cook Canyon Puysegur Bank North Chatham Rise Ritchie Bank and East Cape at depths of between 700 metres and at least 1500 metres Most are caught on the Chatham Rise where the underwater terrain is rugged and consists of hill pinnacle and canyon seascapes Maximum age (years) 120-130 Age at sexual maturity 23-315 years Growth rate Very slow Reproductive output Low Females carry 40000 to 60000 eggs per kilogram of body weight which is less than 10 of the average for other fish species Age exploited From about 20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Most stocks are below 20 of their unfished population size (B0) The Challenger population is down to 3 B0 Annual catch limit Set at 13612 tonnes in 2007-08 with areas ORH7A and 7B closed Recorded catch Reported landings of 13110 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 54000 tonnes in 1988-89 Stock trends Long-term decline MSY Status Most stocks are depleted well below BMSY and with minimal chance of recovery in the near future Uncertain status for both Southern ORH 3B and exploratory ORH 1 Rebuilding of stocks indicated in models is not supported by catch rate information (eg ORH3B and ORH7B) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For ORH 1 ldquoAn assessment of the Mercury-Colville box in 2001 indicated that biomass had been reduced to 10-15 B0 (compared to an assumed BMSY of 30 B0)hellip In other areas of ORH 1 the
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 62
status of the constituent stocks is unknownhellip without any indication of current abundance there is no way to determine if this level of fishing is in fact sustainable or if current feature limits will avoid overexploitation of localised areasrdquo For ORH 3B NW and South Chatham Rise ndash ldquohellipthe 2006 biomass was estimated to be below BMSY at 11 (8-16) B0 and recent exploitation rates were estimated to be about four times that under a CAY policyhellip the probability that the stock would rebuild to 30 B0 or even 20 B0 within 5 years was close to zerordquo NE Chatham Rise ndash ldquoNo quantitative stock assessment model B2008 was estimated to be 13-30 B0 Likely to be below the Management Target [30]rdquo Puysegur ndash ldquothe point estimate of biomass from this assessment [1998] is probably below BMSY [7] but it is uncertainrdquo Other areas ndash ldquoThe status of orange roughy in these areas is unknown It is also not known whether recent catch levels or the current catch limit are sustainable or whether they will allow the stock(s) to move towards BMSYrdquo ORH2A 2B and 3A East Cape ndash the 2003 assessment indicated that the stock was then about 24B0 [It] suggests that the current catch limit should allow the stock to rebuildrdquo East Coast North Island - ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available[but] biomass was likely to have reached a minimum in the mid 1990s [less than 20B0] [Currently] the stock was likely to be increasing under recent catch levels but was unable to determine whether the current TACC would result in a continued rebuild of the stockrdquo West Coast (ORH7B) ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available The current stock size is most likely below BMSY as catch rates have not increased over the last 5 years despite a large reduction in annual removals from the stockrdquo Challenger (ORH7A) ldquoThe 2000 assessment of this stock indicates that it is currently about one tenth of BMSY (range 7 to 14 of BMSY and 3 of B0rdquo (MFish 2009 p486 498-499 521-524 530 534-535) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling between 750 and 1200m Habitat Damage Bottom trawling destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It decimates black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Includes coral trees sponges and gorgonians which have been aged at over 500 years old A range of non-target fish species are also caught including deepwater dory or oreo Baxter‟s dogfish and basket-work eels There is a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds in some fisheries Ecological effects In addition to the ecological effects of habitat damage Orange Roughy is a prey species of sperm whale and giant squid so the commercial catch also reduces the amount of available food for species further up deep sea food chains Fishing for Orange Roughy and oreos also removes a large proportion of deep sea benthic biomass significantly altering these unique communities Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments have been carried out for most areas apart from exploratory ORH 1 and Southern ORH 3B Latest assessments at ORH1 (Mercury-Colville) 2001 East Cape 2003 East Coast North Island 2005 NW Chatham Rise 2006 East and South Chatham Rise 2009 review of previous assessments Puysegur 1998 Challenger 2000 West Coast South Island 2007 References Clark M (2001) Are deepwater fisheries sustainable ndash the example of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in New Zealand Fisheries research 51123-135 Clark MR Anderson OF Francis RICC Tracey OM (2000) The effects of commercial exploitation on Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) from the continental slope of the Chatham Rise NZ from 1979 to 1997 Fisheries Research 45217-238 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 63
Oreo
Scientific name Allocyttus niger (black oreo) Neocyttus
rhomboidalis (spiky oreo) Pseudocyttus maculatus (smooth oreo)
Other names NZ dory black dory smooth dory spotted oreo brown oreo NZ smooth dory deepwater dory deepsea dory (Australia) teifsee-petersfisch (Germany) peterfisch (Switzerland) dore austral (France Switzerland)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Oreos are deepwater fish that are long-lived (up to 150 years) and slow growing making them highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing There are three species in New Zealand but they are all managed as one quota management species They are predominantly found in deep waters off the east and south of the South Island and off the Chatham Islands Jointly with snapper mako shark and southern bluefin tuna oreos have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of the three oreo species as one a declining stock trend uncertainty over stock boundaries lack of stock assessments in some areas unknown sustainability of catch limits and lack of a management plan Attempts to improve research in the oreo fishery have been hampered by the seafood industry challenging and preventing the Ministry of Fisheries from commissioning research surveys Also of great concern is the destructive impact of deep sea trawling on seamount habitats and high levels of non target fish bycatch There is also a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds Economic value Key markets are the USA Australia Germany and Switzerland with smooth oreo being the main market species Exports were worth $747 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Oreos occur around the south of New Zealand at depths of 600m to over 1000m Black Spiky Smooth Maximum age (years) 153 100+ 86 Age at sexual maturity 27 Unknown 31 Growth rate Slow Slow Slow Reproductive output Low-medium Low Low-medium Age exploited 27 Unknown 21 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Estimates are uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 18600 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16979 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 26514 tonnes in 1981-82 and 21755 in 1996-97 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown for all areas except OEO 3A (black and smooth) OEO 4 (smooth) southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) Estimates are uncertain and there are conflicts between sub-areas (OEO3A) declines in CPUE inconsistent with stock sizes and unsustainable catches in Southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states OEO 3A Black oreos ndash ldquoModel biomass levels are uncertainrdquo The ldquototal mature biomass for 2002-2003 was estimated to be 52 of initial biomass (B0) [but] is not equal across the three sub-areas with area 2 and 3 being 29 and 7 of their respective mature equilibrium virgin biomass levels [There is] a 0 probability that [vulnerable biomass] would be greater than 27 B0 (BMSY)rdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquoTotal mature biomass for 2008-09 was estimated to be 36 of the initial biomass (B0) The projections showed that biomass should increase at catch levels of 1400 t over the next 5 yearsrdquo OEO 4 Black oreos ndash ldquoThe 2009 stock assessment of OEO 4 black oreo was considered unreliablerdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquothe mid-year mature biomass in 2007-08 was 57 of mature B0 [But] there are considerable uncertainties associated with this assessment [as a]
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 64
substantial proportions of the abundance in each acoustic survey are attributed to layer marks which are generally not fished [and] standardised CPUE in the larger east fishery has declined in recent yearsrdquo OEO13A Southland Smooth oreo ndash The [2004] ldquobiomass estimates are uncertain [but] the analysis suggested that the mature virgin biomass was probably small less than 21000t and the stock is unlikely to be able to support a large fisheryrdquo OEO6 Pukaki Rise Smooth Oreo - ldquolarge stock sizes were unlikely Particularly because the standardised CPUE has declined rapidly under catch levels that have been small relative to other smooth oreo fisheries[and] median long term yield of about 550t which is lower than the current catch of 1300t Black oreos - These biomass estimates are uncertainhellip The basecase results suggesthellip the stock is currently estimated to be at 44 B0 but with high uncertainty (19-80 B0) Projections suggest that mature biomass is as likely as not to fall below 20 B0 within the next five years if catches are maintained at the 2007-08 level OEO6 Bounty Plateau Smooth Oreo ndash ldquoBiomass estimates are uncertain hellipthe basecase model [estimated] current mature biomass was estimated to be 33 of a virgin biomass For black oreo and smooth oreo in other parts of OEO1 - ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p563-564 576 588-589) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Deepwater trawling mainly on the south Chatham Rise eastern Southland and Sub-Antarctic Plateau Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates seabed habitats and fragile seamount species assemblages Bycatch A range of non-target species are caught including deepwater sharks such as seal shark Baxter‟s dogfish and shovel-nosed dogfish Deepwater invertebrates such as soft corals tall sponges bryozoans gorgonian corals and other corals are also caught some of which have been aged at over 500 years There is also a bycatch of seabirds and marine mammals Ecological effects Combined with the ecological effects of the closely associated orange roughy the oreo fishery is responsible for considerable damage to seamounts other special deepwater habitats and associated communities Management and management unit (score B and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Three different species managed together as one when they should be managed independently Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in OEO 3A (Black and Smooth) in 2009 OEO4 (Black -2009 and Smooth 2007) OEO1 Southland (Smooth 2004) OEO 6 -Pukaki Rise (Black 2009 and Smooth 2006) Bounty Plateau (Smooth 2008) only References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 65
Oysters
Scientific name Tiostrea chilensis
Other names tio tio para tio repe tio parupaur (Maori) Dredge oyster Bluff oyster Foveaux Strait oyster Stewart Island Oyster Nelson oyster flat oyster
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Wild caught oysters or dredge oysters are endemic to New Zealand and are found in coastal waters often in dense communities The fishery is seasonal (open from March to August) with the main commercial fishery operating in Foveaux Strait A small catch is also taken when harvesting scallops in Tasman and Golden bays and a new fishery has started in Clifford and Cloudy Bays Ecological concerns Wild oysters are collected by dredging ndash a highly destructive fishing method that digs into the seafloor destroying seafloor communities in it‟s path The use of heavy box dredgers is especially damaging Dredging creates considerable sedimentation which smothers seabed communities in the areas where the fishery operates In much of the Foveaux Strait dredging has removed bryozoan reef communities which has exposed some previously sheltered marine life to storm and tide action Some oyster beds have not recovered from dredging even after 50 years The oyster fishery also catches a range of non-target species and has impacts on a number of fish populations especially blue cod stocks In Tasman Bay and Golden Bay oysters have declined to low population levels and the fishery has been associated with a decline in fish stocks The lack of a management plan and inadequate consideration of the impact of dredging in new areas (eg Clifford and Cloudy Bay) is also of concern The presence of a disease in Foveaux Strait oysters in recent years which has killed over 60 of the population has made it difficult to estimate the current status of the population there Economic value Foveaux Strait oysters are sold in New Zealand while some NelsonMarlborough oysters are exported (up to a value of $10 million per year) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 36+ Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 4-8 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size In 2006 the recruited stock size in Foveaux Strait was estimated at about 28 B0 which is up from 10 in 1992 The biomass in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay continues to decline and is now at 32 of 1998 levels with only 3 of 1998 levels in Golden Bay Annual catch limit Set at 2094 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 826 tonnes in 2007-08 from Foveaux Strait Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Foveaux Strait current catches are less than 10 of catches in the 1980s Stock trends Uncertain in Foveaux Strait with biomass projected to be decreasing or slowly increasing depending on level of Bonamia infection Trends are also uncertain in Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Tasman and Golden bays the stock has decreased MSY Status The Golden Bay population is well below BMSY and other stocks are either below target levels or uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Foveaux Strait ldquoDepending on the level of assumed [Bonamia] disease mortality the 2009 stock assessment shows the median projected status in 2012 ranges from 30 more than the current level (with nil disease mortality) to 23 below the current level (assuming disease mortality of 02 y-1) For the current estimates of disease mortality the model trajectories show the population size to remain about the same for a year and then continued but slow rebuilding of the fishery The decreased rate of projected rebuilding is due to relatively low numbers of pre-recruits and small oyster available to recruit to fishery in the short termrdquo For TasmanGolden Bays ldquoStock projections are unavailable Catches at the level of the TACC are also likely to cause the stock to drop below the Hard Limit [10B0] in the near termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 66
For Marlborough stocks ldquoQuantitative stock projections are unavailable Stocks are likely to be close to virgin biomass (B0) because the area has been commercially fished for only two seasons at the increased TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p 184-185 192-194 200-201) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Bottom dredging with a heavy metal dredger Habitat damage Dredging in effect bulldozes the sea floor causing extensive habitat destruction including the loss of bryozoan reefs from large areas of Foveaux Strait Bryozoan reefs are not only important habitat types for species diversity they are also important settlement areas for oysters and important for other commercial species (eg blue cod) Bycatch Dredging collects everything that is large enough to be retained by the mesh In an experiment bottom dredging killed 19ndash36 of small oysters (Cranfield et al 1999) Ecological effects Dredging causes considerable ecological damage both directly to seafloor communities and indirectly by increasing sedimentation and smothering and by altering food web dynamics A disease (Bonamia) has repeatedly infected oysters in the Foveaux Strait fishery in recent years causing large-scale mortality This is likely to have been exacerbated by the impacts of dredging which has highly modified the seabed and stressed oysters In areas where dredging stopped blue cod and dredge oyster numbers increased and seafloor habitats have started to regenerate (Cranfield et al 2001) Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1996 for NelsonMarlborough and 1998 for Foveaux Strait Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on 2008 survey in Foveaux Strait and 2008 in Nelson-Marlborough and 2007 survey in Marlborough References Cranfield H J Michael K P and Doonan I J 1999 Changes in the distribution of epifaunal reefs and oysters during 130 years of dredging for oysters in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 9 461-483 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 2007 The New Zealand Seafood Industry council Ltd Ministry of Fisheries 2004 H J Cranfield G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 67
Pacific bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus orientalis
Other names Bluefin Northern bluefin tuna (Australia) thon rouge de sud (Canada France) minamimaguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pacific bluefin tuna is a very large highly migratory species that can move thousands of kilometres in a year It was previously known as Northern bluefin tuna in the Pacific but the northern bluefin is actually a different species (T thynnus) that grows much bigger and is a rare visitor to New Zealand Pacific bluefin tuna are occasionally caught in New Zealand in association with southern bluefin tuna (T maccoyii) in longline fisheries off the West Coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty
Ecological concerns Limited research uncertainty about stock assessments and the state of stocks (including the potential that they are overfished) unclear international management across different Pacific tuna management agreements and the lack of a management plan The bycatch of seabirds a range of shark species and NZ fur seals is also of concern as is the removal of this important predatory species from oceanic food webs
Economic value Pacific bluefin tuna are sold in Japan USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Pacific bluefin tuna are caught on the west coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 3+
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - North and Central Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 116 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 13 tonnes in 2007-08 compared to 9000 tonnes taken in the North Pacific Stock trends Uncertain but past decline in the size of the spawning population MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not availablehellip Given the conclusions of the May-June 2008 stock assessment with regard to the current level of [fishing mortality] (F) relative to potential target and limit reference points and residual uncertainties associated with key model parameters it is important that the current level of [fishing mortality] is not increasedrdquo (MFish 2008 p59)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining on the West Coast of the South Island and around Northland and Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment An assessment by the International Scientific Committee for tuna and tuna-like species (ISC) in 2008 References The distribution of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the south east Pacific Ocean with emphasis on New Zealand waters T Murray NIWA Aug 2005 NZFAR 200542 Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 68
Packhorse lobster
Scientific name Sagmariasus verreauxi
Other names koura papatia pawharu (Maori) packhorse crayfish crayfish green rock lobster Eastern rock lobster (Australia US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Found in the north and east of the North Island Packhorse rock lobster live around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m They are larger and have a slightly greener colour than rock lobster (crayfish) and are mainly caught in the far north waters of New Zealand Ecological concerns Concerns include the lack of basic biological data about the species the absence of any stock assessment or directed research on this species the unknown causes of the decline in reported catch since 1998-99 the apparent decline within diving depth and the lack of a management plan Catching packhorse lobster with cray pots may have impacts on some sensitive seabed habitats Economic value The market for Packhorse lobster includes Japan Best option Whilst assessed as a species of concern Packhorse lobster is one of the better seafood choices in 2009 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found mainly in the north of the North Island Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 403 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings are usually less than 25 tonnes each season but was 34 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but abundance has declined at diving depths MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoThe status of this stock is unknownrdquo (MFish 2008 p94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species such as soft corals Bycatch Minimal but some octopus and shag species may be caught Ecological effects Unknown Packhorse lobster are important generalist predators of a range of species including kina so their depletion from an area may cause wider ecological impacts Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment and no proposed future research References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand commercial fisheries The atlas of area codes and TACCs 20082009 Clement and Associates Limited Nelson (2008)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 69
Paddle crab
Scientific name Ovalipes catharus
Other names paumlpaka (Maori) swimming crab south pacific crab NZ sea crab eacutetrille (France) Gazami menagazami (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paddle crabs are found around New Zealand and southern Australia where it is widely distributed in sandy shallow waters In New Zealand they are mainly caught off the east coast of the North Island from the eastern Bay of Plenty northwards Ecological concerns There is limited research on paddle crabs resulting in the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels uncertainty over stock status and basic biological information There is also no management plan and some concern about habitat damage caused by the fishing methods particularly when caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Economic value Paddle crabs are sold in New Zealand and Japan Best option Paddle crabs caught using cray pots Avoid crabs caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely distributed around New Zealand on sandy seabeds in shallow waters Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output High (uncertain) Age exploited 3-4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 765 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Total landings of 168 tonnes reported in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states For all QMAs [quota management areas] ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Landings have fluctuated significantly in most QMAs mainly due to market variations Paddle crabs are abundant throughout most of their range and the fishery is probably only lightly exploitedrdquo (MFish 2009 p602) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Baited traps and pots but also caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Habitat damage Low for trapping and potting except in sensitive habitats Trawling and particularly dredging can have significant habitat impacts altering seafloor communities Bycatch Minor for baited traps or pots apart from some octopus and hagfish Trawling however catches a range of seabed dwellers and fish species that live on or close to the seafloor Ecological effects Paddle crabs are a food source for other marine species such as octopus Their depletion may alter food web dynamics and any damage caused to seafloor habitats may impact associated communities Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 70
Pale ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus bemisi
Other names Chimaera ratfish pearl
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description As with the dark ghost shark this species is a slow growing deepwater shark that is found throughout New Zealand‟s offshore waters It has soft skin that is easily damaged It is caught almost entirely as a bycatch of other target trawl fisheries operating around the Chatham Rise and in southern waters most notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Ecological concerns There is a lack of some basic biological data on pale ghost sharks little directed research and no quantitative stock assessment (resulting in unknown sustainability of current catch limits) Also of concern is the possible dumping of catches in past years Habitat damage is caused by trawling and as a bycatch species of other fisheries it is associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for pale ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Ghost sharks are exported to Australia with the shark fins being exported to Asia at a value of around $2 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly on the Chatham Rise and SouthlandSub-Antarctic at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Low Reproductive output Likely to be low Age exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 1780 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 818 tonnes in 2007-08 ndash it is likely that ghost sharks have been dumped and not reported in past years Stock trends Uncertain Chatham Rise trawl survey indicates a decline of 80 between 1984 and 1994 (Clark et al 2000) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available for pale ghost shark For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [Maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p296) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Habitat damage Trawling especially bottom trawling for hoki which bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges long-lived bryozoans and other associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch species pale ghost shark associated with the capture of a range of other species including seabirds fur seals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target catch (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 71
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any area and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 72
Paua
Scientific name Haliotis iris (black-footed paua) and Haliotis australis (yellow-footed paua)
Other names kararuri hihiwa karahiwa karariwha koeo korohiwa kororiwha marariwha marari hauwai inaka wharangi (Maori) abalone black-foot paua (H iris) yellow-foot paua queen paua (H australis)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paua is a large sea-snail that lives in shallow coastal waters usually in large groups on rocky reefs and feeds of algae There are two species in New Zealand (black-footed and yellow-footed paua) but it is black-footed paua that is most abundant with virtually the entire commercial fishery targeting it Paua is taken by hand mainly by commercial fishers The attractive shell also has some commercial value Most wild paua are taken from the South Island Chatham Islands Stewart Island and the southern coast of the North Island Ecological concerns The depleted state and unsustainable current catch levels in a number of areas for example declining stocks around Stewart Island (area 5B) and parts of Southland (area 5A) the potential for serial depletion and small-scale recruitment failure and the lack of a management plan As paua is a highly sought after resource a black market for paua has led to widespread illegal harvesting Paua is an important algal grazer within marine ecosystems so depletion raises wider ecological concerns Economic value 80 is exported to the western Pacific Rim including Singapore Hong Kong and Australia Total exports were worth $46 million in 2008 Best option Make sure you only buy paua from a reputable retailer to avoid eating illegal caught fish Paua caught off the West Coast of the South Island are currently the most sustainable ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Paua is found around the whole coastline Most of the commercial catch is from the Wairarapa coast southwards with most of the catch from waters around the South Island Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 4-6 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow but variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Size exploited Minimum shell length of 125mm for black-footed paua and 80mm for the smaller species yellow-footed paua Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Paua populations around Stewart Island (area 5B) the Otago coast (area 5D) and the top of the South Island (area 7) are below the reference biomass levels Population size is unknown or uncertain in other areas Annual catch limit Set at 105850 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported catch was 104569 tonnes in 2007-08 (There is thought to be considerable (up to 1000 tonnes) illegal and non-reported paua harvesting) Stock trends Probably rebuilding in area 7 declining or unknown in all other areas MSY Status Declining or slowly rebuilding The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states PAU4 ldquothe results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable but with considerable uncertainty [and] require this assessment to be treated with great cautionrdquo PAU5A At face value these results suggest that the current TACC and recent catches are not sustainable However the results suggest that catches at current levels within Dusky Chalky and South coast areas will result in further depletion within these areasrdquo PAU 5B ldquoThe assessment suggests that both spawning and recruited biomass are below the target levels[Future projections of] recruited biomass shows a tendency to decreaserdquo PAU5D ldquoThe stock assessment results were equivocalhellipthe future direction of recruited biomass was uncertainhellipIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] is sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 73
PAU 7 ldquoThe assessment shows a depleted stock Assessment results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable and the stock is likely to increase over three years The list of cautions discussed above under ldquoother factorsrdquo should be read in conjunction with this statement Potential problems with the model are likely to cause model results to be optimisticrdquo PAU 2 and 3 ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass for PAU 2 and 3 ldquo For PAU6 ldquoThe current TACC of 1 tonne is sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 611 622 633-634 644 657-658 and 670) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score A and A) Fishing method Paua is collected by hand by free divers using a knife Underwater breathing apparatus is not allowed Habitat damage Minimal Other marine species may be damaged when paua are cut from rocks Ecological effects Removal of this important algal grazer from sub-tidal communities may alter algal community structure and modify food web dynamics However impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one However most commercial fisheries target one species only Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in PAU 4 (2004) 5A (2006) 5B (2007) 5D (2006) and 7 (2008) Uncertainties in models are likely to cause the model results to be optimistic The assessments do not estimate unfished stock size (B0) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 74
Pilchard
Scientific name Sardinops sagax
Other names mohimohi (Maori) sardine pillie Australian sardine (Australia) maiwashi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Only recently identified as a separate species the NZ pilchard is a small (up to 25cm) short-lived but relatively fast growing fish found in mid to surface coastal waters It is widely distributed around New Zealand but found in heavy concentrations in sheltered bays such as the Hauraki Gulf and Tasman Bay sometimes in mixed schools with sprat and anchovy Pilchards are mainly targeted throughout the year by purse seiners but also beach seine and lampara nets In 1995 some populations were severely impacted by a natural mass mortality thought to have been caused by a virus Jointly with anchovy and sprats pilchard has the highest ecological ranking of any New Zealand commercial fishery and is therefore one of the best fish choices Ecological concerns There is an absence of research on pilchards and the lack of a stock assessment meaning that the sustainability of the current catch levels is unknown There is also no management plan and concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species seabirds and some marine mammals Economic value Exports of $140000 to Asia with some locally available pilchards in New Zealand Best option Try to choose pilchards caught by purse seine rather than beach seine as this fishing method is a more selective and does not contact the seafloor ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Widespread in inshore waters around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 9 Age at sexual maturity 2 years Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A catch limit was introduced at 2485 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 716 tonnes in 2007-08 less than half the previous year‟s landings Stock trends Annual landings have fluctuated from between 25 tonnes to 1491 tonnes in the last 16 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches from northeast North Island and the TACC for PIL1 [northern North Island] are higher than the 660t MCY [maximum current yield] estimate However the MCY estimate is considered unreliable It is not known if the current catches or TACCs are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p675) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse seine but also beach seine and lampara nets Habitat damage Low impact from fishing methods especially when caught by purse seine Bycatch Sometimes catches other pelagic fish such as anchovy jack mackerel (in north) and sprats (in south) Ecological effects Reducing the pilchard population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other marine life including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals This disruption to food webs has occurred in similar fisheries overseas Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 75
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and no current directed research References Pilchard biology and fisheries in New Zealand and a review of pilchard biology fisheries and research in the main world fisheries LJ Paul et al NZ Fisheries Assessment report 200137 NIWA July 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 76
Porbeagle shark
Scientific name Lamna nasus
Other names Porbeagle porpoise shark
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pobeagle sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to mako sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species Porbeagle sharks are highly migratory and are mainly caught as bycatch in a range of tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main Islands They are also caught as bycatch in some mid-water and bottom trawl fisheries Most of the porbeagle sharks landed (around 85) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Jointly with orange roughy porbeagle shark has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide
Ecological concerns there is limited research on porbeagle sharks and no stock assessment As a result there is uncertainty about the state of the stocks and the sustainability of catch limits The fisheries associated with the porbeagle shark catches also catch other sharks seabirds and fur seals When caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries seafloor habitats are also damaged Whilst there is no management plan for porbeagle sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for porbeagle sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning porbeagles and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful
Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Porbeagle sharks are a widespread oceanic species found around most of New Zealand Maximum age (years) 65 Age at sexual maturity Males mature at 8-11 years and females at 15-18 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 1
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 215 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in nearly 10 years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Unknown but numerous trends a bdquocause for concern‟ Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield However declining catches over a period when effort has increased rapidly low CPUE in recent years combined with the low productivity of the species and a history of fishery collapses in the North Atlantic are all cause for concernrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p64)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method longlining around the North Island and bottom trawling Habitat damage Low for longlining but high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline and trawl fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline and trawl fishery
Management and management unit (score E and D) Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment Management plan No Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 77
Queen scallops
Scientific name Chlamys delicatula
Other names tipa (Maori) southern queen NZ gem scallop NZ gem shellfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the smaller of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found mainly in southern waters from South Canterbury and Stewart Island to the Sub-Antarctic Islands As with the more common scallops (Pecten novaezealandiae) they are found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats Queen scallops are a deeper species found in waters up to 400m They are harvested by dredging Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including invertebrates and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Also of concern is the absence of directed research unknown sustainability of current catch levels absence of population size or yield estimates and the lack of a management plan Economic value The market for queen scallops includes New Zealand and Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution From South Canterbury to Stewart Island and around offshore islands from the Snares to as far south as Macquarie Island Australia Maximum age (years) 10+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output High Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 380 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 95 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown and there are no yield estimates MSY Status Depleted in some areas uncertain in others The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoA relative biomass estimate for the areas fished within QSC 3 is available from a 2004 survey [But] this survey was not standardized and there are no previous estimates for relative biomass to provide comparisonrdquo (MFish 2009 p698) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Dredging Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of fragile invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 in FMA 3 and 5 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments A non-standardised relative biomass is available from a 2004 survey References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 78
Red cod
Scientific name Pseudophycis bachus
Other names hoka (Maori) NZ cod moride rouge julienette (Can France) akadara benidara (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This fast growing but short-lived species is found throughout New Zealand but is more common in southern waters at depths of 100 to 300m They are mainly targeted by trawlers at depths of 30-200m in the Canterbury Bight and off Westland but are also caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries off the south of the South Island Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to deepwater seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of directed research on red cod the unknown or uncertain sustainability of current catch limits and the lack of updated assessments and a red cod management plan Economic value Red cod is sold in New Zealand and is exported to Australia Canada Japan and United States with a value of over $9 million in 2008 Best option Red cod that are caught in areas other than the east coast South Island trawl fishery and fish that are not caught by bottom trawling ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand in shallow coastal water to waters over 700m depth They are most common in around the South Island at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 7 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown ndash variable with good recruitment in colder El Nino climatic conditions Annual catch limit Set at 8270 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6457 tonnes in 2003-04 the second lowest catch in 6 years Stock trends Unknown as stock size undergoes high natural variability East Coast South Island (RCO3) biomass index was at its lowest recorded level West Coast South Island (RCO7) index was around its highest level but with high uncertainty For both RCO3 and RCO7 ldquothere is a strong correlation between recruitment and environmental variables with a periodic 14 month time lagrdquo However its predictive power of the environment-abundance model was more accurate for RCO7 (MFish 2007 p712-713) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states RCO 1 and RCO 2 ldquoit is not known if the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and recent catch levels are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo RCO3 hellip ldquoa constant catch at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be attainable or sustainable in most years Catches and the winter East Coast South Island survey biomass index in 2006ndash07 were at their lowest recorded levels These low catch and biomass estimates are likely a function of a depressed population rather than from recruitment failurerdquo hellip RCO7 ldquoRecent quantitative stock projections are unavailable and the previous assessment is too outdated to be informative for such a short lived species The 2009 survey biomass estimate is the highest in the series but it also has the highest CVrdquo (MFish 2009 p700-711) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling mainly bottom trawling
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 79
Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater marine communities and species Bycatch Inshore trawling for red cod poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where red cod fishing continues to overlap with dolphin areas outside these closures Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity and abundance Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for RCO 3 and 7 in 1999 but nothing for other areas These assessments are too old to be accepted No current directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 80
Red gurnard
Scientific name Chelidonichthys kumu
Other names kumukumu puuwhaiau (Maori) gurnard latchet (Asia) grondin rouge (France) houbou (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This distinctive fish is widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds It is a major bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries for red cod flatfish and jack mackerel and is directly targeted in some areas including by longline and set net Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the associated red cod east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of recent directed research on red gurnard and lack of current stock assessments the inclusion of several stocks in one quota management area and the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of about $1 million mainly to Japan Best option Red gurnard caught by longline or by trawling in areas where there is minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east coast North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds to a depth of 150m Maximum age (years) 16 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for all stocks Annual catch limit Set at 4993 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3344 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest in eight years Stock trends Unknown for most areas GUR3 likely to have increased since the mid-1990s Catches are well below the limits except GUR3 MSY Status Unknown apart from estimates for GUR 1 - in 1999 status was at 80B0 for GUR1W and 59 B0 for GUR1E The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference absolute biomass are not available for any gurnard stock The current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] were based on a period of highest ever catches and these levels have not been reached in recent yearsrdquo GUR1 Stable or increasing CPUE trends in conjunction with a 20 year period of reasonably constant annual landings suggest that recent catches in GUR 1 are sustainable As annual landings have remained at or a little over half the 2287t TACC it is not known whether the TACC is sustainablerdquo GUR2 CPUE analyses suggest that GUR2 abundance remained fairly stable between 198990 and 200405 Reported landings were also reasonably stable during this period These results suggest that catches in this time period and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-term GUR3 ldquoRecent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo [Stock was] ldquoat apparent low levels in the mid-1990s Stock size appears to have increased substantially since thenhellip Two independent CPUE series and the trawl survey corroborate that stock size for GUR 3 has increased since the late 1990‟srdquo GUR 7 ldquoThe West Coast South Island trawl survey relative biomass index declined from 1995 to 2000 and has increased steadily from 2003 to the highest level in the series in 2009 the 2009 estimate is preliminary Recent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 81
GUR 8 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainableldquo (MFish 2009 p730-734) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly trawling but also longline and set net Habitat damage Trawling for red gurnard uses bottom trawl gear which damages seafloor habitats and communities Bycatch Trawling and set netting for gurnard poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins particularly in the east coast South Island trawl fishery where they have been killed Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However fishing in areas outside these colures still poses some risk of catching the dolphins Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The only quantitative stock assessment is in QMA 1 in 1999 This assessment is too old to be accepted by the MFish stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 82
Red snapper
Scientific name Centroberyx affinis
Other names kaorea (Maori) golden snapper red fish (Australia and US)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Red snapper is a schooling fish related to alfonsino found around the coast of northern New Zealand from depths of 10 to 400m It is mostly caught as a bycatch in the longline fishery for snapper (an unrelated species despite the name) off the East Coast of Northland in the tarakihi trawl fishery around Northland It is also caught in the set net fishery for snapper and trevally in the Bay of Plenty Ecological concerns Little is known about the biology of red snapper and there is considerable uncertainty about whether separate stocks exist stock boundaries and the state of the stocks due to the lack of a stock assessment Also of concern is the bycatch of sharks and seabirds in longline fisheries impacts on seabed ecology from trawling non target fish bycatch and the lack of a management plan Economic value Red snapper are mainly sold on the domestic market ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Red snapper are widespread around the coast northern of New Zealand and are found at depths of 10 to 400m Thy are caught mainly around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 40 Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown There is also no research to determine if there are separate biological stocks Annual catch limit Set at 145 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 87 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest catch in five years but well below the peak catch of 211 tonnes Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe reference or current biomass is not known for any red snapper stock It is not known if the recent catch levels are sustainable The status of RSN 1 2 and 10 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p738) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method longline fishery off the East Coast of Northland trawl fishery around Northland and set net fishery in the Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low for longline and set net fisheries high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery and a variety of non-target fish are caught by trawl and set net fisheries Ecological effects Wasteful removal of non-target species from the marine ecosystem and damage to bottom dwelling species and habitats caused by trawling Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 83
Ribaldo
Scientific name Mora moro
Other names Deepsea cod googly-eyed cod white cod mora
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deep-sea relative of red cod occurs around New Zealand and southern Australia at depths of 200 to 1300m It is most common between 500m and 1000m and is caught on bottom longlines and as a bycatch of deepwater trawling and longlining In recent years most of the catch comes from longlining for ling but historically from the late 1970s to 1990 it was a bycatch from target trawling for hoki orange roughy and ling Ecological concerns The bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery the bycatch of NZ fur seals and seabirds associated with trawl caught ribald and the impact of bottom trawling on seabed communities Also of concern is the absence of directed research and a quantitative stock assessment the lack of basic biological information on ribaldo the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the commercial catch limit plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Ribaldo are sold in New Zealand and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand and is moderately common around the South Island at depths of 200ndash1300m It is most common between 500ndash1000m Maximum age (years) 60+ Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1282 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 992 tonnes for 2007-08 which was the lowest in 14 years Stock trends Unknown - total reported landings have increased since 1982-83 but are now half the peak catch of 1996-97 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainable in the long term or whether catches at the level of the current TACCs will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p743) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Trawl and longline ndash most catch since 1990 is bycatch from ling longlining Habitat damage Minimal impact from longlining When caught by bottom trawl deepwater habitats and associated communities are damaged Bycatch Same bycatch as in the ling longline fishery - vulnerable seabirds and deepwater shark species (See ling for more information on bycatch species associated with ribaldo catches) When caught in the orange roughy and hoki fisheries a wider range of species are caught as bycatch including NZ fur seals and seafloor invertebrates Ecological effects As a bycatch species in the ling fishery this fish is associated with impacts on vulnerable seabird species and removal of a range of non-target fish from marine food webs When caught by trawling it is associated with significant alterations to deepwater ecosystem and species diversity Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 84
Rig Lemonfish
Scientific name Mustelus lenticulatus
Other names Pioke Makoo (Maori) Lemonfish spotted dogfish smoothhound spotted estuary smooth-hound gummy shark hoshizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small species of shark is a popular ldquofish and chiprdquo fish which has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species Rig is found around New Zealand usually in waters no more than 200m deep It is caught in very long bottom set nets and in trawl nets with a proportion also caught as bycatch in other targeted trawl fisheries Ecological concerns The rig fishery is notorious for posing a significant threat to globally threatened Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins where they have been caught and killed in nets (especially set nets) Set nets and inshore trawling are also responsible for the bycatch of other dolphins fur seals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns with the rig fishery include the limited research on it the lack of quantitative stock assessments unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits (with declines in some stocks) and the lack of a comprehensive management plan There are also concerns about seabed damage caused by trawling Economic value Rig is sold in New Zealand and Australia with exports of about $25 m ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common in coastal waters especially shallow bays around New Zealand with adults out to 200m Maximum age (years) 20 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 5-8 Growth rate Moderately fast Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 1919 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1313 tonnes in 2007-08 are the second lowest in nearly 20 years and are well under half the annual landings reported in the early 1980s which peaked at 3826 tonnes in 1983 Stock trends Uncertain but declines in catches in SPO 1 West (north west North Island) SPO7 (West coast and top of the South Island) and SPO 8 (south west North Island) The SPO 7 (Tasman BayGolden Bay) catch rates have declined by over 70 in the last 15 years while a decline of over 50 was recorded in the West Coast South Island trawl survey between 1995 and 2005 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available SPO 1 ldquoreported landings have consistently declined since 1991ndash92 Patterns in relative abundance suggest that recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short termhellip However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable SPO2 Apart from ldquoa sharp drop [in the set net index] in the final one or two years indices are stable and have been for 14 years the current TACC is thought to be sustainable However it is unknown whether the current catch which is on average (past 4 years) 23 over the TACC is sustainablerdquo For SPO 3 ldquoRecent catch levels are thought to be sustainable in the short-term but it is not known if the TACC is sustainable because catches have averaged about 13 below the TACC since 2000ndash01rdquo For SPO7 [I]n 2006 based on a stock assessment that SPO 7 was below BMSY and that neither current catches nor the TACC were sustainable Based on this assessment the TACC was reduced for 2006ndash07 to 221 trdquo SPO8 All recorded landings have been less than the TACC Recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short-term However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable (MFish 2009 p759-760)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 85
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and bottom set nets as well as bycatch in other trawl fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and associated communities Bycatch Globally threatened Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are caught in set net fisheries which also catch other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling also poses a risk to these endangered dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Juvenile rig are also caught in harbours Ecological effects Changes to species diversity and disruption of ecological systems Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment A preliminary assessment exists for SPO7 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 86
Rock lobster
Scientific name Jasus edwardsii
Other names koura matapara matapuku (Maori) crayfish red crayfish red rock lobster spiny rock lobster southern rock lobster (Australia US) langouste (France) ise-ebi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Rock lobster is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters living in and around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m Rock lobster are caught year round and the fishery is New Zealand‟s third largest seafood export earner In addition to an annual quota there are size restrictions in place to protect juveniles and egg carrying females Ecological concerns The depleted state of some stocks the Gisborne stock in particular which is half of the legally required population size and the unknown status of some other stocks While some stocks are recovering they are still well below original levels Also of concern is the increasing uncertainty of annual catch levels in the medium-term and the lack of a management plan Cray potting is a relatively harmless fishing method but it can have impacts on marine mammals seabirds and sensitive seabed habitats Economic value Over 90 is exported live to Asian markets (Japan Taiwan and Hong Kong) Exports were worth $127 million in 2006 Best option The best option is to buy rock lobster that have not been caught from the Gisborne area or from the southern South Island region ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Rock lobster is found along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand but is more abundant around the south of the South Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived (40+) Age at sexual maturity 3-12 Growth rate Thought to be slow growing Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 5-11 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Stocks are well below estimated 1950s population levels Several stocks have high exploitation rates which means they rely on few year classes and are susceptible to periods of low recruitment (possibly recruitment overfished) Annual catch limit Set at 27663 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2 9810tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends Variable ndash declines in northern and central New Zealand over the last 10 years but steady increases in southern South Island (CRA 7 and 8) over the last 10 years CRA 3 (Gisborne area) is estimated at half BMSY MSY Status Depleted stocks in most areas in particular CRA3 CRA 7 and 8 There is no reference to unfished stock size (B0) or sustainable yield (BMSY) in the assessments CRA 3 and 4 are below 30 of the 1950s stock size The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Northland (CRA1) ldquoThe 2002 model results suggest that hellip levels of catch appear to be sustainablehellip However the projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable much beyond two to three yearsrdquo Auckland-Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) ldquoThe 2002 model result suggested that 2001-02 stock abundance was higher than in the 1979ndash88 reference period The 2001-02 levels of catch hellipappeared to be sustainablehellip However in this stock the projections should be considered less reliable than for CRA 1 because the uncertainty of future recruitment has more short-term effect on projected biomassrdquo Gisborne (CRA 3) ldquoCurrent biomass was estimated to be roughly half BMSY suggested a depleted stock compared with the estimated Bmsy Current fishing mortality is approximately 27 higher than FMSY Projections made for five years with the 2007 levels of catchhellip produced a median 25 decrease in model biomassrdquo Wairarapa-Wellington (CRA 4) The 2005 model results suggest that stock abundance in 2005-06 was higher than the 1979-88 reference period 2006 levels of catch produced a median 6 reduction in model biomass over three years to a level that usually remained higher than the reference levels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 87
Marlborough-Canterbury (CRA5) ldquoThe 2003 model result suggest that 2002-03 vulnerable biomass is higher than in the 1979-88 reference periodhellip With the 2002-03 assumed levels of catch model projections at the end of the 5-year projection period showed a
median biomass smaller than the 2002 03 biomass but still well above the reference levels These projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable beyond two to three yearsrdquo Chatham Islands (CRA 6) stock assessment ldquohas not been updated since 1996 The status of the stock is uncertainrdquo CRA 7 and 8 The 2006 model results the ldquoCPUE was well above the target set for the rebuilt stock (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p92-94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species Long-lived slow growing soft corals are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped onto them in the deep waters of Fiordland Bycatch Globally threatened Chatham Island shags Hector‟s dolphins and sperm whales are known to drown when they get entangled on pot lines for instance near Kaikoura Ecological effects Rock lobster is a generalist predator so their depletion affects a range of species including kina Fishing in sensitive areas may also alter seafloor community composition and diversity Management and management unit (score B and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but since 1992 there has been very good management forums operating in different regions where the commercial and recreational fishers are working on the state of the fishery There is mixed success with some forums failing to protect stocks (eg Gisborne area) Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except CRA 9 with some assessments in other areas being 5 or more years old ndash CRA 1 and CRA 2 (2002) CRA 3 (2008) CRA 4 (2005) CRA 5 (2003) CRA 6 (1996) CRA 7 and 8 (2006) References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Sullivan (Comp) Science Group Ministry of Fisheries MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 88
Rubyfish
Scientific name Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Other names Rock salmon (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This very long-lived (90 years or more) slow growing fish is found from mid-to-deepwater where they school over the seafloor and off deepwater banks and reefs Normally a southern ocean species in New Zealand rubyfish prefer the warmer northern and central waters and are most common at depths of 200 to 400m Rubyfish are caught throughout the year mainly as bycatch in trawl fisheries for alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel There is also a developing target trawl fishery At least a third of recent annual catches were from targeted mid-water trawling fished close to the bottom Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information about rubyfish the absence of directed research the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and as a result the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also of concern is the recent decline in landings off the east coast of the North Island and the lack of a management plan Non-target fish bycatch (including marine mammals and seabirds) and trawl impact on seabed communities are also of concern Economic value Rubyfish are exported to Europe and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Rubyfish are found in the southern oceans from South Africa to Australasia Here they are found in sub-tropical waters around northern and central New Zealand at depths ranging from 50 to 800m but absent from the southern Chatham Rise and Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 90+ Age at sexual maturity 7 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 7 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 800 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 564 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available RBY1 In 2002hellipthe stock [was assessed as] lightly fished [and] it seems likely that the stock is above BMSY Based on the low catches through to 2004ndash05 - RBY 1 was likely to remain near the unexploited level at that time RBY2 Most of the current RBY catch comes from QMA 2 It is not known whether the level of recent commercial catches in this QMA is sustainable The status of RBY 2 relative to BMSY is unknown RBY others For most other areas it is not known if recent catches are sustainable The status of other RBY stocks relative to BMSY is unknown (MFish 2009 p772) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel) and targeted by mid-water trawling where the gear is usually fished close to the bottom Habitat damage Trawling on seamount features close to or on the seabed can cause significant damage to habitats and associated communities Bycatch As a bycatch species rubyfish are associated with a range of non-target fish including quota management system species (eg tarakihi silver warehou gemfish and ling) and the captures of seabirds and marine mammals (See alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel fisheries for associated bycatch) Ecological effects Disruption to marine webs by the removal of a wide range of fish species and destruction of deep water ecosystems and species when fishing occurs on or close to the seafloor
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 89
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 90
Scallops
Scientific name Pecten novaezealandiae
Other names kuakua pure tipai tupa (Maori) coquille saint-jacques de Nouvelle-Zealande (France) hotatega (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the larger and shallower distributed of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats of sheltered bays from the low tide mark down to about 50m water depth The main commercial fisheries are in the Nelson-Marlborough region with other fisheries off Northland Coromandel Peninsula and around the Chatham Islands They are harvested before they spawn by dredging The scallop dredge fishery in the Nelson-Marlborough region is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including fish and invertebrates It causes incidental damage to scallops (as much as 50 of those not caught) and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages including high biodiversity habitat (eg Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay) Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits variations in stock sizes depending on survey timing and fishing season plus the absence of a management plan Economic value Most are exported to France with an export value of over $23 million in 2008 down from $146 million in 2001 Coromandel scallops are sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution These scallops are an endemic species found all around New Zealand but especially in bays 10ndash50 m deep Maximum age (years) 6-7 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Relatively high but variable between areas and years and generally decreasing with depth Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 15-35 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Scallop populations sizes are naturally variable between areas and years Annual catch limit Annual catch limits are variable between areas and years with a minimum TACC set for Northland and Coromandel Total catch limit was 895 tonnes meat weight Recorded catch The total catch in 2007-08 was 196 tonnes meat weight with about 50 coming from top of the South Island Stock trends Recovering Coromandel and some Northland fisheries apart from the Far North and Bream Bay (which has declined 85 in one year) In the southern fisheries there has been little recovery with Tasman Bay reaching its lowest level in 10 years at 1 of 1998 levels MSY Status Latest published data suggest a recovery in the Northern fisheries after substantial declines in the late 1990‟s and early 2000‟s The southern fishery has shown variable changes with Tasman Bay reaching 3 of it 2002 levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Islands (SCA4) ldquoIt is not known if current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and catch levels are sustainable or will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo For the NelsonMarlborough (SCA7) ldquoThere has been a substantial decline in the biomass of scallops in both Golden Bay and Tasman Bay since about 2002 current biomass is extremely low in Tasman Bayhellip In contrast biomass in the Marlborough Sounds has remained relatively stable over the same period Recent SCA 7 landings have been low and Tasman Bay has been completely closed to commercial harvesting since 2006hellip It is thought now that the current practise of bdquorotational‟ fishing on its own is probably not a sufficient strategy for the sustainable management of this fisheryrdquo For northern stocks Northland ndash ldquoA substantial increase in biomass was observed between 2003 and 2006 which resulted in the 2006 biomass estimate being the highest recorded for Northland However the 2007 survey results suggest the biomass in Bream Bay and MangawhaiPakiri has declined markedly since 2006 and consequently the overall fishery biomass is far lower in 2007 than in recent yearsrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 91
Coromandel ndash ldquobiomass estimates around the turn of the century (2000) were consistently at or near the lowest on record and it seems reasonable to conclude that the population was for unknown reasons at a very low ebb In contrast following reasonable increases in biomass catch rate and condition of scallops in 2003 and especially 2004 the biomass in 2005hellip was the highest on record The 2007 survey results show there has been a decline in the overall biomass since 2006 although the biomass estimate is still high compared with historical recordsrdquo (Brown and Horn 2007 Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p779-780 790-791 and 799) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Dredging at depths of 10ndash50 m (85 m at the Chatham Islands) Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of non-target species including horse mussels bryozoans and sponges It also kills up to 50 of the scallops that are not caught The sponge garden area of high biodiversity in Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay was destroyed by scallop dredging in the 1990‟s Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and other invertebrates plus occasional benthic fish (eg stargazers) Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology reduces habitat variability and species diversity and removes sensitive species such as horse mussels Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes for all areas since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but most stocks are supposed to be managed on a ldquocurrent annual yieldrdquo basis (ie catch limits are varied in accordance with survey results each year) however surveys are not always annual In 2009 the Southern Scallop Enhancement Company applied for environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on annual surveys for most areas apart from Chatham Islands (2005) References Survey of scallops and oysters in Golden Bay Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds May 2007 Brown S and Horn P L June 2007 NIWA An appraisal of an in-season depletion method of estimating biomass and yield in the Coromandel scallop fishery M Cryer NZ Fisheries Assessment Report 20018 NIWA April 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 92
Scampi
Scientific name Metanephrops challengeri
Other names kourarangi (Maori) NZ scampi kaisersgranat (Germany) langoustine-de-NZ (France) akaza-ebi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the largest prawn-like species found in New Zealand waters although it is actually a small lobster It is found all around New Zealand at depths of 200 to 750m The commercial fishery is now under the quota management system after some controversy over allocation of quota It is caught using specialised deepwater bottom trawls with fine mesh nets Ecological concerns due to the fishing method there is a high level of bycatch of fish invertebrates marine mammal and seabirds There is also considerable destruction to seabed habitats species and associated marine life Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and limits in all of the larger quota management areas the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Economic value Export value of $11825 million in 2004 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Scampi are widely distributed around New Zealand at depths of 200-750m on the continental slope Maximum age (years) 15 (approx) Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to moderate (females carry only a few tens to a very few hundred eggs) Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown other than for areas subject to underwater photographic surveys in the Bay of Plenty Annual catch limit Total catch limit of 1291 tonnes set in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 669 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining catch rates in SCI1 SCI2 SCI3 SCI4A and SCI6A was substantially under-caught Scampi 1 2 and 3 had the lowest catches for over 15 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states There are no agreed biomass estimates ldquoThere are no stock assessments or yield estimates for any scampi stock It is not known if recent catches and current catch limits for any scampi stock are sustainable in the long term or will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p814) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method Bottom trawling with fine mesh gear Habitat damage Trawling for scampi has significant adverse impacts on seafloor habitats as it scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty over 1100 km2 is swept by trawlers each year which is one of the smaller scampi fisheries (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch There is a high level of a range of quota and non-quota species caught in scampi trawls (up to five times the target catch) Around the Auckland Islands threatened NZ sea lions are occasionally caught as well as observed captures of globally threatened black-browed Salvin‟s and white-capped (shy) albatrosses plus sooty and flesh-footed shearwaters Ecological effects Scampi trawling causes significant disruption to seabed species assemblages reduces deepwater biodiversity and modifies the structure of marine communities Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Introduced on 1 October in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 93
Stock assessment No completed quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 94
School shark
Scientific name Galeorhinus galeus
Other names makohuarau (Maori) grey shark greyboy tope flake milandre (France) eirakubuka mejirozame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description School shark is a long-lived and slow growing species that is late to mature This means the fishery has low overall productivity and as with most other sharks the species is highly vulnerable to fishing pressure Like rig it is sold as a ldquofish and chiprdquo option It is widespread throughout the coastal waters of New Zealand but is particularly abundant in the north at depths of at least 200m It is caught throughout the year mainly by set netting Ecological concerns The school sharks fishery poses a threat to globally endangered Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins which may be caught and killed in nets (particularly set nets) and risks catching other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling for schools shark may also impact seabed habitats Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns include the uncertainty about basic biological information on school sharks the absence of quantitative stock assessments and consequently the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits Lack of information on the size and sex composition of the catch and the lack of a management plan are additional concerns Whilst there is no management plan for school sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for school sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value School shark is sold for the New Zealand fish and chip market and is exported to main markets in Australia fetching $615m in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand coastal waters although it is more common in the north Prefers the shallower waters of the continental shelf but is known to at least 200m Maximum age (years) 50+ Age at sexual maturity 12-17+ Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 10 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3437 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3299 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown Catches have been steadily increasing following historical declines in catch However there is a lack of information on sex and size composition of catches MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current or reference biomass are not available School shark TACs were originally set at half the 1983 catch because of apparently declining catch rates and concern about the undoubtedly low productivity of the species However catches and actual TACCs have steadily increased since 1986ndash87 CPUE indices are characterised by high uncertainty but there are no indications that current catches are not sustainable in the short-term However it is not known whether recent catch levels or the current TACCs are sustainable in the long-term The status of SCH 1 2 3 4 5 7 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p832-0833) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Set netting trawling and lining with some also caught by tuna longliners well offshore Habitat damage Trawling damages seafloor habitats
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 95
Bycatch Juvenile school sharks are caught in harbour set nets and there is a risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where Hector‟s dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist outside these closures Ecological effects Changes to bottom dwelling species diversity as a result of trawling and alteration of coastal food web dynamics due to removal of this predatory species from the population Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 96
Sea perch
Scientific name Helicolenus percoides
Other names matuawhapuku pohuikaroa puaihakua (Maori) jock stewart scarpee deepsea perch ocean perch
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Sea perch is a relatively slow growing long-lived fish (up to 45 years) that is related to scorpionfish It is widely distributed around New Zealand ranging from just a few metres water depth to very deep waters (1200m) It is mostly caught as bycatch in red cod and hoki trawl fisheries off the east coast of the South Island including the Chatham Rise A small targeted catch comes from some central and southern line fisheries including the groper fishery and a small bycatch comes from bottom longlining Ecological concerns The lack of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of current catch levels (particularly given it is a long-lived species) and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the destructive impacts of bottom trawling on fragile deepwater habitats and species and the capture of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals associated with other fisheries Economic value Sea perch are sold in New Zealand and exported to Australia Japan and Korea at a value of $1million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Sea perch occurs widely around New Zealand at depths of just a few metres to 1200m but is most common around the South Island Maximum age (years) 43 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Relatively slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 20-30cm or 5-20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2170 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 12457 tonnes in 2007-08 around 75 as bycatch in trawl fisheries - the second lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown but between 19981999 and 200203 CPUE in SPE3 (off eastern South Island) declined in a range of fisheries MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are available For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p852) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Sea perch is caught as a bycatch species by trawl and line vessels (mainly in red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries) Habitat damage When caught as part of bottom trawling there are impacts on sea floor habitats and bottom dwelling species Bycatch Sea perch is associated with the bycatch of red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries The bycatch in these fisheries includes marine mammals seabirds and a wide range of non-target fish species (see bycatch report for these fisheries for more information) Ecological effects Due to the broad range of non-target bycatch associated with sea perch catches there is likely to be multiple disturbances to marine food web dynamics There is also disturbance to bottom dwelling species and diversity as a result of bottom trawling Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 97
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 98
Silver warehou
Scientific name Seriolella punctata
Other names warehou hiriwa (Maori) spotted warehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like the white warehou silver warehou are a deeper ranging warehou species than the blue warehou living off the continental shelf edge and its upper slope It is mostly caught from the Chatham Rise (their major spawning ground) Canterbury Bight southeast of Stewart Island and the west coast of the South Island at depths of 200-800m Ecological concerns The absence of a quantitative stock assessment resulting in the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the uncertainty about stock boundaries Also of concern is the overfishing of current catch limits problems associated with the past mis-reporting of silver warehou as white warehou and the lack of a management plan Trawling impacts on seabed habitats and communities is also of concern as is seabird marine mammal and non-target fish bycatch associated the fisheries in which this species is caught Economic value Export value of about $23 million with the main market being Japan ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found mainly on the Chatham Rise (with the major spawning are on the western Chatham Rise) outer Canterbury Bight South Island west coast and the shelf south east of Stewart Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Relatively fast to mature Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash no estimates of reference current absolute biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 10380 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8107 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown ndash recent catch rates in SWA1 (all waters off the North Island West Coast and top of the South Island) is about half historic average levels MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo SWA1 ldquoCatch curve analyses indicate that the average exploitation rate on silver warehou in the WCSI hoki fishery is probably less than the natural mortality rate indicating that the stock is not being overfished Annual catches have averaged 1480 t hellipand catches at this level are likely sustainable in the short to medium term However it is not known whether catches at the level of the TACC (3000 tonnes) are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown SWA3 and 4 ldquoThe sustainability of current TACCs and recent catch levels for these Fishstocks is not known and it is not known if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p860-861) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing method Trawling ndash caught as a bycatch in hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel fisheries Habitat damage Impact of trawling on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch As silver warehou is caught in other target fisheries it is associated with a wide range of non target catch including marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish (See hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel for more information) Ecological effects Alteration of seafloor species and associated diversity due to trawling plus removal of a range of fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 99
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 100
Skates
Scientific name Zearaja nasutus (Rough skate) Dipturus
innominatus (Smooth skate)
Other names manumanu pakaurua uku waewae whai (Maori) barndoor skate (NZ) suei gangiei (Japan) gaori (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Skates are very closely related to sharks and are members of the cartilaginous fishes group (they have no bones) They are very distinctive with flattened wing-like bodies and occur all around New Zealand from coastal waters to depths of about 200m There are two species of skate commonly caught in our commercial fisheries ndash rough skate and smooth skate the latter more common in deeper waters living longer and growing larger They are caught as a bycatch species in trawl nets and on lines across a number of fisheries in multiple management areas each as a separate quota management species The largest of these extending from the coast of Fiordland out and round to just north of Kaikoura and including the Chatham Islands (QMA 3) accounts for more landings than all others combined Ecological concerns The limited research on skates and absence of basic biological information on each skate species the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels in QMA 3 or the total quota area the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the impacts on deepwater habitats as a result of trawling and the bycatch of marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish in other fisheries where skates are caught as bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for skates in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for skates nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Skates are finned at sea Economic value Exports of around $06 m to Asia and Europe especially France and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Both of these endemic species occur all around New Zealand Rough skate is more common in coastal waters while smooth skate is usually found in deeper waters both extending to 200m water depth
Rough Smooth Maximum age (years) 9 28+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 8-13 Growth rate Unknown Unknown Reproductive output High Medium Sizeage exploited Unknown Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A total quota of 1989 tonnes for rough skate and 867 tonnes for smooth skates in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1699 tonnes of rough skate and 715 tonnes of smooth skate in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but biomass indices declined significantly since 1991 on West Coast South Island for smooth skate MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available Relative biomass estimates from West Coast South Island trawl surveys 7 revealed strong decline for smooth skate It is not known if recent catch levels or the TACC are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p871) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Trawling and on lines Skates are caught as bycatch in a range of fisheries including hoki Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater habitats and associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch of other fisheries skates are associated with the captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 101
Ecological effects The primary effects are those caused by trawling ndash damage to seabed species assemblages loss of large adult skates and disruption to deepwater food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Whilst recognised as separate species these to skates (smooth and rough skate) are largely managed as a single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 1997 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 102
Skipjack tuna Scientific name Katsuwonus pelamis
Other names skipjack bonite (France) tunny (UK) katsuo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters usually preferring the warmer surface waters New Zealand is the southern limit of the skipjack tuna migration route (which is well known for being very long) where they visit the northeast from December to May or in later months from New Plymouth to Cape Farewell Skipjack are predominantly caught by purse seine vessels operating North of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay The New Zealand catch is a small part of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of sharks the bycatch of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the Pacific fishery plus the lack of a stock assessment catch limits or a management plan Economic value The main market is for canning outside New Zealand primarily in Indonesia and Thailand The export value of skipjack tuna is about $10 million Best option Skipjack is the most ecologically sustainable tuna species on the Best Fish Guide If possible try to avoid skipjack caught in association with catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna which are overfished ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Skipjack tuna are caught on the west and east coasts of the North Islands mainly north of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 1 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score B) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit It is not part of the quota management system (QMS) and no catch limits are set for New Zealand Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings in 2007-08 of 11834 tonnes inside the zone with another 15678 tonnes caught by New Zealand flagged vessels on the high seas Stock trends Uncertain but model results suggest that in recent years the skipjack population has been considerably higher (about 20) than the overall average level for the assessed period MSY Status Uncertain but likely to above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are currently no concerns relating to the current status of this stock though there are concerns that any increases in fishing effort on this stock could adversely [effect] bigeye and yellowfin tuna New Zealand catches represent 15 of the total catch The stock is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are likely to be sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Predominantly purse seine fishery around the North Island with some troll caught fish Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sometimes skipjack are caught with over-fished bigeye and yellowfin tuna which is a concern in the Pacific fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species (egtuna) has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there a catch limit or Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 103
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A South Pacific assessment in 2008 References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Langley A Hampton J and Ogura M 2005 Stock Assessment of skipjack tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean SC-1 SA-WP-4 First meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee Noumea New Caledonia Report from the Md-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 104
Snapper
Scientific name Pagrus auratus
Other names tamure kourea (Maori) sea bream bream schnapper NZ golden snapper brim porgy (US) dorade (France) madai goushyuumadai (Japan) cham dom (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description A slow growing long-lived (up to 60 years) member of the sea bream family snapper is one of largest and most valuable coastal fisheries in New Zealand It is common around the North Island and upper South Island and is mainly caught by bottom longlining or trawling operations generally at depths of 10-100 metres Jointly with oreosdeepwater dory mako shark and southern bluefin tuna snapper have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns The depleted status of the stocks (primarily as a result of historical depletion) the management of two stocks as one the uncertainty in stock assessments for some areas and the lack of a management plan As snapper are also a common target for recreational fishing a sector in which there is limited to no assessment of catch the impacts of the combined recreational and commercial catches are also of concern The impacts of bottom trawling the bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery (including the globally threatened black petrel) and the possible bycatch of the critically endangered Maui‟s dolphin in the trawl fishery are other concerns Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching Maui‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return to inshore coastal waters if regulations are dropped Economic value Japan is the single largest export market (around 50) while Australia and Taiwan take some 30 between them The export value of snapper was about $32 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly in the warmer coastal waters of the northern North Island and the Bay of Plenty but ranges to the north of the South Island Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Depleted in most areas Annual catch limit Set at 6357 tonnes in 2005-06 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6367 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends All stocks appear to be increasing However SNA8 (Kapiti coast to Cape Reinga in the North) projections assume a level of recruitment higher than that observed in recent years and may not reach the legally required BMSY level for up to 60 years The SNA1 stock (Northland to eastern Bay of Plenty) assessment has not been updated since 2000 MSY Status The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for snapper is assumed to be 20 of the unfished stock size (B0) This is unrealistically low All stocks are likely below this legally required level SNA 1 was about 18 B0 in 2000 and SNA 8 was between 8 and 12 B0 SNA2 stock (east coast North Island from Kapiti to eastern Bay of Plenty) was probably below the recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield SNA7 (West Coast and top of the South Island) is thought to be rebuilding after being depleted to very low levels Fishery Assessment plenary report states SNA1 was last assessed in 2000 East Northland ndashthe base case indicates that recruited biomass is at about BMSY reference point and is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the twenty year projection period Hauraki GulfBay of Plenty ndash indicates that the current recruited biomass (2000) is less than the BMSY reference point but is expected to increase over the next twenty years under the current TACC and estimated levels of recreational and unreported catch It is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the projection periodrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 105
SNA2 ldquoAs there are no indices of biomass model estimates [2002] must be treated with caution For almost all [model] runs the current biomass was estimated to be near to or somewhat below BMSY but was projected to increase towards BMSY by 2006 at the current catch level (436t)rdquo SNA 7 ldquoCurrent catch levels are below the expected level of productivity predicted by the assessment model which suggests that the stock should be rebuilding This prediction has not been corroborated by catches or other information external to the model hellip the model was depicting the 2001 SNA 7 biomass at an unrealistically high level (100-200 BMSY) and [the MFish Working Group] rejected the results of the assessmentrdquo SNA8 ldquoThe 2005 stock assessment indicated that current biomass (2004ndash05) was between 8 and 12 B0 and the biomass was predicted to slowly increase at the TACC level of 1500 t However from 1 October 2005 the TACC was reduced to 1300 t to ensure a faster rebuild of the stock At this TACC level the predicted rebuild to BMSY (20 B0) occurred after 2018 in all casesrdquo (MFish 2009 p904-905) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom longlining bottom trawling and some set netting Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and leads to a loss in biodiversity (Thrush et al 1998) Bycatch Seabirds are caught as by-kill on longlines including flesh-footed shearwaters and globally threatened black petrels while trawling and set netting catch a range of non target fish species Snapper fisheries may also risk possible bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 which has significantly reduced the threat to these dolphins plus other marine mammals and wildlife However captures may still exist where trawl fishing overlaps with dolphins areas outside the closed areas Ecological effects Modification and damage to seafloor habitats associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Whilst most stocks are managed separately there are two distinct stocks managed as one Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in all areas except QMA 2 and 3 However SNA1 was last carried out in 2000 SNA2 and 7 in 2002 and SNA8 in 2005 The results of SNA7 was rejected by the stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd S F Thrush J E Hewitt V J Cummings P K Dayton M Cryer S J Turner G A Funnell R G Budd C J Milburn M R Wilkinson (1998) Disturbance of the marine benthic habitat by commercial fishing impacts at the scale of the fishery Ecological Applications Vol 8 No 3 pp 866-879
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 106
Southern blue whiting
Scientific name Micromesistius australis
Other names Southern poutassou merlan bleu austral (France Canada) merlu (Italy) blauer wittling (Germany) minamidara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deepwater cod species is only found in waters around the Sub-Antarctic Islands where it schools near the seabed at depths of 450 to 650m It is therefore targeted and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries operating in this region particularly during its spawning season in August to early October The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The recorded and projected declines in biomass for two stocks (Campbell and Bounty‟s) the unknown sustainability of current catch limits in the two other stocks and the lack of a management plan Of particular concern is the increasing trend of threatened NZ sea lion captures in this fishery which has relatively low observer coverage Also the impact of bottom trawling the very high bycatch of NZ fur seals (the highest of any NZ fishery) especially around the Bounty Islands and the deaths of seabirds are of serious concern Economic value The southern blue whiting fishery has an export value of about $227 million (2008) with the main markets in Japan Bulgaria Australia and China This fish is also used to make crabsticks or surimi ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Restricted to Sub-Antarctic waters This species is abundant south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau Pukaki Rise and Bounty Platform at depths of 300-650m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Highly uncertain or unknown for the Pukaki and Auckland Island stocks depleted for the other two areas Annual catch limit Set at 36948 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 31866 tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends The Bounty Platform stock and Campbell Island stocks have had good recruitment and are rebuilding The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown MSY Status Of the four stocks Bounty Platform and Campbell Island stocks are depleted with the Campbell Island stock estimated to be below BMAY in 2007 The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Campbell Islands stock ldquoFor the base case the B2006 was estimated to be 78000t corresponding to 30 B0 [BMAY is 34] The assessment is much more optimistic that the equivalent stock assessment presented in 2006 particularly in the projections as stock size is not predicted to decrease with future catches of 20000 tonnes (current TACC)rdquo Bounty Platform stock ldquoA survey carried out by the fishing industry in August 2007 indicated that there has been a very large increase in biomass in this stock since 2004hellip Without a formal stock assessment it is not possible to quantify the size of the stock and to determine a current annual yield (CAY) for the fisheryhellip Another survey in August 2008 confirmed that the 2002 year class is very strong and biomass was likely to be over 100000 t Using the results of the 2008 survey to estimate conservative estimates of CAYhellip gave estimates of CAY of 13500 t to 22000 t The TACC was increased from 1 April 2009 to 15000 trdquo Pukaki Stock ldquothis stock has only been lightly exploited since 1993 and likely to be above the level that will support the MAYrdquo Auckland Islands stock ldquoit is unknown if recent catches are sustainable or if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2007 p891) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Trawling mainly by foreign chartered vessels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 107
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage bottom dwelling species and fragile deepwater ecosystems Bycatch The southern blue whiting fishery has the highest captures of NZ fur seals of any fishery especially around the Bounty Islands It also captures seabirds other fish species and increasingly globally threatened NZ sea lions Ecological effects Trawling impacts on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Also the removal of young southern blue whiting which are an important food for globally threatened yellow-eyed penguin and forms the bulk of the food of globally threatened black-browed albatross (Diomedea melanophrys impavida) during the chick-rearing period (Cherel et al 1999) Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 (1 November) Catch limits Yes Management plan No The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except Auckland Islands For example Campbell Islands (2008) Bounty Platform (2004) Pukaki Rise (2002) Industry surveys in 2007 and 2008 have yet to be fully assessed References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Albatross predation of juvenile southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) on the Campbell Plateau Cherel Waugh and Hanchet 1999 New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 1999 Volume 33
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 108
Southern bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus maccoyii
Other names Bluefin southern bluefin thon rouge de sud (Canada France) atun del sur (Spain) minamimaguro indo-maguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Southern bluefin tuna is a long-lived migratory species found throughout the Southern Hemisphere which can move thousands of kilometres in a year It is a highly sought after tuna species due to its flesh being of high oil and low moisture content Iin 1996 it‟s depleted status resulted in it being ranked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered Southern bluefin tuna breed in the Indian Ocean off western Australia arriving in New Zealand in prime condition at around the age of 5 years old where they are caught off the east coast by longlining and trolling Jointly with mako shark snapper and oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna has the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Southern bluefin stocks are severely over-fished ndash the breeding population is severely depleted and there is a high level of unreported and illegal catch (up to 30 of the reported catch) The lack of a management plan and the bycatch of seabirds NZ fur seals a range of shark species and the huge non-target fish bycatch are also of concern Economic value Southern bluefin tuna are exported to Japan the USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices An individual 444 pound bluefin sold for a record US$173000 in Tokyo in 2001 The export value of southern blue fin tuna was $7million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Breeds south of Java (Indonesia) on the west coast of Australia Distributed in the southern oceans between 10oS and 50oS including New Zealand waters Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 8-12 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Southern bluefin tuna are severely depleted - well under 10 of the 1960 population size and possibly as low as 3 In 1996 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed this species as Critically Endangered the highest threat category Annual catch limit The annual New Zealand catch limit has been set at 413 tonnes in 2004-05 out of a global ldquolimitrdquo of 11620 tonnes set by the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) This includes voluntary commitments from Korea and Taiwan to reduces catches by a combined 280 tonnes Recorded catch Reported landings of 378 tonnes in 2008 Estimated global catches reported in 2007 (11 540 t) were the lowest for over 50 years In 2005 a high level of unreported or illegal catch was identified principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years There is also concerns about the reporting of aquaculture farming by Australian fishers Stock trends Declined to historically low size and it is unclear whether the stock is now stable or declining (it is not rebuilding) MSY Status Well below the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield and expected to suffer from further declines in spawning stock biomass in the coming years The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the 2008 CCSBT-SAG meeting the operating model was run under a number of scenarios that are generally similar to those evaluated in 2006 The scenarios indicate that spawning stock biomass is still at a very low level (generally below 10 of pre-exploitation spawning stock biomass a level at which recruitment may be at risk of further decline) This is well below the 1980 level and below the level that could produce maximum sustainable yield Rebuilding the spawning stock biomass would almost certainly increase sustainable yield and provide security against unforeseen environmental events Presently however there is no sign of spawning stock biomass rebuilding Consistent with the poor recruitment from 1999 to 2002 a gap in the size (and presumably age) composition is apparent By inference this gap will lead to a further decline in spawning stock biomass in coming yearsrdquo (MFish 2009 p114)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 109
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Pelagic longlining with approximately 500000 baited hooks set in New Zealand per year The small number of Japanese chartered vessels and New Zealand vessels are required to use some seabird bycatch mitigation measures Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds including globally threatened species of albatross and petrel are killed as well as non-target fish (including blue sharks) and some marine turtles Albatross species recorded killed in the fishery include Antipodean Buller‟s Salvin‟s Gibson‟s Campbell Chatham black-browed and white-capped Grey petrels are also caught The numbers of fish bycatch species can be up to 20 times the target tuna catch Ecological effects This fishery is directly responsible for driving both the target tuna species and some species of albatross towards extinction Due to the excess removal of this species and the removal of other large predatory species the fishery has knock-on effects on food web dynamics Management and management unit (score B and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes as a proportion of the bdquoglobal limit‟ set by the CCSBT Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in 2008 and 2009 by CCSBT Assessments have been affected by the high level of unreported or illegal catch identified in 2005 principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 110
Spiny dogfish
Scientific name Squalus acanthias
Other names koinga kaaraerae mako-huarau mangoo-hapuu mango-pekepeke (Maori) spurdog spineback spiky dog fish spiky southern spiny dogfish spotted spiny dogfish rock salmon (UK) gob sang eo (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like rig this small shark species has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species It lives near the seafloor in deeper waters than rig (100 ndash 700m) occuring almost worldwide in cool temperate waters In New Zealand they are most commonly found off the south and east coasts of the South Island It is mainly caught as bycatch in several deepwater trawl fisheries plus by inshore trawlers set netters and longliners Ecological concerns The limited research on this species the absence of a quantitative stock assessment which results in the unknown sustainability of current catch limits the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Also of concern is the impact of trawling on seabed habitats and due to the association with other fisheries where it is caught seabird marine mammal and other fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for spiny dogfish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for spiny dogfsh nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Spiny dogfish is sold in New Zealand and is exported mainly to Western Europe and China with a value of $24 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Most common off the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 100-700m but also occurs on the Chatham Rise and northern Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 21-26 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium ndash female fish produce 1 to 19 live young per litter with a gestation period of 24 months Age exploited 4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size No estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit A catch limit was set at 12660 in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6293 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest since being under quota management Stock trends There was an upward trend in reported catches between 1980-81 and 2001-02 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAlthough reported commercial catches of spiny dogfish were observed to increase in all major FMAs during the 1990s the extent to which these increases can be attributed to changes in reporting practice (ie more accurate reporting of discards in recent times) is uncertain Trawl surveys on the other hand indicate that there was a general increase in the abundance of spiny dogfish particularly around the South Island in the mid 1990s It is unknown whether current catch limits are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p937) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling set netting and longlining It is mainly caught as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including hoki barracouta and red cod Habitat damage When caught by bottom trawl or from mid-water trawls close to the seafloor bottom dwelling species and habitats are damaged Bycatch Spiny dogfish is caught in association with other fisheries where there seabirds marine mammals and a range of non-target fish are caught as bycatch (See hoki barracouta and red cod for more information)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 111
Ecological effects As with most sharks spiny dogfish is an important predator so excess removal from marine systems is likely to alter food web dynamics (In conjunction with the removal of other non-target fish this is almost certainly the case) Up to 80 of spiny dogfish have been discarded in some areas making its removal utterly wasteful Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and limited research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 112
Sprats
Scientific name Sprattus antipodum (sprat) S muelleri (stout sprat)
Other names kupae marakuha patete (Maori) New Zealand herring sardine sprotte (Germany) espadin (Spain) iwashi supuratto (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Sprats also commonly referred to as sardines or New Zealand herring actually incorporate two different species of sprat They are a small fast growing schooling fish found in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays They are often used (long with anchovy and pilchards) by recreational fishers as baitfish and are caught commercially in a minor and intermittent fishery They are a schooling fish most commonly found around the South Island sometimes in mixed schools with anchovy and pilchards Jointly with anchovy and pilchard sprats have the highest ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological information on both species the lack of a quantitative stock assessment the impact of trawling on seafloor species and the lack of a management plan There is also some concern about the impact of fishing this species on predatory species further up the food chain such as marine mammals seabirds and larger fish However these concerns have not yet been assessed
Economic value The market for sprats includes New Zealand
Best option Try to choose sprats caught by purse seine or beach seine
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (both species) (score A) Distribution Open water and common in inshore waters around the South Island and in localized shoals around the North Island Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 450 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch 1 tonne in 2007-08 During the 1990s reported catches ranged from less than 1 tonne to 7 tonnes Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current biomass are available At the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is probably not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for spratsrdquo (MFish 2009 p940)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Method Mainly purse seine but also set net and beach seine Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on seafloor habitats and species diversity Bycatch Associated with pilchard in the south and purse seine bycatch species Ecological effects This is an important food species for larger fish seabirds and marine mammals ldquoExcessive localised harvesting may disrupt ecosystemsrdquo (MFish 2009 p 940)
Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 113
Stargazer monkfish
Scientific name Kathetostoma giganteum
Other names kourepoua moamoa ngu (Maori) giant stargazer bulldog sterngucker (Germany) miishimaokoze (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Stargazer or monkfish is actually one of a few species of stargazer in New Zealand It (the giant stargazer) is widespread in New Zealand coastal waters between 50 and 500m living on or partially buried in soft sediments on the seabed It is caught year round mainly around the South Island where it is most common as a bycatch in domestic trawl fisheries targeting red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi It is also caught as bycatch in some deepwater fisheries Ecological concerns The absence of quantitative stock assessments for any areas uncertainty over stock boundaries unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the habitat destruction caused by bottom trawling plus the non-target fish seabirds and marine mammal bycatch associated with other fisheries in which it is caught Economic value Stargazer is sold in New Zealand and had an export value of about $4 million in 2008 mainly sold to Japan Latvia and Germany ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Moderately common in shelf waters around southern New Zealand at depths of 50 to 500m Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Largely unknown There has been a preliminary estimate off the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA7) which gave a spawning stock estimate of 29 to 51 B0 for the base case assessment and within the East Coast North Island area (STA 2) the exploitation rate was estimated to be very high with ldquolong term yieldshellipof the order of 50-60 tonnesrdquo Annual catch limit Set at 5412 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3258 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but STA 7 stock has declined by around 29 to 51 since 1990 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo STA1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches have exceeded [the TACC] It is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA2 (East coast North Island) ldquoRecent relative abundance indices from both the ECNI inshore trawl survey and the ECNI scampi trawl survey are lower than those in 1993 The 1997 assessment suggested that the exploitation rate was very high but [a]n upper bound of 80 for the catchbiomass ratiohellipwas considered unrealistically highhellip Landings have been slightly above the TACC in recent years It is not known whether recent catches and the current TACC are sustainable The status helliprelative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe reinstated ECSI trawl survey returned a biomass estimate that was slightly above the 5 indices observed in the early 1990s This biomass estimate was also consistent with the CPUE series developed for the bottom trawl fishery targeted at red cod stargazer and Barracoutahellip On this basis [it was] concluded that current catches have been sustainable over the 18 years of the CPUE series although it is not known if the TACC is sustainable given that the average catches over this period have been about 15 below the TACC Relative biomass indices for stargazer from the annual trawl survey of the western end of the Chatham Rise have remained stable It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term The status of STA 3 relative to BMSY is unknown STA 4 (Chatham Rise) ldquoif fishing is overly concentrated in those areas where stargazer can be targeted such as close to the Chatham Islands there are concerns that local depletion may occur Recent catches have been substantially less than the TACC
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 114
the stock appears to have been lightly fished and is still likely to be in the fishing down phase It is not known if catches at the level of the current TACC would be sustainable The status of STA 4 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 5 (Southern waters including Subantarctic Islands and Fiordland) The current ldquoTAC is at the level of recent catches and is probably sustainable The status of STA 5 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA7 (West Coast amp top of the South Island) The WCSI trawl survey indices have increased from a low observed in 2003 to the highest in the series in 2009 (preliminary estimate) The results of the quantitative stock assessment suggested that stock biomass during the 2004ndash05 fishing year was unlikely to be below the biomass required to support the maximum sustainable yield The range of model results for STA 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is likely to be above BMSYrdquo STA 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p963-964) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling Stargazer is a bycatch in red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed destroying and altering bottom habitats and species assemblages Bycatch Stargazer is associated with the bycatch problems of the fisheries in which it is caught which includes captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals (See red cod flatfish barracouta and scampi for more information) Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration (especially for the scampi fishery) plus non-target bycatch has considerable ecological implications on seabed and wider marine systems Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment except for a preliminary assessments in STA2 (1997) and STA7 (2008) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 115
Striped marlin
Scientific name Tetrapturus audax
Other names takaketonga (Maori) marlin
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Striped marlin is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters Between 1987 and 1991 there was a moratorium on landing any broadbill species (marlin and swordfish) in the area between Mokau and East Cape (Auckland Fisheries Management Area) due to concerns about depleted stocks In 1991 the moratorium was replaced with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between recreational and commercial fishers to allow for the commercial take of swordbill Since 1995 there is a requirement to report all catches of billfish The MOU was last singed in 1996 As a result of the agreement on billfish striped marlin is principally a recreational only fish (about 65 tagged and released to aid research) with any commercial captures the result of accidental capture in the tuna surface longline fishery in northern waters Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessment plus the state of the stocks and catch limits Commercial captures of marlin are associated with the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals One of the key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Marlin is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Striped marlin are caught mainly around the North Islands north of 42oS Maximum age (years) 12+ Age at sexual maturity 1-2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit None set Recorded catch Latest reported annual commercial catch of 17 tonnes in 2007 most of which was discarded and 2 tonnes taken by New Zealand vessels outside the zone Stock trends Uncertain but likely declining MSY Status Uncertain but may be below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSeveral of the plausible model scenarios investigated indicate that current levels of fishing mortality may approximate or exceed the reference level FMSY and current spawning biomass levels may approximate or be below the biomass based reference point BMSY On the basis of this preliminary assessment it is recommended as a precautionary measure that there should be no increase in fishing mortality (ie fishing effort) on striped marlin in the southwestern Pacific particularly hellipthe Tasman Seardquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p120-121) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic Surface longlining for tuna around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Sharks New Zealand fur seals and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of some of these important large predators may impact oceanic food web dynamics including other species caught as bycatch in the longline fishery Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species No ndash due to an MOU with recreational fishers marlin cannot be targeted by commercial fishers
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 116
Management plan No However a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Stock assessment A stock assessment in 2006 by the WCPFC Scientific Committee with collaboration by Australia and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 NZ Fishing Industry Board
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 117
Swordfish
Scientific name Xiphias gladius
Other names broadbill broadbill swordfish paea espadon (France) mekajiki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Swordfish is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator found worldwide in temperate tropical and subtropical seas The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters with catch limits set under the quota management system They are targeted and caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessments catch limits and state of the stocks plus the potential for serial depletion of large swordfish There is also concern about the bycatch of sharks seabirds fur seals and sea turtles In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Another key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Swordfish are found worldwide in temperate subtropical and tropical waters They are present in New Zealand year round from the Kermadecs to Foveaux Strait Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 9-10 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 885 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 402 tonnes in 2006-07 The average sex ratio of swordfish caught in the longline fishery over the last 20 years was 3 times as many females compared to males Stock trends Uncertain There was a decline in CPUE from 2000 to 2004 which is consistent with the decline in Australia but the recent assessment suggests an increase in the stock MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSwordfish taken in New Zealand are part of a larger regional stockrdquo The [2008 WCPFC] assessment undertaken for swordfish in the southwestern Pacific region indicated an increase in stock abundance in recent years and the model projections predict further increases at current levels of fishing mortality Plausible assessment results indicate that overfishing is not occurring and that the stock is not in an overfished state However due to the uncertainty in the assessment the SC recommended that there be no further increase in catch or effort in order to keep the stock above its associated reference pointshellip It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for swordfish or to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support a MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p128) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method Pelagic surface longlining - they are caught on the west and east coast of the North Island plus around the Kermadecs Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks New Zealand fur seals and turtles are caught in the longline fishery In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Ecological effects Removal of these important large predators (Southern bluefin and sharks) impacts oceanic food web dynamics
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 118
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A preliminary assessment in 2008 by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) (Kolody et al 2008) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Kolody D Campbell R Davies N (2008) A Multifan-CL Stock Assessment of South-Western-Central Pacific Swordfish 1952-2007 Working Paper SA-WP-6 to WCPFC SC4 held 11-22 August 2008 Port Moresby PNG 89 p Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 119
Tarakihi
Scientific name Nemadactylus macropterus
Other names Ocean bream silver bream morwong (Australia) shimakurodai tarakii (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Tarakihi is a long-lived relative of red moki that is common around New Zealand but mostly found south of East Cape and around the South Island They are associated with shallow reefs as juveniles but then school over open seafloors as adults from 50 to 250m water depth Ecological concerns Tarakihi is caught by trawling so there is some concern about habitat damage if trawl gear touches the seafloor Trawling also catches a range of other fish Other concerns include the limited amount of some basic biological information the absence of quantitative stock assessments the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the lack of a management plan for Tarakihi Economic value Tarakihi are sold in New Zealand Japan and Australia and had an export value of $05 million in 2008 Best option Try to avoid Tarakihi caught in association with red cod off the East coast of the South Island or caught in association with gemfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand but mostly in the cooler waters south of East Cape and around the South Island Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) For TAR7 an assessment in 2008 had a base case estimate of 42-68 unfished stock size Annual catch limit Set at 6438 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 5429 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) Unchanged stable for all other areas MSY Status Unknown Western New Zealand stocks are thought to be close to or above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TAR1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoThe [CPUE] indices remain stable suggesting that current catches and the TACC for TAR 1 are sustainable In 2002 the Inshore WG concluded that TAR 1 was likely to be above BMSY There is no evidence from the CPUE analyses to suggest any major changes in abundance since this timerdquo TAR2 (East coast North Island) ldquoThe state of the TAR 2 stock in relation to BMSY is not known Long periods of sustained catches around 1 600t to 1 700t indicate a flat yield curve for the stock and suggest that the stock is probably close to BMSYrdquo TAR3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown Abundance appeared to reach its lowest historical level over 2003-04 to 2005-06 at about 70 of the long-term average having declined steadily from a peak in 1999-00 Abundance may be increasing back to average levels again although a decline was again noted in 2007-08 ldquo TAR4 (Chatham Rise) ldquothe fishery around the Chatham Islands has generally been lightly fished and the stock can probably support higher catch levels for the next few yearsldquo TAR 7 (West coast South Island) ldquoThe range of model results for TAR 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is Likely to be above BMSYrdquo TAR 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoOverall landings from the North and South Islands have remained relatively stable since at least the late 1960s despite changes in effort and methods of fishing Given the long stable catch history of this fishery current catch levels and TACCs are thought to be sustainablerdquo (MFish 2007 p966)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 120
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling Tarakihi is also a bycatch in the red cod and barracouta trawl fisheries around the South Island Habitat damage Trawling for tarakihi scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty the impact of tarakhihi trawling was considered along with scampi hoki and gemfish trawling (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch Other fish species Ecological effects Trawling alters species diversity and habitat composition and may disturb coastal food web dynamics Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment apart from a preliminary assessment of TAR7 in 2008 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 121
Trevally
Scientific name Pseudocaranx dentex
Other names araara kopapa komutumutu raumarie (Maori) blue gill jack fish silver trevally (Australia UK) carangue (France) Minamishimaaji (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Trevally is a long-lived species (up to 45 years) that lives near the seabed when young but schools as adults in the open water where they feed on krill and other plankton It is common around many parts of the North Island and the top half of the south Island and most abundant at depths of around 80m It is caught year round mainly around the North Island in conjunction with the snapper trawl fishery It is also caught by purse seiners in the Bay of Plenty and in set nets Ecological concerns The over-catch of Trevally off the east coast of the North Island the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the uncertainty of the stock status and the lack of a management plan Trawling catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear may cause considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems The fishery may also risk captures of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins off the west coast of the North Island Restrictions on trawling and set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling the risk of catching these dolphins may once again increase Economic value The main markets for Trevally are in New Zealand Japan UK and the Middle East It had an export value of $32 million in 2008 Best option Trevally caught of western New Zealand appear healthier but avoid fish caught using bottom trawl or set net Purse seine caught trevally is the best option ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common around the North Island and northern South Island with most trevally found along the north east and north west coasts of the North Island at a depth of 80m Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate to low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Uncertain though the population off western New Zealand (TRE7) has been estimated to be relatively healthy Annual catch limit Set at 3933 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2875 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in nearly 20 years Stock trends Uncertain Although an assessment of TRE7 shows a fluctuating stock size since 1980 and there are concerns about declines in TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) catches MSY Status Uncertain apart from an assessment of TRE7 which indicates the current stock is just above BMSY (28 B0) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches reported for TRE 1 are less than the estimated MCY levels and below the TACC Reduced proportions of older age classes in the single bottom trawl catch between 1999-00 and 2006-07 combined with the strong drops in landings in 2006-07 and 2007-08 may indicate that stock abundance is declining at current catch levelsrdquo TRE 2 (Eastern North Island to Kapiti) ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainablerdquo TRE 7 (Western New Zealand - North amp South Islands) ldquoRelatively large proportions of fish gt10 years including a healthy 20+ age group (as evidenced by the age structure of the commercial catch) suggest that TRE 7 have not been heavily exploitedhellipModel projections indicate that the biomass of TRE 7 stock is About as Likely as Not to remain stable over the next 5 years and the probability of the stock going below BMSY in 2013 is estimated at 0 (M=01) and 38 (M=0087)rdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p999 - 1002)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 122
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawl purse seine and set net Trevally is also caught as a bycatch in snapper red gurnard kahawai and john dory fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages the seabed reducing bottom dwelling species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself a range of other fish species are caught as bycatch including other commercial species (snapper red gurnard kahawai john dory) as well as non-target species There is also a risk of catching seabirds and marine mammals including potential bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Ecological effects Impacts of bottom trawling on bottom dwelling species and habitats plus ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A revised quantitative assessment in TRE7 in 2009 and a preliminary assessment for TRE 1 in 2006 which was not accepted References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 123
Trumpeter
Scientific name Latris lineata
Other names porae koekohe kohikohi (Maori) striped trumpeter okiisaki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This moki relative occurs in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere from the Indian Ocean to South America In New Zealand it is found from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is mainly caught on the east coast of both main islands ranging from 20 to 200m water depth There is little targeted fishing for trumpeter - it is mainly caught s a bycatch fish in line fisheries with some caught in trawl and set nets Ecological concerns The absence of basic biological information about Trumpeter the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the potential for localised depletion of some populations plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species itself trumpeter fishing is also associated with other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Trumpeter is sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is seldom common Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Likely to be moderate Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 144 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 101 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown (There is a risk for localised population to be quickly fished out) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1019) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Mostly caught as bycatch in coastal line-fisheries with some caught in trawl nets and set nets Habitat damage Unknown Bycatch A range of fish species also caught as bycatch in fisheries where trumpeter is caught Ecological effects Unknown Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Final Position Paper for the 1998-99 Sustainability Round
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 124
White warehou Scientific name Seriolella caerulea
Other names Deepsea wharehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description White warehou is the deepest ranging of the three warehou species in New Zealand and is common in southeastern waters and on the Campbell Plateau in the Subantarctics It is mostly taken as a bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries for hoki and silver warehou Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information about white warehou the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown stock size the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels There are also concerns about past mis-reporting of white warehou as silver warehou catches plus there is no management plan Bottom trawling causes considerable damage to seafloor communities and due to white warehou being a bycatch species of other fisheries it is also associated with the bycatch of seabirds marine mammals and other non-target fish Economic value White warehou is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Most common off south east New Zealand and on the Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Moderate Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3735 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2116 tonnes in 2003-04 Stock trends Unknown Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states ldquoIt is not known whether recent catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1030) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling especially bottom trawling White warehou is caught as bycatch in the hoki and silver warehou fisheries and to a lesser extent the hake ling and scampi fisheries Only 8 of the catch is from targeted fishing Habitat damage Bottom trawling scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species in a range of middle-depth fisheries it is associated with non-target fish marine mammal and seabird captures (See hoki and silver warehou for more information) Ecological effects Trawling destroys bottom dwelling species assemblages and habitat composition Wider ecological effects on food webs are largely due to the captures of non-target wildlife in the fisheries it is associated with Management and management unit (score E and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species However there is a problem in that quota areas do not match possible spawning areas Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 125
Yellowfin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus albacares
Other names Yellowfin thon juane (France) Ahi Shibi kiwada (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Yellowfin tuna is a migratory species found mainly in the warm ocean waters of northern New Zealand and moving south in summer to East Cape Like many tuna it is an important oceanic predator regulating the abundance of other marine species They are caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries on the west and east coast of the North Island The New Zealand catch is a very small part (003) of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns The lack of a stock assessment catch limits and a management plan therefore the high uncertainty about the state of the stocks Other concerns include declining catch rates the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals plus and ecological impact of removing this top predator species on wider oceanic food webs Economic value The export value of yellowfin tuna was $150000 in 2008 with the main markets in Japan Australia and the USA ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Yellowfin tuna are caught on the west coast and east coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 263 tonnes set in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 17 tonnes in 2006-07 within the EEZ which is minor compared to Western and Central Pacific catches of over 400000 tonnes Stock trends Declining stock size and catches which are unlikely to be sustainable MSY Status The yellowfin stock is likely to be above BMSY but are still considered to be fully exploited with a high possibility (47 ndash 73) of being overfished At current catch levels the stock is likely to move below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states From the 2007 WCPO assessment ldquothe possibility of overfishing is still relatively high (47) The reference points that predict the status of the stock under equilibrium conditions are B BMSY (110) and SBSBMSY (112) which indicate that the long-term average biomass would remain slightly above the level capable of producing MSY at 2002minus2005 average fishing mortalityhellip The WCPO yellowfin tuna fishery can be considered to be fully exploited Both the 2006 and 2007 assessments indicate that there is a high probability that overfishing is occurring (73 for the base case 2006 assessment and 47 for the base case 2007 assessment) In order to reduce the likelihood of overfishing and if the Commission wishes to maintain average biomass at levels greater than 5 above BMSY reductions in the fishing mortality rate would be required The stock size is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are not sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards and then below a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p155-156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic longlining around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 126
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment A completed quantitative stock assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Conservation (WCPO) Fisheries Scientific Committee (2007) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Hampton J Langley A and Kleiber P (2006) Stock assessment of yellowfin tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean including an assessment of management options WCPFC-SC2-2006SA WP-1 Second meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee 7-18 August 2006 Philippines (wwwwcpfcorg) Anon 2007 Commission or the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Scientific Committee Summary report Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia 244pp Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 127
Yellow-eyed mullet
Scientific name Aldrichetta forsteri
Other names aua kaataha kataka makawhiti (Maori) herring yelloweye mullet (Australia)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively short-lived surface dwelling coastal species is found throughout New Zealand but is most abundant in northern waters It is smaller and more slender than grey mullet forming schools in shallow coastal waters harbours and estuaries It is caught using set nets or by beach seining Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information on yellow-eyed mullet the absence of a quantitative stock assessment and so the unknown stock size and sustainability of recent catch levels (especially in combination with non-commercial take of this species) There is also concern about the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the likelihood of sub-stocks being managed together within quota areas plus the absence of a management plan Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Set netting also risks capture of other marine mammals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting off the west coast of the North Island introduced in 2003 and again in May 2008 have reduced this risk but set netting still poses a threat outside these areas Pending a high court ruling on a challenge to the restrictions the risk to Maui‟s dolphins may return Economic value Yellow-eyed mullet are sold in New Zealand and Australia Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Most common in northern New Zealand waters in sheltered bays harbours and estuaries Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 68 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported commercial landings of 17 tonnes in 2007-08 with a similar non-commercial catch Stock trends Unknown but may be subject to localised depletion MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p1036) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly set nets and beach seine nets Habitat damage Low Bycatch The small mesh nets used may increase fishing pressure on grey mullet and a range of other shallow water species There is also a potential bycatch of seabirds dolphins and other marine mammals in the set net fishery However restrictions on set netting in areas where the endangered Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects The localised nature of the fishery in some harbours means there could be a risk of serial depletion in some places Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 128
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 129
Appendix I Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Wallet Card Hard copies of the Best Fish Guide wallet card are available from Forest amp Bird and numerous nationwide outlets For example Kelly Tarltonrsquos Underwater Aquarium (Auckland) Portabello Marine Laboratory (Dunedin) Burger Wisconsin (nationwide) plus libraries health food shops cafes and other retail outlets It is also available to download as a pdf from our web site wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 130
Appendix II Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological Assessment Scores Using the Best Fish Guide Assessment Methodology New Zealand fish are given an overall rank from A (highest ecological sustainability) to E (lowest ecological sustainability) This is derived by awarding a score of 1 to 5 (ranks A to E) to six different assessment criteria (some weighted more heavily than others) The sum of these scores provides the overall assessment score and rank For more information on the assessment methodology please download the Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) from wwwbestfishguideorgnz Table Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological assessment scores for New Zealandrsquos wild caught seafood species showing individual scores for each criterion the multipliers applied ndash high importance (x3) to low importance (x1) ndash and the overall score and rank
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Albacore ALB 3 3 4 3 4 3 43 D
Alfonsino BYX 4 2 5 3 5 4 48 E
Anchovy ANC 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Arrow Squid SQU 4 5 5 1 5 5 54 E
Barracouta BAR 4 4 5 2 3 4 48 E
Bigeye Tuna BIG 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Black cardinal fish
CDL 5 4 4 5 3 4 55 E
Blue cod BCO 4 2 2 3 3 3 37 D
Blue mackerel EMA 4 4 3 3 3 3 45 E
Blue moki MOK 3 3 5 4 1 4 42 D
Blue shark BWS 4 5 4 4 4 4 55 E
Blue warehou WAR 4 3 5 3 3 4 47 E
Bluenose BNS 5 5 4 4 2 4 54 E
Butterfish BUT 4 2 4 3 4 4 44 D
Cockles COC 4 1 4 2 3 3 36 D
Dark ghost shark
GSH 4 3 5 4 2 5 48 E
Eels EEL 5 3 2 5 5 3 51 E
Elephantfish ELE 4 5 4 3 2 3 48 E
Flatfish FLA 4 4 5 2 5 4 52 E
Frostfish FRO 4 3 5 2 3 5 46 E
Garfish GAR 4 1 2 2 4 5 36 D
Gemfish SKI 5 3 5 4 2 3 49 E
Grey mullet GMU 4 2 4 2 4 3 41 D
Groper Hapuku HPB 4 2 4 4 5 5 49 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 131
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Hake HAK 3 4 5 3 3 3 46 E
Hoki HOK 3 5 5 3 3 2 48 E
Jack mackerel JMA 3 5 5 3 5 4 54 E
John dory JDO 4 2 5 2 2 4 40 D
Kahawai KAH 4 1 2 3 4 4 37 D
Kina SUR 4 1 2 3 3 5 36 D
Kingfish KIN 4 2 4 3 3 4 42 D
Leather jacket LEA 4 2 5 2 4 5 45 E
Ling LIN 3 5 5 3 3 3 49 E
Lookdown dory LDO 4 3 5 3 4 5 50 E
Mako shark MAK 4 5 4 4 4 5 56 E
Moonfish MOO
4 5 4 2 4 5 52 E
Orange roughy ORH 5 4 5 5 4 3 58 E
Oreos OEO 4 4 5 5 5 2 56 E
Oyster OYS 5 2 5 4 4 3 50 E
Pacific bluefin tuna
TOR 3 5 4 4 4 4 52 E
Packhorse lobster
PHC 4 2 2 4 2 5 39 D
Paddle crabs PAD 4 2 4 2 4 5 43 D
Pale ghost shark GSP 4 3 5 4 3 5 50 E
Paua PAU 5 1 1 5 5 3 43 D
Pilchards PIL 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Porbeagle shark POS 4 5 4 5 4 5 58 E
Queen scallops QSC
C 4 2 5 3 4 4 46 E
Red Cod RCO 3 4 5 2 2 4 43 D
Red Gurnard GUR 3 3 5 2 2 4 40 D
Red snapper RSN 4 3 4 4 4 5 50 E
Ribaldo RIB 4 3 4 4 2 5 46 E
Rig RIG 4 5 4 4 3 4 53 E
Rock lobster CRA 5 3 2 4 1 2 40 D
Rubyfish RBY 4 3 5 5 3 4 51 E
Scallops SCA 4 4 5 2 3 3 47 E
Scampi SCI 4 5 5 4 2 3 52 E
School shark SCH 4 5 4 4 2 4 51 E
Sea perch SPE 5 3 5 4 3 4 52 E
Silver warehou SWA 4 4 4 2 3 4 46 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 132
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
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ilit
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hes
Pro
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Bio
log
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overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
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nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Skates SKA 4 3 5 4 5 4 53 E
Skipjack tuna SKJ 2 3 2 3 4 3 36 D
Snapper SNA 5 5 5 4 3 2 56 E
Southern blue whiting
SBW 3 5 4 4 1 3 45 E
Southern bluefin tuna
SBT 5 5 4 4 4 2 56 E
Spiny dogfish SPD 4 4 5 4 2 4 50 E
Sprats SPR 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Stargazer STA 4 3 5 3 2 4 45 E
Striped marlin STM 4 5 4 3 4 4 53 E
Swordfish SWO
4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Tarakihi TAR 3 4 5 3 2 3 44 D
Trevally TRE 3 2 5 4 1 3 38 D
Trumpeter TRU 4 3 4 3 3 5 46 E
White warehou WW
A 4 4 5 3 1 5 47 E
Yellow fin tuna YFN 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Yellow-eyed mullet
YEM 4 2 4 1 3 4 38 D
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 133
Acronyms
ACAP ndash Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
B0 ndash The unfished initial or virgin recruited biomass for a stock
BMSY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield
BMAY ndash The recruited biomass that will support the maximum average yield
BMCY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum constant yield
CAY ndash Current annual yield - this is the estimate of the maximum sustainable catch for the current year in reference to a level of fishing mortality which has an acceptable level of risk
CITES ndash Convention on Trade in Endangered Species
CMS ndash Convention on Migratory Species
DoC ndash Department of Conservation
ITQ ndash Individual Transferable Quota - quota share of the TACC ITQs are property rights to a fishery granted in perpetuity which can be traded
ESY ndash Ecologically sustainable yield ndash the yield an ecosystem can sustain without shifting to an undesirable state
F ndash Fishing mortality rate is that part of the total mortality rate applying to the fish population that is caused by fishing
M ndash Natural mortality on a fish stock
MAY ndash Maximum Average Yield - which is the long-term current annual yield and equivalent to MSY
MCY ndash Maximum constant yield - the maximum constant catch that is sustainable with acceptable levels of risk at probable levels of future biomass for a fish stock
MFish ndash Ministry of Fisheries
MEY ndash Maximum Economic Yield - the greatest difference between the costs of inputs and the values of outputs (catch) This is the sustained catch that produces the maximum economic value this is usually at a catch below MSY
MSY ndash Maximum sustainable yield in relation to any stock means the greatest yield that can be achieved over time while maintaining the stocks productive capacity having regard to the population dynamics of the stock and any environmental factors that influence the stock (section 2 Fisheries Act 1996)
OSY ndash Optimum sustainable yield is the yield which considers factors in addition to maximum sustainable yield for instance effects on other species in the ecosystem and of other human uses of the ecosystem
TACC ndash Total Allowable Commercial Catch - this is the TAC minus an allowance for customary Maori fisheries recreational fisheries and other mortality on a stock caused by fishing The TACC is established under section 20 of the Fisheries Act 1996
TAC ndash Total Allowable Catch of any fish stock this includes the TACC plus an allowance for non-commercial catches including customary Maori catch and other mortality caused by fishing The TAC is established under section 13 or 14 of the Fisheries Act 96
Von B k ndash This is the Brody growth co-efficient and defines the growth rate toward the maximum This is from the standard Von Bertalanffy model (1938) which describes the growth in fish length
Lt=l [1-e-k(t-to)
] where l is the maximum body size and to is the shift in the growth curve to allow for nonzero body length at age zero
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 134
Glossary of Terms
Aquaculture - Aquatic species such as fish and shellfish in salt brackish or freshwater Farming implies private ownership and enhancement of production by stocking feeding providing protection from predators and other management measures
Beach-seine - A large enclosing net brought out by boats and dragged to the (sandy) shore Also a net
used to encircle fish in shallow water usually operated by two people wading out from shore the net
has lead weights to keep the bottom on the sea floor and floats to keep the top of the net at or near
the surface The seine may be set from a boat but hauled in from the land Also called shore seine
drag seine draw net haul seine yard seine and sweep net
Benthic species or benthos ndash Animals or plants living on the bottom of the ocean or lake
Biological diversity - The variability among living organisms including diversity within species between
species and of ecosystems (Section 2 of the Fisheries Act 1996) The Convention on Biological
Diversity also defines this as the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter
alia terrestrial marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems
Biomass - An aggregate weight at a particular time of fish (or other organisms) in a stock or in a fishery
Bottom trawl net - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom such
as Orange Roughy and oreos
Bottom pair-trawl - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom but
towed between two similar trawlers
Bycatch - Those species killed in a fishery targeted on other species or a different size range of the same
species and includes that part of the catch that has no commercial value and is discarded
Catch - The total number or weight of fish and other marine life including bycatch taken by fishing from an area over a period of time as opposed to landings which do not reflect the amount of discards
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (CCAMLR) - Established by treaty in 1980 the CCAMLR is unique among fisheries agreements in that the conservation measures adopted by the Commission must include a fisherys impact on the entire ecosystem rather than on just the targeted species This ecosystem approach aims to prevent a decrease in the size of harvested populations to levels that threaten their stable recruitment and to minimize the risk of changes in the marine ecosystem that are not potentially reversible over two or three decades The meetings of the Commission are held annually in Hobart Australia with representatives of the 23 CCAMLR member states
Continental shelf - The continental shelf is a gradually sloping undersea shelf of land that extends beyond shore of the continent The nature of this geologic shelf is home to a great diversity of fish and shellfish species
Copepods - A large group (approximately 6000 species) of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans They are an important food source for many larger animals including fish seabirds and baleen whales
Coral reefs ndash Reefs built up over hundreds of years by colonies of small animals called coral polyps and their skeletons of calcium carbonate Coral reefs cover less than 1 of the ocean area but are home to one-third of all marine fish species
Crustacean - The aquatic equivalent of insects also from the phylum Arthropoda Found in both fresh and salt water crustaceans are invertebrates and characteristically have a segmented body and exoskeleton with limbs that are paired and jointed Lobsters crabs shrimp and barnacles are examples of crustaceans
Danish seine - A method of seining with a large net but the catch is landed on the vessel Can be a single or
two boats net where an area of water of about 2 square kilometres is swept as two encircling ropes
leading to a trawl-like net are retrieved by the vessel(s) Fish within the ropes are herded into the net
during hauling
Demersal species - Fish found on or near the bottom of the ocean for example Orange Roughy
Depleted fishery - A fishery where the population has been reduced to less than that which would support
the maximum sustainable yield
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 135
Developed fishery - A fishery operating at or near the level of the maximum sustainable yield subject to
other environmental constraints
Developing fishery - A fishery in which experimental or feasibility fishing is being undertaken to determine
whether the resource can support a viable fishery
Dip-net - A net used for transferring the catch of a deep-sea seine after it has been brought alongside It is
operated either entirely by hand or partly by hand and partly by mechanical power Other names are
scoop brailer spoon net brail net and hand brailer
Dragnet ndash a small net pulled by two or more people which is dragged along the bottom
Driftnet - A gillnet weighted at the bottom and supported by floats at the top which drifts with the tide or
current Large driftnets used to be in excess of 50 km on the high seas and in New Zealand EEZ
can be no longer than 1km
EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone - the zone out to 200 nautical miles offshore established pursuant to
international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Fishing effort - The amount of fishing activity undertaken It is usually measured by the total time spent
fishing combined with the quantity of gear used for example the catch per thousand hooks or the
catch per trawl
Fecundity - The level or rate of egg or offspring production Fecundity may change with the size and age of a species
Finning - The practice of cutting off the fins of sharks and discarding the sharkrsquos body overboard Asia is the primary market for shark fins which are used to make shark fin soup The US Congress banned shark-finning in all US waters in 2000 Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Fishery - Can be defined in many ways though in general terms it is the take or removal of a species from the aquatic environment using some type of fishing technology The emphasis is on the human aspects of fishing and all the activities it involves
Food chain - The sequence of organisms through which energy and materials are transferred (in the form of food) or the linear progression of feeding levels in which one organism is the food source for the next
Food web - The complex interlocking series of individual food chains in an ecosystem ie all the predator-prey relationships
Fyke net ndash A long bag net distended by hoops into which fish can pass easily without being able to return
Globally threatened species - A species that is globally threatened with biological extinction under the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria
Growth over-fishing - When the losses due to natural and fishing mortality exceed the gains due to
recruitment and growth during the same period This is usually reflected by a reduction in the size of
the fish being harvested
High-grading - The practice of discarding at sea all or a portion of a vessels legal catch in order to obtain a higher or larger grade of fish that brings higher prices It may occur in both quota and nonquota fisheries
Hinaki ndash A traditional Maori woven eel net trap made from supplejack and flax
Invertebrate - Animals without a backbone (eg jellyfish octopus sponges bryozoans) In fishery management terms invertebrate usually refers to shellfish such as lobsters shrimp oysters and scallops
Jig - A multi-barbed hook used mainly to catch squid
Lampara net - Similar to but much smaller than a purse seine with no pursing action This net is generally
used for catching artificial light attracted schools of small fish such as anchovy and pilchard There is
a central spoon-shaped section and two lateral wings and the net is usually operated from a small
boat The rapid retrieval of the lead line does close the bottom of the net but it is not a true purse
Landings - Commercial landings are defined as the quantity of fish and shellfish brought ashore for sale The term also applies to the amount caught for personal use by recreational fishermen This measurement does not include the amount of bycatch incidentally caught and discarded dead at sea
Maximum sustainable yield - The maximum amount of a species that can be taken without diminishing the future take
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 136
Metric tonne - Often the unit of measurement for commercial and recreational landings a metric tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms 0984 long tons 11023 short tons or 22046 pounds
Mid-water trawl - A trawl designed catch species in mid-water eg hoki and southern blue whiting These
trawl nets can have 60 metre headline heights (top to bottom on net) and opening over 150m wide
Nautical mile - One nautical mile is the equivalent of 115 statute miles
Overcapitalization - This occurs when there is more fishing capacity (ie more boats gear or investment in equipment) than is needed to catch the available amount of fish in an economically efficient and sustainable manner Overcapitalization poses a threat to fish populations because it can easily lead to overfishing
Overfishing - Overfishing exists when the rate of fishing is greater than the level required to meet the management goal or maximum sustainable yield In other words overfishing occurs when a population of fish is caught faster than it can replenish itself through reproduction (Roberts et al)
Pelagic - An ancient Greek word for the open ocean or high seas the area comprising most of the Earths surface
Pelagic species - Species found near the surface of the sea and not on or near the seabed for example
tuna and kahawai
Plankton - Small plant and animal species that spend at least part of their time on the sea surface They rely in large part on ocean currents for distribution and transportation As eggs and larvae many marine species such as cod and Dungeness crabs are planktonic for part of their life cycle The plankton provide food for many commercially important fish and form the basis of ocean food webs Some of the largest marine creatures such as whale sharks and blue whales eat plankton Zooplankton are animals and phytoplankton are plants
Population - A group of interbreeding organisms that represents the level of organization at which speciation begins In other words a population is a group within a species that shares common ecological and genetic features compared to other individuals of that species
Precautionary principle - A proactive method of dealing with the environment that places the burden of proof on those whose activities could harm the environment rather than on the public It is the opposite of the wait-and-see principle acting before scientific proof of deleterious effects is applying a precautionary approach
Purse seine - A floating net designed to surround fish and can be closed at the bottom or ldquopursedrdquo by
means of a free-running line attached to the bottom of the net The net may be of up to 1 km length
and 300 m depth and is used to encircle surface schooling fish such as kahawai trevally and
skipjack tuna During retrieval the bottom of the net is closed or pursed by drawing a purse line
through a series of rings to prevent the fish escaping
Recruit - A fish entering the period in its life history when it is exposed to fishing Related phrases include
pre-recruits age or length at recruitment recruitment failure
Recruitment - Recruitment is the general replacement of fish to a stock or population In fisheries it is the
time when a fish grow to a size they become liable to be caught in fishing gear
Recruitment failure - The failure of the fish stock to be replaced by recruits
Recruitment over-fishing - Occurs when the spawning stock has been reduced to a level at which
recruitment of young fish entering the exploited component of the fishery is significantly reduced
Ring net - A modified lampara net with purse rings operated by two vessels
Seamount - Underwater volcanic mountain ridges and plateaus that rise up several kilometres from the sea
floor but do not reach the surface of the sea
Seine - A type of fishing net that encircles a school of fish
Set - To prepare and cast a net one ldquosetrdquo is typically defined as the interval from the time the net is cast to
the time the net is hauled in
Set net - A type of gill net that has been intentionally set staked or anchored or otherwise fixed in stationary
position as opposed to drift nets
Stock - The technical definition of a stock is an interbreeding sub-population of a species reproductively isolated to some extent from other populations Used as a unit for fishery management however stock refers to a specific population or group of populations of one or more species
Territorial Sea - This is sea within 12 nautical miles from low-water line along the coast
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 137
Trammel net - Type of gill net with three panels suspended from a common surface line and attached to a
single bottom line The two outside panels are of a larger mesh than the inside panel
Trawl - Net with a wide mouth tapering to a small pointed end usually called the cod end Trawls are towed
behind a vessel at any depth in the water column
Trolls - Lines with lures or baited hooks that are drawn through the water from a vessel while in motion
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 138
Glossary of Fish Names
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Abalone Paua Haliotis iris
Ahi Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Ahi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Akiwa Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Albacore Tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Anguile australe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Araara Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arāra Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arrow Squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Ashiro Ling Genypterus blacodes
Aua Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Australian long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Australian salmon Kahawai Arripis trutta
Barndoor skate Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Barracouta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Beryx Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Beryx de nouvelle-zelande Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Big-eye cardinalfish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Bigeye Tuna Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Black cardinal fish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Black dory Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 139
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Black Oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black-footed paua Paua Haliotis iris
Blauer wittling Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Blue bream Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Blue cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Blue grenadier Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue hake Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Blue moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Blue Pointer Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue shark Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Blue whaler Blue shark Prionace glauca
Bluefin Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Bluefin Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Bluenose Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bluff oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Bonita Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Brill Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Brim Snapper Pagrus auratus
Broadbill Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Broadbill swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Brown oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Bulldog Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Butterfish Butterfish Odax pullus
Calamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Chimera Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 140
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Chimera Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Chinchard neozelandias Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Cockles Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Common warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Coque Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Coquille saint-jacques de
Nouvelle-Zealande
Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Couta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Crayfish Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Crayfish Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Creamfish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Cutlassfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Dab Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Dark ghost shark Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Deepsea cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Deepsea dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Deepsea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Deepsea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Deepsea trevalla Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Deepsea warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Demi-bec neozelandias Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Dore austral Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Eels Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Elephant shark Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Elephantfish Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 141
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Flake School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Flat oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Flatfish Flatfish
Foveaux Strait Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Frostfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Gangiei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Gaori Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Garfish Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Gemfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Giant stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Golden snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Googly-eyed cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Goushyuumadai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Granatbarsch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Green rock lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Greenback flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea tapirina
Greenbone Butterfish Odax pullus
Grey boy School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grey mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Grey shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grondin rouget Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Groper Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Gummy shark Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Haature Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Haiku Hake Merluccius australis
Hake Hake Merluccius australis
Haku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 142
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Hakuraa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Half-beak Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hangenge Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hapuka Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Hauture Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Hauwai Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Herring Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Hihiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Hikau Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Hinangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Hohopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Hoka Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoka Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Hokarari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoki Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Hoplostete orange Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Hopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Horse mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Huangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huangiangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huuai Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Ihe Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Inaka Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Jack fish Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Jack mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 143
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Jock Stewart Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
John dory John dory Zeus faber
Julienette Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Kaaraerae Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kaataha Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kahawai Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kahu Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kaisersgranat Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Kalamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kalmar Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kanae Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Kaorea Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Kapua Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kararuri Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kataka Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kauaeroa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kawerai Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kehe Hake Merluccius australis
Kin koorako Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina ariki Kina Evechinus chloroticus
King dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kingklip Ling Genypterus blacodes
Kingu Ling Genypterus blacodes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 144
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Koekohe Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koeo Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kohikohi Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koinga Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kokowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Komutumutu Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kooeaea Butterfish Odax pullus
Koopuuhuri Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kooukauka Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kopapa Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kopukopu Blue cod Parapercis colias
Kopuwai Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Korohiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kororiwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Korowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Koura Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Koura Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Kourea Snapper Pagrus auratus
Kourepoua Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Kuakua Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Kumukumu Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Kupae Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Kuparu Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kuparu John dory Zeus faber
Kutuhori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Kuuwharuwharu Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Langoustine-de-NZ Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 145
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Langschwanz-Seehecht Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Latchet Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Leather jacket Leather jacket Parika scaber
Lemonfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Ling Ling Genypterus blacodes
Longfinned albacore Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachia +
Lookdown dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Mackerel shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Madai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Maha-taharaki Gemfish Rexea solandri
Maka Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Makaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Maka-tikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Makawhiti Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Mako shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Makohuarau School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Mako-huarau Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Makorepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Makumaku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Mangaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Mangoo-hapuu Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pekepeke Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pounamu Blue shark Prionace glauca
Manumanu Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Marakuha Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Marare Butterfish Odax pullus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 146
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Marari Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Mararī Butterfish Odax pullus
Marariwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Matapara Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matapuku Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matiri Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Matohe Butterfish Odax pullus
Matuawhapuku Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Merlan bleu austral Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Merluse Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Merluza Hake Merluccius australis
Merluza azul Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Minamimaguro Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Minamimaguro Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Moamoa Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moeone Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Mohimohi Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Moki trumpeter Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Monkfish Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moonfish Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Mora Ribaldo Mora moro
Morwong Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Nasello azzurro Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Nelson oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
New Zealand cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Ngu Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 147
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Northern Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
NZ cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
NZ dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
NZ gem scallop Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ gem shellfish Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ golden snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
NZ Herring Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
NZ Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae +
NZ littleneck clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
NZ sea crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
NZ smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
NZ sole Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Ocean bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Ocean perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Opah Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Orange roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Oreos Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Oursin de Nouvelle-
Zelande
Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Paakirikiri Blue cod Parapercis colias
Paara Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Paatiki Flatfish
Paatiki nui Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Paatiki rori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Paatikimohoao Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Paatikitotara Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Paatutuki Blue cod Parapercis colias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 148
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Pacific bluefin tuna Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Pacific mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Packhorse lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Paddle crabs Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Paea Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Pakaurua Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Pakeke Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Pale ghost shark Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Paumlpaka Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Papakura Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Papatia Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Para-taharangi Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Patete Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Patikinui Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Paua Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Pawharu Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Pearl Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Pearl Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Peruvian Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Pesce arancio Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Peterfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Pilchards Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Pillie Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Piper Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Pohuikaroa Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Porae Trumpeter Latris lineata
Porbeagle Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 149
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Porbeagle shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Porpoise shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Pota Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Poutini Blue shark Prionace glauca
Puaihakua Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Pukeru John dory Zeus faber
Pure Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Puurau Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Puuwhaiau Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Queen paua Paua Haliotis australis
Queen scallops Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Raawaru Blue cod Parapercis colias
Rari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Rattail Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Raumarie Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Red Cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Red Gurnard Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Red rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Red roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Red snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Reherehe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Repe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Reperepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Ribaldo Ribaldo Mora moro
Rig Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Rock salmon Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Rock salmon Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 150
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Roodbars Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Rosy soldierfish Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Rough skate Skates Zearaja nasutus
Rubyfish Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Saint-pierre John dory Zeus faber
Sand Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Sand perch Blue cod Parapercis colias
Sardine Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Sardine Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Scallops Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Scampi Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Scaree Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Schnapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
School shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Sea bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Sea bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Sea egg Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Sea mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Sea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Sea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Sea Urchin Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Seehecht Hake Merluccius australis
Shibi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Shortfin mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Short-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Short-finned squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Silver bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 151
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Silver eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Silver kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Silver trumpeter Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Silver warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Skates Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Skipjack tuna Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis
Slimehead Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Smooth Oreo Oreos Pseudocyttus maculatus
Smooth skate Skates Dipturus innominatus
Snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
Snoek Barracouta Thyrsites atun
South pacific crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Southern anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Southern blue whiting Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern bluefin tuna Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Southern kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Southern mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Southern poutassou Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern queen Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Southern spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey Oreo Oreos Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Spineback Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Splendid alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Spotted estuary smooth- Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 152
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
hound
Spotted oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Spotted spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spotted warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Spotten dogfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Sprats Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Spurdog Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Stone eye Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Striped marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Striped mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Striped trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Sudlicher kaiserbarsch Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Suei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Swimming crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Takaketonga Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Takeke Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Tamure Snapper Pagrus auratus
Tarakihi Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Tarao Butterfish Odax pullus
Tawatawa Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Teifsee-petersfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Tewetewe Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Tftis Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Thon rouge de sud Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Thon rouge de sud Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 153
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Tiikati Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Tiikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Tiikati Hake Merluccius australis
Tio Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio para Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio repe Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tipa Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Tipai Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Tope School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Toti Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Trevally Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Trigger fish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Tuangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Tuna hao Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tuna heke Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tupa Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Turbot Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Uku Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Venus shells Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Waewae Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Warehenga Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Wariwari Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Whaapuku Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Whai Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 154
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Wharangi Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Wheketere Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Whiptail Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
White cod Ribaldo Mora moro
White fillets Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
White tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
White warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Whiting Hake Merluccius australis
Wrackbarsch Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Wreckfish Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Yellow eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Yellow fin tuna Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Yellow-belly flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Yelloweye mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-eyed mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-footed paua Paua Haliotis australis
Yellowtail Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
![Page 2: Best Fish Guide 2009-2010](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022071523/613d0ab7736caf36b7589f48/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Acknowledgements
Forest amp Bird with to thank anonymous reviewers for their peer review comments on this draft We also thank Peta Methias Annabel Langbein Martin Bosely Margaret Brooker Lois Daish Kelder Haines Dobie Blaze Rohan Horner and Ray McVinnie for permission to use their recipes on the website
Special thanks to our Best Fish Guide Ambassador Dobie Blaze keyboard player with Fat Freddyrsquos Drop
Editing Kirstie Knowles Barry Weeber and Helen Bain
Technical Advisor Barry Weeber
Cover Design Rob Deliver
Cover fish (Tarakihi) Malcolm Francis
Photography
Malcolm Francis blue cod blue moki blue shark butterfish groperhapuku hoki jack mackerel john
dory kahawai kingfish leather jacket moonfish paua porbeagle shark red gurnard red snapper scallop school shark sea perch snapper spiny dogfish tarakihi trevally and trumpeter
Peter Langlands blue warehou cockles elephantfish frostfish lookdown dory oyster pale ghost
shark queen scallops red cod riglemonfish rubyfish and scampi
Ministry of Fisheries albacore tuna bigeye tuna blue mackerel pacific bluefin tuna skipjack tuna southern bluefin tuna and swordfish
John Holdsworth gemfish striped marlin and yellowfin tuna
Kirstie Knowles sand flounder and rock lobster
Department of Conservation kina and skate
Quentin Bennett mako shark
Scott Macindoe garfish
Jim Mikoz yellow-eyed mullet
Forest amp Bird arrow squid dark ghost shark orange roughy smooth oreo packhorse lobster
paddle crabs stargazer and white warehou
Illustrations
Bruce Mahalski Best Fish Guide ecological impact icons plus alfonsino ling and seahorse (below)
Robbie NCada grey mullet and pilchard
FAO barracouta black cardinalfish bluenose hake ribaldo southern blue whiting and
sprat
CSIRO anchovy and silver warehou
First published November 2004
Revised 2005 2007
Recommended citation Forest amp Bird (2009) Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How sustainable is New Zealand seafood (Ecological Assessments) Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc Wellington
Disclaimer
Every effort has been made by Forest amp Bird to obtain permission to reproduce the images in this guide and to credit them accordingly Where it has not been possible to contact the copyright holder we have included a credit Every effort has also been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this guide Forest amp Bird welcomes any comments or further information on the text and images but cannot accept any liability for any errors or omissions
Contents
Introduction 1
New Zealandrsquos oceans 1
Oceans under threat 1
Our vision 2
The Best Fish Guide 4
Questions to ask 4
Farmed seafood 5
Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 assessment summary 6
Fishery Facts 6
The Best and the Worst 7
Seafood assessment results 9 -128
Appendix I ndash Best Fish Guide Wallet Card 129
Appendix II ndash Table of assessment scores 130
Acronyms 133
Glossary of terms 134
Glossary of fish names 138
Note A full list of references used to complete the ecological assessments presented in this report are provided in the Best Fish Guide assessment methodology Weeber (2009) Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc Wellington
Index to fish species assessments Seafood species
Page Seafood species Page
Albacore tuna
Alfonsino
Anchovy
Arrow squid
Barracouta
Bigeye tuna
Black cardinalfish
Blue cod
Blue mackerel
Blue moki
Blue shark
Blue warehou
Bluenose
Butterfish
Cockles
Dark ghost shark
Eels
Elephant fish
Flatfish
Frostfish
Garfish
Gemfish
Grey mullet
Groper Hapuku Bass
Hake
Hoki
Jack mackerel
John dory
Kahawai
Kina
Kingfish
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Ling
Lookdown dory
Mako shark
Moonfish
Orange Roughy
Oreos Deepwater dory
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
30
31
33
35
37
38
39
40
42
44
46
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
60
61
63
Oyster
Pacific bluefin tuna
Packhorse lobster
Paddle crabs
Pale ghost shark
Paua
Pilchard
Porbeagle shark
Queen scallops
Red cod
Red gurnard
Red snapper
Ribaldo
Rig Lemonfish
Rock lobster Crayfish
Rubyfish
Scallops
Scampi
School shark
Sea perch
Silver warehou
Skates
Skipjack tuna
Snapper
Southern blue whiting
Southern bluefin tuna
Spiny dogfish
Sprats
Stargazer Monkfish
Striped marlin
Swordfish
Tarakihi
Trevally
Trumpeter
White warehou
Yellow fin tuna
Yellow-eyed mullet
65
67
68
69
70
72
74
76
77
78
80
82
83
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
113
115
117
119
121
123
124
125
127
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 1
Introduction New Zealandrsquos oceans
New Zealand has one of the largest marine areas in the world covering more than 1 of
the Earthrsquos surface Its marine area is also incredibly diverse from the sub-tropical oceans
in the north to our temperate waters around the mainland and cool sub-Antarctic waters in
the south
Many of our marine species are found nowhere else in the world Scientists estimate that
more than 80 of New Zealandrsquos biodiversity is found in our oceans and much more is
yet to be discovered About 15000 marine species are known while it is estimated that
another 50000 species are yet to be discovered ndash new species are being found all the
time
Our marine area is also a vital part of our economy supporting out $15 billion fishing
industry and our $20 billion tourism industry
It is also central to our national identity most New Zealanders live near the ocean and
have a close relationship with the marine environment We collect kaimoana or seafood
swim dive snorkel and sail and appreciate the variety of marine life
Oceans under threat
New Zealandrsquos marine environment is under increasing pressure from human activities
Climate change pollution coastal development mineral exploration and mining create
cumulative effects that are having a detrimental impact on the health of the marine
environment and marine life
Fishing operations have the most significant impact on the marine environment both
through the amount of fish caught and the methods used to catch it
Some fishing practices such as bottom trawling and dredging used by fisheries in
New Zealand waters damage the marine environment
Over the last 50 years fishing technologies have developed to such an extent that
the scale of fishing operations now exceeds a level that is sustainable The UN
estimates that 70 of the worldrsquos fisheries are now exploited to their limits over-
exploited or depleted
Many fisheries also catch significant levels of by-catch ndash species such as
albatrosses dolphins sea lions and other non-target species
According to Statistics New Zealand fishing uses more energy than any other
industry sector increasing by 40 in the last decade
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 2
New Zealand prides itself on our clean green image and promotes its fisheries
management as world-leading
Compared to some fisheries this is partly true ndash New Zealand does take a comprehensive
management approach and is recognised as being among the best But comparing
ourselves to countries with no management or very poor fisheries management does not
mean that we should be proud of our situation New Zealand is still far from living up to its
slogan ldquoIf itrsquos from New Zealand itrsquos sustainablerdquo
Wild fisheries typically take place in open waters with low levels of enforcement of rules
that aim to ensure sustainability and few observers to report any breaches or problems
New Zealandrsquos fisheries quota management system is a rights-based system that entitles
quota holders to a ldquoright to fishrdquo which encourages them to fish to the maximum level
allowed under their quota rather than take a more sustainable approach
To ensure sustainability the QMS requires good information and a precautionary
approach Fisheries management in New Zealand is failing by
Allowing significant waste of fisheries resources
Having no upper size limit and allowing fish that have gathered to spawn to be
caught reducing the ability of fish populations to reproduce
Targeting the maximum (rather than an optimum or precautionary) yield
Lacking information about fish stocks and how sustainable catches are
Allowing or poorly managing levels of marine mammal and seabird deaths
including endangered species
Using destructive fishing techniques such as bottom trawling and dredging which
destroy habitats and seabed life
Our vision
Forest amp Bird has a vision for a more sustainable fishery by 2030
A healthy and diverse marine environment supporting an abundance of marine life
where profitable fisheries operate alongside other activities
Adverse impacts of fishing on the marine environment have been repaired or
mitigated and ldquonursery areasrdquo important for replenishment of populations are
protected
New Zealand meets or exceeds worldrsquos best practice in fisheries management and
environmental practice so it can market truly sustainable products worldwide
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 3
Forest amp Bird hopes that making seafood consumers aware of problems behind our
fisheries management will help them make better choices and encourage our fisheries to
improve their practices
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 4
The Best Fish Guide
The Best Fish Guide is a tool to inform seafood consumers and encourage
environmentally sound choices of seafood
The guide covers an assessment of New Zealandrsquos wild-caught fisheries (see the section
about farmed fisheries for more information ndash page 5)
The assessment is based on six criteria some of which are given heavier weighting than
others
Criteria Weighting
Status and sustainability of catch High
Captures of protected or globally threatened species High
Fishing method and impact Medium
Fish biology and vulnerability to overfishing Medium
Management regime appropriate to species Medium
Management effectiveness and information levels Low
The Best Fish Guide assessment methodology has been peer reviewed and is available
for you to download at wwwbestfishguideorgnz It is also available from Forest amp Birdrsquos
national office
The Best Fish Guide presents the results of its assessments in three formats
A detailed ecological assessment report (pages 10 - 128 of this report)
A comprehensive online reference tool (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
A wallet guide that summarises fish rankings at a glance The wallet guide ranks
fisheries from green (best choice) to red (worst choice) (see Appendix I)
To help you get the best taste from your Best Fish Guide we asked New Zealand chefs
and fish fans including Peta Methias Annabel Langbein and Dobie Blaze to share their
favourite ndash and sustainable ndash fish recipes using the species identified as best choice in the
guide You can find them at wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Questions to ask
Unfortunately many seafood retailers have poor information and labelling making it difficult
to make a sustainable choice As well as using the Best Fish Guide you can ask your
retailer questions
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 5
What species is it
Most fish species are known by a number of different names For example groper is also
known as bass and hapuku Or it can work the other way sometimes different species
are known by the same name For example fish labelled as ldquotunardquo could be a good choice
species like albacore tuna or it could be a worst choice like southern bluefin tuna
To identify what type of fish you are buying go to the Best Fish Guide glossary of fish
names (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
Where was it caught
If your seafood was caught locally its ecological footprint is smaller because it doesnrsquot
have to be transported so far It is also easier to check how local fish were caught The
sustainability of fisheries in some regions is better than in other regions By asking where
the fish was caught and checking the Best Fish Guide seafood species assessments you
can find out whether that species is caught sustainably in that locality
How was it caught
Some fishing methods (bottom trawling and dredging) have devastating impacts on
seafloor habitats other methods (gillset netting trawl fishing long-lining) cause deaths of
vulnerable species By asking how your fish was caught you can avoid the high impact
and damaging methods
By asking these questions you can support more sustainable fishing practices and better
management of fisheries
Farmed seafood
The Best Fish Guide does not currently assess farmed seafood because it is managed
under a very different system from wild fisheries and its sustainability varies according to
very specific local factors
The main species farmed in New Zealand are molluscs such as mussels and oysters and
fin fish in particular salmon Farmed molluscs generally have a lower ecological impact
than farmed fin fish A particular concern about fish farming is the feeding of reared fish
with wild-caught seafood
Until Forest amp Bird develops its farmed fish assessment methodology we encourage you to
choose farmed seafood
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 6
Best Fish Guide 2009-10 assessment summary
The 2009-2010 Best Fish Guide assessment was carried out in August 2009 using the
latest government and published information on the biology status and management of
fish stocks protected species captures habitat damage and ecological damage caused by
fishing methods to marine life
Fishery Facts
Of New Zealandrsquos 75 commercial fisheries assessed
29 (39) are over-fished or there has been a substantial decline in stocks
49 (65) cause habitat damage 45 (60) kill significant numbers of seabirds 47 (63) kill a significant number of marine mammals 55 (73) catch too much non-target fish 51 (68) cause adverse ecological effects
42 (56) have never had a quantitative stock assessment and the stock status is unknown
15 (20) have had a full stock assessment in the last 10 years (some showed that little was known about the state of the stocks)
7 (9) have quantitative stock assessments which are more than 10 years old 18 (24) have had only a partial stock assessment in the last 10 years 11 (15) have had all stocks assessed in the last 5 years 24 (32) were missing basic biological information required to manage the stock
75 (100) have no management plan 8 (11) manage more than one species as a single species
Every year over 1300 commercial fishing vessels fish in New Zealand waters
Catching 453145 tonnes of fish in the 2008 fishing year with hoki making up the largest proportion (This is down from 652000 tonnes in 1998)
Setting 10000 km of nets Setting 50 million hooks Making 90000 trawls Making 90000 dredge tows
Also
On average around 55000 square kilometres were trawled each year in the middle depth and deep water fisheries between 1990 and 20051 (with most fishing in areas targeting hoki squid orange roughy scampi and snapper)
Around 1000 fur seals are killed annually in New Zealand fisheries2
1 Ministry for the Environment (2009) Environmental Report Area swept by trawling
(httpwwwmfegovtnzenvironmental-reportingoceansfishing-activitytrawlingarea-swepthtml) 2 Smith MH and S J Baird (2009) Model-based estimation of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus foresteri)
incidental captures and strike rates for trawl fishing in New Zealand waters for the years 1994-95 to 2005-06 NZ Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity No 40
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 7
The Best and the Worst
New Zealandrsquos most ecologically sustainable fisheries are generally those with low-impact
fishing methods targeting species with a low vulnerability to fishing or caught in well-
managed fisheries
The highest-ranking fisheries representing the best seafood choices are anchovies
pilchards and sprats
Close behind still offering a good seafood choice are skipjack tuna garfish cockles and
kina
Improvements3
A number of commercially caught species have moved up the Best Fish Guide rankings
including hoki blue cod trevally packhorse lobster and red gurnard
The worst-ranking fisheries are orange roughy and porbeagle shark followed by
oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna mako shark snapper blue shark and black
cardinalfish These fish represent a poor seafood choice and should be avoided
Degraded3
Quite a few commercially caught species have moved down the Best Fish Guide rankings
These include skates or rays bluenose rock lobster scallops eels and both bigeye and
yellowfin tuna
Below is a table illustrating some of New Zealandrsquos fisheries with the greatest
environmental impact (unless otherwise stated these numbers are based on a 3 year
average of the latest information)
Ecological impact Worst offending fisheries (in order of impact) Numbers killed per year
Marine Mammals
- Hectors dolphins4 Riglemonfish school shark elephantfish butterfish 110-150
- NZ sea lions5 Southern squid trawl fishery scampi southern blue
whiting 54
- NZ fur seals5
Hoki southern blue whiting ling 800
- Dolphins (common porpoise bottlenose)
5 Jack mackerel blue mackerel 55
Seabirds (2006-07)5
- Albatrosses Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline swordfish longline
1060
- Petrels Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline 1900
- Fishing methods Longline fisheries 1500
3 Change in status relative to the Best Fish Guide 2007-08 assessment 4 Davies N Bian R Starr P Lallemand P Gilbert D and McKenzie J (2008) Risk analysis of Hectorrsquos dolphins
and Mauirsquos dolphin subpopulations to commercial set net fishing using a temporal-spatial age-structured model NIWA Wellington
5 Abraham E R and Thompson F N (2009) Capture of protected species in New Zealand trawl and longline fisheries1998-99 to 2006-07 Dragonfly Wellington
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 8
eg Tuna longline fisheries (southern bluefin tuna big-eye tuna etc)
500
eg Bottom longline fisheries ndash snapper ling bluenose
990
Trawl fisheries (eg squid hoki scampi) 1680
Turtles5
Tuna longline fisheries 12
Sharks
- Basking sharks6 Hoki squid barracouta 50
- Blue sharks7 Tuna longline fishery 76000
Finned sharks (proportion of sharks finned between 2002 and 2007)
6
eg blue shark 87
eg porbeagle shark 85
eg mako shark 47
Seafloor species8
Bottom trawl fisheries (eg orange roughy and oreo) 30+ tonnes
Incidental (non-target) bycatch
Scampi fishery9 54 x total scampi
catch
Southern bluefin tuna10
20 x total southern bluefin
tuna catch
Trawl fisheries11
10-25 of total target catch
Dredge fisheries (eg oysters and scallops)12
1 - 25 x total target catch
New Zealand sea lion bycatch has been estimated to range from 45 to 115 sea lions over the last five years
A summary of the ecological assessment scores for each New Zealand seafood species is
presented in Appendix II (page130)
6 Ministry of Fisheries (2008) New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks
Ministry of Fisheries Wellington 7 Science Group Ministry of Fisheries (2008) Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008
stock assessments and yield estimates 157p 8 Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-
2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p 9 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02
to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
Ballara SL and Anderson OF (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the trawl fisheries for arrow squid and scampi in New Zealand waters New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 38 102p
Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p
Anderson O F and Smith M H (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2002-03 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 20053 37p
10 Griggs LH Baird S J and Francis MP (2007) Fish bycatch in New Zealand tuna longline fisheries 2002-03 to 2004-05 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200718 58p
11 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
12 Beentjes MP and Baird SJ (2004) Review of dredge fishing technologies and practice for application in New Zealand New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200437 40p
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 9
Seafood assessment results
The following pages detail the ecological assessments of each commercially caught New
Zealand seafood species (An index is presented at the front of this report)
To aid the reader a quick reference to the key ecological concerns are illustrated with one
of the following icons
Fish stock(s) increasing after period of substantial decline
Fish stock(s) over-fished or have substantially declined
Fishery causes habitat damage
Fishery has a seabird bycatch problem
Fishery has a marine mammal bycatch problem
Fishery has a non-target fish bycatch problem
Fishery causes adverse ecological effects
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 10
Albacore tuna
Scientific name Thunnus alalunga
Other names White tuna (canned) albacore longfinned albacore thon blanc (France) tunny (UK) binnaga bincho tombo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna that is mainly caught by troll and longline fisheries (30-50 of the catch) off the west coast of New Zealand‟s North and South Islands The albacore catch steadily increased following the start of commercial fishing in the 1960s and fluctuated (between 2200 and 6600 tonnes) in the last ten years (Lewis and Williams 2001 p29) The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals declining stock trends and the absence of catch limits a management plan and an updated stock assessment Removal of this large predatory species from the ocean‟s food web has wide ecological implications Economic value The main market is for canned albacore with the canning process done outside New Zealand Canned albacore tuna is sold as ldquowhite tunardquo mainly in the USA The export value is over $10 million per year Best option Troll caught tuna (eg West Coast of the South Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology amp risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Albacore tuna are a highly migratory species found on the west coast of the North and South Islands between New Plymouth and Fiordland It is also found on the East Coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit There are no catch limits set for New Zealand (it is not on the QMS) and there is no global catch limit Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 2251 tonnes in 2008 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown - Likely to be above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe current assessment indicates lower levels of stock size and maximum sustainable yield which appear to be more realistic than previous assessments There is uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the south Pacific albacore stock and the WCPFC [Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission] Scientific committee recommended that catches of south Pacific albacore remain at current levels considering the current rates of fishing mortality on adult albacorerdquo (MFish 2008 p31) Impact of fishing method and Protected threatened or endangered species bycatch (score D and C) Fishing Method(s) Trolling on the West Coast of the South Island and longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery and sharks are caught in the troll fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and Management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Management plan No The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 11
Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the WCPFC is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries (2000) A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report (2001) New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) stock assessments and yield estimates Ministry of Fisheries Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 12
Alfonsino
Scientific name Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Other names Splendid alfonsino sudlicher kaiserbarsch (Germany) roodbars (Netherlands) beryx (France) kinmedai kinme (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Alfonsino is actually the name used for two deepwater species related to the red snapper They are both widely dispersed in New Zealand waters and are particularly found around seamounts and deepwater reefs in waters 200 to 800m deep Ecological concerns Management of two species as one damage by fishing gear to seamounts ecological impacts of bottom trawling shark bycatch limited research lack of a management plan unknown stock status and unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and current catch limits in all of the fishstocks Economic value Main market is Japan with exports of about $7 million per year ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (Score C) Distribution Widely dispersed in New Zealand waters but mainly found near seamounts off the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Rise at depths of 300-600m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 4-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3000 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2748 tonnes in 2007-08 Catch limits have been exceeded in BYX 2 for seven of the last ten years Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For BYX 1 ldquois likely to be lightly fishedhellip no stock assessment has been conducted and the state of the stock in relation to BMSY is not knownrdquo For BYX 2 current catches ldquoappears to be sustainable in the short to medium termrdquo For BYX 3 ldquoIt is not known if the recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p43) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing Method(s) Mainly bottom trawling and some mid-water trawling over hills and seamounts around the Chatham Rise Habitat damage Trawling damages fragile underwater seamounts altering unique community complexes Bycatch Sharks and a range of non-target species including sponges and corals Ecological effects Destruction to seafloor habitats and seamount ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No assessments for any area except BYX 2 which has had no quantitative assessment since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 13
Anchovy
Scientific name Engraulis australis
Other names kokowhaawhaa korowhaawhaa (Maori) Southern anchovy
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This small fast growing but short-lived schooling fish is common in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays It is often found in mixed schools with pilchards and sprats and occurs around the world Jointly with pilchards and sprats anchovy has the best ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns There are no estimates of the size of its sustainable yield a lack of basic biological information on natural mortality growth or stock structure limited research and lack of a management plan There is also concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species Economic value New Zealand and exports of under $100000 per year Best option Anchovy are one of the best New Zealand seafood choices ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Commonly found in inshore waters around the North Island and upper South Island Maximum age (years) 6 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 560 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1 tonne in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status This species has been very lightly fished so it is thought to be at or close to its natural level The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for anchovyrdquo (MFish 2009 p46) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species capture (score B and B) Fishing Method(s) Lampara nets and purse seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch Some bycatch of other pelagic fish Ecological effects Reducing the anchovy population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other species including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals as has happened with anchovy fisheries elsewhere Sometimes anchovy are discarded when there are no markets making this effect unnecessary Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 14
Arrow Squid
Scientific name Nototodarus gouldi and Nototodarus Sloanii
Other names wheketere (Maori) short-finned squid calamari (Australia) kalamari teftis (Greece) kalmar (Germany) pota (Spain)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two species of squid are very short lived (1 year) and range from surface depths down to 500 metres in coastal waters around New Zealand Arrow squid are mainly caught off the South Island and the Auckland Islands with most taken by mid-water trawling with the rest caught by bottom trawling and jigging Ecological concerns Trawl caught squid where there is a high number of threatened NZ sea lions NZ fur seals seabirds and non-target fish killed as bycatch plus damage done to the seabed and associated species by bottom trawling The Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery is of particular concern killing hundreds of seabirds and up to 150 sea lions per year (72 in 2009) from the main breeding colony which is in decline The state of stocks absence of research and lack of a management plan are also concerns In addition two species are managed as one and there is an absence of basic biological information on squid and no research programme focussed on squid Economic value Most arrow squid are exported frozen to Greece (17) Spain (15) and Australia (12) Exports vary considerably between years and were worth about $70 million in 2008 which was well below 2004 exports ($172m) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Nototodarus sloanii is found off the East Coast of the South Island and the Southern Plateau while N gouldi occurs in warmer waters off the East and West coasts of the North Island south of the sub-tropical convergence Maximum age (years) 1 Size at sexual maturity 22-30 cm (mantle length) Growth rate High Reproductive output Very high Size exploited Approximately 20cm (mantle length) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 127332 tonnes every year since 1997-98 but there has been additional in-season adjustments in Squid 1T of an additional catch of 10 to 30 Recorded catch Reported landings of 56035 tonnes in 2007-08 was about two-thirds of the TACC set in all years since 1997-98 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquohellip it is not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for squid nor determine if recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p54) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing Method(s) Approximately 30 are caught by bottom trawling with the rest coming from mid-water trawling and a small amount by squid jigging a more environmentally friendly method which uses bright lights to attract squid to the jiggers Habitat damage Bottom trawling and mid-water trawl gear fished near the seafloor damages the seabed Bycatch Globally threatened NZ sea lions which have been in decline for the last 10 years NZ fur seals albatross and petrels drown in trawl nets The fishery also catches globally threatened basking sharks Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of these important prey species can affect populations of larger fish seabirds and marine mammals including the threatened NZ sea lion Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1988 Catch limits Yes Management plan No
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 15
Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd NZ SeaFIC website 2005
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 16
Barracouta
Scientific name Thyrsites atun
Other names maka makaa mangaa (Maori) couta snoek
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Barracouta is a relatively short-lived species that is related to gemfish It is widely distributed in the Southern oceans and whilst abundant in New Zealand‟s cooler waters south of Cook Strait they also occur in our northern waters ranging from shallow inshore areas to depths of 200m Once an undesirable bycatch species barracouta are now an important part of trawl fishery catches Ecological concerns The damage done to large areas of the seabed by bottom trawling poor knowledge of stock boundaries limited research lack of a management plan and uncertainty over the sustainability of the current catch limit and recent catches Bycatch of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels non-target fish plus removal of this important predator species on food webs are also of concern Economic value Main markets include Japan China Papua New Guinea and South Africa Total exports worth $28 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Mainly found off the South Chatham Stewart and Snares Islands to depths of 200m Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate to fast Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 32662 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 27968 tonnes in 2007-08 were well under the peak landings of 47000 tonnes reported in 1977 The catch for BAR 5 has exceeded the TACC by up to 25 in three of the last four years Stock trends Unknown A decline in Southland was indicated from trawl surveys in the 1990‟s but surveys have since been cancelled MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available for any barracouta stocks and therefore it is not known if current TACCs and recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p62) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing Method Bottom trawling Habitat damage Large areas of benthic communities are damaged by bottom trawling including bryozoans and crabs Bycatch Non-target fish species such as silver warehou and spiny dogfish and a significant bycatch in Southland of NZ fur seals white-capped (shy) albatrosses and sooty shearwaters Ecological effects Fishing for barracouta removes an important predator from food webs Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment Yield estimates based on average catch have not been reviewed since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 17
Bigeye tuna
Scientific name Thunnus obesus
Other names Ahi Bigeye thon obese (France) mabachi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bigeye tuna is a highly migratory species that is deeper swimming than other tuna found off the coast of the North Island for much of the year Longline fisheries for this tuna occur mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north New Zealand represents only 35 percent of the Pacific catch which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks declining stock trend lack of a management plan plus the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals Bigeye is internationally listed as a threatened species (vulnerable) Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value in 2008 was $17 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Big eye tuna are caught mainly on the east and west coast of the North Island mainly in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 11+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 714 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 201 tonnes in 2006-07 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Likely to be currently above BMSY but thought to be unsustainable - effort 30 higher than sustainable levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Recent [Pacific wide] catches are high relative to the estimated MSY both because of high recent fishing mortality and because the stock has benefited from above-average recruitment over the past 15 years The WCPFC Scientific Committee recommended a minimum 30 reduction in fishing mortality from the average levels for 2003ndash2006 with the goal of returning the fishing mortality rate to FMSY The SC acknowledged that projections indicate that the bigeye tuna stock may become overfished (biomass lt BMSY spawning biomass lt SBMSY) in the future with regard to both total biomass and spawning biomass even with a 30 reduction in fishing mortality Therefore it may be necessary to recommend additional reductions in fishing mortality in the future if assessments indicate that fishing mortality is greater than FMSY (MFish 2008 p39)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing Method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 18
Black cardinalfish
Scientific name Epigonus telescopus
Other names akiwa (Maori) big-eye cardinalfish cardinalfish apogon (France) tenjikudai yesemutsu (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing long-lived (over 100 years) deepwater species is the only cardinalfish that reaches a marketable size It is common off the east coast of the North Island at depths of 300 to 800m and is caught in association with alfonsino around seamounts and orange roughy which has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns The damage done to seamounts by bottom trawling the bycatch of deepwater sharks declining catch rates in the main fisher the unknown state of many stocks and the unsustainability of East Coast North Island and Chatham Rise fisheries where stocks have been estimated to be just 12 of the original unfished population size Limited research lack of a management plan and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit or recent catches are also of concern Economic value The main market is New Zealand with some exports to Japan and China Total exports of $15million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Most abundant off the east coast of the North Island in very mobile schools up to 150m off the bottom over hills and rough ground and at depths of 300-800m Maximum age (years) 100+ Age at sexual maturity 35-45 Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 50-60cm 35 years
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown but thought to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 3751 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1134 tonnes in 2007-08 represents the lowest catch since the fishery was developed in the mid-1980s Stock trends Declining catch rates in the main fishery (CDL2) to a level well below a quarter of that in the early 1990s MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For CDL2 3 and 4 ldquoB2009 was estimated to be 12 B0rdquo and ldquoModel projections indicate that the biomass will increase at catch levels near or below the 2007-08 level but will decline sharply at catch levels equal to the TACCrdquo For other stocks ldquothere is no informationrdquo (MFish 2009 p72-73)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing Method Bottom and mid-water trawling north of Chatham Rise where it is caught in association with Orange Roughy Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates sea floor benthic species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats bulldozing the sea floor destroying black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Deepwater sharks and a range of deepwater species including Orange Roughy Ecological effects Impact on seamount communities and deepwater fish populations
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 for CDL 2 to 8 and 1999 for CDL 1 and 9 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The first accepted quantitative stock assessment was completed for CDL 2 3 and 4 in 2009 An assessment of CDL 2 was previously attempted in 1997 and 2001 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 19
Blue cod
Scientific name Parapercis colias
Other names kopukopu paakirikiri paatutuki raawaru (Maori) New Zealand cod sand perch taragisu (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue cod is an endemic bottom dwelling species that is relatively common throughout New Zealand but is most abundant south of Cook Strait Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch limits which are significantly greater than yield estimates based on past average catches the combined commercial and recreational catches plus limited research The impact of trawling on long-lived slow-growing fragile corals and sponges is also of major concern Large and heavily baited pots can also damage seafloor species when dropped in deeper waters Other concerns include shags being caught in pots and the lack of a management plan Economic value New Zealand markets plus exports to Australia Malaysia China and Taiwan of less than $1 million in 2008 Best option Blue cod caught by hand line ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Blue cod is a bottom dwelling species found mainly inshore off southern New Zealand and the Chatham Islands to depths of 150m The main fisheries occur off Southland and the Chatham Islands with smaller but significant fisheries off Otago Marlborough Sounds and Wanganui Maximum age (years) 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-6 years - all blue cod start life as females with some changing into males when older Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited Enter commercial fishery at 6-12 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2680 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2316 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However a decline of over 40 in 6 years is indicated in the Marlborough Sounds from pot surveys and recreational fishers have suggested local depletion in parts of BCO3 BCO5 and BCO7 BCO5 productivity appears to be affected by dredging for oysters (Cranfield et al 2001) MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor BCO 12345 and 8 recent commercial catch levels and current TACCs are considered sustainablerdquo But ldquoFor [Marlborough Sounds] (in BCO 7) it is not known if the combined recreational and commercial catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p88) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mostly target caught in pots but some are caught on hand lines and some as bycatch by the inshore trawl fleet in BCO3 and BCO7 Apart from area BCO5 there are no limits on the size of mesh used in pots ndash this increases the chance of small fish being caught Habitat damage Long-lived slow growing soft corals sponges and bryozoans are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped on them Trawlers also scrape and damage the seabed and associated species Bycatch Shags may drown in pots and small fish may be caught Ecological effects The combined effects of a loss of large blue cod which are easily caught in fisheries the bycatch caught in trawl fisheries and the serial depletion of blue cod may all be having a degree of adverse impacts on the wider marine ecosystem
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 20
Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cranfield H J G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ J of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 21
Blue mackerel
Scientific name Scomber australasicus
Other names tawatawa tewetewe (Maori) pacific mackerel southern mackerel maquereau (France) saba (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue mackerel is a relative of tuna and is similarly widely distributed around the Pacific including New Zealand It is often found below schools of jack mackerel and kahawai and is caught year round off the North Island and northern South Island primarily by purse seine fishing Ecological concerns The little known state of fishstocks the unknown sustainability of catch levels declining catch rates on the West Coast limited research and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the bycatch of dolphins and other fish species plus the ecological impact of blue mackerel removal from food webs Economic value Exports worth about $10 million in 2008 Main markets are Australia Philippines and Eastern Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Pelagic species widespread around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 24+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but thought to be of a moderate population size Annual catch limit Set at 11550 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8982 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However large decline in catch rates in EMA7 (West Coast of both Islands) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the status of blue mackerel stocks and no estimates of current and reference biomass or yield are available for any blue mackerel area It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p96) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score C and D) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse-seining but also bottom longline bottom pair-trawl beach-seine bottom trawl driftnet (in international waters) dip net Danish seine hand line lampara midwater trawl lobster pot ring net surface longline set net and troll Habitat damage Low for purse-seine caught fish high for bottom trawl and bottom pair-trawl caught fish Bycatch Caught in association with other pelagic species including jack mackerel kahawai skipjack tuna and trevally When caught with the jack mackerel fishery there is a dolphin bycatch problem on the West Coast of the North Island Ecological effects This fishery has an impact on a range of pelagic fish species which play an important role in driving smaller baitfish species close to the sea surface where a variety of seabird species are able to feed on them Reducing these pelagic fish species can in turn reduce the amount of baitfish available at the sea surface for seabirds to feed on Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Management plan No Management component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 22
Blue moki
Scientific name Latridopsis ciliaris
Other names moki moki trumpeter isuzumi isaki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue moki is a comparatively long-lived species found in shallow waters Landings have declined since the mid-1990s when it was introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS) This species spawns between East Cape and Mahia and is culturally important for East CapeCape Runaway Iwi (Maori tribes) It is caught by trawl or set net Ecological concerns The reduction in landings since it was introduced to the QMS limited research the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock structure and the unknown status of stocks and population size Use of set nets and trawlers have impacts on seabed communities and non-target fish species The fishing methods may also have impacts on marine mammals Economic value The main market for blue moki is within New Zealand with exports of under $100000 in 2008 Best option Blue moki caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly found around the South Island and the entire east coast of the North Island south of Cape Runaway down to depths of 100m Blue moki spawns near Cape Runaway East Cape Maximum age (years) 43+ Age at sexual maturity 5-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 608 tonnes in 2001-2002 Recorded catch Reported total landings of 533 tonnes in 2007-2008 below reported annual peak landings in 1970 and 1979 of approximately 960 tonnes Stock trends Rebuilding MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available The current TACCs and recent catch levels are below the estimated MCY are considered sustainablehellip at least in the short to medium term TACs were originally set at low levels to promote stock rebuildingrdquo (MFish 2009 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Trawling and set nets Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on sensitive seafloor species Bycatch Range of non-target fish species caught in set nets and trawl nets plus potential impacts on marine mammals and seabirds including threatened Hector‟s dolphins Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 23
Blue shark
Scientific name Prionace glauca
Other names mango-pounamu poutini (Maori) blue whaler blue pointer peau bleue requin bleu (France) yoshikirizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing A highly migratory species Blue sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north Most of the blue sharks (around 87) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals limited research and the lack of a quantitative stock assessment or a management plan Removal of this predatory species may also have considerable negative ecological implications Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning which is legal in New Zealand is also enormously wasteful Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tail) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Blue sharks range and are caught in longline fisheries all around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 8 for males and 7 to 9 for females Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 1860 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Landings of 835 tonnes total reported catch Stock trends Uncertain estimates of reference and current biomass are not available At a CSIRO scientific meeting in 2007 blue sharks were estimated to have declined by 40 in the Tasman Sea over the last 10 years MSY Status Uncertain Listed on IUCN red list as a near threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics blue shark is possibly less vulnerable to overexploitation than mako or porbeagle sharksrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline fishery The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries figures show that from 2002-2007 more than 80 of blue sharks caught in New Zealand were taken just for their fins
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 24
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 25
Blue warehou
Scientific name Seriolella brama
Other names common warehou warehou okihirasu media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue warehou is a coastal species unlike other warehou (silver and white warehou) common in depths of 20 to 200m in cooler southern waters south of Cook Strait It is popular in fish and chip shops The main fishing grounds for include Cook Strait and the West Coast of the South Island Ecological concerns Limited research the unknown size of fishstocks the lack of a management plan the habitat damage caused by bottom trawling non-target fish bycatch and the associated ecological impacts caused by the fishing methods Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $1 million in 2008 mainly to Japan and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Mainly found in coastal waters around the South Island at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate until maturity Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown in all areas and poorly estimated for WAR3 Annual catch limit Set at 4513 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1530 tonnes in 2007-08 which is a large decline compared to previous catches In past years catches in WAR3 have exceeded the TACC by up to 40 Stock trends Probably declining in WAR 3 fishery and unknown in other areas MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of reference and current biomass are not available For all Fishstocks it is not known if recent landings or TACC‟s are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p109) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (eg squid) including bottom trawling for hoki Some are caught in coastal set nets Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans Bycatch A range of non-target fish species are caught as bycatch in set nets and trawl nets Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - an uncertain assessment was carried out in WAR3 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 26
Bluenose
Scientific name Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Other names matiri (Maori) bonita blue bream deepsea trevalla blue eye trevella (Australia) stone eye Griffin‟s silver fish minami media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bluenose is a long-lived slow growing relative of warehou found in the temperate waters of the southern Hemisphere They are caught year round by trawl and longline mainly around offshore reefs or drop off areas
Ecological concerns The damage caused to underwater banks and canyons north of the Cook Strait by trawling the bycatch of non-target fish species such as sharks and seabirds limited research the lack of a management plan and the uncertainty over stock boundaries Also of concern is the large decline in catch rates (64 in 5 years) throughout the zone the unknown state of stocks and the likelihood the stock will continue to decline at the current catch limits
Economic value Exports of about $14 million in 2008 with main markets in United States (about 50) and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand mainly around rocky areas at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 10+ Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited lt10
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2305 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2498 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining throughout the zone MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoStandardised catch per unit of effort (CPUE) series based on data from six fisheries which span most of major fisheries taking bluenose in the NZ EEZ have declined an average of 64 over the period 2001ndash02 to 2006ndash07 If this decline is indicative of the overall abundance of bluenose in these areas then BNS abundance could have declined by more than 50 across all areas over these six years If there has been replenishment of the features being fished in the period prior to the decline the overall decline in abundance could be even larger Although factors other than abundance may have contributed to the declines in CPUE and catches current BNS catches and TACCs do not appear to be sustainable hellip It is likely that the stock will continue to decline at the current TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p123-125)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Caught by bottom longline in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland and as a bycatch in the alfonsino midwater trawl fishery off the Wairarapa coast Habitat damage Trawling and associated seafloor scraping causes damage to underwater banks canyons and seamounts north of the Cook Strait Bycatch Other non-target fish species in the alfonsino fishery Longlining and trawling also catch a range of bycatch species including sharks Seabirds are also caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects The combined impacts of trawling and longlining on the structure of marine communities
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock estimates for all areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group MFish The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 27
Butterfish Scientific name Odax pullus
Other names marari matohe tarao kooaea (Maori) greenbone Bera-rui (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Butterfish is an endemic species of kelpfish found in shallow waters around the New Zealand coast They are more abundant south of East Cape especially around Cook Strait where they are caught year round in set nets Ecological concerns The unknown status of stocks and population size unknown sustainability of catch levels absence of research the lack of a management plan and the bycatch of non-target fish species Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However a pending court ruling may grant the fishery an exemption and raise the risk to these dolphins Economic value Butterfish is sold in New Zealand Best option Butterfish caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in shallow waters in rocky coastal areas of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands It is most common in areas around Cook Strait Maximum age (years) 11-15 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 ndash larger fish are males that started life as females Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - there are no estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit Set at 162 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 114 tonnes in 2007-08 mainly in the Cook Strait and around Stewart Island Recreational catch is estimated to be of a similar size Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known whether recent catch levels will allow the stock to move towards BMSY Butterfish populations are susceptible to localised depletionrdquo (MFish 2009 p131) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Method Targeted set nets Habitat damage Low for set netting Bycatch Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where butterfish fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Ecological effects Butterfish are important kelp eating fish so their depletion could have wider impacts on kelp forest ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative estimates References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 28
Cockles
Scientific name Austrovenus stutchburyi
Other names hinangi huangi huuai huangiangi tuangi (Maori) NZ littleneck clam (USA) clam venus-shells coque (Canada)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description A relatively short-lived but widespread shellfish species found in soft mud to silty sand habitats in harbours and estuaries The main commercial harvesting areas are at Whangarei NelsonMarlborough and the Otago Peninsula Ecological concerns The impacts of mechanical harvesting and digging at Tasman and Golden Bay Also the past depletion of stocks in Whangarei harbour gaps between surveys the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock size in relation to virgin biomass and BMSY in other areas The ecological effects of removing or killing this shellfish on wading birds that feed on cockles is also of concern Economic value Sold in New Zealand and exported (under $1 million in 2008) to United States and Europe (France) Best option Cockles collected by hand (eg Whangarei and Otago) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands in harbours and estuaries from mean high tide level down to low tide Maximum age (years) 8+ Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Biomass was estimated to be about 35 of virgin biomass in COC1A (Whangarei) In COC3A (Otago) adult cockles are just below or well below 1992 levels in Waitati and Papanui Inlet In COC7A+B (Top of South Island ndash Golden Bay - Marlborough) two of the three commercially fished areas have declined Annual catch limit Total catch limit was set at 3206 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported commercial harvest of approximately 1148 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends In Whangarei (COC1) large cockles (greater than 35mm) have declined to about 5 percent of 1982 levels In Whangarei harbour cockles have declined to well below 1980s levels For Otago areas the biomass is under 30 and 55 of 1992 levels for juvenile cockles and 65-90 of adult numbers In Tasman Bay-Golden Bay the Pakawau Beach population does not appear to have declined (and may have increased) whereas Ferry Point and Riwaka-Tapu Bay cockle size and abundance has declined to 20 and 50 respectively MSY Status Depleted in Whangarei harbour Fishery Assessment plenary report states For Whangarei harbour (COC1) that ldquoThis current TACC is higher than the estimated CAY (239 t) unless a smaller size (28 mm SL or shorter) at recruitment is assumed suggesting that fishing at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be sustainable in the long termrdquo For NelsonMarlborough (COC7A and B) ldquoAt Pakawau Beach the biomass of cockles does not appear to have declined since the start of the commercial fishery in 1983 and has probably increased owing to exceptional recruitment in 2000 At Ferry Point the size and abundance of cockles has declined markedly since 1996 At Riwaka-Tapu Bay size and abundance has also declined Because of the uncertainty over the relationsip between Bcurrent and BMSY it is not known if recent catches and current catch limits will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo For Otago ldquoIn Waitati Inlet the estimates of CAY hellipare above current catch levels and recent reported landings Furthermore CAY estimates for the area of the inlet where commercial fishing currently occurs are also above current catch levels and recent reported landingsrdquo (MFish 2009 p142 148 and 185)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 29
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and A) Fishing method(s) Mechanical digging and raking of mudflats in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and hand harvesting in Whangarei harbour and Otago Peninsula Habitat damage Mechanical digging and raking kills small cockles and impacts other species living within the sediment Minimal impact from hand harvesting Bycatch Impact of mechanical dredging on small shellfish and other sub-surface organisms Ecological effects Small cockles are an important part of the diet of some wading bird species Removing or killing small cockles reduces the amount of food available to wading birds including South Island and variable oystercatchers bar-tailed godwits and Caspian and white-fronted terns Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 for four areas Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Surveys for stock assessments were carried out in Whangarei 2007 Otago 2007 and Pakawau (Golden Bay) Riwaka and Ferry Point in 2008 Quantitative assessments for most areas using 1991-93 information Annual surveys are required for CAY assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 30
Dark ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Other names Chimaera pearl pearl fish chimeacutere (France) ginbuka ginzame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing deepwater shark species is only found in New Zealand and is most abundant in waters 150 to 500m deep off the West Coast of the South Island and the Chatham Rise It is caught almost entirely as bycatch in other target trawl fisheries notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological data the uncertain long-term sustainability of catch levels the unknown status of the fishstocks and the impact of trawling on benthic species As a bycatch species it has associated seabird and marine mammal bycatch and disrupted ecosystem concerns Whilst there is no management plan for dark ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo
Economic value Ghost shark exports of around $2 million to Australia and shark fins are exported to Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly off central and southern New Zealand at depths of 200-400m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown ndash 52-53cm for males and 62-63 cm for females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3012 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 1911 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquo[F]or all stocks it is not known if recent catch levels or current TACCs are sustainable in the long term or whether they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p289)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling (mixture of mid-water and bottom trawling) caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining Habitat damage Destruction of deepwater habitats by bottom trawling Bycatch Wide range of bycatch species (see hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) including seabirds marine mammals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target fish (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta)
Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available for dark ghost shark References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 31
Eels
Scientific name Anguilla australis (short-finned) A dieffenbachii
(long-finned) A reinhardtii (Australian long-finned)
Other names tuna hao tuna heke papakura (Maori short-finned) kuuwharuwharu reherehe (Maori long-finned) short-finned eel long-finned eel yellow eel silver eel (NZ) anguile australe (France)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Eels are important freshwater predators There are two main species of New Zealand eel ndash the endemic long-finned and native short-finned eels They are caught in baited fyke nets or traditional hinaki Both species are long-lived spending part of their life-cycle at sea and part in freshwater environments The long-finned eel is listed as a threatened species by the Department of Conservation (Hitchmough (comp) 2002) A third species - the Australian long-finned eel - is primarily found in Northland Ecological concerns The severely overfished status of the endemic long-finned eel declining catch rates and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels managing two species (short-finned and Australian long-finned) as one species in the South Island the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the lack of a management plan Bycatch of seabirds is also of concern Economic value New Zealand and exports of about $6 million in 2008 to markets including Germany Belgium Netherlands and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Eels are found throughout freshwater lakes rivers and streams plus some estuarine and coastal waters in New Zealand including the Chatham Islands Long-finned Short-finned Maximum age (years) 106 60 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity (migration) 11-56+ 5-41+ (uncertain) Growth rate variable unknown Reproductive output Low Low Sizeage exploited 8-17 6-13 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 872 in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 660 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 35 years Stock trends Declining catch rates in all areas for longfin eels and declines in many areas for shortfin eels Long-finned eel now classified as a threatened species ldquoModelling suggests longfin eels may be severely recruitment overfishedrdquo (MFish 2007 p 254) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Longfin ldquoThis species is more susceptible to overexploitation than shortfins because of their limited geographical distribution (confined to New Zealand and offshore islands) and longevityhellip A key component to ensuring the sustainability of eels is to maintain spawner escapement and to that end approximately 30 of available longfin habitat in the North Island and 34 in the South Island is either in reserves or in rarelynon-fished areas If hydro development and habitat loss are included and based on biomass estimates from several South Island rivers it is estimated that the biomass of longfin eels above the minimum weight at migration is less than 20 of historical valuesrdquo Shortfin ldquoThe catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for the main commercial shortfin fisheries in the South Island generally increased from 2001-02 to 2005-06 By contrast the North Island [areas] with the largest commercial catches showed less consistent trendshellip Caution is therefore required in managing shortfin stocks given the nature of their biology and the fact that they are harvested before they can spawnrdquo (MFish 2009 p248-249) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Fyke nets or hinaki
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 32
Habitat damage Impact of fyke net placement only Bycatch Seabirds (shags) caught in fyke nets Ecological effects The ecological effects of fishing are uncertain but likely to be much less than the impact of land drainage and dams on eel habitat Cumulatively overfishing and habitat loss are removing this important predatory species from New Zealand‟s increasingly degraded freshwater systems Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes - South Island since 2000 Chatham Island since 2003 and North Island since 2004
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Short-finned and bdquoother‟ (Australian long-finned) eels managed as one component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Hitchmough (comp) 2002 NZ Threat Classification System Lists Department of Conservation
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 33
Elephant fish
Scientific name Callorhinchus milli
Other names repe reperepe makorepe (Maori) silver trumpeter white fillets elephant shark (Australia) zoginzame zoginbuku (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small shark species which is only found in New Zealand has biological characteristics that make it relatively less prone to overfishing than most shark species It is most common on the east coast of the South Island to depths of 200m where it is caught mainly as bycatch off the Banks Peninsula in trawl fisheries and as a target species in set nets Ecological concerns The lack of a management plan the unknown sustainability of some recent catch levels and catch limits and the failure to carry out a full stock assessment Also of concern is the impact of trawling on the seabed and associated communities plus non-target fish bycatch of set netting Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk to these dolphins Whilst there is no management plan for elephant fish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for elephant fish nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Market in New Zealand and exports of about $1m in 2008 to Australia and North America ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around the South Island but most common near Banks Peninsula at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 9-15 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to medium Age exploited 3+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Current catches in ELE 3 and 7 well exceed the MCY estimates Annual catch limit Set at 1214 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Total landings of 1436 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but maybe increasing in ELE 3 and 5 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are availablerdquo For ELE 2 and 7 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo For ELE3 ldquoA mixed species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance peaked in 2000ndash01 then dropped by about 40 to 2004ndash05 but has since recovered to near the 2000ndash01 peakrdquo For ELE5 ldquoA mixed target species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance has shown a steady increasing trend since the early 1990s Present CPUE is more than double the lowest level observed in the early 1990srdquo For ELE 3 and 5 ldquoThe state of stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p214-220) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and set nets Most are caught as bycatch in one of the red cod trawl fisheries as well as other trawl fisheries The proportion caught by set nets has declined Habitat damage Removal of benthic species and change in biodiversity from trawling Bycatch Hector‟s dolphins caught in set nets and some trawl fisheries (eg the red cod trawl fishery off Canterbury coast where elephant fish is a bycatch species) Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Elephant fish fisheries also have non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts of marine food webs
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 34
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 35
Flatfish Black flounder yellow-belly flounder dabsand flounder greenback flounder brill turbot lemon sole and NZ sole
Scientific name rhomosolea retiaria (black flounder) R leporine
(yellowbelly flounder) R plebeian (dabsand flounder) R tairina (greenback flounder) Colistium guntheri (brill) C nudipinnis (turbot) Pelotretis flaviatus (lemon sole) Peltorhamphus novaezealandiae (NZ sole)
Other names Paatikitotara (Maori yellow-belly flounder) paatiki (Maori sand flounder greenback flounder NZ sole) paatikimohoao (Maori black flounder) kutuhori paatiki rore pakeke (Maori NZ sole) patikinui (Maori brill) paatiki nui (Maori turbot)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These eight flatfish species grow rapidly and are caught mainly by inshore bottom trawling with smaller amounts in set nets and smaller beach drag nets Sand flounder is the most abundant species and is found only in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of eight species as one fishstock uncertain stock structures and sustainability of catch limits plus limited research (uncertain age of the fish when caught lack of basic biological data for some of the species and absence of yield estimates) and the lack of a management plan Bottom trawling causes serious damage to benthic species and communities whilst set netting is associated with bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds sharks and other non-target fish Flatfish fishing was made exempt from the May 2008 set net restrictions as the fishery is thought to pose a lower risk than other set net fisheries due to low net height However it is unclear whether this is the case given the absence of observers on vessels using this gear Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $8 million mainly to Australia China and Spain ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (8 species) (score B) Distribution Flatfish are found throughout New Zealand Maximum age (years) 6-21 depending on species ndash brill and turbot live significantly longer than other species reaching a maximum age of 21 and 16 years respectively Age at sexual maturity 2+ depending on species Growth rate Rapid Reproductive output Ranging from medium to very high Age exploited 2+ depending on species Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown for all areas and species but can be highly variable Annual catch limit Set at 5409 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3629 tonnes in 2007-08 down from previous peaks of 5160 tonnes in 1983-84 (of which 16 was NZ sole) and 5086 tonnes in 1992-93 Stock trends Unknown for all areas and species MSY Status Unknown for all areas and species Eight species are managed as one fishery The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Flatfish populations typically consist of only one or two year classes at any time The sizes of the populations depend heavily on the strength of the recruiting year classes and are therefore expected to be highly variable For this reason TACCs were set high to allow fishers to take advantage of times of high abundance Recent CPUE analyses revealed that although yellow belly flounder are short lived inter-annual abundance in FLA 1 was surprisingly stable These results suggest that a more conservative approach is possiblerdquo (MFish 2009 p235) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Inshore bottom trawling set nets and drag nets
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 36
Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of non-target fish species including red cod and red gurnard plus possible bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other dolphins NZ fur seals and seabirds by set nets Ecological effects Direct adverse impacts of bottom trawling on seafloor communities and removal of these bottom-dwelling species (especially the removal of large fish) may cause wide disruption to marine ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Eight different species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments for any species or areas but current catch limits are nearly three times estimated yield (MCY) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 37
Frostfish
Scientific name Lepidopus caudatus
Other names tiikati paara hikau para-taharangi (Maori) Cutlassfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively short-lived species is widely distributed around the world In New Zealand it is normally found over the outer shelf in waters 200 ndash 500m deep It is mainly caught as bycatch (more than 90) in trawl fisheries for jack mackerel and hoki and to a lesser extent in the arrow squid barracouta and gemfish fisheries Half are caught off the West Coast of the South Island and Taranaki Bight in mid-water trawl fisheries Ecological concerns Lack of research (including the absence of some basic biological information) the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the uncertainty about stock structure plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species of other fisheries marine mammals non-target fish and impacts on seabed communities are also serious concerns Economic value Export markets include Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely dispersed around New Zealand but mainly caught off the west coasts of both main islands Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3858 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1392 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available The stock structure is uncertain the fishery is variable and almost entirely a bycatch of other target fisheries No age data or estimates of abundance available It is therefore not possible to estimate yields It is not known if recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p261) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method A mixture of mid-water trawl and bottom trawl fishing Habitat damage Damage to seafloor communities when caught by bottom trawl in the hoki gemfish and other trawl fisheries Bycatch Caught as bycatch in the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries which include fur seal and common dolphin captures Less than 10 is target fished Ecological effects The effect of this fishery combined with the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries contribute towards multiple seafloor and water column community impacts Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 38
Garfish
Scientific name Hyporhamphus ihi
Other names hangenge ihe wariwari takeke (Maori) piper half-beak NZ garfish (US) demi-bec neozelandias (France) sayori (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Garfish are relatively short-lived and whilst similar species occur around the world this species is found only in New Zealand They are common in shallow coastal waters such as bays and harbours when they school at the surface Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information information on stock size and yield estimates the uncertainty of some biological information limited research huge uncertainty about stock boundaries and absence of a management plan Economic value Export markets include Asia Best option Garfish is one of the best New Zealand seafood choices as the fishing methods have minimal ecological impact ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Inshore waters around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate (uncertain) Reproductive output High Age exploited 2-3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit TACC of 50 tonnes set in 2002-2003 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available A fishery has existed for several decades but it is not known how heavily this has exploited the stock It is not possible to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p265) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Beach seine and lampara net (Garfish are sometimes also taken as a non-target catch in the pilchard fishery) Habitat damage Low due to most fish being caught by beach seine and lampara nets Bycatch Relatively low bycatch but small fish can be caught by both methods Ecological effects Low although depletion of garfish may have impacts on associated species by altering food web dynamics Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 39
Gemfish
Scientific name Rexea solandri
Other names maha-taharaki maka-tikati tiikati (Maori) silver kingfish southern kingfish silver gemfish (US) kagokamasu ginsawara shirosawara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively long-lived slender fish is found within a wide depth range of between 50 and 550m but is sometimes found as deep as 800m They are usually caught in inshore to middle-depth waters by trawling
Ecological concerns A significant level of habitat and therefore ecological damage is caused by bottom trawling and a range of fish are caught as bycatch New Zealand fur seal and sea bird bycatch is also associated with fisheries in which gemfish is caught as bycatch Annual catches and catch rates have declined dramatically since peaking at over 8000 tonnes in 1985ndash86 due to over-fishing combined with low recruitment poor state of the stocks (about 22 of the original unfished stock size) and annual landings being in the hundreds of tonnes during the last two years There is also no management plan for this species
Economic value Exports of $2 million in 2008 mainly to Japan
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Gemfish is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters but is more common in the south at depths of 150-200m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3-5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size All populations are about 22 of the unfished biomass which is well below BMAY (34) Annual catch limit Set at 1060 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings were 662 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Low recruitment since the early 1990s has resulted in depleted populations could decline further if low recruitment continues MSY Status Populations depleted well below Fisheries Act requirement (MSY) and there is no rebuilding plan in place The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states The assessment of the southern gemfish stock has not been updated since 1997 Landings from SKI 7 increased from 2000 to be a level over twice the TACC in 2004ndash05 but have decreased since then Northern [gemfish] For all three models projections at the current TACC levels suggest the stock may increase with average recruitment (long term mean from 1978 to 2000) but is likely to decline if recruitment remains at the levels seen in more recent years (from 1992 to 2000) (MFish 2009 p280)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Target trawling off the east and north coasts of the North Island Catches off the west and southern coasts of the South Island are now primarily bycatch of hoki and squid fisheries Habitat damage After scampi gemfish trawling had the highest impact of target fisheries in the Bay of Plenty (Cryer et al 2002) Bottom trawling within hoki and squid fisheries results in significant damage to seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of fish and invertebrate species are caught in the targeted fishery When caught in the hoki and arrow squid fisheries seabird fur seal and deepwater shark bycatch problems are also prevalent Ecological effects Bottom trawling disturbs the seabed and changes the abundance and community structure of many bottom dwelling fish species and benthic species (Cryer et al 2002)
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for QMA1 and 2 in 2007 and QMA3 and 7 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer M Hartill B and O‟Shea S (2002) Modification of marine benthos by trawling toward a generalization for the deep ocean Ecological Applications 12(6) 2002 pp1824-1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 40
Grey mullet
Scientific name Mugil cephalus
Other names hopu hohopu kanae kopuwai (Maori) mullet striped mullet sea mullet (Australia) mule muge cabot (France) bora (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Grey mullet is a surface dwelling coastal species that is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical seas In New Zealand it is most commonly found in northern bays harbours mangrove swamps and estuaries They are caught year round in set nets and beach seines but mainly from November to March when they gather to spawn offshore Ecological concerns That the current commercial catch limit in the main fishery is 100 tonnes above the maximum current yield estimate that landings have fluctuated during the last four years raising doubts about the status of this stock the lack of yield or biomass estimates for nearly all areas the lack of a management plan and the apparent disparity between quota areas and likely stock boundaries Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced this risk however a pending court ruling may reopen some fishing areas and continue the pose an undue threat to these dolphins Economic value Main market is in New Zealand with some exports to Asia of less than $100000 in 2008 Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution A surface dwelling species mostly found in sheltered bays and harbours off northern New Zealand Maximum age (years) 15+ Age at sexual maturity 3 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1005 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 849 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reports of serial depletion and declines in catch rates in some areas since 1990 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoGMU 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 using data up to 2005ndash06 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 The status of GMU1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p313) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Set nets and beach seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch A range of species are caught by set nets including marine mammals and non-target fish species Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects Possible ecosystem impacts of removing larger fish from the population Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 41
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Inconclusive quantitative stock assessment for West GMU1 in 1998 There is no assessment for other areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 42
Groper Hapuku amp Bass
Scientific name Polyprion oxygeneios (groper) and Polyprion
americanus (Bass)
Other names hakuraa kapua kauaeroa kawerai kuparu moeone whaapuku toti (Maori) sea bass wrackbarsch (Germany) wreckfish (USA) hata ara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two long-lived slow growing species of sea bass are found around New Zealand though Bass is also found in many temperate oceans around the world Bass is more common in the north and ranges into deeper water (up to 800m) than grouper (up to 400m) They are mainly caught in deep underwater canyons off the East Coast of the North Island Cook Strait Kaikoura and the West Coast of the South Island Once commonly caught inshore and an important coastal predator groper have now almost disappeared from diving depths Ecological concerns The management of two species as one quota species the uncertainty and conflict over stock boundaries limited research (including a lack of information on sustainable yields and uncertainty over basic biological information for bass) Other concerns include the lack of a management plan the decline in reported landings in recent years and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit Bycatch of other fish species is also of concern as is the loss of these ecologically important species particularly hapuku which is a prey species for sperm whales Economic value Export value of about $4million in 2008 mainly to Australia Japan and United States ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found around New Zealand including the Chatham Rise but most common in deep underwater canyons over or near rocky areas down to 250m GroperHapuku Bass Maximum age (years) 60+ 40+ Age at sexual maturity 10-13 10 Growth rate Slow Slow Reproductive output Low Low Age exploited 5 5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but large hapuku have almost disappeared from diving depths Annual catch limit Set at 2181 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1651 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reported landings have declined from a peak of 2698 tonnes in 1983-84 to around 1600 tonnes in recent years MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches are less than the MCY estimates are considered sustainable and are probably at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield Current TACCs are larger than the MCY estimates and it is not known if they are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p322) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly longline and hand line but also caught using trawl and set net Habitat damage Low for line caught fish but trawling catches and damages bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch A range of bycatch fish species including tarakihi and blue cod Deepwater sharks are also occasionally caught (eg seal shark) Ecological effects Serial depletion of these species can occur with line fishing removing large individuals Hapuku or groper is a known prey species for sperm whale so depletion may reduce the whale‟s food availability The effects of trawling include reducing the diversity of fragile invertebrate species including cold water corals sponges and bryozoans
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 43
Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessments or yields References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 44
Hake
Scientific name Merluccius australis
Other names kehe tiikati (Maori) whiting merluza (Spain) merlu (France) heiku (Japan) seehecht (Germany)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hake is a relative of the hoki found only in New Zealand It is targeted on the Chatham Rise and in the sub-Antarctics but is usually caught as bycatch by mid-water hoki trawling Most hake is caught off the West Coast of the South Island with some taken from the south of the South Island and around the Chatham Islands The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Seabirds and marine mammals are commonly caught as bycatch in the associated hoki fishery (NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels) Other concerns include inconsistencies between quota boundaries and stock boundaries the uncertainty of stock size and trends for West Coast and Sub-Antarctic populations the lack of a management plan illegal mis-reporting of catches and the rapid decline in Chatham Rise hake Economic value The main export markets are Japan Spain Australia and Portugal which were worth $27 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in waters around the South Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size In 2004 about 35 of unfished population size (B0) on Chatham Rise and could be between 30 and 70 on the West Coast of the South Island Annual catch limit Set at 13211 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Recorded landings of 5930 tonnes in 2007-08 which is the lowest level in 20 years Stock trends Declining on Chatham Rise slow decline or stable in Sub-Antarctic unknown on West Coast MSY Status Over-fished and declining on the Chatham Rise uncertain in the sub-Antarctics and appears to be sustainable on West Coast of the South Island The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Rise ldquoThe 2004 model results suggested a decline in biomass with biomass in 2004 at about 35 B0 Year class strengths from 1995 to 2000 are estimated to be weaker than average In the projections the model assumes average year class strength since 2001 although more small hake have been caught in the most recent trawl surveys suggesting that the 2002 year class may be above average Projections for the Chatham Rise stock estimated the risk of reducing the stock below 20 B0 in 2009 to be 88 with catches of 3616 t and 28 with catches of 1800 t The higher assumed catch of 3616 t represents the current [Chatham Rise TACC] HAK 4 plus half the HAK 1 while the lower catch level of 1800 t represents the HAK 4 TACC onlyrdquo West coast South Island ldquoThe assessment [2004] suffers from a lack of an independent abundance index for the stock Hence these results should be treated with caution This run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0 The other runs gave similar estimates of biomass and stock status All the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo For the sub-Antarctic stock ldquoAn attempt was made in 2004 to determine the stock status of this stock [but] results should be treated with caution [One] run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0hellipAll the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo (MFish 2009 p343-344) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling Hake are targeted around the Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Islands and caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery elsewhere particularly the West Coast of the South Island
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 45
Habitat damage Bottom trawling reduces species diversity and transforms community structure and composition Bycatch As a bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery the hake fishery is associated with killing hundreds of NZ fur seals and hundreds of albatrosses and petrels each year The seabirds killed include nine species of which several are globally threatened including black-browed albatross Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Ecological effects There is a loss of bottom-dwelling invertebrate diversity due to bottom trawl fishing Also the dumping of offal and other fish waste during fish processing at sea is likely to have a broad range of ecological impacts on marine species and food webs (eg it attracts seabirds some of which are subsequently killed of trawl lineswarps) Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for Chatham Rise and West Coast stocks in 2004 and for sub-Antarctic stocks in 2007
References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 46
Hoki
Scientific name Macruronus novaezelandiae
Other names whiptail blue hake blue grenadier (NZ) langschwanz-seehecht (Germany) merluse (France) merluza azul (Spain) nasello azzurro (Italy) hoki de nouvelle-zelande
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hoki is a relatively fast growing deepwater species related to cod and hake It generally lives beyond the shelf edge from 50 to 900m but is most abundant between 300 and 600m There are two intermixing biological stocks generally referred to as the eastern and western stocks Trawling occurs year round making hoki one of New Zealand‟s largest fisheries Hoki are targeted and caught in their spawning grounds on the West Coast of the South Island and the Cook Strait plus some smaller spawning areas on the east coast of the South Island and Pusegar Banks When not spawning hoki are caught in the sub-Antarctics and on the Chatham Rise where juveniles of both stocks are found Despite being certified as sustainable under the international Marine Stewardship Council scheme it still has significant ecological impacts Ecological concerns The bycatch of hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels each year plus bycatch of globally threatened basking sharks When bottom trawling the fishery has significant impacts on the seafloor altering seabed communities Also of concern is the management of two stocks as one quota management area the slow response to past stock declines so that large quota cuts were needed and the failure to take precautionary action in the face of potential stock recovery (Quotas are this year being increased back to 110000 tonnes - just over the level set following initial cuts in 2004 This increase is based on estimated of the west coast hoki stock being just within target levels for the first time in many years Additional concerns include illegal mis-reporting of catches the significant catches of small fish (over 40) on the Chatham Rise and on the West Coast plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Most hoki is exported to the USA Europe - including the UK and Belgium ndash Japan and Australia Hoki exports were worth $103 million in 2008 down from $346 million in 2001 The Fillet ‟o‟ Fish sold at McDonalds in New Zealand is hoki ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution The main areas where hoki are caught are off the West Coast of the South Island the Cook Strait Chatham Rise to the east of the South Island and Sub-Antarctic waters at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) 20-25 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 years Growth rate Relatively fast Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Following many years of poor recruitment of juvenile fish to the adult population and depletion of stocks particularly on the West Coast hoki have recently been estimated to be within or above 35-50 of their original unfished population size (B0) However the western stock could be as low as 27 of that size Annual catch limit From 250000 tonnes in 2001-02 catch limits were dramatically reduced to 100000 tonnes in 2004-05 and to 90000 tonnes in 2007-08 The catch limit has just been increased this year (2009) by over 20 to 110000 tonnes The hoki fishery has recently identified an Interim Management Target of 35 ndash 50 B0 Recorded catch Estimated catch of 89300 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Rebuilding The stocks have been serially depleted particularly the Western stock and are now dominated by small fish and young ages classes In 2008 around 50 of the catch on the Chatham Rise was made up of juvenile fish smaller than 65 cm The Chatham Rise made up about 40 of the total hoki catch in 2008 Overall in the hoki fishery around 40 of the fish caught were less than 65cm MSY Status 2009 is the first year of suspected recovery to a level at or above MSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Western Stock ldquoModel run 11 B2009 was estimated to be 36 B0 About as likely as not (40-60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target [35 ndash 50 B0] Model run
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 47
12 B2009 very likely to be 39 B0 Likely (60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target The biomass of the western hoki stock is expected to increase over the next 5 years at 2007-08 western fishery catch levelsrdquo Eastern stock ldquoBiomass in 2009 was estimated to be about 48 B0 The biomass of the eastern hoki stock is expected to increase slightly over the next 5 years at 2007-08 eastern fishery catch levelsrdquo ldquoBoth stocks are projected to be within or above the 35-50 B0 target range by the end of the projection periodrdquo (MFish 2009 p 367-371) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawling targets non-spawning aggregations (Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Plateau) and mid-water trawling targets spawning aggregations on West Coast and Cook Strait Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans The expanding use of twin rigs and double linked nets (and some triple linked nets) with a large heavy roller in between has increased the impact of this fishery on fragile deepwater habitats Bycatch Hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels are drowned in the hoki fishery each year The affected albatrosses and petrels include several globally threatened species such as black-browed and Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Non-target fish species bycatch is also a problem and includes quota species hake ling and silver warehou which are caught in West Coast hoki fisheries Other bycatch species include vulnerable deepwater sharks (eg shovelnose dogfish seal shark and Baxter‟s dogfish) Globally threatened basking sharks are also caught There is also incidental mortality of young hoki passing through the net meshes Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but draft prepared Management component Single species however two stocks managed as one quota area Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for East and West stocks in 2009 References European marketing and the MSC SEAFOOD magazine May 2004 Vol 12 no 4 p8 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 48
Jack mackerel
Scientific name Trachurus declivis (Jack Mackerel) T
novaezelandiae (New Zealand Jack Mackerel) T symmetricus murphyi (Peruvian Jack Mackerel)
Other names haature hauture (Maori) horse mackerel horse jack mackerel slender jack mackerel chinchard neozelandias (Canada) Chilean jack mackerel saurel (France) maaji (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These three species of jack mackerels are managed as one species and are mainly caught in the purse-seine targetbycatch fishery in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland‟s east coast Trawl fisheries catch jack mackerel in other areas including the Taranaki Bight and Chatham Rise Peruvian jack mackerel are a southern ranging species found in deepwater whereas jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species forming schools in midwater and ranging from shallow bays and harbours to oceanic islands and reefs Ecological concerns The management of three species as one fishery limited research the lack of some basic biological data for Peruvian jack mackerel the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels especially for western New Zealand (JMA7) Of significant concern is the bycatch of dolphins in the fishery west of the North Island and fur seals in fishery east and south of the South Island (JMA 3) Non-target fish bycatch seabird bycatch bottom trawl impacts on the seabed and ecological implications of jack mackerel removal from the food web Other concerns include the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of $51 million in 2008 with main markets in Japan Eastern Europe and Fiji ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species above 450S and 420S respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is a more southerly species from around the Stewart-Snares Shelf and the Chatham Rise The two northern species are found lt150-300m respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is found to a depth of gt500m Jack mackerel NZ mackerel Peruvian mackerel Maximum age (years) 25+ 25+ 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 3-4 4 Growth rate Moderate Moderate Moderate Reproductive output Medium-high Medium-high Medium Age exploited 2-3 Unknown 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown (Biomass estimates for JMA7 are uncertain) Annual catch limit Set at 60546 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 47855 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest reported Stock trends Decline in T declivis in JMA7 Landings have consistently been lower than the total allowable commercial catch since the mid-1990s MSY Status Unknown Only a preliminary assessment for jack mackerel (T declivis) in JMA7 in 2007 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the resource in JMA 3 though estimated species proportions indicate a catch dominated by T murphyi For JMA 1 and 3 it is not known whether catches at the level of the current TACCs or recent catch levels are sustainable in the long-term The status of JMA3 relative to BMSY [the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield] is unknownrdquo For JMA7 ldquoOverall it cannot be determined if the TAC or current removals are sustainable for JMA 7 but it is likely that the removals from one component of the fishery (T declivis) are sustainable at this time Given increased catches in recent years continued monitoring of the catch composition is strongly recommended as is further work on potential abundance indicesrdquo (MFish 2009 p389) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling and purse seining
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 49
Habitat damage Low for purse seining bottom trawling in effect bulldozes the seabed and can kill or damage bottom dwelling species and alter seafloor communities Bycatch Trawl fishing around Taranaki off Waikato and Auckland catches common dolphins dusky dolphins and pilot whales The fishing area may also overlap with the range of Maui‟s dolphins posing a possible risk to this critically endangered species Trawling on the Snares shelf catches fur seals Blue mackerel is also a bycatch species in this fishery Ecological effects Ecological implications associated with bottom trawling plus as an important predator and prey species reducing jack mackerel numbers can in turn have impacts on associated food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes but only in all areas since 1995 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component All three species managed together as one Stock assessment A preliminary stock assessment for T declivis in JMA7 in 2007 No new quantitative assessment for T novaezelandiae since 1993 in JMA7 No yield estimates in JMA 1 or 3 or for T murphyi in any stock References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Information describing Chilean jack mackerel (Trchurus murphyi) fisheries relating to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Doc SPRFMO-III-SWG-16 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 50
John dory
Scientific name Zeus faber
Other names kuparu pukeru (Maori) saint-pierre zeacutee (France) pez de san pedro (Spain) buckler dory (Canada) matocircdai (Japan) European john dory (US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description John Dory are mid-water to seafloor dwelling and whilst found throughout New Zealand they are most common north of the Cook Strait They are caught in mixed species trawl catches where the main target species are snapper and tarakihi with some also caught by Danish seine Ecological concerns The damage done by bottom-trawling the unknown long-term sustainability of the catch limits the unknown status of stocks population size and stock trends (uncertainty around possible declines off the West Coast South Island) and the uncertainty about stock boundaries in relation to quota boundaries Limited research and the lack of a management plan are also of concern
Economic value New Zealand market plus exports to Australia United States and Germany with a value of about $5 million in 2008
Best option John dory caught by Danish seine rather than by trawl Avoid fish caught using bottom trawl gear
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Relatively common in coastal waters off northern New Zealand especially from the Bay of Plenty northwards Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively rapid Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2-3
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but likely to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 1129 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 725 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown maybe declining off the West Coast of the South Island (JDO7) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For JDO 1 recent catch levels and the current TACC are likely to be sustainable at least in the short-term It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term For all other JDO stocks it is not known if the recent catch levels and current TACCs are sustainable For all fishstocks it is unknown if recent catches or the current TACCs are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo ldquoThe JDO 7 point estimate of biomass in 2007 had declined by 40 from the long-term high in 2003 however the 2007 point estimate still lies within the range of uncertainty around the previous point estimatesrdquo (MFish 2009 p398-400)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) John dory is caught as bycatch in trawl and Danish seine fisheries (eg snapper and Tarakihi) Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed and kills or damages bottom dwelling species Bycatch Fish bycatch associated with its capture in the snapper fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf Ecological effects Trawling reduces species diversity and abundance plus catches large individuals
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments completed for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 51
Kahawai
Scientific name Arripis trutta
Other names koopuuhuri kooukauka (Maori) Australian salmon (Australia) Saumon Australien (France) bangeo (Korea) oki susuki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kahawai are found throughout New Zealand but are most common north of Kaikoura They form schools of similar-sized fish with juveniles found in shallow coastal waters and adults in open water often in large schools from seafloor to surface waters Most kahawai are caught in purse seine fisheries that also target skipjack tuna jack mackerel and blue mackerel A lesser proportion is caught seasonally in set net and mixed species trawl fisheries Kahawai is a particularly important species for recreational and customary fisheries
Ecological concerns The uncertain maximum sustainable yield unknown status of stocks stock structure and stock trends the bycatch of non-target fish and the lack of a management plan Limited past research and the ecological effects of removing this important prey species is also of concern
Economic value Exports of $15m mainly to Australia
Best option Fish caught using purse seine ndash avoid Kahawai caught using set net or trawl ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in inshore waters around New Zealand but most common from Kaikoura northwards Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size The KAH1 assessment shows that the stock has declined to a mid-range of 27-62 B0 (the estimated unfished population size) depending on assumptions including level of non-commercial catch Annual catch limit Set at 2728 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2288 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status While the assessment is uncertain the stock is most likely above BMSY ndash between 27 and 69 B0 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For KAH1 ldquoCurrent assumed removals are lower than almost all estimates of deterministic MSY Combining this with the result that most estimates of current biomass are well above BMSY it is unlikely that the stock will decline below BMSY at current assumed catch levels given the model recruitment assumptionsrdquo For all other KAH areas ldquoNo accepted assessment is available that covers these regions It is not known if the current catches allowances or TACCs are sustainable The status of KAH 2 3 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p 416)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most are caught by purse seiners with less taken seasonally in set-net and some in trawl fisheries Habitat damage Low impact from purse seiners and set netting high impact from trawl fisheries on bottom dwelling species Bycatch Range of other pelagic species including skipjack tuna kingfish blue mackerel and jack mackerel Ecological effects Loss of large older fish impact of bottom trawling bulldozing the seabed and ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 1 October 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A new quantitative assessment in 2007 for KAH1 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 52
Kina
Scientific name Evechinus chloroticus
Other names kina ariki kin koorako puurau (Maori) sea urchin sea egg Oursin de Nouvelle-Zelande (France)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kina are an important grazing species found throughout New Zealand Most are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by targeted dredging Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch levels or limits the risk a serial depletion of stocks and impacts on reef communities from changes in grazing levels the lack of stock assessments limited research and the lack of a management plan When dredged considerable habitat damage can occur Economic value Kina are sold in New Zealand Best option Kina collected by hand (breath-hold diving) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Throughout New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 8-9 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1147 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Reported catch of 7629 tonnes for all fishstocks in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor all Fishstocks it is not known if current catch levels or TACCs are sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support sustainable yieldsrdquo (MFish 2009 p424) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most kina are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by target dredging Habitat damage Minimal damage from diving dredging scrapes the seafloor killing or damaging bottom dwelling species Bycatch None from diving dredging has a high bycatch including a range of bottom dwelling species Ecological effects Changes in kina numbers have effects on algal community assemblages Impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Dredging for kina has considerable ecological implications as it destroys seafloor communities which affects associated mid-water species Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 (South Island) and 2003 (North Island) Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No stock assessments Biomass estimates have been made for Arapawa Island (1997) and Dusky Sound and Chalky Inlet (1995) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 53
Kingfish
Scientific name Seriola lalandi
Other names haku kahu makumaku warehenga (Maori) yellowtail kingfish northern kingfish
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively large fish is an important predatory fish rarely found south of Cook Strait preferring the warmer waters of the north It can form schools of up to several hundred but is mainly caught as a non-target catch of inshore set net trawl and longline fisheries Kingfish is a commonly sought after recreational fish Ecological concerns The loss of large individual fish the unknown sustainability of the combined commercial and recreational catch limits uncertainty about the stock structure the absence of biomass and yield estimates the absence of a quantitative stock assessment limited research and the lack of a management plan Some fishing methods cause damage to the seabed and have high fish bycatch Economic value About 25 of kingfish is exported (under $05m) to the USA and Australia with the rest going to the domestic New Zealand market Best option Line caught kingfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Common in coastal waters around the North Island Maximum age (years) 16+ Age at sexual maturity 4-7 (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but stock relatively small Annual catch limit The maximum current yield (MCY) was set at 200 tonnes in 2007-08 the second lowest catch in over 20 years Recorded catch Reported landings of 159 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but there is concern from recreational fishers about current catch rates MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Although commercial catches are near or below MCY levels it is not known if recent combined commercial and recreational catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p436) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly taken as a non-target catch of inshore set net and longline fisheries with some trawl bycatch Habitat damage Minimal damage from lines or set nets Trawling causes damage to seafloor habitats contacting the seabed Bycatch Range of species caught as bycatch in set net and trawl fisheries which are often highly unselective techniques Ecological effects Removal of large fish may alter food web dynamics whilst bottom contact trawling bulldozes the seabed reducing biodiversity of bottom dwelling communities Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 54
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Scientific name Parika scaber
Other names kokiri kiririi (Maori) trigger fish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Leatherjacket or creamfish is a relatively small coastal species found throughout New Zealand but largely caught off the South Island Most of the catch is taken as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries mainly targeting trevally red gurnard and snapper but in recent years it has also been caught in some fisheries targeting squid Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the lack of a stock assessment limited research and no management plan Bycatch of sharks and seabirds in associated fisheries is also of concern as are impacts on seafloor habitats when caught with bottom trawl gear Economic value The main market is domestic and Australia with exports of $660000 in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Leatherjacket is distributed throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands It is caught on the East Coast between Otago and East Cape in Southland and between Cape Farewell and Cape Foulwind on the West Coast Maximum age (years) 7+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit 1431 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 467 tonnes in 2007-08 well below the 1300 tonnes caught in 1999-2000 fishing year Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass It is not known whether the leatherjacket stocks are at above or below a level that can produce MSY (MFish 2009 p450) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Method Bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including those targeting trevally red gurnard snapper and squid Habitat damage Trawl fishing with bottom gear scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself this fishery is associated with the bycatch problems of other fisheries including sharks and seabirds Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of this coastal species has knock on impacts on associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management composition Single species Stock assessment No completed quantitative stock assessment References Final Advice Paper Setting of Sustainability and Other Management Controls for Stocks to be Introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2003 18 July 2003 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science GroupMinistry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 55
Ling
Scientific name Genypterus blacodes
Other names hoka hokarari rari (Maori) ashiro kingu (Japan) kingklip (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Ling is a bottom dwelling species of the eel family which lives at depths of 300-700m throughout New Zealand It is often caught as bycatch in hoki and hake trawl fisheries though it is also targeted with bottom longline and bottom trawl methods The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Damage to fragile deepwater species and habitats caused by bottom trawling and the high level of globally threatened seabird species and NZ fur seals caught as bycatch Also of concern is the unknown long-term sustainability of some current catch limits and landings the uncertainty of stock boundaries tthe lack of a management plan for the fishery and the loss of ling from diving depths Economic value The main export markets are in Asia particularly Hong Kong and Japan plus Australia and Spain Exports were worth $40 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Ling is widespread in water off the south of the North Island and off the South Island but is mainly caught south of the South Island and over the Campbell Rise at 200-700m Maximum age (years) 30 Age at sexual maturity 5-9 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (most of the North Island) and uncertain for LIN 7 (West Coast South Island) Other areas (LIN 3 4 5 and 6) are likely above BMAY Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 21977 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16264 tonnes in 2007-08 the third lowest catch in 15 years Stock trends Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (non-Cook Strait) declining for LIN2 (Cook Strait) uncertain for LIN 7 declining slowly LIN 5 and 6 and increasing for LIN 3 and 4 MSY Status Unknown for LIN 1 and 2 described as sustainable for LIN 3 and 4 and LIN 5 6 and 7 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For LIN1 ldquoIn the absence of a representative index of abundance it is not known whether current LIN 1 catches or the TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown The biological stock affinities of ling in LIN 1 are unknownrdquo For LIN 2 (Cook Strait ndash 40 of catch) ldquoThe model results hellip suggest that the stock has declined particularly since the late 1980s Based on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be above BMAY but is likely to continue to decline at current catch levels It is not known if recent landings and the current TACCs are sustainable or are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield] For LIN3 and LIN4 ldquoBased on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be well above BMAY and building Catches at the level of the current TACC are likely to be sustainablerdquo For LIN 5 and 6 (but not Bounty Plateau) ldquoBased on the 2007 assessment ling stocks are probably only lightly fished and current stock sizes are estimated to be well above BMAY Estimates of absolute current and reference biomass are unreliable It is likely that the current TACC is sustainable as current catches appear to be having only a small impact on biomass levelsrdquo For LIN7 (West Coast) ldquoBased on the 2008 assessment the status of the LIN 7WC stock is highly uncertain The stock assessment model results did not provide reliable estimates of current biomass as a percentage of B0 but it is unlikely that this value is less than 40 and it could be much higher The relatively constant catch history since 1989 and the relative constancy of the trawl catch-at-age distributions since 1991 suggest that future catches at the current level are sustainable at least in the medium termrdquo (MFish 2009 p466-467) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Ling is mainly caught in targeted bottom longline and bottom trawling operations
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 56
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage to seamounts sea floor species and fragile deep-sea ecosystems Bycatch Several thousand seabirds are drowned on the longlines used in the ling fishery every year This includes the critically endangered Chatham‟s albatross and other threatened species (eg white-chinned petrels grey petrels Salvin‟s albatross flesh-footed shearwaters and sooty shearwaters) In September 2007 12 critically endangered Chatham albatrosses and 22 Salvin‟s albatrosses were caught by a single long-line vessel on the Chatham Rise New Zealand fur seals are also killed in the trawl fishery as are a range of deepwater sharks including seal sharks Ling is itself a non-target bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery which also has serious bycatch problems Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for LIN 3 and 4 (2004) 5 and 6 (2003) 7 (2009) and 6 Bounty (2006) and an initial assessment for LIN2 (Cook Strait) (2007) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries
Guidebook The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 57
Lookdown dory
Scientific name Cyttus traversi
Other names king dory
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description An offshore deepwater species that is widely distributed around New Zealand and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries particularly the hoki fishery Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and the absence of a management plan The fishery also has direct impacts on seafloor communities as a result of trawl fishing As lookdown dory is a bycatch of other fisheries it is also associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Lookdown dory are caught all around New Zealand with the largest catches on the East Coast of the South Island the Chatham Rise and the West Coast of the South Island Maximum age (years) 30+ Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 783 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 430 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Uncertain but annual trawl survey on the Chatham Rise ldquoshow no decline in recent yearsrdquo MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no known sustainability concerns in the lookdown dory fishery Trawl surveys indicate stable abundance in the main fishery However it is not known whether recent catches will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p 473) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - lookdown dory is caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery and to a much smaller extent in the barracouta hake ling and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawl fishing scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species of other fisheries lookdown dory is associated with seabird and marine mammal bycatch problems It is also associated with high non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch plus seabird and marine mammal bycatch has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 58
Mako shark
Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus
Other names mako (Maori) mackerel shark shortfin mako
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Mako sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to porbeagle sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species A highly migratory species Mako sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north About 75 of mako sharks caught are processed and the rest are dumped at sea Mako shark are the third most common species of shark that are targeted for their highly priced fins with about 47 of the reported catch recorded as finned Jointly with snapper oreodeepwater dory and southern bluefin tuna mako shark has the second worst ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Limited research on mako sharks lack of a stock assessment and uncertainty about the state of the stocks The high number of juveniles in the catch is also of concern as is the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals Where mako sharks are caught using bottom fishing methods impacts on the seafloor and associated communities are also of concern Whilst there is no management plan for mako sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for makos nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning makos and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mako sharks are highly migratory oceanic fish that often visit coastal areas around northern New Zealand They are caught by longline vessels on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast Maximum age (years) 29 males and 28 females Age at sexual maturity 7-9 years males and 19-21 years females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 2 (Much of the catch is immature) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 406 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 73 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest landings in seven years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain but reported as bdquovulnerable to overexploitation‟ The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics mako shark is vulnerable to overexploitation (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p50) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Primarily pelagic longlining around the North Island with a smaller catch caught by bottom longliners and trawlers Habitat damage Low except when caught by bottom trawling which alters seafloor community structure and function Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of a large predatory species has wide implications for oceanic food webs The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 59
Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) Stock assessments and yield estimatesScience Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Bishop SD Francis MP Duffy C (2006) Age growth maturity longevity and natural mortality of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in New Zealand waters Marine and Freshwater Research 57 143-154 New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 60
Moonfish
Scientific name Lampris guttatus
Other names opah spotted moonfish nandai akamanbo (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Moonfish are a bycatch in tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main islands Ecological concerns the uncertainty of some basic biological information uncertainty about the state of the stocks basic biology the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals and the lack of a stock assessment or a management plan There are also ecological concerns given removal of this large predator species from the food web Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Moonfish are a widely distributed pelagic species found in both temperate and tropical waters of the Worlds oceans Maximum age (years) 14-20 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Medium-high Reproductive output Medium-high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size There is no information on stock structure but Moonfish is known to have a South Pacific wide distribution Annual catch limit Set at 527 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in over 10 years About 70 of moonfish caught are mature Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoWhile moonfish appear to have moderately productive life history characteristics the stock status is unknown It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p53) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Moonfish are caught mainly by pelagic longline vessels targeting tuna on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast with pelagic trawling for southern blue whiting and hoki being the second main method Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of moonfish and non-target species from marine systems Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 61
Orange Roughy
Scientific name Hoplostethus atlanticus
Other names Deepsea perch sea perch slimehead (NZ) red roughy (Australia) hoplostete orange granatbarsch (Germany) pesce arancio (Italy) beryx de nouvelle-zelande (France) rosy soldierfish (Canada)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Orange Roughy is a very slow growing and long-lived (120 ndash 130 years) deepwater fish making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing It does not breed until 23-31 years old and does so once a year in large spawning aggregations often around deepwater seamounts pinnacles and canyons around New Zealand There are nine distinct orange roughy fisheries within the New Zealand EEZ each managed independently The East and South Chatham Rise fishery is the largest and oldest orange roughy fishery in the world Jointly with porbeagle shark orange roughy has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns New Zealand‟s orange roughy have suffered from years of over-fishing on the spawning grounds which has decimated populations Although quotas have been reduced in recent years serious concerns remain as they may not be enough Nothing is known about roughy recruitment and there is a mismatch between model projections and catch information Most populations are now below 20 of their original unfished size with one reduced to just 3 As well as stock concerns orange roughy is caught by bottom trawling which destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It effectively bulldozes the sea floor demolishing black corals lace corals coral trees colourful sponge fields and long-lived bryozoans some aged at over 500 years old Deepwater sharks and other non-target fish species are also caught which alters marine food web dynamics As a prey species for sperm whales and giant squid orange roughy depletion has a direct impact on these deepwater species Some orange roughy fisheries have also caught seabirds and marine mammals Economic value Orange Roughy is one of the most valuable export fish species worth $57 million in 20086 Previously this was $200 million Most is exported to the USA and Australia with some to the UK where it is reportedly used by some fast food chains as fish fillet burgers Orange roughy is also sold in New Zealand for example as frozen fish fillets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution The main spawning grounds around New Zealand are the Challenger Plateau Cook Canyon Puysegur Bank North Chatham Rise Ritchie Bank and East Cape at depths of between 700 metres and at least 1500 metres Most are caught on the Chatham Rise where the underwater terrain is rugged and consists of hill pinnacle and canyon seascapes Maximum age (years) 120-130 Age at sexual maturity 23-315 years Growth rate Very slow Reproductive output Low Females carry 40000 to 60000 eggs per kilogram of body weight which is less than 10 of the average for other fish species Age exploited From about 20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Most stocks are below 20 of their unfished population size (B0) The Challenger population is down to 3 B0 Annual catch limit Set at 13612 tonnes in 2007-08 with areas ORH7A and 7B closed Recorded catch Reported landings of 13110 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 54000 tonnes in 1988-89 Stock trends Long-term decline MSY Status Most stocks are depleted well below BMSY and with minimal chance of recovery in the near future Uncertain status for both Southern ORH 3B and exploratory ORH 1 Rebuilding of stocks indicated in models is not supported by catch rate information (eg ORH3B and ORH7B) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For ORH 1 ldquoAn assessment of the Mercury-Colville box in 2001 indicated that biomass had been reduced to 10-15 B0 (compared to an assumed BMSY of 30 B0)hellip In other areas of ORH 1 the
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 62
status of the constituent stocks is unknownhellip without any indication of current abundance there is no way to determine if this level of fishing is in fact sustainable or if current feature limits will avoid overexploitation of localised areasrdquo For ORH 3B NW and South Chatham Rise ndash ldquohellipthe 2006 biomass was estimated to be below BMSY at 11 (8-16) B0 and recent exploitation rates were estimated to be about four times that under a CAY policyhellip the probability that the stock would rebuild to 30 B0 or even 20 B0 within 5 years was close to zerordquo NE Chatham Rise ndash ldquoNo quantitative stock assessment model B2008 was estimated to be 13-30 B0 Likely to be below the Management Target [30]rdquo Puysegur ndash ldquothe point estimate of biomass from this assessment [1998] is probably below BMSY [7] but it is uncertainrdquo Other areas ndash ldquoThe status of orange roughy in these areas is unknown It is also not known whether recent catch levels or the current catch limit are sustainable or whether they will allow the stock(s) to move towards BMSYrdquo ORH2A 2B and 3A East Cape ndash the 2003 assessment indicated that the stock was then about 24B0 [It] suggests that the current catch limit should allow the stock to rebuildrdquo East Coast North Island - ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available[but] biomass was likely to have reached a minimum in the mid 1990s [less than 20B0] [Currently] the stock was likely to be increasing under recent catch levels but was unable to determine whether the current TACC would result in a continued rebuild of the stockrdquo West Coast (ORH7B) ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available The current stock size is most likely below BMSY as catch rates have not increased over the last 5 years despite a large reduction in annual removals from the stockrdquo Challenger (ORH7A) ldquoThe 2000 assessment of this stock indicates that it is currently about one tenth of BMSY (range 7 to 14 of BMSY and 3 of B0rdquo (MFish 2009 p486 498-499 521-524 530 534-535) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling between 750 and 1200m Habitat Damage Bottom trawling destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It decimates black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Includes coral trees sponges and gorgonians which have been aged at over 500 years old A range of non-target fish species are also caught including deepwater dory or oreo Baxter‟s dogfish and basket-work eels There is a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds in some fisheries Ecological effects In addition to the ecological effects of habitat damage Orange Roughy is a prey species of sperm whale and giant squid so the commercial catch also reduces the amount of available food for species further up deep sea food chains Fishing for Orange Roughy and oreos also removes a large proportion of deep sea benthic biomass significantly altering these unique communities Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments have been carried out for most areas apart from exploratory ORH 1 and Southern ORH 3B Latest assessments at ORH1 (Mercury-Colville) 2001 East Cape 2003 East Coast North Island 2005 NW Chatham Rise 2006 East and South Chatham Rise 2009 review of previous assessments Puysegur 1998 Challenger 2000 West Coast South Island 2007 References Clark M (2001) Are deepwater fisheries sustainable ndash the example of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in New Zealand Fisheries research 51123-135 Clark MR Anderson OF Francis RICC Tracey OM (2000) The effects of commercial exploitation on Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) from the continental slope of the Chatham Rise NZ from 1979 to 1997 Fisheries Research 45217-238 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 63
Oreo
Scientific name Allocyttus niger (black oreo) Neocyttus
rhomboidalis (spiky oreo) Pseudocyttus maculatus (smooth oreo)
Other names NZ dory black dory smooth dory spotted oreo brown oreo NZ smooth dory deepwater dory deepsea dory (Australia) teifsee-petersfisch (Germany) peterfisch (Switzerland) dore austral (France Switzerland)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Oreos are deepwater fish that are long-lived (up to 150 years) and slow growing making them highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing There are three species in New Zealand but they are all managed as one quota management species They are predominantly found in deep waters off the east and south of the South Island and off the Chatham Islands Jointly with snapper mako shark and southern bluefin tuna oreos have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of the three oreo species as one a declining stock trend uncertainty over stock boundaries lack of stock assessments in some areas unknown sustainability of catch limits and lack of a management plan Attempts to improve research in the oreo fishery have been hampered by the seafood industry challenging and preventing the Ministry of Fisheries from commissioning research surveys Also of great concern is the destructive impact of deep sea trawling on seamount habitats and high levels of non target fish bycatch There is also a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds Economic value Key markets are the USA Australia Germany and Switzerland with smooth oreo being the main market species Exports were worth $747 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Oreos occur around the south of New Zealand at depths of 600m to over 1000m Black Spiky Smooth Maximum age (years) 153 100+ 86 Age at sexual maturity 27 Unknown 31 Growth rate Slow Slow Slow Reproductive output Low-medium Low Low-medium Age exploited 27 Unknown 21 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Estimates are uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 18600 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16979 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 26514 tonnes in 1981-82 and 21755 in 1996-97 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown for all areas except OEO 3A (black and smooth) OEO 4 (smooth) southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) Estimates are uncertain and there are conflicts between sub-areas (OEO3A) declines in CPUE inconsistent with stock sizes and unsustainable catches in Southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states OEO 3A Black oreos ndash ldquoModel biomass levels are uncertainrdquo The ldquototal mature biomass for 2002-2003 was estimated to be 52 of initial biomass (B0) [but] is not equal across the three sub-areas with area 2 and 3 being 29 and 7 of their respective mature equilibrium virgin biomass levels [There is] a 0 probability that [vulnerable biomass] would be greater than 27 B0 (BMSY)rdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquoTotal mature biomass for 2008-09 was estimated to be 36 of the initial biomass (B0) The projections showed that biomass should increase at catch levels of 1400 t over the next 5 yearsrdquo OEO 4 Black oreos ndash ldquoThe 2009 stock assessment of OEO 4 black oreo was considered unreliablerdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquothe mid-year mature biomass in 2007-08 was 57 of mature B0 [But] there are considerable uncertainties associated with this assessment [as a]
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 64
substantial proportions of the abundance in each acoustic survey are attributed to layer marks which are generally not fished [and] standardised CPUE in the larger east fishery has declined in recent yearsrdquo OEO13A Southland Smooth oreo ndash The [2004] ldquobiomass estimates are uncertain [but] the analysis suggested that the mature virgin biomass was probably small less than 21000t and the stock is unlikely to be able to support a large fisheryrdquo OEO6 Pukaki Rise Smooth Oreo - ldquolarge stock sizes were unlikely Particularly because the standardised CPUE has declined rapidly under catch levels that have been small relative to other smooth oreo fisheries[and] median long term yield of about 550t which is lower than the current catch of 1300t Black oreos - These biomass estimates are uncertainhellip The basecase results suggesthellip the stock is currently estimated to be at 44 B0 but with high uncertainty (19-80 B0) Projections suggest that mature biomass is as likely as not to fall below 20 B0 within the next five years if catches are maintained at the 2007-08 level OEO6 Bounty Plateau Smooth Oreo ndash ldquoBiomass estimates are uncertain hellipthe basecase model [estimated] current mature biomass was estimated to be 33 of a virgin biomass For black oreo and smooth oreo in other parts of OEO1 - ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p563-564 576 588-589) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Deepwater trawling mainly on the south Chatham Rise eastern Southland and Sub-Antarctic Plateau Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates seabed habitats and fragile seamount species assemblages Bycatch A range of non-target species are caught including deepwater sharks such as seal shark Baxter‟s dogfish and shovel-nosed dogfish Deepwater invertebrates such as soft corals tall sponges bryozoans gorgonian corals and other corals are also caught some of which have been aged at over 500 years There is also a bycatch of seabirds and marine mammals Ecological effects Combined with the ecological effects of the closely associated orange roughy the oreo fishery is responsible for considerable damage to seamounts other special deepwater habitats and associated communities Management and management unit (score B and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Three different species managed together as one when they should be managed independently Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in OEO 3A (Black and Smooth) in 2009 OEO4 (Black -2009 and Smooth 2007) OEO1 Southland (Smooth 2004) OEO 6 -Pukaki Rise (Black 2009 and Smooth 2006) Bounty Plateau (Smooth 2008) only References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 65
Oysters
Scientific name Tiostrea chilensis
Other names tio tio para tio repe tio parupaur (Maori) Dredge oyster Bluff oyster Foveaux Strait oyster Stewart Island Oyster Nelson oyster flat oyster
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Wild caught oysters or dredge oysters are endemic to New Zealand and are found in coastal waters often in dense communities The fishery is seasonal (open from March to August) with the main commercial fishery operating in Foveaux Strait A small catch is also taken when harvesting scallops in Tasman and Golden bays and a new fishery has started in Clifford and Cloudy Bays Ecological concerns Wild oysters are collected by dredging ndash a highly destructive fishing method that digs into the seafloor destroying seafloor communities in it‟s path The use of heavy box dredgers is especially damaging Dredging creates considerable sedimentation which smothers seabed communities in the areas where the fishery operates In much of the Foveaux Strait dredging has removed bryozoan reef communities which has exposed some previously sheltered marine life to storm and tide action Some oyster beds have not recovered from dredging even after 50 years The oyster fishery also catches a range of non-target species and has impacts on a number of fish populations especially blue cod stocks In Tasman Bay and Golden Bay oysters have declined to low population levels and the fishery has been associated with a decline in fish stocks The lack of a management plan and inadequate consideration of the impact of dredging in new areas (eg Clifford and Cloudy Bay) is also of concern The presence of a disease in Foveaux Strait oysters in recent years which has killed over 60 of the population has made it difficult to estimate the current status of the population there Economic value Foveaux Strait oysters are sold in New Zealand while some NelsonMarlborough oysters are exported (up to a value of $10 million per year) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 36+ Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 4-8 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size In 2006 the recruited stock size in Foveaux Strait was estimated at about 28 B0 which is up from 10 in 1992 The biomass in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay continues to decline and is now at 32 of 1998 levels with only 3 of 1998 levels in Golden Bay Annual catch limit Set at 2094 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 826 tonnes in 2007-08 from Foveaux Strait Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Foveaux Strait current catches are less than 10 of catches in the 1980s Stock trends Uncertain in Foveaux Strait with biomass projected to be decreasing or slowly increasing depending on level of Bonamia infection Trends are also uncertain in Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Tasman and Golden bays the stock has decreased MSY Status The Golden Bay population is well below BMSY and other stocks are either below target levels or uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Foveaux Strait ldquoDepending on the level of assumed [Bonamia] disease mortality the 2009 stock assessment shows the median projected status in 2012 ranges from 30 more than the current level (with nil disease mortality) to 23 below the current level (assuming disease mortality of 02 y-1) For the current estimates of disease mortality the model trajectories show the population size to remain about the same for a year and then continued but slow rebuilding of the fishery The decreased rate of projected rebuilding is due to relatively low numbers of pre-recruits and small oyster available to recruit to fishery in the short termrdquo For TasmanGolden Bays ldquoStock projections are unavailable Catches at the level of the TACC are also likely to cause the stock to drop below the Hard Limit [10B0] in the near termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 66
For Marlborough stocks ldquoQuantitative stock projections are unavailable Stocks are likely to be close to virgin biomass (B0) because the area has been commercially fished for only two seasons at the increased TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p 184-185 192-194 200-201) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Bottom dredging with a heavy metal dredger Habitat damage Dredging in effect bulldozes the sea floor causing extensive habitat destruction including the loss of bryozoan reefs from large areas of Foveaux Strait Bryozoan reefs are not only important habitat types for species diversity they are also important settlement areas for oysters and important for other commercial species (eg blue cod) Bycatch Dredging collects everything that is large enough to be retained by the mesh In an experiment bottom dredging killed 19ndash36 of small oysters (Cranfield et al 1999) Ecological effects Dredging causes considerable ecological damage both directly to seafloor communities and indirectly by increasing sedimentation and smothering and by altering food web dynamics A disease (Bonamia) has repeatedly infected oysters in the Foveaux Strait fishery in recent years causing large-scale mortality This is likely to have been exacerbated by the impacts of dredging which has highly modified the seabed and stressed oysters In areas where dredging stopped blue cod and dredge oyster numbers increased and seafloor habitats have started to regenerate (Cranfield et al 2001) Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1996 for NelsonMarlborough and 1998 for Foveaux Strait Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on 2008 survey in Foveaux Strait and 2008 in Nelson-Marlborough and 2007 survey in Marlborough References Cranfield H J Michael K P and Doonan I J 1999 Changes in the distribution of epifaunal reefs and oysters during 130 years of dredging for oysters in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 9 461-483 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 2007 The New Zealand Seafood Industry council Ltd Ministry of Fisheries 2004 H J Cranfield G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 67
Pacific bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus orientalis
Other names Bluefin Northern bluefin tuna (Australia) thon rouge de sud (Canada France) minamimaguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pacific bluefin tuna is a very large highly migratory species that can move thousands of kilometres in a year It was previously known as Northern bluefin tuna in the Pacific but the northern bluefin is actually a different species (T thynnus) that grows much bigger and is a rare visitor to New Zealand Pacific bluefin tuna are occasionally caught in New Zealand in association with southern bluefin tuna (T maccoyii) in longline fisheries off the West Coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty
Ecological concerns Limited research uncertainty about stock assessments and the state of stocks (including the potential that they are overfished) unclear international management across different Pacific tuna management agreements and the lack of a management plan The bycatch of seabirds a range of shark species and NZ fur seals is also of concern as is the removal of this important predatory species from oceanic food webs
Economic value Pacific bluefin tuna are sold in Japan USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Pacific bluefin tuna are caught on the west coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 3+
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - North and Central Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 116 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 13 tonnes in 2007-08 compared to 9000 tonnes taken in the North Pacific Stock trends Uncertain but past decline in the size of the spawning population MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not availablehellip Given the conclusions of the May-June 2008 stock assessment with regard to the current level of [fishing mortality] (F) relative to potential target and limit reference points and residual uncertainties associated with key model parameters it is important that the current level of [fishing mortality] is not increasedrdquo (MFish 2008 p59)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining on the West Coast of the South Island and around Northland and Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment An assessment by the International Scientific Committee for tuna and tuna-like species (ISC) in 2008 References The distribution of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the south east Pacific Ocean with emphasis on New Zealand waters T Murray NIWA Aug 2005 NZFAR 200542 Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 68
Packhorse lobster
Scientific name Sagmariasus verreauxi
Other names koura papatia pawharu (Maori) packhorse crayfish crayfish green rock lobster Eastern rock lobster (Australia US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Found in the north and east of the North Island Packhorse rock lobster live around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m They are larger and have a slightly greener colour than rock lobster (crayfish) and are mainly caught in the far north waters of New Zealand Ecological concerns Concerns include the lack of basic biological data about the species the absence of any stock assessment or directed research on this species the unknown causes of the decline in reported catch since 1998-99 the apparent decline within diving depth and the lack of a management plan Catching packhorse lobster with cray pots may have impacts on some sensitive seabed habitats Economic value The market for Packhorse lobster includes Japan Best option Whilst assessed as a species of concern Packhorse lobster is one of the better seafood choices in 2009 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found mainly in the north of the North Island Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 403 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings are usually less than 25 tonnes each season but was 34 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but abundance has declined at diving depths MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoThe status of this stock is unknownrdquo (MFish 2008 p94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species such as soft corals Bycatch Minimal but some octopus and shag species may be caught Ecological effects Unknown Packhorse lobster are important generalist predators of a range of species including kina so their depletion from an area may cause wider ecological impacts Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment and no proposed future research References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand commercial fisheries The atlas of area codes and TACCs 20082009 Clement and Associates Limited Nelson (2008)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 69
Paddle crab
Scientific name Ovalipes catharus
Other names paumlpaka (Maori) swimming crab south pacific crab NZ sea crab eacutetrille (France) Gazami menagazami (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paddle crabs are found around New Zealand and southern Australia where it is widely distributed in sandy shallow waters In New Zealand they are mainly caught off the east coast of the North Island from the eastern Bay of Plenty northwards Ecological concerns There is limited research on paddle crabs resulting in the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels uncertainty over stock status and basic biological information There is also no management plan and some concern about habitat damage caused by the fishing methods particularly when caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Economic value Paddle crabs are sold in New Zealand and Japan Best option Paddle crabs caught using cray pots Avoid crabs caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely distributed around New Zealand on sandy seabeds in shallow waters Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output High (uncertain) Age exploited 3-4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 765 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Total landings of 168 tonnes reported in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states For all QMAs [quota management areas] ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Landings have fluctuated significantly in most QMAs mainly due to market variations Paddle crabs are abundant throughout most of their range and the fishery is probably only lightly exploitedrdquo (MFish 2009 p602) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Baited traps and pots but also caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Habitat damage Low for trapping and potting except in sensitive habitats Trawling and particularly dredging can have significant habitat impacts altering seafloor communities Bycatch Minor for baited traps or pots apart from some octopus and hagfish Trawling however catches a range of seabed dwellers and fish species that live on or close to the seafloor Ecological effects Paddle crabs are a food source for other marine species such as octopus Their depletion may alter food web dynamics and any damage caused to seafloor habitats may impact associated communities Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 70
Pale ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus bemisi
Other names Chimaera ratfish pearl
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description As with the dark ghost shark this species is a slow growing deepwater shark that is found throughout New Zealand‟s offshore waters It has soft skin that is easily damaged It is caught almost entirely as a bycatch of other target trawl fisheries operating around the Chatham Rise and in southern waters most notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Ecological concerns There is a lack of some basic biological data on pale ghost sharks little directed research and no quantitative stock assessment (resulting in unknown sustainability of current catch limits) Also of concern is the possible dumping of catches in past years Habitat damage is caused by trawling and as a bycatch species of other fisheries it is associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for pale ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Ghost sharks are exported to Australia with the shark fins being exported to Asia at a value of around $2 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly on the Chatham Rise and SouthlandSub-Antarctic at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Low Reproductive output Likely to be low Age exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 1780 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 818 tonnes in 2007-08 ndash it is likely that ghost sharks have been dumped and not reported in past years Stock trends Uncertain Chatham Rise trawl survey indicates a decline of 80 between 1984 and 1994 (Clark et al 2000) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available for pale ghost shark For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [Maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p296) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Habitat damage Trawling especially bottom trawling for hoki which bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges long-lived bryozoans and other associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch species pale ghost shark associated with the capture of a range of other species including seabirds fur seals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target catch (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 71
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any area and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 72
Paua
Scientific name Haliotis iris (black-footed paua) and Haliotis australis (yellow-footed paua)
Other names kararuri hihiwa karahiwa karariwha koeo korohiwa kororiwha marariwha marari hauwai inaka wharangi (Maori) abalone black-foot paua (H iris) yellow-foot paua queen paua (H australis)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paua is a large sea-snail that lives in shallow coastal waters usually in large groups on rocky reefs and feeds of algae There are two species in New Zealand (black-footed and yellow-footed paua) but it is black-footed paua that is most abundant with virtually the entire commercial fishery targeting it Paua is taken by hand mainly by commercial fishers The attractive shell also has some commercial value Most wild paua are taken from the South Island Chatham Islands Stewart Island and the southern coast of the North Island Ecological concerns The depleted state and unsustainable current catch levels in a number of areas for example declining stocks around Stewart Island (area 5B) and parts of Southland (area 5A) the potential for serial depletion and small-scale recruitment failure and the lack of a management plan As paua is a highly sought after resource a black market for paua has led to widespread illegal harvesting Paua is an important algal grazer within marine ecosystems so depletion raises wider ecological concerns Economic value 80 is exported to the western Pacific Rim including Singapore Hong Kong and Australia Total exports were worth $46 million in 2008 Best option Make sure you only buy paua from a reputable retailer to avoid eating illegal caught fish Paua caught off the West Coast of the South Island are currently the most sustainable ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Paua is found around the whole coastline Most of the commercial catch is from the Wairarapa coast southwards with most of the catch from waters around the South Island Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 4-6 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow but variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Size exploited Minimum shell length of 125mm for black-footed paua and 80mm for the smaller species yellow-footed paua Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Paua populations around Stewart Island (area 5B) the Otago coast (area 5D) and the top of the South Island (area 7) are below the reference biomass levels Population size is unknown or uncertain in other areas Annual catch limit Set at 105850 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported catch was 104569 tonnes in 2007-08 (There is thought to be considerable (up to 1000 tonnes) illegal and non-reported paua harvesting) Stock trends Probably rebuilding in area 7 declining or unknown in all other areas MSY Status Declining or slowly rebuilding The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states PAU4 ldquothe results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable but with considerable uncertainty [and] require this assessment to be treated with great cautionrdquo PAU5A At face value these results suggest that the current TACC and recent catches are not sustainable However the results suggest that catches at current levels within Dusky Chalky and South coast areas will result in further depletion within these areasrdquo PAU 5B ldquoThe assessment suggests that both spawning and recruited biomass are below the target levels[Future projections of] recruited biomass shows a tendency to decreaserdquo PAU5D ldquoThe stock assessment results were equivocalhellipthe future direction of recruited biomass was uncertainhellipIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] is sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 73
PAU 7 ldquoThe assessment shows a depleted stock Assessment results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable and the stock is likely to increase over three years The list of cautions discussed above under ldquoother factorsrdquo should be read in conjunction with this statement Potential problems with the model are likely to cause model results to be optimisticrdquo PAU 2 and 3 ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass for PAU 2 and 3 ldquo For PAU6 ldquoThe current TACC of 1 tonne is sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 611 622 633-634 644 657-658 and 670) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score A and A) Fishing method Paua is collected by hand by free divers using a knife Underwater breathing apparatus is not allowed Habitat damage Minimal Other marine species may be damaged when paua are cut from rocks Ecological effects Removal of this important algal grazer from sub-tidal communities may alter algal community structure and modify food web dynamics However impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one However most commercial fisheries target one species only Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in PAU 4 (2004) 5A (2006) 5B (2007) 5D (2006) and 7 (2008) Uncertainties in models are likely to cause the model results to be optimistic The assessments do not estimate unfished stock size (B0) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 74
Pilchard
Scientific name Sardinops sagax
Other names mohimohi (Maori) sardine pillie Australian sardine (Australia) maiwashi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Only recently identified as a separate species the NZ pilchard is a small (up to 25cm) short-lived but relatively fast growing fish found in mid to surface coastal waters It is widely distributed around New Zealand but found in heavy concentrations in sheltered bays such as the Hauraki Gulf and Tasman Bay sometimes in mixed schools with sprat and anchovy Pilchards are mainly targeted throughout the year by purse seiners but also beach seine and lampara nets In 1995 some populations were severely impacted by a natural mass mortality thought to have been caused by a virus Jointly with anchovy and sprats pilchard has the highest ecological ranking of any New Zealand commercial fishery and is therefore one of the best fish choices Ecological concerns There is an absence of research on pilchards and the lack of a stock assessment meaning that the sustainability of the current catch levels is unknown There is also no management plan and concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species seabirds and some marine mammals Economic value Exports of $140000 to Asia with some locally available pilchards in New Zealand Best option Try to choose pilchards caught by purse seine rather than beach seine as this fishing method is a more selective and does not contact the seafloor ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Widespread in inshore waters around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 9 Age at sexual maturity 2 years Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A catch limit was introduced at 2485 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 716 tonnes in 2007-08 less than half the previous year‟s landings Stock trends Annual landings have fluctuated from between 25 tonnes to 1491 tonnes in the last 16 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches from northeast North Island and the TACC for PIL1 [northern North Island] are higher than the 660t MCY [maximum current yield] estimate However the MCY estimate is considered unreliable It is not known if the current catches or TACCs are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p675) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse seine but also beach seine and lampara nets Habitat damage Low impact from fishing methods especially when caught by purse seine Bycatch Sometimes catches other pelagic fish such as anchovy jack mackerel (in north) and sprats (in south) Ecological effects Reducing the pilchard population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other marine life including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals This disruption to food webs has occurred in similar fisheries overseas Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 75
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and no current directed research References Pilchard biology and fisheries in New Zealand and a review of pilchard biology fisheries and research in the main world fisheries LJ Paul et al NZ Fisheries Assessment report 200137 NIWA July 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 76
Porbeagle shark
Scientific name Lamna nasus
Other names Porbeagle porpoise shark
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pobeagle sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to mako sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species Porbeagle sharks are highly migratory and are mainly caught as bycatch in a range of tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main Islands They are also caught as bycatch in some mid-water and bottom trawl fisheries Most of the porbeagle sharks landed (around 85) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Jointly with orange roughy porbeagle shark has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide
Ecological concerns there is limited research on porbeagle sharks and no stock assessment As a result there is uncertainty about the state of the stocks and the sustainability of catch limits The fisheries associated with the porbeagle shark catches also catch other sharks seabirds and fur seals When caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries seafloor habitats are also damaged Whilst there is no management plan for porbeagle sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for porbeagle sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning porbeagles and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful
Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Porbeagle sharks are a widespread oceanic species found around most of New Zealand Maximum age (years) 65 Age at sexual maturity Males mature at 8-11 years and females at 15-18 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 1
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 215 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in nearly 10 years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Unknown but numerous trends a bdquocause for concern‟ Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield However declining catches over a period when effort has increased rapidly low CPUE in recent years combined with the low productivity of the species and a history of fishery collapses in the North Atlantic are all cause for concernrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p64)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method longlining around the North Island and bottom trawling Habitat damage Low for longlining but high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline and trawl fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline and trawl fishery
Management and management unit (score E and D) Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment Management plan No Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 77
Queen scallops
Scientific name Chlamys delicatula
Other names tipa (Maori) southern queen NZ gem scallop NZ gem shellfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the smaller of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found mainly in southern waters from South Canterbury and Stewart Island to the Sub-Antarctic Islands As with the more common scallops (Pecten novaezealandiae) they are found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats Queen scallops are a deeper species found in waters up to 400m They are harvested by dredging Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including invertebrates and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Also of concern is the absence of directed research unknown sustainability of current catch levels absence of population size or yield estimates and the lack of a management plan Economic value The market for queen scallops includes New Zealand and Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution From South Canterbury to Stewart Island and around offshore islands from the Snares to as far south as Macquarie Island Australia Maximum age (years) 10+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output High Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 380 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 95 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown and there are no yield estimates MSY Status Depleted in some areas uncertain in others The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoA relative biomass estimate for the areas fished within QSC 3 is available from a 2004 survey [But] this survey was not standardized and there are no previous estimates for relative biomass to provide comparisonrdquo (MFish 2009 p698) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Dredging Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of fragile invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 in FMA 3 and 5 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments A non-standardised relative biomass is available from a 2004 survey References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 78
Red cod
Scientific name Pseudophycis bachus
Other names hoka (Maori) NZ cod moride rouge julienette (Can France) akadara benidara (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This fast growing but short-lived species is found throughout New Zealand but is more common in southern waters at depths of 100 to 300m They are mainly targeted by trawlers at depths of 30-200m in the Canterbury Bight and off Westland but are also caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries off the south of the South Island Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to deepwater seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of directed research on red cod the unknown or uncertain sustainability of current catch limits and the lack of updated assessments and a red cod management plan Economic value Red cod is sold in New Zealand and is exported to Australia Canada Japan and United States with a value of over $9 million in 2008 Best option Red cod that are caught in areas other than the east coast South Island trawl fishery and fish that are not caught by bottom trawling ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand in shallow coastal water to waters over 700m depth They are most common in around the South Island at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 7 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown ndash variable with good recruitment in colder El Nino climatic conditions Annual catch limit Set at 8270 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6457 tonnes in 2003-04 the second lowest catch in 6 years Stock trends Unknown as stock size undergoes high natural variability East Coast South Island (RCO3) biomass index was at its lowest recorded level West Coast South Island (RCO7) index was around its highest level but with high uncertainty For both RCO3 and RCO7 ldquothere is a strong correlation between recruitment and environmental variables with a periodic 14 month time lagrdquo However its predictive power of the environment-abundance model was more accurate for RCO7 (MFish 2007 p712-713) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states RCO 1 and RCO 2 ldquoit is not known if the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and recent catch levels are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo RCO3 hellip ldquoa constant catch at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be attainable or sustainable in most years Catches and the winter East Coast South Island survey biomass index in 2006ndash07 were at their lowest recorded levels These low catch and biomass estimates are likely a function of a depressed population rather than from recruitment failurerdquo hellip RCO7 ldquoRecent quantitative stock projections are unavailable and the previous assessment is too outdated to be informative for such a short lived species The 2009 survey biomass estimate is the highest in the series but it also has the highest CVrdquo (MFish 2009 p700-711) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling mainly bottom trawling
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 79
Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater marine communities and species Bycatch Inshore trawling for red cod poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where red cod fishing continues to overlap with dolphin areas outside these closures Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity and abundance Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for RCO 3 and 7 in 1999 but nothing for other areas These assessments are too old to be accepted No current directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 80
Red gurnard
Scientific name Chelidonichthys kumu
Other names kumukumu puuwhaiau (Maori) gurnard latchet (Asia) grondin rouge (France) houbou (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This distinctive fish is widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds It is a major bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries for red cod flatfish and jack mackerel and is directly targeted in some areas including by longline and set net Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the associated red cod east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of recent directed research on red gurnard and lack of current stock assessments the inclusion of several stocks in one quota management area and the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of about $1 million mainly to Japan Best option Red gurnard caught by longline or by trawling in areas where there is minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east coast North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds to a depth of 150m Maximum age (years) 16 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for all stocks Annual catch limit Set at 4993 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3344 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest in eight years Stock trends Unknown for most areas GUR3 likely to have increased since the mid-1990s Catches are well below the limits except GUR3 MSY Status Unknown apart from estimates for GUR 1 - in 1999 status was at 80B0 for GUR1W and 59 B0 for GUR1E The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference absolute biomass are not available for any gurnard stock The current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] were based on a period of highest ever catches and these levels have not been reached in recent yearsrdquo GUR1 Stable or increasing CPUE trends in conjunction with a 20 year period of reasonably constant annual landings suggest that recent catches in GUR 1 are sustainable As annual landings have remained at or a little over half the 2287t TACC it is not known whether the TACC is sustainablerdquo GUR2 CPUE analyses suggest that GUR2 abundance remained fairly stable between 198990 and 200405 Reported landings were also reasonably stable during this period These results suggest that catches in this time period and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-term GUR3 ldquoRecent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo [Stock was] ldquoat apparent low levels in the mid-1990s Stock size appears to have increased substantially since thenhellip Two independent CPUE series and the trawl survey corroborate that stock size for GUR 3 has increased since the late 1990‟srdquo GUR 7 ldquoThe West Coast South Island trawl survey relative biomass index declined from 1995 to 2000 and has increased steadily from 2003 to the highest level in the series in 2009 the 2009 estimate is preliminary Recent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 81
GUR 8 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainableldquo (MFish 2009 p730-734) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly trawling but also longline and set net Habitat damage Trawling for red gurnard uses bottom trawl gear which damages seafloor habitats and communities Bycatch Trawling and set netting for gurnard poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins particularly in the east coast South Island trawl fishery where they have been killed Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However fishing in areas outside these colures still poses some risk of catching the dolphins Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The only quantitative stock assessment is in QMA 1 in 1999 This assessment is too old to be accepted by the MFish stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 82
Red snapper
Scientific name Centroberyx affinis
Other names kaorea (Maori) golden snapper red fish (Australia and US)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Red snapper is a schooling fish related to alfonsino found around the coast of northern New Zealand from depths of 10 to 400m It is mostly caught as a bycatch in the longline fishery for snapper (an unrelated species despite the name) off the East Coast of Northland in the tarakihi trawl fishery around Northland It is also caught in the set net fishery for snapper and trevally in the Bay of Plenty Ecological concerns Little is known about the biology of red snapper and there is considerable uncertainty about whether separate stocks exist stock boundaries and the state of the stocks due to the lack of a stock assessment Also of concern is the bycatch of sharks and seabirds in longline fisheries impacts on seabed ecology from trawling non target fish bycatch and the lack of a management plan Economic value Red snapper are mainly sold on the domestic market ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Red snapper are widespread around the coast northern of New Zealand and are found at depths of 10 to 400m Thy are caught mainly around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 40 Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown There is also no research to determine if there are separate biological stocks Annual catch limit Set at 145 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 87 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest catch in five years but well below the peak catch of 211 tonnes Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe reference or current biomass is not known for any red snapper stock It is not known if the recent catch levels are sustainable The status of RSN 1 2 and 10 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p738) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method longline fishery off the East Coast of Northland trawl fishery around Northland and set net fishery in the Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low for longline and set net fisheries high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery and a variety of non-target fish are caught by trawl and set net fisheries Ecological effects Wasteful removal of non-target species from the marine ecosystem and damage to bottom dwelling species and habitats caused by trawling Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 83
Ribaldo
Scientific name Mora moro
Other names Deepsea cod googly-eyed cod white cod mora
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deep-sea relative of red cod occurs around New Zealand and southern Australia at depths of 200 to 1300m It is most common between 500m and 1000m and is caught on bottom longlines and as a bycatch of deepwater trawling and longlining In recent years most of the catch comes from longlining for ling but historically from the late 1970s to 1990 it was a bycatch from target trawling for hoki orange roughy and ling Ecological concerns The bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery the bycatch of NZ fur seals and seabirds associated with trawl caught ribald and the impact of bottom trawling on seabed communities Also of concern is the absence of directed research and a quantitative stock assessment the lack of basic biological information on ribaldo the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the commercial catch limit plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Ribaldo are sold in New Zealand and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand and is moderately common around the South Island at depths of 200ndash1300m It is most common between 500ndash1000m Maximum age (years) 60+ Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1282 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 992 tonnes for 2007-08 which was the lowest in 14 years Stock trends Unknown - total reported landings have increased since 1982-83 but are now half the peak catch of 1996-97 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainable in the long term or whether catches at the level of the current TACCs will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p743) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Trawl and longline ndash most catch since 1990 is bycatch from ling longlining Habitat damage Minimal impact from longlining When caught by bottom trawl deepwater habitats and associated communities are damaged Bycatch Same bycatch as in the ling longline fishery - vulnerable seabirds and deepwater shark species (See ling for more information on bycatch species associated with ribaldo catches) When caught in the orange roughy and hoki fisheries a wider range of species are caught as bycatch including NZ fur seals and seafloor invertebrates Ecological effects As a bycatch species in the ling fishery this fish is associated with impacts on vulnerable seabird species and removal of a range of non-target fish from marine food webs When caught by trawling it is associated with significant alterations to deepwater ecosystem and species diversity Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 84
Rig Lemonfish
Scientific name Mustelus lenticulatus
Other names Pioke Makoo (Maori) Lemonfish spotted dogfish smoothhound spotted estuary smooth-hound gummy shark hoshizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small species of shark is a popular ldquofish and chiprdquo fish which has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species Rig is found around New Zealand usually in waters no more than 200m deep It is caught in very long bottom set nets and in trawl nets with a proportion also caught as bycatch in other targeted trawl fisheries Ecological concerns The rig fishery is notorious for posing a significant threat to globally threatened Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins where they have been caught and killed in nets (especially set nets) Set nets and inshore trawling are also responsible for the bycatch of other dolphins fur seals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns with the rig fishery include the limited research on it the lack of quantitative stock assessments unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits (with declines in some stocks) and the lack of a comprehensive management plan There are also concerns about seabed damage caused by trawling Economic value Rig is sold in New Zealand and Australia with exports of about $25 m ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common in coastal waters especially shallow bays around New Zealand with adults out to 200m Maximum age (years) 20 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 5-8 Growth rate Moderately fast Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 1919 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1313 tonnes in 2007-08 are the second lowest in nearly 20 years and are well under half the annual landings reported in the early 1980s which peaked at 3826 tonnes in 1983 Stock trends Uncertain but declines in catches in SPO 1 West (north west North Island) SPO7 (West coast and top of the South Island) and SPO 8 (south west North Island) The SPO 7 (Tasman BayGolden Bay) catch rates have declined by over 70 in the last 15 years while a decline of over 50 was recorded in the West Coast South Island trawl survey between 1995 and 2005 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available SPO 1 ldquoreported landings have consistently declined since 1991ndash92 Patterns in relative abundance suggest that recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short termhellip However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable SPO2 Apart from ldquoa sharp drop [in the set net index] in the final one or two years indices are stable and have been for 14 years the current TACC is thought to be sustainable However it is unknown whether the current catch which is on average (past 4 years) 23 over the TACC is sustainablerdquo For SPO 3 ldquoRecent catch levels are thought to be sustainable in the short-term but it is not known if the TACC is sustainable because catches have averaged about 13 below the TACC since 2000ndash01rdquo For SPO7 [I]n 2006 based on a stock assessment that SPO 7 was below BMSY and that neither current catches nor the TACC were sustainable Based on this assessment the TACC was reduced for 2006ndash07 to 221 trdquo SPO8 All recorded landings have been less than the TACC Recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short-term However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable (MFish 2009 p759-760)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 85
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and bottom set nets as well as bycatch in other trawl fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and associated communities Bycatch Globally threatened Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are caught in set net fisheries which also catch other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling also poses a risk to these endangered dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Juvenile rig are also caught in harbours Ecological effects Changes to species diversity and disruption of ecological systems Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment A preliminary assessment exists for SPO7 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 86
Rock lobster
Scientific name Jasus edwardsii
Other names koura matapara matapuku (Maori) crayfish red crayfish red rock lobster spiny rock lobster southern rock lobster (Australia US) langouste (France) ise-ebi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Rock lobster is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters living in and around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m Rock lobster are caught year round and the fishery is New Zealand‟s third largest seafood export earner In addition to an annual quota there are size restrictions in place to protect juveniles and egg carrying females Ecological concerns The depleted state of some stocks the Gisborne stock in particular which is half of the legally required population size and the unknown status of some other stocks While some stocks are recovering they are still well below original levels Also of concern is the increasing uncertainty of annual catch levels in the medium-term and the lack of a management plan Cray potting is a relatively harmless fishing method but it can have impacts on marine mammals seabirds and sensitive seabed habitats Economic value Over 90 is exported live to Asian markets (Japan Taiwan and Hong Kong) Exports were worth $127 million in 2006 Best option The best option is to buy rock lobster that have not been caught from the Gisborne area or from the southern South Island region ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Rock lobster is found along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand but is more abundant around the south of the South Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived (40+) Age at sexual maturity 3-12 Growth rate Thought to be slow growing Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 5-11 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Stocks are well below estimated 1950s population levels Several stocks have high exploitation rates which means they rely on few year classes and are susceptible to periods of low recruitment (possibly recruitment overfished) Annual catch limit Set at 27663 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2 9810tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends Variable ndash declines in northern and central New Zealand over the last 10 years but steady increases in southern South Island (CRA 7 and 8) over the last 10 years CRA 3 (Gisborne area) is estimated at half BMSY MSY Status Depleted stocks in most areas in particular CRA3 CRA 7 and 8 There is no reference to unfished stock size (B0) or sustainable yield (BMSY) in the assessments CRA 3 and 4 are below 30 of the 1950s stock size The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Northland (CRA1) ldquoThe 2002 model results suggest that hellip levels of catch appear to be sustainablehellip However the projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable much beyond two to three yearsrdquo Auckland-Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) ldquoThe 2002 model result suggested that 2001-02 stock abundance was higher than in the 1979ndash88 reference period The 2001-02 levels of catch hellipappeared to be sustainablehellip However in this stock the projections should be considered less reliable than for CRA 1 because the uncertainty of future recruitment has more short-term effect on projected biomassrdquo Gisborne (CRA 3) ldquoCurrent biomass was estimated to be roughly half BMSY suggested a depleted stock compared with the estimated Bmsy Current fishing mortality is approximately 27 higher than FMSY Projections made for five years with the 2007 levels of catchhellip produced a median 25 decrease in model biomassrdquo Wairarapa-Wellington (CRA 4) The 2005 model results suggest that stock abundance in 2005-06 was higher than the 1979-88 reference period 2006 levels of catch produced a median 6 reduction in model biomass over three years to a level that usually remained higher than the reference levels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 87
Marlborough-Canterbury (CRA5) ldquoThe 2003 model result suggest that 2002-03 vulnerable biomass is higher than in the 1979-88 reference periodhellip With the 2002-03 assumed levels of catch model projections at the end of the 5-year projection period showed a
median biomass smaller than the 2002 03 biomass but still well above the reference levels These projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable beyond two to three yearsrdquo Chatham Islands (CRA 6) stock assessment ldquohas not been updated since 1996 The status of the stock is uncertainrdquo CRA 7 and 8 The 2006 model results the ldquoCPUE was well above the target set for the rebuilt stock (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p92-94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species Long-lived slow growing soft corals are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped onto them in the deep waters of Fiordland Bycatch Globally threatened Chatham Island shags Hector‟s dolphins and sperm whales are known to drown when they get entangled on pot lines for instance near Kaikoura Ecological effects Rock lobster is a generalist predator so their depletion affects a range of species including kina Fishing in sensitive areas may also alter seafloor community composition and diversity Management and management unit (score B and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but since 1992 there has been very good management forums operating in different regions where the commercial and recreational fishers are working on the state of the fishery There is mixed success with some forums failing to protect stocks (eg Gisborne area) Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except CRA 9 with some assessments in other areas being 5 or more years old ndash CRA 1 and CRA 2 (2002) CRA 3 (2008) CRA 4 (2005) CRA 5 (2003) CRA 6 (1996) CRA 7 and 8 (2006) References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Sullivan (Comp) Science Group Ministry of Fisheries MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 88
Rubyfish
Scientific name Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Other names Rock salmon (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This very long-lived (90 years or more) slow growing fish is found from mid-to-deepwater where they school over the seafloor and off deepwater banks and reefs Normally a southern ocean species in New Zealand rubyfish prefer the warmer northern and central waters and are most common at depths of 200 to 400m Rubyfish are caught throughout the year mainly as bycatch in trawl fisheries for alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel There is also a developing target trawl fishery At least a third of recent annual catches were from targeted mid-water trawling fished close to the bottom Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information about rubyfish the absence of directed research the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and as a result the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also of concern is the recent decline in landings off the east coast of the North Island and the lack of a management plan Non-target fish bycatch (including marine mammals and seabirds) and trawl impact on seabed communities are also of concern Economic value Rubyfish are exported to Europe and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Rubyfish are found in the southern oceans from South Africa to Australasia Here they are found in sub-tropical waters around northern and central New Zealand at depths ranging from 50 to 800m but absent from the southern Chatham Rise and Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 90+ Age at sexual maturity 7 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 7 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 800 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 564 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available RBY1 In 2002hellipthe stock [was assessed as] lightly fished [and] it seems likely that the stock is above BMSY Based on the low catches through to 2004ndash05 - RBY 1 was likely to remain near the unexploited level at that time RBY2 Most of the current RBY catch comes from QMA 2 It is not known whether the level of recent commercial catches in this QMA is sustainable The status of RBY 2 relative to BMSY is unknown RBY others For most other areas it is not known if recent catches are sustainable The status of other RBY stocks relative to BMSY is unknown (MFish 2009 p772) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel) and targeted by mid-water trawling where the gear is usually fished close to the bottom Habitat damage Trawling on seamount features close to or on the seabed can cause significant damage to habitats and associated communities Bycatch As a bycatch species rubyfish are associated with a range of non-target fish including quota management system species (eg tarakihi silver warehou gemfish and ling) and the captures of seabirds and marine mammals (See alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel fisheries for associated bycatch) Ecological effects Disruption to marine webs by the removal of a wide range of fish species and destruction of deep water ecosystems and species when fishing occurs on or close to the seafloor
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 89
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 90
Scallops
Scientific name Pecten novaezealandiae
Other names kuakua pure tipai tupa (Maori) coquille saint-jacques de Nouvelle-Zealande (France) hotatega (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the larger and shallower distributed of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats of sheltered bays from the low tide mark down to about 50m water depth The main commercial fisheries are in the Nelson-Marlborough region with other fisheries off Northland Coromandel Peninsula and around the Chatham Islands They are harvested before they spawn by dredging The scallop dredge fishery in the Nelson-Marlborough region is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including fish and invertebrates It causes incidental damage to scallops (as much as 50 of those not caught) and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages including high biodiversity habitat (eg Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay) Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits variations in stock sizes depending on survey timing and fishing season plus the absence of a management plan Economic value Most are exported to France with an export value of over $23 million in 2008 down from $146 million in 2001 Coromandel scallops are sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution These scallops are an endemic species found all around New Zealand but especially in bays 10ndash50 m deep Maximum age (years) 6-7 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Relatively high but variable between areas and years and generally decreasing with depth Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 15-35 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Scallop populations sizes are naturally variable between areas and years Annual catch limit Annual catch limits are variable between areas and years with a minimum TACC set for Northland and Coromandel Total catch limit was 895 tonnes meat weight Recorded catch The total catch in 2007-08 was 196 tonnes meat weight with about 50 coming from top of the South Island Stock trends Recovering Coromandel and some Northland fisheries apart from the Far North and Bream Bay (which has declined 85 in one year) In the southern fisheries there has been little recovery with Tasman Bay reaching its lowest level in 10 years at 1 of 1998 levels MSY Status Latest published data suggest a recovery in the Northern fisheries after substantial declines in the late 1990‟s and early 2000‟s The southern fishery has shown variable changes with Tasman Bay reaching 3 of it 2002 levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Islands (SCA4) ldquoIt is not known if current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and catch levels are sustainable or will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo For the NelsonMarlborough (SCA7) ldquoThere has been a substantial decline in the biomass of scallops in both Golden Bay and Tasman Bay since about 2002 current biomass is extremely low in Tasman Bayhellip In contrast biomass in the Marlborough Sounds has remained relatively stable over the same period Recent SCA 7 landings have been low and Tasman Bay has been completely closed to commercial harvesting since 2006hellip It is thought now that the current practise of bdquorotational‟ fishing on its own is probably not a sufficient strategy for the sustainable management of this fisheryrdquo For northern stocks Northland ndash ldquoA substantial increase in biomass was observed between 2003 and 2006 which resulted in the 2006 biomass estimate being the highest recorded for Northland However the 2007 survey results suggest the biomass in Bream Bay and MangawhaiPakiri has declined markedly since 2006 and consequently the overall fishery biomass is far lower in 2007 than in recent yearsrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 91
Coromandel ndash ldquobiomass estimates around the turn of the century (2000) were consistently at or near the lowest on record and it seems reasonable to conclude that the population was for unknown reasons at a very low ebb In contrast following reasonable increases in biomass catch rate and condition of scallops in 2003 and especially 2004 the biomass in 2005hellip was the highest on record The 2007 survey results show there has been a decline in the overall biomass since 2006 although the biomass estimate is still high compared with historical recordsrdquo (Brown and Horn 2007 Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p779-780 790-791 and 799) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Dredging at depths of 10ndash50 m (85 m at the Chatham Islands) Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of non-target species including horse mussels bryozoans and sponges It also kills up to 50 of the scallops that are not caught The sponge garden area of high biodiversity in Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay was destroyed by scallop dredging in the 1990‟s Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and other invertebrates plus occasional benthic fish (eg stargazers) Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology reduces habitat variability and species diversity and removes sensitive species such as horse mussels Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes for all areas since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but most stocks are supposed to be managed on a ldquocurrent annual yieldrdquo basis (ie catch limits are varied in accordance with survey results each year) however surveys are not always annual In 2009 the Southern Scallop Enhancement Company applied for environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on annual surveys for most areas apart from Chatham Islands (2005) References Survey of scallops and oysters in Golden Bay Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds May 2007 Brown S and Horn P L June 2007 NIWA An appraisal of an in-season depletion method of estimating biomass and yield in the Coromandel scallop fishery M Cryer NZ Fisheries Assessment Report 20018 NIWA April 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 92
Scampi
Scientific name Metanephrops challengeri
Other names kourarangi (Maori) NZ scampi kaisersgranat (Germany) langoustine-de-NZ (France) akaza-ebi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the largest prawn-like species found in New Zealand waters although it is actually a small lobster It is found all around New Zealand at depths of 200 to 750m The commercial fishery is now under the quota management system after some controversy over allocation of quota It is caught using specialised deepwater bottom trawls with fine mesh nets Ecological concerns due to the fishing method there is a high level of bycatch of fish invertebrates marine mammal and seabirds There is also considerable destruction to seabed habitats species and associated marine life Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and limits in all of the larger quota management areas the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Economic value Export value of $11825 million in 2004 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Scampi are widely distributed around New Zealand at depths of 200-750m on the continental slope Maximum age (years) 15 (approx) Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to moderate (females carry only a few tens to a very few hundred eggs) Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown other than for areas subject to underwater photographic surveys in the Bay of Plenty Annual catch limit Total catch limit of 1291 tonnes set in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 669 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining catch rates in SCI1 SCI2 SCI3 SCI4A and SCI6A was substantially under-caught Scampi 1 2 and 3 had the lowest catches for over 15 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states There are no agreed biomass estimates ldquoThere are no stock assessments or yield estimates for any scampi stock It is not known if recent catches and current catch limits for any scampi stock are sustainable in the long term or will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p814) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method Bottom trawling with fine mesh gear Habitat damage Trawling for scampi has significant adverse impacts on seafloor habitats as it scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty over 1100 km2 is swept by trawlers each year which is one of the smaller scampi fisheries (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch There is a high level of a range of quota and non-quota species caught in scampi trawls (up to five times the target catch) Around the Auckland Islands threatened NZ sea lions are occasionally caught as well as observed captures of globally threatened black-browed Salvin‟s and white-capped (shy) albatrosses plus sooty and flesh-footed shearwaters Ecological effects Scampi trawling causes significant disruption to seabed species assemblages reduces deepwater biodiversity and modifies the structure of marine communities Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Introduced on 1 October in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 93
Stock assessment No completed quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 94
School shark
Scientific name Galeorhinus galeus
Other names makohuarau (Maori) grey shark greyboy tope flake milandre (France) eirakubuka mejirozame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description School shark is a long-lived and slow growing species that is late to mature This means the fishery has low overall productivity and as with most other sharks the species is highly vulnerable to fishing pressure Like rig it is sold as a ldquofish and chiprdquo option It is widespread throughout the coastal waters of New Zealand but is particularly abundant in the north at depths of at least 200m It is caught throughout the year mainly by set netting Ecological concerns The school sharks fishery poses a threat to globally endangered Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins which may be caught and killed in nets (particularly set nets) and risks catching other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling for schools shark may also impact seabed habitats Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns include the uncertainty about basic biological information on school sharks the absence of quantitative stock assessments and consequently the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits Lack of information on the size and sex composition of the catch and the lack of a management plan are additional concerns Whilst there is no management plan for school sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for school sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value School shark is sold for the New Zealand fish and chip market and is exported to main markets in Australia fetching $615m in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand coastal waters although it is more common in the north Prefers the shallower waters of the continental shelf but is known to at least 200m Maximum age (years) 50+ Age at sexual maturity 12-17+ Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 10 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3437 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3299 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown Catches have been steadily increasing following historical declines in catch However there is a lack of information on sex and size composition of catches MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current or reference biomass are not available School shark TACs were originally set at half the 1983 catch because of apparently declining catch rates and concern about the undoubtedly low productivity of the species However catches and actual TACCs have steadily increased since 1986ndash87 CPUE indices are characterised by high uncertainty but there are no indications that current catches are not sustainable in the short-term However it is not known whether recent catch levels or the current TACCs are sustainable in the long-term The status of SCH 1 2 3 4 5 7 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p832-0833) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Set netting trawling and lining with some also caught by tuna longliners well offshore Habitat damage Trawling damages seafloor habitats
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 95
Bycatch Juvenile school sharks are caught in harbour set nets and there is a risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where Hector‟s dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist outside these closures Ecological effects Changes to bottom dwelling species diversity as a result of trawling and alteration of coastal food web dynamics due to removal of this predatory species from the population Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 96
Sea perch
Scientific name Helicolenus percoides
Other names matuawhapuku pohuikaroa puaihakua (Maori) jock stewart scarpee deepsea perch ocean perch
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Sea perch is a relatively slow growing long-lived fish (up to 45 years) that is related to scorpionfish It is widely distributed around New Zealand ranging from just a few metres water depth to very deep waters (1200m) It is mostly caught as bycatch in red cod and hoki trawl fisheries off the east coast of the South Island including the Chatham Rise A small targeted catch comes from some central and southern line fisheries including the groper fishery and a small bycatch comes from bottom longlining Ecological concerns The lack of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of current catch levels (particularly given it is a long-lived species) and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the destructive impacts of bottom trawling on fragile deepwater habitats and species and the capture of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals associated with other fisheries Economic value Sea perch are sold in New Zealand and exported to Australia Japan and Korea at a value of $1million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Sea perch occurs widely around New Zealand at depths of just a few metres to 1200m but is most common around the South Island Maximum age (years) 43 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Relatively slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 20-30cm or 5-20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2170 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 12457 tonnes in 2007-08 around 75 as bycatch in trawl fisheries - the second lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown but between 19981999 and 200203 CPUE in SPE3 (off eastern South Island) declined in a range of fisheries MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are available For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p852) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Sea perch is caught as a bycatch species by trawl and line vessels (mainly in red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries) Habitat damage When caught as part of bottom trawling there are impacts on sea floor habitats and bottom dwelling species Bycatch Sea perch is associated with the bycatch of red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries The bycatch in these fisheries includes marine mammals seabirds and a wide range of non-target fish species (see bycatch report for these fisheries for more information) Ecological effects Due to the broad range of non-target bycatch associated with sea perch catches there is likely to be multiple disturbances to marine food web dynamics There is also disturbance to bottom dwelling species and diversity as a result of bottom trawling Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 97
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 98
Silver warehou
Scientific name Seriolella punctata
Other names warehou hiriwa (Maori) spotted warehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like the white warehou silver warehou are a deeper ranging warehou species than the blue warehou living off the continental shelf edge and its upper slope It is mostly caught from the Chatham Rise (their major spawning ground) Canterbury Bight southeast of Stewart Island and the west coast of the South Island at depths of 200-800m Ecological concerns The absence of a quantitative stock assessment resulting in the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the uncertainty about stock boundaries Also of concern is the overfishing of current catch limits problems associated with the past mis-reporting of silver warehou as white warehou and the lack of a management plan Trawling impacts on seabed habitats and communities is also of concern as is seabird marine mammal and non-target fish bycatch associated the fisheries in which this species is caught Economic value Export value of about $23 million with the main market being Japan ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found mainly on the Chatham Rise (with the major spawning are on the western Chatham Rise) outer Canterbury Bight South Island west coast and the shelf south east of Stewart Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Relatively fast to mature Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash no estimates of reference current absolute biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 10380 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8107 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown ndash recent catch rates in SWA1 (all waters off the North Island West Coast and top of the South Island) is about half historic average levels MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo SWA1 ldquoCatch curve analyses indicate that the average exploitation rate on silver warehou in the WCSI hoki fishery is probably less than the natural mortality rate indicating that the stock is not being overfished Annual catches have averaged 1480 t hellipand catches at this level are likely sustainable in the short to medium term However it is not known whether catches at the level of the TACC (3000 tonnes) are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown SWA3 and 4 ldquoThe sustainability of current TACCs and recent catch levels for these Fishstocks is not known and it is not known if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p860-861) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing method Trawling ndash caught as a bycatch in hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel fisheries Habitat damage Impact of trawling on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch As silver warehou is caught in other target fisheries it is associated with a wide range of non target catch including marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish (See hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel for more information) Ecological effects Alteration of seafloor species and associated diversity due to trawling plus removal of a range of fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 99
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 100
Skates
Scientific name Zearaja nasutus (Rough skate) Dipturus
innominatus (Smooth skate)
Other names manumanu pakaurua uku waewae whai (Maori) barndoor skate (NZ) suei gangiei (Japan) gaori (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Skates are very closely related to sharks and are members of the cartilaginous fishes group (they have no bones) They are very distinctive with flattened wing-like bodies and occur all around New Zealand from coastal waters to depths of about 200m There are two species of skate commonly caught in our commercial fisheries ndash rough skate and smooth skate the latter more common in deeper waters living longer and growing larger They are caught as a bycatch species in trawl nets and on lines across a number of fisheries in multiple management areas each as a separate quota management species The largest of these extending from the coast of Fiordland out and round to just north of Kaikoura and including the Chatham Islands (QMA 3) accounts for more landings than all others combined Ecological concerns The limited research on skates and absence of basic biological information on each skate species the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels in QMA 3 or the total quota area the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the impacts on deepwater habitats as a result of trawling and the bycatch of marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish in other fisheries where skates are caught as bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for skates in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for skates nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Skates are finned at sea Economic value Exports of around $06 m to Asia and Europe especially France and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Both of these endemic species occur all around New Zealand Rough skate is more common in coastal waters while smooth skate is usually found in deeper waters both extending to 200m water depth
Rough Smooth Maximum age (years) 9 28+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 8-13 Growth rate Unknown Unknown Reproductive output High Medium Sizeage exploited Unknown Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A total quota of 1989 tonnes for rough skate and 867 tonnes for smooth skates in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1699 tonnes of rough skate and 715 tonnes of smooth skate in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but biomass indices declined significantly since 1991 on West Coast South Island for smooth skate MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available Relative biomass estimates from West Coast South Island trawl surveys 7 revealed strong decline for smooth skate It is not known if recent catch levels or the TACC are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p871) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Trawling and on lines Skates are caught as bycatch in a range of fisheries including hoki Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater habitats and associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch of other fisheries skates are associated with the captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 101
Ecological effects The primary effects are those caused by trawling ndash damage to seabed species assemblages loss of large adult skates and disruption to deepwater food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Whilst recognised as separate species these to skates (smooth and rough skate) are largely managed as a single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 1997 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 102
Skipjack tuna Scientific name Katsuwonus pelamis
Other names skipjack bonite (France) tunny (UK) katsuo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters usually preferring the warmer surface waters New Zealand is the southern limit of the skipjack tuna migration route (which is well known for being very long) where they visit the northeast from December to May or in later months from New Plymouth to Cape Farewell Skipjack are predominantly caught by purse seine vessels operating North of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay The New Zealand catch is a small part of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of sharks the bycatch of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the Pacific fishery plus the lack of a stock assessment catch limits or a management plan Economic value The main market is for canning outside New Zealand primarily in Indonesia and Thailand The export value of skipjack tuna is about $10 million Best option Skipjack is the most ecologically sustainable tuna species on the Best Fish Guide If possible try to avoid skipjack caught in association with catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna which are overfished ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Skipjack tuna are caught on the west and east coasts of the North Islands mainly north of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 1 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score B) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit It is not part of the quota management system (QMS) and no catch limits are set for New Zealand Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings in 2007-08 of 11834 tonnes inside the zone with another 15678 tonnes caught by New Zealand flagged vessels on the high seas Stock trends Uncertain but model results suggest that in recent years the skipjack population has been considerably higher (about 20) than the overall average level for the assessed period MSY Status Uncertain but likely to above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are currently no concerns relating to the current status of this stock though there are concerns that any increases in fishing effort on this stock could adversely [effect] bigeye and yellowfin tuna New Zealand catches represent 15 of the total catch The stock is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are likely to be sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Predominantly purse seine fishery around the North Island with some troll caught fish Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sometimes skipjack are caught with over-fished bigeye and yellowfin tuna which is a concern in the Pacific fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species (egtuna) has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there a catch limit or Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 103
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A South Pacific assessment in 2008 References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Langley A Hampton J and Ogura M 2005 Stock Assessment of skipjack tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean SC-1 SA-WP-4 First meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee Noumea New Caledonia Report from the Md-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 104
Snapper
Scientific name Pagrus auratus
Other names tamure kourea (Maori) sea bream bream schnapper NZ golden snapper brim porgy (US) dorade (France) madai goushyuumadai (Japan) cham dom (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description A slow growing long-lived (up to 60 years) member of the sea bream family snapper is one of largest and most valuable coastal fisheries in New Zealand It is common around the North Island and upper South Island and is mainly caught by bottom longlining or trawling operations generally at depths of 10-100 metres Jointly with oreosdeepwater dory mako shark and southern bluefin tuna snapper have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns The depleted status of the stocks (primarily as a result of historical depletion) the management of two stocks as one the uncertainty in stock assessments for some areas and the lack of a management plan As snapper are also a common target for recreational fishing a sector in which there is limited to no assessment of catch the impacts of the combined recreational and commercial catches are also of concern The impacts of bottom trawling the bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery (including the globally threatened black petrel) and the possible bycatch of the critically endangered Maui‟s dolphin in the trawl fishery are other concerns Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching Maui‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return to inshore coastal waters if regulations are dropped Economic value Japan is the single largest export market (around 50) while Australia and Taiwan take some 30 between them The export value of snapper was about $32 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly in the warmer coastal waters of the northern North Island and the Bay of Plenty but ranges to the north of the South Island Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Depleted in most areas Annual catch limit Set at 6357 tonnes in 2005-06 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6367 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends All stocks appear to be increasing However SNA8 (Kapiti coast to Cape Reinga in the North) projections assume a level of recruitment higher than that observed in recent years and may not reach the legally required BMSY level for up to 60 years The SNA1 stock (Northland to eastern Bay of Plenty) assessment has not been updated since 2000 MSY Status The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for snapper is assumed to be 20 of the unfished stock size (B0) This is unrealistically low All stocks are likely below this legally required level SNA 1 was about 18 B0 in 2000 and SNA 8 was between 8 and 12 B0 SNA2 stock (east coast North Island from Kapiti to eastern Bay of Plenty) was probably below the recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield SNA7 (West Coast and top of the South Island) is thought to be rebuilding after being depleted to very low levels Fishery Assessment plenary report states SNA1 was last assessed in 2000 East Northland ndashthe base case indicates that recruited biomass is at about BMSY reference point and is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the twenty year projection period Hauraki GulfBay of Plenty ndash indicates that the current recruited biomass (2000) is less than the BMSY reference point but is expected to increase over the next twenty years under the current TACC and estimated levels of recreational and unreported catch It is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the projection periodrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 105
SNA2 ldquoAs there are no indices of biomass model estimates [2002] must be treated with caution For almost all [model] runs the current biomass was estimated to be near to or somewhat below BMSY but was projected to increase towards BMSY by 2006 at the current catch level (436t)rdquo SNA 7 ldquoCurrent catch levels are below the expected level of productivity predicted by the assessment model which suggests that the stock should be rebuilding This prediction has not been corroborated by catches or other information external to the model hellip the model was depicting the 2001 SNA 7 biomass at an unrealistically high level (100-200 BMSY) and [the MFish Working Group] rejected the results of the assessmentrdquo SNA8 ldquoThe 2005 stock assessment indicated that current biomass (2004ndash05) was between 8 and 12 B0 and the biomass was predicted to slowly increase at the TACC level of 1500 t However from 1 October 2005 the TACC was reduced to 1300 t to ensure a faster rebuild of the stock At this TACC level the predicted rebuild to BMSY (20 B0) occurred after 2018 in all casesrdquo (MFish 2009 p904-905) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom longlining bottom trawling and some set netting Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and leads to a loss in biodiversity (Thrush et al 1998) Bycatch Seabirds are caught as by-kill on longlines including flesh-footed shearwaters and globally threatened black petrels while trawling and set netting catch a range of non target fish species Snapper fisheries may also risk possible bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 which has significantly reduced the threat to these dolphins plus other marine mammals and wildlife However captures may still exist where trawl fishing overlaps with dolphins areas outside the closed areas Ecological effects Modification and damage to seafloor habitats associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Whilst most stocks are managed separately there are two distinct stocks managed as one Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in all areas except QMA 2 and 3 However SNA1 was last carried out in 2000 SNA2 and 7 in 2002 and SNA8 in 2005 The results of SNA7 was rejected by the stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd S F Thrush J E Hewitt V J Cummings P K Dayton M Cryer S J Turner G A Funnell R G Budd C J Milburn M R Wilkinson (1998) Disturbance of the marine benthic habitat by commercial fishing impacts at the scale of the fishery Ecological Applications Vol 8 No 3 pp 866-879
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 106
Southern blue whiting
Scientific name Micromesistius australis
Other names Southern poutassou merlan bleu austral (France Canada) merlu (Italy) blauer wittling (Germany) minamidara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deepwater cod species is only found in waters around the Sub-Antarctic Islands where it schools near the seabed at depths of 450 to 650m It is therefore targeted and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries operating in this region particularly during its spawning season in August to early October The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The recorded and projected declines in biomass for two stocks (Campbell and Bounty‟s) the unknown sustainability of current catch limits in the two other stocks and the lack of a management plan Of particular concern is the increasing trend of threatened NZ sea lion captures in this fishery which has relatively low observer coverage Also the impact of bottom trawling the very high bycatch of NZ fur seals (the highest of any NZ fishery) especially around the Bounty Islands and the deaths of seabirds are of serious concern Economic value The southern blue whiting fishery has an export value of about $227 million (2008) with the main markets in Japan Bulgaria Australia and China This fish is also used to make crabsticks or surimi ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Restricted to Sub-Antarctic waters This species is abundant south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau Pukaki Rise and Bounty Platform at depths of 300-650m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Highly uncertain or unknown for the Pukaki and Auckland Island stocks depleted for the other two areas Annual catch limit Set at 36948 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 31866 tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends The Bounty Platform stock and Campbell Island stocks have had good recruitment and are rebuilding The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown MSY Status Of the four stocks Bounty Platform and Campbell Island stocks are depleted with the Campbell Island stock estimated to be below BMAY in 2007 The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Campbell Islands stock ldquoFor the base case the B2006 was estimated to be 78000t corresponding to 30 B0 [BMAY is 34] The assessment is much more optimistic that the equivalent stock assessment presented in 2006 particularly in the projections as stock size is not predicted to decrease with future catches of 20000 tonnes (current TACC)rdquo Bounty Platform stock ldquoA survey carried out by the fishing industry in August 2007 indicated that there has been a very large increase in biomass in this stock since 2004hellip Without a formal stock assessment it is not possible to quantify the size of the stock and to determine a current annual yield (CAY) for the fisheryhellip Another survey in August 2008 confirmed that the 2002 year class is very strong and biomass was likely to be over 100000 t Using the results of the 2008 survey to estimate conservative estimates of CAYhellip gave estimates of CAY of 13500 t to 22000 t The TACC was increased from 1 April 2009 to 15000 trdquo Pukaki Stock ldquothis stock has only been lightly exploited since 1993 and likely to be above the level that will support the MAYrdquo Auckland Islands stock ldquoit is unknown if recent catches are sustainable or if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2007 p891) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Trawling mainly by foreign chartered vessels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 107
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage bottom dwelling species and fragile deepwater ecosystems Bycatch The southern blue whiting fishery has the highest captures of NZ fur seals of any fishery especially around the Bounty Islands It also captures seabirds other fish species and increasingly globally threatened NZ sea lions Ecological effects Trawling impacts on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Also the removal of young southern blue whiting which are an important food for globally threatened yellow-eyed penguin and forms the bulk of the food of globally threatened black-browed albatross (Diomedea melanophrys impavida) during the chick-rearing period (Cherel et al 1999) Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 (1 November) Catch limits Yes Management plan No The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except Auckland Islands For example Campbell Islands (2008) Bounty Platform (2004) Pukaki Rise (2002) Industry surveys in 2007 and 2008 have yet to be fully assessed References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Albatross predation of juvenile southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) on the Campbell Plateau Cherel Waugh and Hanchet 1999 New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 1999 Volume 33
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 108
Southern bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus maccoyii
Other names Bluefin southern bluefin thon rouge de sud (Canada France) atun del sur (Spain) minamimaguro indo-maguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Southern bluefin tuna is a long-lived migratory species found throughout the Southern Hemisphere which can move thousands of kilometres in a year It is a highly sought after tuna species due to its flesh being of high oil and low moisture content Iin 1996 it‟s depleted status resulted in it being ranked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered Southern bluefin tuna breed in the Indian Ocean off western Australia arriving in New Zealand in prime condition at around the age of 5 years old where they are caught off the east coast by longlining and trolling Jointly with mako shark snapper and oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna has the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Southern bluefin stocks are severely over-fished ndash the breeding population is severely depleted and there is a high level of unreported and illegal catch (up to 30 of the reported catch) The lack of a management plan and the bycatch of seabirds NZ fur seals a range of shark species and the huge non-target fish bycatch are also of concern Economic value Southern bluefin tuna are exported to Japan the USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices An individual 444 pound bluefin sold for a record US$173000 in Tokyo in 2001 The export value of southern blue fin tuna was $7million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Breeds south of Java (Indonesia) on the west coast of Australia Distributed in the southern oceans between 10oS and 50oS including New Zealand waters Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 8-12 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Southern bluefin tuna are severely depleted - well under 10 of the 1960 population size and possibly as low as 3 In 1996 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed this species as Critically Endangered the highest threat category Annual catch limit The annual New Zealand catch limit has been set at 413 tonnes in 2004-05 out of a global ldquolimitrdquo of 11620 tonnes set by the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) This includes voluntary commitments from Korea and Taiwan to reduces catches by a combined 280 tonnes Recorded catch Reported landings of 378 tonnes in 2008 Estimated global catches reported in 2007 (11 540 t) were the lowest for over 50 years In 2005 a high level of unreported or illegal catch was identified principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years There is also concerns about the reporting of aquaculture farming by Australian fishers Stock trends Declined to historically low size and it is unclear whether the stock is now stable or declining (it is not rebuilding) MSY Status Well below the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield and expected to suffer from further declines in spawning stock biomass in the coming years The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the 2008 CCSBT-SAG meeting the operating model was run under a number of scenarios that are generally similar to those evaluated in 2006 The scenarios indicate that spawning stock biomass is still at a very low level (generally below 10 of pre-exploitation spawning stock biomass a level at which recruitment may be at risk of further decline) This is well below the 1980 level and below the level that could produce maximum sustainable yield Rebuilding the spawning stock biomass would almost certainly increase sustainable yield and provide security against unforeseen environmental events Presently however there is no sign of spawning stock biomass rebuilding Consistent with the poor recruitment from 1999 to 2002 a gap in the size (and presumably age) composition is apparent By inference this gap will lead to a further decline in spawning stock biomass in coming yearsrdquo (MFish 2009 p114)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 109
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Pelagic longlining with approximately 500000 baited hooks set in New Zealand per year The small number of Japanese chartered vessels and New Zealand vessels are required to use some seabird bycatch mitigation measures Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds including globally threatened species of albatross and petrel are killed as well as non-target fish (including blue sharks) and some marine turtles Albatross species recorded killed in the fishery include Antipodean Buller‟s Salvin‟s Gibson‟s Campbell Chatham black-browed and white-capped Grey petrels are also caught The numbers of fish bycatch species can be up to 20 times the target tuna catch Ecological effects This fishery is directly responsible for driving both the target tuna species and some species of albatross towards extinction Due to the excess removal of this species and the removal of other large predatory species the fishery has knock-on effects on food web dynamics Management and management unit (score B and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes as a proportion of the bdquoglobal limit‟ set by the CCSBT Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in 2008 and 2009 by CCSBT Assessments have been affected by the high level of unreported or illegal catch identified in 2005 principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 110
Spiny dogfish
Scientific name Squalus acanthias
Other names koinga kaaraerae mako-huarau mangoo-hapuu mango-pekepeke (Maori) spurdog spineback spiky dog fish spiky southern spiny dogfish spotted spiny dogfish rock salmon (UK) gob sang eo (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like rig this small shark species has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species It lives near the seafloor in deeper waters than rig (100 ndash 700m) occuring almost worldwide in cool temperate waters In New Zealand they are most commonly found off the south and east coasts of the South Island It is mainly caught as bycatch in several deepwater trawl fisheries plus by inshore trawlers set netters and longliners Ecological concerns The limited research on this species the absence of a quantitative stock assessment which results in the unknown sustainability of current catch limits the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Also of concern is the impact of trawling on seabed habitats and due to the association with other fisheries where it is caught seabird marine mammal and other fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for spiny dogfish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for spiny dogfsh nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Spiny dogfish is sold in New Zealand and is exported mainly to Western Europe and China with a value of $24 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Most common off the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 100-700m but also occurs on the Chatham Rise and northern Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 21-26 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium ndash female fish produce 1 to 19 live young per litter with a gestation period of 24 months Age exploited 4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size No estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit A catch limit was set at 12660 in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6293 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest since being under quota management Stock trends There was an upward trend in reported catches between 1980-81 and 2001-02 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAlthough reported commercial catches of spiny dogfish were observed to increase in all major FMAs during the 1990s the extent to which these increases can be attributed to changes in reporting practice (ie more accurate reporting of discards in recent times) is uncertain Trawl surveys on the other hand indicate that there was a general increase in the abundance of spiny dogfish particularly around the South Island in the mid 1990s It is unknown whether current catch limits are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p937) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling set netting and longlining It is mainly caught as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including hoki barracouta and red cod Habitat damage When caught by bottom trawl or from mid-water trawls close to the seafloor bottom dwelling species and habitats are damaged Bycatch Spiny dogfish is caught in association with other fisheries where there seabirds marine mammals and a range of non-target fish are caught as bycatch (See hoki barracouta and red cod for more information)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 111
Ecological effects As with most sharks spiny dogfish is an important predator so excess removal from marine systems is likely to alter food web dynamics (In conjunction with the removal of other non-target fish this is almost certainly the case) Up to 80 of spiny dogfish have been discarded in some areas making its removal utterly wasteful Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and limited research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 112
Sprats
Scientific name Sprattus antipodum (sprat) S muelleri (stout sprat)
Other names kupae marakuha patete (Maori) New Zealand herring sardine sprotte (Germany) espadin (Spain) iwashi supuratto (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Sprats also commonly referred to as sardines or New Zealand herring actually incorporate two different species of sprat They are a small fast growing schooling fish found in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays They are often used (long with anchovy and pilchards) by recreational fishers as baitfish and are caught commercially in a minor and intermittent fishery They are a schooling fish most commonly found around the South Island sometimes in mixed schools with anchovy and pilchards Jointly with anchovy and pilchard sprats have the highest ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological information on both species the lack of a quantitative stock assessment the impact of trawling on seafloor species and the lack of a management plan There is also some concern about the impact of fishing this species on predatory species further up the food chain such as marine mammals seabirds and larger fish However these concerns have not yet been assessed
Economic value The market for sprats includes New Zealand
Best option Try to choose sprats caught by purse seine or beach seine
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (both species) (score A) Distribution Open water and common in inshore waters around the South Island and in localized shoals around the North Island Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 450 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch 1 tonne in 2007-08 During the 1990s reported catches ranged from less than 1 tonne to 7 tonnes Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current biomass are available At the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is probably not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for spratsrdquo (MFish 2009 p940)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Method Mainly purse seine but also set net and beach seine Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on seafloor habitats and species diversity Bycatch Associated with pilchard in the south and purse seine bycatch species Ecological effects This is an important food species for larger fish seabirds and marine mammals ldquoExcessive localised harvesting may disrupt ecosystemsrdquo (MFish 2009 p 940)
Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 113
Stargazer monkfish
Scientific name Kathetostoma giganteum
Other names kourepoua moamoa ngu (Maori) giant stargazer bulldog sterngucker (Germany) miishimaokoze (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Stargazer or monkfish is actually one of a few species of stargazer in New Zealand It (the giant stargazer) is widespread in New Zealand coastal waters between 50 and 500m living on or partially buried in soft sediments on the seabed It is caught year round mainly around the South Island where it is most common as a bycatch in domestic trawl fisheries targeting red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi It is also caught as bycatch in some deepwater fisheries Ecological concerns The absence of quantitative stock assessments for any areas uncertainty over stock boundaries unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the habitat destruction caused by bottom trawling plus the non-target fish seabirds and marine mammal bycatch associated with other fisheries in which it is caught Economic value Stargazer is sold in New Zealand and had an export value of about $4 million in 2008 mainly sold to Japan Latvia and Germany ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Moderately common in shelf waters around southern New Zealand at depths of 50 to 500m Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Largely unknown There has been a preliminary estimate off the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA7) which gave a spawning stock estimate of 29 to 51 B0 for the base case assessment and within the East Coast North Island area (STA 2) the exploitation rate was estimated to be very high with ldquolong term yieldshellipof the order of 50-60 tonnesrdquo Annual catch limit Set at 5412 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3258 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but STA 7 stock has declined by around 29 to 51 since 1990 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo STA1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches have exceeded [the TACC] It is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA2 (East coast North Island) ldquoRecent relative abundance indices from both the ECNI inshore trawl survey and the ECNI scampi trawl survey are lower than those in 1993 The 1997 assessment suggested that the exploitation rate was very high but [a]n upper bound of 80 for the catchbiomass ratiohellipwas considered unrealistically highhellip Landings have been slightly above the TACC in recent years It is not known whether recent catches and the current TACC are sustainable The status helliprelative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe reinstated ECSI trawl survey returned a biomass estimate that was slightly above the 5 indices observed in the early 1990s This biomass estimate was also consistent with the CPUE series developed for the bottom trawl fishery targeted at red cod stargazer and Barracoutahellip On this basis [it was] concluded that current catches have been sustainable over the 18 years of the CPUE series although it is not known if the TACC is sustainable given that the average catches over this period have been about 15 below the TACC Relative biomass indices for stargazer from the annual trawl survey of the western end of the Chatham Rise have remained stable It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term The status of STA 3 relative to BMSY is unknown STA 4 (Chatham Rise) ldquoif fishing is overly concentrated in those areas where stargazer can be targeted such as close to the Chatham Islands there are concerns that local depletion may occur Recent catches have been substantially less than the TACC
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 114
the stock appears to have been lightly fished and is still likely to be in the fishing down phase It is not known if catches at the level of the current TACC would be sustainable The status of STA 4 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 5 (Southern waters including Subantarctic Islands and Fiordland) The current ldquoTAC is at the level of recent catches and is probably sustainable The status of STA 5 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA7 (West Coast amp top of the South Island) The WCSI trawl survey indices have increased from a low observed in 2003 to the highest in the series in 2009 (preliminary estimate) The results of the quantitative stock assessment suggested that stock biomass during the 2004ndash05 fishing year was unlikely to be below the biomass required to support the maximum sustainable yield The range of model results for STA 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is likely to be above BMSYrdquo STA 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p963-964) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling Stargazer is a bycatch in red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed destroying and altering bottom habitats and species assemblages Bycatch Stargazer is associated with the bycatch problems of the fisheries in which it is caught which includes captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals (See red cod flatfish barracouta and scampi for more information) Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration (especially for the scampi fishery) plus non-target bycatch has considerable ecological implications on seabed and wider marine systems Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment except for a preliminary assessments in STA2 (1997) and STA7 (2008) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 115
Striped marlin
Scientific name Tetrapturus audax
Other names takaketonga (Maori) marlin
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Striped marlin is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters Between 1987 and 1991 there was a moratorium on landing any broadbill species (marlin and swordfish) in the area between Mokau and East Cape (Auckland Fisheries Management Area) due to concerns about depleted stocks In 1991 the moratorium was replaced with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between recreational and commercial fishers to allow for the commercial take of swordbill Since 1995 there is a requirement to report all catches of billfish The MOU was last singed in 1996 As a result of the agreement on billfish striped marlin is principally a recreational only fish (about 65 tagged and released to aid research) with any commercial captures the result of accidental capture in the tuna surface longline fishery in northern waters Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessment plus the state of the stocks and catch limits Commercial captures of marlin are associated with the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals One of the key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Marlin is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Striped marlin are caught mainly around the North Islands north of 42oS Maximum age (years) 12+ Age at sexual maturity 1-2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit None set Recorded catch Latest reported annual commercial catch of 17 tonnes in 2007 most of which was discarded and 2 tonnes taken by New Zealand vessels outside the zone Stock trends Uncertain but likely declining MSY Status Uncertain but may be below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSeveral of the plausible model scenarios investigated indicate that current levels of fishing mortality may approximate or exceed the reference level FMSY and current spawning biomass levels may approximate or be below the biomass based reference point BMSY On the basis of this preliminary assessment it is recommended as a precautionary measure that there should be no increase in fishing mortality (ie fishing effort) on striped marlin in the southwestern Pacific particularly hellipthe Tasman Seardquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p120-121) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic Surface longlining for tuna around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Sharks New Zealand fur seals and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of some of these important large predators may impact oceanic food web dynamics including other species caught as bycatch in the longline fishery Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species No ndash due to an MOU with recreational fishers marlin cannot be targeted by commercial fishers
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 116
Management plan No However a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Stock assessment A stock assessment in 2006 by the WCPFC Scientific Committee with collaboration by Australia and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 NZ Fishing Industry Board
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 117
Swordfish
Scientific name Xiphias gladius
Other names broadbill broadbill swordfish paea espadon (France) mekajiki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Swordfish is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator found worldwide in temperate tropical and subtropical seas The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters with catch limits set under the quota management system They are targeted and caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessments catch limits and state of the stocks plus the potential for serial depletion of large swordfish There is also concern about the bycatch of sharks seabirds fur seals and sea turtles In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Another key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Swordfish are found worldwide in temperate subtropical and tropical waters They are present in New Zealand year round from the Kermadecs to Foveaux Strait Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 9-10 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 885 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 402 tonnes in 2006-07 The average sex ratio of swordfish caught in the longline fishery over the last 20 years was 3 times as many females compared to males Stock trends Uncertain There was a decline in CPUE from 2000 to 2004 which is consistent with the decline in Australia but the recent assessment suggests an increase in the stock MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSwordfish taken in New Zealand are part of a larger regional stockrdquo The [2008 WCPFC] assessment undertaken for swordfish in the southwestern Pacific region indicated an increase in stock abundance in recent years and the model projections predict further increases at current levels of fishing mortality Plausible assessment results indicate that overfishing is not occurring and that the stock is not in an overfished state However due to the uncertainty in the assessment the SC recommended that there be no further increase in catch or effort in order to keep the stock above its associated reference pointshellip It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for swordfish or to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support a MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p128) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method Pelagic surface longlining - they are caught on the west and east coast of the North Island plus around the Kermadecs Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks New Zealand fur seals and turtles are caught in the longline fishery In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Ecological effects Removal of these important large predators (Southern bluefin and sharks) impacts oceanic food web dynamics
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 118
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A preliminary assessment in 2008 by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) (Kolody et al 2008) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Kolody D Campbell R Davies N (2008) A Multifan-CL Stock Assessment of South-Western-Central Pacific Swordfish 1952-2007 Working Paper SA-WP-6 to WCPFC SC4 held 11-22 August 2008 Port Moresby PNG 89 p Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 119
Tarakihi
Scientific name Nemadactylus macropterus
Other names Ocean bream silver bream morwong (Australia) shimakurodai tarakii (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Tarakihi is a long-lived relative of red moki that is common around New Zealand but mostly found south of East Cape and around the South Island They are associated with shallow reefs as juveniles but then school over open seafloors as adults from 50 to 250m water depth Ecological concerns Tarakihi is caught by trawling so there is some concern about habitat damage if trawl gear touches the seafloor Trawling also catches a range of other fish Other concerns include the limited amount of some basic biological information the absence of quantitative stock assessments the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the lack of a management plan for Tarakihi Economic value Tarakihi are sold in New Zealand Japan and Australia and had an export value of $05 million in 2008 Best option Try to avoid Tarakihi caught in association with red cod off the East coast of the South Island or caught in association with gemfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand but mostly in the cooler waters south of East Cape and around the South Island Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) For TAR7 an assessment in 2008 had a base case estimate of 42-68 unfished stock size Annual catch limit Set at 6438 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 5429 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) Unchanged stable for all other areas MSY Status Unknown Western New Zealand stocks are thought to be close to or above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TAR1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoThe [CPUE] indices remain stable suggesting that current catches and the TACC for TAR 1 are sustainable In 2002 the Inshore WG concluded that TAR 1 was likely to be above BMSY There is no evidence from the CPUE analyses to suggest any major changes in abundance since this timerdquo TAR2 (East coast North Island) ldquoThe state of the TAR 2 stock in relation to BMSY is not known Long periods of sustained catches around 1 600t to 1 700t indicate a flat yield curve for the stock and suggest that the stock is probably close to BMSYrdquo TAR3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown Abundance appeared to reach its lowest historical level over 2003-04 to 2005-06 at about 70 of the long-term average having declined steadily from a peak in 1999-00 Abundance may be increasing back to average levels again although a decline was again noted in 2007-08 ldquo TAR4 (Chatham Rise) ldquothe fishery around the Chatham Islands has generally been lightly fished and the stock can probably support higher catch levels for the next few yearsldquo TAR 7 (West coast South Island) ldquoThe range of model results for TAR 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is Likely to be above BMSYrdquo TAR 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoOverall landings from the North and South Islands have remained relatively stable since at least the late 1960s despite changes in effort and methods of fishing Given the long stable catch history of this fishery current catch levels and TACCs are thought to be sustainablerdquo (MFish 2007 p966)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 120
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling Tarakihi is also a bycatch in the red cod and barracouta trawl fisheries around the South Island Habitat damage Trawling for tarakihi scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty the impact of tarakhihi trawling was considered along with scampi hoki and gemfish trawling (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch Other fish species Ecological effects Trawling alters species diversity and habitat composition and may disturb coastal food web dynamics Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment apart from a preliminary assessment of TAR7 in 2008 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 121
Trevally
Scientific name Pseudocaranx dentex
Other names araara kopapa komutumutu raumarie (Maori) blue gill jack fish silver trevally (Australia UK) carangue (France) Minamishimaaji (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Trevally is a long-lived species (up to 45 years) that lives near the seabed when young but schools as adults in the open water where they feed on krill and other plankton It is common around many parts of the North Island and the top half of the south Island and most abundant at depths of around 80m It is caught year round mainly around the North Island in conjunction with the snapper trawl fishery It is also caught by purse seiners in the Bay of Plenty and in set nets Ecological concerns The over-catch of Trevally off the east coast of the North Island the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the uncertainty of the stock status and the lack of a management plan Trawling catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear may cause considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems The fishery may also risk captures of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins off the west coast of the North Island Restrictions on trawling and set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling the risk of catching these dolphins may once again increase Economic value The main markets for Trevally are in New Zealand Japan UK and the Middle East It had an export value of $32 million in 2008 Best option Trevally caught of western New Zealand appear healthier but avoid fish caught using bottom trawl or set net Purse seine caught trevally is the best option ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common around the North Island and northern South Island with most trevally found along the north east and north west coasts of the North Island at a depth of 80m Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate to low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Uncertain though the population off western New Zealand (TRE7) has been estimated to be relatively healthy Annual catch limit Set at 3933 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2875 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in nearly 20 years Stock trends Uncertain Although an assessment of TRE7 shows a fluctuating stock size since 1980 and there are concerns about declines in TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) catches MSY Status Uncertain apart from an assessment of TRE7 which indicates the current stock is just above BMSY (28 B0) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches reported for TRE 1 are less than the estimated MCY levels and below the TACC Reduced proportions of older age classes in the single bottom trawl catch between 1999-00 and 2006-07 combined with the strong drops in landings in 2006-07 and 2007-08 may indicate that stock abundance is declining at current catch levelsrdquo TRE 2 (Eastern North Island to Kapiti) ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainablerdquo TRE 7 (Western New Zealand - North amp South Islands) ldquoRelatively large proportions of fish gt10 years including a healthy 20+ age group (as evidenced by the age structure of the commercial catch) suggest that TRE 7 have not been heavily exploitedhellipModel projections indicate that the biomass of TRE 7 stock is About as Likely as Not to remain stable over the next 5 years and the probability of the stock going below BMSY in 2013 is estimated at 0 (M=01) and 38 (M=0087)rdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p999 - 1002)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 122
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawl purse seine and set net Trevally is also caught as a bycatch in snapper red gurnard kahawai and john dory fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages the seabed reducing bottom dwelling species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself a range of other fish species are caught as bycatch including other commercial species (snapper red gurnard kahawai john dory) as well as non-target species There is also a risk of catching seabirds and marine mammals including potential bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Ecological effects Impacts of bottom trawling on bottom dwelling species and habitats plus ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A revised quantitative assessment in TRE7 in 2009 and a preliminary assessment for TRE 1 in 2006 which was not accepted References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 123
Trumpeter
Scientific name Latris lineata
Other names porae koekohe kohikohi (Maori) striped trumpeter okiisaki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This moki relative occurs in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere from the Indian Ocean to South America In New Zealand it is found from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is mainly caught on the east coast of both main islands ranging from 20 to 200m water depth There is little targeted fishing for trumpeter - it is mainly caught s a bycatch fish in line fisheries with some caught in trawl and set nets Ecological concerns The absence of basic biological information about Trumpeter the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the potential for localised depletion of some populations plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species itself trumpeter fishing is also associated with other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Trumpeter is sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is seldom common Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Likely to be moderate Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 144 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 101 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown (There is a risk for localised population to be quickly fished out) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1019) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Mostly caught as bycatch in coastal line-fisheries with some caught in trawl nets and set nets Habitat damage Unknown Bycatch A range of fish species also caught as bycatch in fisheries where trumpeter is caught Ecological effects Unknown Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Final Position Paper for the 1998-99 Sustainability Round
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 124
White warehou Scientific name Seriolella caerulea
Other names Deepsea wharehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description White warehou is the deepest ranging of the three warehou species in New Zealand and is common in southeastern waters and on the Campbell Plateau in the Subantarctics It is mostly taken as a bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries for hoki and silver warehou Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information about white warehou the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown stock size the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels There are also concerns about past mis-reporting of white warehou as silver warehou catches plus there is no management plan Bottom trawling causes considerable damage to seafloor communities and due to white warehou being a bycatch species of other fisheries it is also associated with the bycatch of seabirds marine mammals and other non-target fish Economic value White warehou is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Most common off south east New Zealand and on the Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Moderate Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3735 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2116 tonnes in 2003-04 Stock trends Unknown Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states ldquoIt is not known whether recent catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1030) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling especially bottom trawling White warehou is caught as bycatch in the hoki and silver warehou fisheries and to a lesser extent the hake ling and scampi fisheries Only 8 of the catch is from targeted fishing Habitat damage Bottom trawling scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species in a range of middle-depth fisheries it is associated with non-target fish marine mammal and seabird captures (See hoki and silver warehou for more information) Ecological effects Trawling destroys bottom dwelling species assemblages and habitat composition Wider ecological effects on food webs are largely due to the captures of non-target wildlife in the fisheries it is associated with Management and management unit (score E and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species However there is a problem in that quota areas do not match possible spawning areas Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 125
Yellowfin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus albacares
Other names Yellowfin thon juane (France) Ahi Shibi kiwada (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Yellowfin tuna is a migratory species found mainly in the warm ocean waters of northern New Zealand and moving south in summer to East Cape Like many tuna it is an important oceanic predator regulating the abundance of other marine species They are caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries on the west and east coast of the North Island The New Zealand catch is a very small part (003) of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns The lack of a stock assessment catch limits and a management plan therefore the high uncertainty about the state of the stocks Other concerns include declining catch rates the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals plus and ecological impact of removing this top predator species on wider oceanic food webs Economic value The export value of yellowfin tuna was $150000 in 2008 with the main markets in Japan Australia and the USA ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Yellowfin tuna are caught on the west coast and east coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 263 tonnes set in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 17 tonnes in 2006-07 within the EEZ which is minor compared to Western and Central Pacific catches of over 400000 tonnes Stock trends Declining stock size and catches which are unlikely to be sustainable MSY Status The yellowfin stock is likely to be above BMSY but are still considered to be fully exploited with a high possibility (47 ndash 73) of being overfished At current catch levels the stock is likely to move below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states From the 2007 WCPO assessment ldquothe possibility of overfishing is still relatively high (47) The reference points that predict the status of the stock under equilibrium conditions are B BMSY (110) and SBSBMSY (112) which indicate that the long-term average biomass would remain slightly above the level capable of producing MSY at 2002minus2005 average fishing mortalityhellip The WCPO yellowfin tuna fishery can be considered to be fully exploited Both the 2006 and 2007 assessments indicate that there is a high probability that overfishing is occurring (73 for the base case 2006 assessment and 47 for the base case 2007 assessment) In order to reduce the likelihood of overfishing and if the Commission wishes to maintain average biomass at levels greater than 5 above BMSY reductions in the fishing mortality rate would be required The stock size is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are not sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards and then below a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p155-156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic longlining around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 126
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment A completed quantitative stock assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Conservation (WCPO) Fisheries Scientific Committee (2007) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Hampton J Langley A and Kleiber P (2006) Stock assessment of yellowfin tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean including an assessment of management options WCPFC-SC2-2006SA WP-1 Second meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee 7-18 August 2006 Philippines (wwwwcpfcorg) Anon 2007 Commission or the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Scientific Committee Summary report Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia 244pp Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 127
Yellow-eyed mullet
Scientific name Aldrichetta forsteri
Other names aua kaataha kataka makawhiti (Maori) herring yelloweye mullet (Australia)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively short-lived surface dwelling coastal species is found throughout New Zealand but is most abundant in northern waters It is smaller and more slender than grey mullet forming schools in shallow coastal waters harbours and estuaries It is caught using set nets or by beach seining Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information on yellow-eyed mullet the absence of a quantitative stock assessment and so the unknown stock size and sustainability of recent catch levels (especially in combination with non-commercial take of this species) There is also concern about the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the likelihood of sub-stocks being managed together within quota areas plus the absence of a management plan Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Set netting also risks capture of other marine mammals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting off the west coast of the North Island introduced in 2003 and again in May 2008 have reduced this risk but set netting still poses a threat outside these areas Pending a high court ruling on a challenge to the restrictions the risk to Maui‟s dolphins may return Economic value Yellow-eyed mullet are sold in New Zealand and Australia Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Most common in northern New Zealand waters in sheltered bays harbours and estuaries Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 68 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported commercial landings of 17 tonnes in 2007-08 with a similar non-commercial catch Stock trends Unknown but may be subject to localised depletion MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p1036) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly set nets and beach seine nets Habitat damage Low Bycatch The small mesh nets used may increase fishing pressure on grey mullet and a range of other shallow water species There is also a potential bycatch of seabirds dolphins and other marine mammals in the set net fishery However restrictions on set netting in areas where the endangered Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects The localised nature of the fishery in some harbours means there could be a risk of serial depletion in some places Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 128
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 129
Appendix I Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Wallet Card Hard copies of the Best Fish Guide wallet card are available from Forest amp Bird and numerous nationwide outlets For example Kelly Tarltonrsquos Underwater Aquarium (Auckland) Portabello Marine Laboratory (Dunedin) Burger Wisconsin (nationwide) plus libraries health food shops cafes and other retail outlets It is also available to download as a pdf from our web site wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 130
Appendix II Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological Assessment Scores Using the Best Fish Guide Assessment Methodology New Zealand fish are given an overall rank from A (highest ecological sustainability) to E (lowest ecological sustainability) This is derived by awarding a score of 1 to 5 (ranks A to E) to six different assessment criteria (some weighted more heavily than others) The sum of these scores provides the overall assessment score and rank For more information on the assessment methodology please download the Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) from wwwbestfishguideorgnz Table Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological assessment scores for New Zealandrsquos wild caught seafood species showing individual scores for each criterion the multipliers applied ndash high importance (x3) to low importance (x1) ndash and the overall score and rank
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Albacore ALB 3 3 4 3 4 3 43 D
Alfonsino BYX 4 2 5 3 5 4 48 E
Anchovy ANC 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Arrow Squid SQU 4 5 5 1 5 5 54 E
Barracouta BAR 4 4 5 2 3 4 48 E
Bigeye Tuna BIG 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Black cardinal fish
CDL 5 4 4 5 3 4 55 E
Blue cod BCO 4 2 2 3 3 3 37 D
Blue mackerel EMA 4 4 3 3 3 3 45 E
Blue moki MOK 3 3 5 4 1 4 42 D
Blue shark BWS 4 5 4 4 4 4 55 E
Blue warehou WAR 4 3 5 3 3 4 47 E
Bluenose BNS 5 5 4 4 2 4 54 E
Butterfish BUT 4 2 4 3 4 4 44 D
Cockles COC 4 1 4 2 3 3 36 D
Dark ghost shark
GSH 4 3 5 4 2 5 48 E
Eels EEL 5 3 2 5 5 3 51 E
Elephantfish ELE 4 5 4 3 2 3 48 E
Flatfish FLA 4 4 5 2 5 4 52 E
Frostfish FRO 4 3 5 2 3 5 46 E
Garfish GAR 4 1 2 2 4 5 36 D
Gemfish SKI 5 3 5 4 2 3 49 E
Grey mullet GMU 4 2 4 2 4 3 41 D
Groper Hapuku HPB 4 2 4 4 5 5 49 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 131
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Hake HAK 3 4 5 3 3 3 46 E
Hoki HOK 3 5 5 3 3 2 48 E
Jack mackerel JMA 3 5 5 3 5 4 54 E
John dory JDO 4 2 5 2 2 4 40 D
Kahawai KAH 4 1 2 3 4 4 37 D
Kina SUR 4 1 2 3 3 5 36 D
Kingfish KIN 4 2 4 3 3 4 42 D
Leather jacket LEA 4 2 5 2 4 5 45 E
Ling LIN 3 5 5 3 3 3 49 E
Lookdown dory LDO 4 3 5 3 4 5 50 E
Mako shark MAK 4 5 4 4 4 5 56 E
Moonfish MOO
4 5 4 2 4 5 52 E
Orange roughy ORH 5 4 5 5 4 3 58 E
Oreos OEO 4 4 5 5 5 2 56 E
Oyster OYS 5 2 5 4 4 3 50 E
Pacific bluefin tuna
TOR 3 5 4 4 4 4 52 E
Packhorse lobster
PHC 4 2 2 4 2 5 39 D
Paddle crabs PAD 4 2 4 2 4 5 43 D
Pale ghost shark GSP 4 3 5 4 3 5 50 E
Paua PAU 5 1 1 5 5 3 43 D
Pilchards PIL 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Porbeagle shark POS 4 5 4 5 4 5 58 E
Queen scallops QSC
C 4 2 5 3 4 4 46 E
Red Cod RCO 3 4 5 2 2 4 43 D
Red Gurnard GUR 3 3 5 2 2 4 40 D
Red snapper RSN 4 3 4 4 4 5 50 E
Ribaldo RIB 4 3 4 4 2 5 46 E
Rig RIG 4 5 4 4 3 4 53 E
Rock lobster CRA 5 3 2 4 1 2 40 D
Rubyfish RBY 4 3 5 5 3 4 51 E
Scallops SCA 4 4 5 2 3 3 47 E
Scampi SCI 4 5 5 4 2 3 52 E
School shark SCH 4 5 4 4 2 4 51 E
Sea perch SPE 5 3 5 4 3 4 52 E
Silver warehou SWA 4 4 4 2 3 4 46 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 132
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Skates SKA 4 3 5 4 5 4 53 E
Skipjack tuna SKJ 2 3 2 3 4 3 36 D
Snapper SNA 5 5 5 4 3 2 56 E
Southern blue whiting
SBW 3 5 4 4 1 3 45 E
Southern bluefin tuna
SBT 5 5 4 4 4 2 56 E
Spiny dogfish SPD 4 4 5 4 2 4 50 E
Sprats SPR 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Stargazer STA 4 3 5 3 2 4 45 E
Striped marlin STM 4 5 4 3 4 4 53 E
Swordfish SWO
4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Tarakihi TAR 3 4 5 3 2 3 44 D
Trevally TRE 3 2 5 4 1 3 38 D
Trumpeter TRU 4 3 4 3 3 5 46 E
White warehou WW
A 4 4 5 3 1 5 47 E
Yellow fin tuna YFN 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Yellow-eyed mullet
YEM 4 2 4 1 3 4 38 D
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 133
Acronyms
ACAP ndash Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
B0 ndash The unfished initial or virgin recruited biomass for a stock
BMSY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield
BMAY ndash The recruited biomass that will support the maximum average yield
BMCY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum constant yield
CAY ndash Current annual yield - this is the estimate of the maximum sustainable catch for the current year in reference to a level of fishing mortality which has an acceptable level of risk
CITES ndash Convention on Trade in Endangered Species
CMS ndash Convention on Migratory Species
DoC ndash Department of Conservation
ITQ ndash Individual Transferable Quota - quota share of the TACC ITQs are property rights to a fishery granted in perpetuity which can be traded
ESY ndash Ecologically sustainable yield ndash the yield an ecosystem can sustain without shifting to an undesirable state
F ndash Fishing mortality rate is that part of the total mortality rate applying to the fish population that is caused by fishing
M ndash Natural mortality on a fish stock
MAY ndash Maximum Average Yield - which is the long-term current annual yield and equivalent to MSY
MCY ndash Maximum constant yield - the maximum constant catch that is sustainable with acceptable levels of risk at probable levels of future biomass for a fish stock
MFish ndash Ministry of Fisheries
MEY ndash Maximum Economic Yield - the greatest difference between the costs of inputs and the values of outputs (catch) This is the sustained catch that produces the maximum economic value this is usually at a catch below MSY
MSY ndash Maximum sustainable yield in relation to any stock means the greatest yield that can be achieved over time while maintaining the stocks productive capacity having regard to the population dynamics of the stock and any environmental factors that influence the stock (section 2 Fisheries Act 1996)
OSY ndash Optimum sustainable yield is the yield which considers factors in addition to maximum sustainable yield for instance effects on other species in the ecosystem and of other human uses of the ecosystem
TACC ndash Total Allowable Commercial Catch - this is the TAC minus an allowance for customary Maori fisheries recreational fisheries and other mortality on a stock caused by fishing The TACC is established under section 20 of the Fisheries Act 1996
TAC ndash Total Allowable Catch of any fish stock this includes the TACC plus an allowance for non-commercial catches including customary Maori catch and other mortality caused by fishing The TAC is established under section 13 or 14 of the Fisheries Act 96
Von B k ndash This is the Brody growth co-efficient and defines the growth rate toward the maximum This is from the standard Von Bertalanffy model (1938) which describes the growth in fish length
Lt=l [1-e-k(t-to)
] where l is the maximum body size and to is the shift in the growth curve to allow for nonzero body length at age zero
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 134
Glossary of Terms
Aquaculture - Aquatic species such as fish and shellfish in salt brackish or freshwater Farming implies private ownership and enhancement of production by stocking feeding providing protection from predators and other management measures
Beach-seine - A large enclosing net brought out by boats and dragged to the (sandy) shore Also a net
used to encircle fish in shallow water usually operated by two people wading out from shore the net
has lead weights to keep the bottom on the sea floor and floats to keep the top of the net at or near
the surface The seine may be set from a boat but hauled in from the land Also called shore seine
drag seine draw net haul seine yard seine and sweep net
Benthic species or benthos ndash Animals or plants living on the bottom of the ocean or lake
Biological diversity - The variability among living organisms including diversity within species between
species and of ecosystems (Section 2 of the Fisheries Act 1996) The Convention on Biological
Diversity also defines this as the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter
alia terrestrial marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems
Biomass - An aggregate weight at a particular time of fish (or other organisms) in a stock or in a fishery
Bottom trawl net - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom such
as Orange Roughy and oreos
Bottom pair-trawl - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom but
towed between two similar trawlers
Bycatch - Those species killed in a fishery targeted on other species or a different size range of the same
species and includes that part of the catch that has no commercial value and is discarded
Catch - The total number or weight of fish and other marine life including bycatch taken by fishing from an area over a period of time as opposed to landings which do not reflect the amount of discards
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (CCAMLR) - Established by treaty in 1980 the CCAMLR is unique among fisheries agreements in that the conservation measures adopted by the Commission must include a fisherys impact on the entire ecosystem rather than on just the targeted species This ecosystem approach aims to prevent a decrease in the size of harvested populations to levels that threaten their stable recruitment and to minimize the risk of changes in the marine ecosystem that are not potentially reversible over two or three decades The meetings of the Commission are held annually in Hobart Australia with representatives of the 23 CCAMLR member states
Continental shelf - The continental shelf is a gradually sloping undersea shelf of land that extends beyond shore of the continent The nature of this geologic shelf is home to a great diversity of fish and shellfish species
Copepods - A large group (approximately 6000 species) of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans They are an important food source for many larger animals including fish seabirds and baleen whales
Coral reefs ndash Reefs built up over hundreds of years by colonies of small animals called coral polyps and their skeletons of calcium carbonate Coral reefs cover less than 1 of the ocean area but are home to one-third of all marine fish species
Crustacean - The aquatic equivalent of insects also from the phylum Arthropoda Found in both fresh and salt water crustaceans are invertebrates and characteristically have a segmented body and exoskeleton with limbs that are paired and jointed Lobsters crabs shrimp and barnacles are examples of crustaceans
Danish seine - A method of seining with a large net but the catch is landed on the vessel Can be a single or
two boats net where an area of water of about 2 square kilometres is swept as two encircling ropes
leading to a trawl-like net are retrieved by the vessel(s) Fish within the ropes are herded into the net
during hauling
Demersal species - Fish found on or near the bottom of the ocean for example Orange Roughy
Depleted fishery - A fishery where the population has been reduced to less than that which would support
the maximum sustainable yield
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 135
Developed fishery - A fishery operating at or near the level of the maximum sustainable yield subject to
other environmental constraints
Developing fishery - A fishery in which experimental or feasibility fishing is being undertaken to determine
whether the resource can support a viable fishery
Dip-net - A net used for transferring the catch of a deep-sea seine after it has been brought alongside It is
operated either entirely by hand or partly by hand and partly by mechanical power Other names are
scoop brailer spoon net brail net and hand brailer
Dragnet ndash a small net pulled by two or more people which is dragged along the bottom
Driftnet - A gillnet weighted at the bottom and supported by floats at the top which drifts with the tide or
current Large driftnets used to be in excess of 50 km on the high seas and in New Zealand EEZ
can be no longer than 1km
EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone - the zone out to 200 nautical miles offshore established pursuant to
international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Fishing effort - The amount of fishing activity undertaken It is usually measured by the total time spent
fishing combined with the quantity of gear used for example the catch per thousand hooks or the
catch per trawl
Fecundity - The level or rate of egg or offspring production Fecundity may change with the size and age of a species
Finning - The practice of cutting off the fins of sharks and discarding the sharkrsquos body overboard Asia is the primary market for shark fins which are used to make shark fin soup The US Congress banned shark-finning in all US waters in 2000 Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Fishery - Can be defined in many ways though in general terms it is the take or removal of a species from the aquatic environment using some type of fishing technology The emphasis is on the human aspects of fishing and all the activities it involves
Food chain - The sequence of organisms through which energy and materials are transferred (in the form of food) or the linear progression of feeding levels in which one organism is the food source for the next
Food web - The complex interlocking series of individual food chains in an ecosystem ie all the predator-prey relationships
Fyke net ndash A long bag net distended by hoops into which fish can pass easily without being able to return
Globally threatened species - A species that is globally threatened with biological extinction under the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria
Growth over-fishing - When the losses due to natural and fishing mortality exceed the gains due to
recruitment and growth during the same period This is usually reflected by a reduction in the size of
the fish being harvested
High-grading - The practice of discarding at sea all or a portion of a vessels legal catch in order to obtain a higher or larger grade of fish that brings higher prices It may occur in both quota and nonquota fisheries
Hinaki ndash A traditional Maori woven eel net trap made from supplejack and flax
Invertebrate - Animals without a backbone (eg jellyfish octopus sponges bryozoans) In fishery management terms invertebrate usually refers to shellfish such as lobsters shrimp oysters and scallops
Jig - A multi-barbed hook used mainly to catch squid
Lampara net - Similar to but much smaller than a purse seine with no pursing action This net is generally
used for catching artificial light attracted schools of small fish such as anchovy and pilchard There is
a central spoon-shaped section and two lateral wings and the net is usually operated from a small
boat The rapid retrieval of the lead line does close the bottom of the net but it is not a true purse
Landings - Commercial landings are defined as the quantity of fish and shellfish brought ashore for sale The term also applies to the amount caught for personal use by recreational fishermen This measurement does not include the amount of bycatch incidentally caught and discarded dead at sea
Maximum sustainable yield - The maximum amount of a species that can be taken without diminishing the future take
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 136
Metric tonne - Often the unit of measurement for commercial and recreational landings a metric tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms 0984 long tons 11023 short tons or 22046 pounds
Mid-water trawl - A trawl designed catch species in mid-water eg hoki and southern blue whiting These
trawl nets can have 60 metre headline heights (top to bottom on net) and opening over 150m wide
Nautical mile - One nautical mile is the equivalent of 115 statute miles
Overcapitalization - This occurs when there is more fishing capacity (ie more boats gear or investment in equipment) than is needed to catch the available amount of fish in an economically efficient and sustainable manner Overcapitalization poses a threat to fish populations because it can easily lead to overfishing
Overfishing - Overfishing exists when the rate of fishing is greater than the level required to meet the management goal or maximum sustainable yield In other words overfishing occurs when a population of fish is caught faster than it can replenish itself through reproduction (Roberts et al)
Pelagic - An ancient Greek word for the open ocean or high seas the area comprising most of the Earths surface
Pelagic species - Species found near the surface of the sea and not on or near the seabed for example
tuna and kahawai
Plankton - Small plant and animal species that spend at least part of their time on the sea surface They rely in large part on ocean currents for distribution and transportation As eggs and larvae many marine species such as cod and Dungeness crabs are planktonic for part of their life cycle The plankton provide food for many commercially important fish and form the basis of ocean food webs Some of the largest marine creatures such as whale sharks and blue whales eat plankton Zooplankton are animals and phytoplankton are plants
Population - A group of interbreeding organisms that represents the level of organization at which speciation begins In other words a population is a group within a species that shares common ecological and genetic features compared to other individuals of that species
Precautionary principle - A proactive method of dealing with the environment that places the burden of proof on those whose activities could harm the environment rather than on the public It is the opposite of the wait-and-see principle acting before scientific proof of deleterious effects is applying a precautionary approach
Purse seine - A floating net designed to surround fish and can be closed at the bottom or ldquopursedrdquo by
means of a free-running line attached to the bottom of the net The net may be of up to 1 km length
and 300 m depth and is used to encircle surface schooling fish such as kahawai trevally and
skipjack tuna During retrieval the bottom of the net is closed or pursed by drawing a purse line
through a series of rings to prevent the fish escaping
Recruit - A fish entering the period in its life history when it is exposed to fishing Related phrases include
pre-recruits age or length at recruitment recruitment failure
Recruitment - Recruitment is the general replacement of fish to a stock or population In fisheries it is the
time when a fish grow to a size they become liable to be caught in fishing gear
Recruitment failure - The failure of the fish stock to be replaced by recruits
Recruitment over-fishing - Occurs when the spawning stock has been reduced to a level at which
recruitment of young fish entering the exploited component of the fishery is significantly reduced
Ring net - A modified lampara net with purse rings operated by two vessels
Seamount - Underwater volcanic mountain ridges and plateaus that rise up several kilometres from the sea
floor but do not reach the surface of the sea
Seine - A type of fishing net that encircles a school of fish
Set - To prepare and cast a net one ldquosetrdquo is typically defined as the interval from the time the net is cast to
the time the net is hauled in
Set net - A type of gill net that has been intentionally set staked or anchored or otherwise fixed in stationary
position as opposed to drift nets
Stock - The technical definition of a stock is an interbreeding sub-population of a species reproductively isolated to some extent from other populations Used as a unit for fishery management however stock refers to a specific population or group of populations of one or more species
Territorial Sea - This is sea within 12 nautical miles from low-water line along the coast
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 137
Trammel net - Type of gill net with three panels suspended from a common surface line and attached to a
single bottom line The two outside panels are of a larger mesh than the inside panel
Trawl - Net with a wide mouth tapering to a small pointed end usually called the cod end Trawls are towed
behind a vessel at any depth in the water column
Trolls - Lines with lures or baited hooks that are drawn through the water from a vessel while in motion
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 138
Glossary of Fish Names
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Abalone Paua Haliotis iris
Ahi Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Ahi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Akiwa Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Albacore Tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Anguile australe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Araara Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arāra Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arrow Squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Ashiro Ling Genypterus blacodes
Aua Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Australian long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Australian salmon Kahawai Arripis trutta
Barndoor skate Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Barracouta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Beryx Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Beryx de nouvelle-zelande Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Big-eye cardinalfish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Bigeye Tuna Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Black cardinal fish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Black dory Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 139
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Black Oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black-footed paua Paua Haliotis iris
Blauer wittling Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Blue bream Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Blue cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Blue grenadier Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue hake Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Blue moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Blue Pointer Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue shark Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Blue whaler Blue shark Prionace glauca
Bluefin Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Bluefin Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Bluenose Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bluff oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Bonita Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Brill Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Brim Snapper Pagrus auratus
Broadbill Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Broadbill swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Brown oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Bulldog Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Butterfish Butterfish Odax pullus
Calamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Chimera Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 140
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Chimera Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Chinchard neozelandias Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Cockles Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Common warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Coque Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Coquille saint-jacques de
Nouvelle-Zealande
Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Couta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Crayfish Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Crayfish Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Creamfish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Cutlassfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Dab Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Dark ghost shark Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Deepsea cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Deepsea dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Deepsea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Deepsea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Deepsea trevalla Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Deepsea warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Demi-bec neozelandias Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Dore austral Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Eels Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Elephant shark Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Elephantfish Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 141
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Flake School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Flat oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Flatfish Flatfish
Foveaux Strait Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Frostfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Gangiei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Gaori Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Garfish Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Gemfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Giant stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Golden snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Googly-eyed cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Goushyuumadai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Granatbarsch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Green rock lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Greenback flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea tapirina
Greenbone Butterfish Odax pullus
Grey boy School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grey mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Grey shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grondin rouget Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Groper Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Gummy shark Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Haature Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Haiku Hake Merluccius australis
Hake Hake Merluccius australis
Haku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 142
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Hakuraa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Half-beak Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hangenge Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hapuka Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Hauture Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Hauwai Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Herring Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Hihiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Hikau Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Hinangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Hohopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Hoka Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoka Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Hokarari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoki Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Hoplostete orange Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Hopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Horse mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Huangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huangiangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huuai Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Ihe Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Inaka Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Jack fish Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Jack mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 143
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Jock Stewart Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
John dory John dory Zeus faber
Julienette Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Kaaraerae Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kaataha Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kahawai Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kahu Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kaisersgranat Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Kalamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kalmar Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kanae Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Kaorea Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Kapua Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kararuri Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kataka Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kauaeroa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kawerai Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kehe Hake Merluccius australis
Kin koorako Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina ariki Kina Evechinus chloroticus
King dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kingklip Ling Genypterus blacodes
Kingu Ling Genypterus blacodes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 144
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Koekohe Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koeo Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kohikohi Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koinga Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kokowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Komutumutu Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kooeaea Butterfish Odax pullus
Koopuuhuri Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kooukauka Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kopapa Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kopukopu Blue cod Parapercis colias
Kopuwai Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Korohiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kororiwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Korowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Koura Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Koura Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Kourea Snapper Pagrus auratus
Kourepoua Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Kuakua Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Kumukumu Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Kupae Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Kuparu Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kuparu John dory Zeus faber
Kutuhori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Kuuwharuwharu Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Langoustine-de-NZ Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 145
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Langschwanz-Seehecht Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Latchet Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Leather jacket Leather jacket Parika scaber
Lemonfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Ling Ling Genypterus blacodes
Longfinned albacore Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachia +
Lookdown dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Mackerel shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Madai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Maha-taharaki Gemfish Rexea solandri
Maka Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Makaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Maka-tikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Makawhiti Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Mako shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Makohuarau School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Mako-huarau Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Makorepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Makumaku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Mangaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Mangoo-hapuu Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pekepeke Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pounamu Blue shark Prionace glauca
Manumanu Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Marakuha Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Marare Butterfish Odax pullus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 146
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Marari Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Mararī Butterfish Odax pullus
Marariwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Matapara Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matapuku Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matiri Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Matohe Butterfish Odax pullus
Matuawhapuku Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Merlan bleu austral Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Merluse Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Merluza Hake Merluccius australis
Merluza azul Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Minamimaguro Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Minamimaguro Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Moamoa Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moeone Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Mohimohi Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Moki trumpeter Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Monkfish Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moonfish Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Mora Ribaldo Mora moro
Morwong Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Nasello azzurro Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Nelson oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
New Zealand cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Ngu Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 147
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Northern Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
NZ cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
NZ dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
NZ gem scallop Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ gem shellfish Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ golden snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
NZ Herring Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
NZ Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae +
NZ littleneck clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
NZ sea crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
NZ smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
NZ sole Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Ocean bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Ocean perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Opah Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Orange roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Oreos Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Oursin de Nouvelle-
Zelande
Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Paakirikiri Blue cod Parapercis colias
Paara Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Paatiki Flatfish
Paatiki nui Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Paatiki rori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Paatikimohoao Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Paatikitotara Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Paatutuki Blue cod Parapercis colias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 148
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Pacific bluefin tuna Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Pacific mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Packhorse lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Paddle crabs Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Paea Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Pakaurua Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Pakeke Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Pale ghost shark Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Paumlpaka Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Papakura Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Papatia Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Para-taharangi Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Patete Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Patikinui Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Paua Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Pawharu Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Pearl Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Pearl Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Peruvian Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Pesce arancio Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Peterfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Pilchards Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Pillie Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Piper Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Pohuikaroa Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Porae Trumpeter Latris lineata
Porbeagle Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 149
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Porbeagle shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Porpoise shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Pota Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Poutini Blue shark Prionace glauca
Puaihakua Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Pukeru John dory Zeus faber
Pure Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Puurau Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Puuwhaiau Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Queen paua Paua Haliotis australis
Queen scallops Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Raawaru Blue cod Parapercis colias
Rari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Rattail Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Raumarie Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Red Cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Red Gurnard Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Red rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Red roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Red snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Reherehe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Repe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Reperepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Ribaldo Ribaldo Mora moro
Rig Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Rock salmon Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Rock salmon Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 150
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Roodbars Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Rosy soldierfish Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Rough skate Skates Zearaja nasutus
Rubyfish Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Saint-pierre John dory Zeus faber
Sand Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Sand perch Blue cod Parapercis colias
Sardine Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Sardine Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Scallops Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Scampi Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Scaree Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Schnapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
School shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Sea bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Sea bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Sea egg Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Sea mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Sea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Sea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Sea Urchin Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Seehecht Hake Merluccius australis
Shibi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Shortfin mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Short-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Short-finned squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Silver bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 151
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Silver eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Silver kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Silver trumpeter Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Silver warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Skates Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Skipjack tuna Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis
Slimehead Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Smooth Oreo Oreos Pseudocyttus maculatus
Smooth skate Skates Dipturus innominatus
Snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
Snoek Barracouta Thyrsites atun
South pacific crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Southern anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Southern blue whiting Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern bluefin tuna Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Southern kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Southern mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Southern poutassou Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern queen Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Southern spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey Oreo Oreos Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Spineback Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Splendid alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Spotted estuary smooth- Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 152
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
hound
Spotted oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Spotted spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spotted warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Spotten dogfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Sprats Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Spurdog Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Stone eye Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Striped marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Striped mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Striped trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Sudlicher kaiserbarsch Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Suei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Swimming crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Takaketonga Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Takeke Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Tamure Snapper Pagrus auratus
Tarakihi Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Tarao Butterfish Odax pullus
Tawatawa Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Teifsee-petersfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Tewetewe Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Tftis Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Thon rouge de sud Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Thon rouge de sud Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 153
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Tiikati Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Tiikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Tiikati Hake Merluccius australis
Tio Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio para Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio repe Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tipa Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Tipai Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Tope School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Toti Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Trevally Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Trigger fish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Tuangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Tuna hao Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tuna heke Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tupa Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Turbot Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Uku Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Venus shells Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Waewae Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Warehenga Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Wariwari Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Whaapuku Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Whai Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 154
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Wharangi Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Wheketere Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Whiptail Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
White cod Ribaldo Mora moro
White fillets Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
White tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
White warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Whiting Hake Merluccius australis
Wrackbarsch Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Wreckfish Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Yellow eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Yellow fin tuna Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Yellow-belly flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Yelloweye mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-eyed mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-footed paua Paua Haliotis australis
Yellowtail Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
![Page 3: Best Fish Guide 2009-2010](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022071523/613d0ab7736caf36b7589f48/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
Contents
Introduction 1
New Zealandrsquos oceans 1
Oceans under threat 1
Our vision 2
The Best Fish Guide 4
Questions to ask 4
Farmed seafood 5
Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 assessment summary 6
Fishery Facts 6
The Best and the Worst 7
Seafood assessment results 9 -128
Appendix I ndash Best Fish Guide Wallet Card 129
Appendix II ndash Table of assessment scores 130
Acronyms 133
Glossary of terms 134
Glossary of fish names 138
Note A full list of references used to complete the ecological assessments presented in this report are provided in the Best Fish Guide assessment methodology Weeber (2009) Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) Royal Forest and Bird Protection Society of New Zealand Inc Wellington
Index to fish species assessments Seafood species
Page Seafood species Page
Albacore tuna
Alfonsino
Anchovy
Arrow squid
Barracouta
Bigeye tuna
Black cardinalfish
Blue cod
Blue mackerel
Blue moki
Blue shark
Blue warehou
Bluenose
Butterfish
Cockles
Dark ghost shark
Eels
Elephant fish
Flatfish
Frostfish
Garfish
Gemfish
Grey mullet
Groper Hapuku Bass
Hake
Hoki
Jack mackerel
John dory
Kahawai
Kina
Kingfish
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Ling
Lookdown dory
Mako shark
Moonfish
Orange Roughy
Oreos Deepwater dory
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
30
31
33
35
37
38
39
40
42
44
46
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
60
61
63
Oyster
Pacific bluefin tuna
Packhorse lobster
Paddle crabs
Pale ghost shark
Paua
Pilchard
Porbeagle shark
Queen scallops
Red cod
Red gurnard
Red snapper
Ribaldo
Rig Lemonfish
Rock lobster Crayfish
Rubyfish
Scallops
Scampi
School shark
Sea perch
Silver warehou
Skates
Skipjack tuna
Snapper
Southern blue whiting
Southern bluefin tuna
Spiny dogfish
Sprats
Stargazer Monkfish
Striped marlin
Swordfish
Tarakihi
Trevally
Trumpeter
White warehou
Yellow fin tuna
Yellow-eyed mullet
65
67
68
69
70
72
74
76
77
78
80
82
83
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
113
115
117
119
121
123
124
125
127
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 1
Introduction New Zealandrsquos oceans
New Zealand has one of the largest marine areas in the world covering more than 1 of
the Earthrsquos surface Its marine area is also incredibly diverse from the sub-tropical oceans
in the north to our temperate waters around the mainland and cool sub-Antarctic waters in
the south
Many of our marine species are found nowhere else in the world Scientists estimate that
more than 80 of New Zealandrsquos biodiversity is found in our oceans and much more is
yet to be discovered About 15000 marine species are known while it is estimated that
another 50000 species are yet to be discovered ndash new species are being found all the
time
Our marine area is also a vital part of our economy supporting out $15 billion fishing
industry and our $20 billion tourism industry
It is also central to our national identity most New Zealanders live near the ocean and
have a close relationship with the marine environment We collect kaimoana or seafood
swim dive snorkel and sail and appreciate the variety of marine life
Oceans under threat
New Zealandrsquos marine environment is under increasing pressure from human activities
Climate change pollution coastal development mineral exploration and mining create
cumulative effects that are having a detrimental impact on the health of the marine
environment and marine life
Fishing operations have the most significant impact on the marine environment both
through the amount of fish caught and the methods used to catch it
Some fishing practices such as bottom trawling and dredging used by fisheries in
New Zealand waters damage the marine environment
Over the last 50 years fishing technologies have developed to such an extent that
the scale of fishing operations now exceeds a level that is sustainable The UN
estimates that 70 of the worldrsquos fisheries are now exploited to their limits over-
exploited or depleted
Many fisheries also catch significant levels of by-catch ndash species such as
albatrosses dolphins sea lions and other non-target species
According to Statistics New Zealand fishing uses more energy than any other
industry sector increasing by 40 in the last decade
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 2
New Zealand prides itself on our clean green image and promotes its fisheries
management as world-leading
Compared to some fisheries this is partly true ndash New Zealand does take a comprehensive
management approach and is recognised as being among the best But comparing
ourselves to countries with no management or very poor fisheries management does not
mean that we should be proud of our situation New Zealand is still far from living up to its
slogan ldquoIf itrsquos from New Zealand itrsquos sustainablerdquo
Wild fisheries typically take place in open waters with low levels of enforcement of rules
that aim to ensure sustainability and few observers to report any breaches or problems
New Zealandrsquos fisheries quota management system is a rights-based system that entitles
quota holders to a ldquoright to fishrdquo which encourages them to fish to the maximum level
allowed under their quota rather than take a more sustainable approach
To ensure sustainability the QMS requires good information and a precautionary
approach Fisheries management in New Zealand is failing by
Allowing significant waste of fisheries resources
Having no upper size limit and allowing fish that have gathered to spawn to be
caught reducing the ability of fish populations to reproduce
Targeting the maximum (rather than an optimum or precautionary) yield
Lacking information about fish stocks and how sustainable catches are
Allowing or poorly managing levels of marine mammal and seabird deaths
including endangered species
Using destructive fishing techniques such as bottom trawling and dredging which
destroy habitats and seabed life
Our vision
Forest amp Bird has a vision for a more sustainable fishery by 2030
A healthy and diverse marine environment supporting an abundance of marine life
where profitable fisheries operate alongside other activities
Adverse impacts of fishing on the marine environment have been repaired or
mitigated and ldquonursery areasrdquo important for replenishment of populations are
protected
New Zealand meets or exceeds worldrsquos best practice in fisheries management and
environmental practice so it can market truly sustainable products worldwide
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 3
Forest amp Bird hopes that making seafood consumers aware of problems behind our
fisheries management will help them make better choices and encourage our fisheries to
improve their practices
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 4
The Best Fish Guide
The Best Fish Guide is a tool to inform seafood consumers and encourage
environmentally sound choices of seafood
The guide covers an assessment of New Zealandrsquos wild-caught fisheries (see the section
about farmed fisheries for more information ndash page 5)
The assessment is based on six criteria some of which are given heavier weighting than
others
Criteria Weighting
Status and sustainability of catch High
Captures of protected or globally threatened species High
Fishing method and impact Medium
Fish biology and vulnerability to overfishing Medium
Management regime appropriate to species Medium
Management effectiveness and information levels Low
The Best Fish Guide assessment methodology has been peer reviewed and is available
for you to download at wwwbestfishguideorgnz It is also available from Forest amp Birdrsquos
national office
The Best Fish Guide presents the results of its assessments in three formats
A detailed ecological assessment report (pages 10 - 128 of this report)
A comprehensive online reference tool (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
A wallet guide that summarises fish rankings at a glance The wallet guide ranks
fisheries from green (best choice) to red (worst choice) (see Appendix I)
To help you get the best taste from your Best Fish Guide we asked New Zealand chefs
and fish fans including Peta Methias Annabel Langbein and Dobie Blaze to share their
favourite ndash and sustainable ndash fish recipes using the species identified as best choice in the
guide You can find them at wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Questions to ask
Unfortunately many seafood retailers have poor information and labelling making it difficult
to make a sustainable choice As well as using the Best Fish Guide you can ask your
retailer questions
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 5
What species is it
Most fish species are known by a number of different names For example groper is also
known as bass and hapuku Or it can work the other way sometimes different species
are known by the same name For example fish labelled as ldquotunardquo could be a good choice
species like albacore tuna or it could be a worst choice like southern bluefin tuna
To identify what type of fish you are buying go to the Best Fish Guide glossary of fish
names (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
Where was it caught
If your seafood was caught locally its ecological footprint is smaller because it doesnrsquot
have to be transported so far It is also easier to check how local fish were caught The
sustainability of fisheries in some regions is better than in other regions By asking where
the fish was caught and checking the Best Fish Guide seafood species assessments you
can find out whether that species is caught sustainably in that locality
How was it caught
Some fishing methods (bottom trawling and dredging) have devastating impacts on
seafloor habitats other methods (gillset netting trawl fishing long-lining) cause deaths of
vulnerable species By asking how your fish was caught you can avoid the high impact
and damaging methods
By asking these questions you can support more sustainable fishing practices and better
management of fisheries
Farmed seafood
The Best Fish Guide does not currently assess farmed seafood because it is managed
under a very different system from wild fisheries and its sustainability varies according to
very specific local factors
The main species farmed in New Zealand are molluscs such as mussels and oysters and
fin fish in particular salmon Farmed molluscs generally have a lower ecological impact
than farmed fin fish A particular concern about fish farming is the feeding of reared fish
with wild-caught seafood
Until Forest amp Bird develops its farmed fish assessment methodology we encourage you to
choose farmed seafood
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 6
Best Fish Guide 2009-10 assessment summary
The 2009-2010 Best Fish Guide assessment was carried out in August 2009 using the
latest government and published information on the biology status and management of
fish stocks protected species captures habitat damage and ecological damage caused by
fishing methods to marine life
Fishery Facts
Of New Zealandrsquos 75 commercial fisheries assessed
29 (39) are over-fished or there has been a substantial decline in stocks
49 (65) cause habitat damage 45 (60) kill significant numbers of seabirds 47 (63) kill a significant number of marine mammals 55 (73) catch too much non-target fish 51 (68) cause adverse ecological effects
42 (56) have never had a quantitative stock assessment and the stock status is unknown
15 (20) have had a full stock assessment in the last 10 years (some showed that little was known about the state of the stocks)
7 (9) have quantitative stock assessments which are more than 10 years old 18 (24) have had only a partial stock assessment in the last 10 years 11 (15) have had all stocks assessed in the last 5 years 24 (32) were missing basic biological information required to manage the stock
75 (100) have no management plan 8 (11) manage more than one species as a single species
Every year over 1300 commercial fishing vessels fish in New Zealand waters
Catching 453145 tonnes of fish in the 2008 fishing year with hoki making up the largest proportion (This is down from 652000 tonnes in 1998)
Setting 10000 km of nets Setting 50 million hooks Making 90000 trawls Making 90000 dredge tows
Also
On average around 55000 square kilometres were trawled each year in the middle depth and deep water fisheries between 1990 and 20051 (with most fishing in areas targeting hoki squid orange roughy scampi and snapper)
Around 1000 fur seals are killed annually in New Zealand fisheries2
1 Ministry for the Environment (2009) Environmental Report Area swept by trawling
(httpwwwmfegovtnzenvironmental-reportingoceansfishing-activitytrawlingarea-swepthtml) 2 Smith MH and S J Baird (2009) Model-based estimation of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus foresteri)
incidental captures and strike rates for trawl fishing in New Zealand waters for the years 1994-95 to 2005-06 NZ Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity No 40
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 7
The Best and the Worst
New Zealandrsquos most ecologically sustainable fisheries are generally those with low-impact
fishing methods targeting species with a low vulnerability to fishing or caught in well-
managed fisheries
The highest-ranking fisheries representing the best seafood choices are anchovies
pilchards and sprats
Close behind still offering a good seafood choice are skipjack tuna garfish cockles and
kina
Improvements3
A number of commercially caught species have moved up the Best Fish Guide rankings
including hoki blue cod trevally packhorse lobster and red gurnard
The worst-ranking fisheries are orange roughy and porbeagle shark followed by
oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna mako shark snapper blue shark and black
cardinalfish These fish represent a poor seafood choice and should be avoided
Degraded3
Quite a few commercially caught species have moved down the Best Fish Guide rankings
These include skates or rays bluenose rock lobster scallops eels and both bigeye and
yellowfin tuna
Below is a table illustrating some of New Zealandrsquos fisheries with the greatest
environmental impact (unless otherwise stated these numbers are based on a 3 year
average of the latest information)
Ecological impact Worst offending fisheries (in order of impact) Numbers killed per year
Marine Mammals
- Hectors dolphins4 Riglemonfish school shark elephantfish butterfish 110-150
- NZ sea lions5 Southern squid trawl fishery scampi southern blue
whiting 54
- NZ fur seals5
Hoki southern blue whiting ling 800
- Dolphins (common porpoise bottlenose)
5 Jack mackerel blue mackerel 55
Seabirds (2006-07)5
- Albatrosses Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline swordfish longline
1060
- Petrels Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline 1900
- Fishing methods Longline fisheries 1500
3 Change in status relative to the Best Fish Guide 2007-08 assessment 4 Davies N Bian R Starr P Lallemand P Gilbert D and McKenzie J (2008) Risk analysis of Hectorrsquos dolphins
and Mauirsquos dolphin subpopulations to commercial set net fishing using a temporal-spatial age-structured model NIWA Wellington
5 Abraham E R and Thompson F N (2009) Capture of protected species in New Zealand trawl and longline fisheries1998-99 to 2006-07 Dragonfly Wellington
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 8
eg Tuna longline fisheries (southern bluefin tuna big-eye tuna etc)
500
eg Bottom longline fisheries ndash snapper ling bluenose
990
Trawl fisheries (eg squid hoki scampi) 1680
Turtles5
Tuna longline fisheries 12
Sharks
- Basking sharks6 Hoki squid barracouta 50
- Blue sharks7 Tuna longline fishery 76000
Finned sharks (proportion of sharks finned between 2002 and 2007)
6
eg blue shark 87
eg porbeagle shark 85
eg mako shark 47
Seafloor species8
Bottom trawl fisheries (eg orange roughy and oreo) 30+ tonnes
Incidental (non-target) bycatch
Scampi fishery9 54 x total scampi
catch
Southern bluefin tuna10
20 x total southern bluefin
tuna catch
Trawl fisheries11
10-25 of total target catch
Dredge fisheries (eg oysters and scallops)12
1 - 25 x total target catch
New Zealand sea lion bycatch has been estimated to range from 45 to 115 sea lions over the last five years
A summary of the ecological assessment scores for each New Zealand seafood species is
presented in Appendix II (page130)
6 Ministry of Fisheries (2008) New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks
Ministry of Fisheries Wellington 7 Science Group Ministry of Fisheries (2008) Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008
stock assessments and yield estimates 157p 8 Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-
2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p 9 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02
to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
Ballara SL and Anderson OF (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the trawl fisheries for arrow squid and scampi in New Zealand waters New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 38 102p
Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p
Anderson O F and Smith M H (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2002-03 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 20053 37p
10 Griggs LH Baird S J and Francis MP (2007) Fish bycatch in New Zealand tuna longline fisheries 2002-03 to 2004-05 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200718 58p
11 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
12 Beentjes MP and Baird SJ (2004) Review of dredge fishing technologies and practice for application in New Zealand New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200437 40p
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 9
Seafood assessment results
The following pages detail the ecological assessments of each commercially caught New
Zealand seafood species (An index is presented at the front of this report)
To aid the reader a quick reference to the key ecological concerns are illustrated with one
of the following icons
Fish stock(s) increasing after period of substantial decline
Fish stock(s) over-fished or have substantially declined
Fishery causes habitat damage
Fishery has a seabird bycatch problem
Fishery has a marine mammal bycatch problem
Fishery has a non-target fish bycatch problem
Fishery causes adverse ecological effects
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 10
Albacore tuna
Scientific name Thunnus alalunga
Other names White tuna (canned) albacore longfinned albacore thon blanc (France) tunny (UK) binnaga bincho tombo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna that is mainly caught by troll and longline fisheries (30-50 of the catch) off the west coast of New Zealand‟s North and South Islands The albacore catch steadily increased following the start of commercial fishing in the 1960s and fluctuated (between 2200 and 6600 tonnes) in the last ten years (Lewis and Williams 2001 p29) The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals declining stock trends and the absence of catch limits a management plan and an updated stock assessment Removal of this large predatory species from the ocean‟s food web has wide ecological implications Economic value The main market is for canned albacore with the canning process done outside New Zealand Canned albacore tuna is sold as ldquowhite tunardquo mainly in the USA The export value is over $10 million per year Best option Troll caught tuna (eg West Coast of the South Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology amp risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Albacore tuna are a highly migratory species found on the west coast of the North and South Islands between New Plymouth and Fiordland It is also found on the East Coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit There are no catch limits set for New Zealand (it is not on the QMS) and there is no global catch limit Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 2251 tonnes in 2008 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown - Likely to be above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe current assessment indicates lower levels of stock size and maximum sustainable yield which appear to be more realistic than previous assessments There is uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the south Pacific albacore stock and the WCPFC [Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission] Scientific committee recommended that catches of south Pacific albacore remain at current levels considering the current rates of fishing mortality on adult albacorerdquo (MFish 2008 p31) Impact of fishing method and Protected threatened or endangered species bycatch (score D and C) Fishing Method(s) Trolling on the West Coast of the South Island and longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery and sharks are caught in the troll fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and Management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Management plan No The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 11
Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the WCPFC is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries (2000) A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report (2001) New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) stock assessments and yield estimates Ministry of Fisheries Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 12
Alfonsino
Scientific name Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Other names Splendid alfonsino sudlicher kaiserbarsch (Germany) roodbars (Netherlands) beryx (France) kinmedai kinme (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Alfonsino is actually the name used for two deepwater species related to the red snapper They are both widely dispersed in New Zealand waters and are particularly found around seamounts and deepwater reefs in waters 200 to 800m deep Ecological concerns Management of two species as one damage by fishing gear to seamounts ecological impacts of bottom trawling shark bycatch limited research lack of a management plan unknown stock status and unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and current catch limits in all of the fishstocks Economic value Main market is Japan with exports of about $7 million per year ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (Score C) Distribution Widely dispersed in New Zealand waters but mainly found near seamounts off the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Rise at depths of 300-600m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 4-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3000 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2748 tonnes in 2007-08 Catch limits have been exceeded in BYX 2 for seven of the last ten years Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For BYX 1 ldquois likely to be lightly fishedhellip no stock assessment has been conducted and the state of the stock in relation to BMSY is not knownrdquo For BYX 2 current catches ldquoappears to be sustainable in the short to medium termrdquo For BYX 3 ldquoIt is not known if the recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p43) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing Method(s) Mainly bottom trawling and some mid-water trawling over hills and seamounts around the Chatham Rise Habitat damage Trawling damages fragile underwater seamounts altering unique community complexes Bycatch Sharks and a range of non-target species including sponges and corals Ecological effects Destruction to seafloor habitats and seamount ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No assessments for any area except BYX 2 which has had no quantitative assessment since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 13
Anchovy
Scientific name Engraulis australis
Other names kokowhaawhaa korowhaawhaa (Maori) Southern anchovy
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This small fast growing but short-lived schooling fish is common in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays It is often found in mixed schools with pilchards and sprats and occurs around the world Jointly with pilchards and sprats anchovy has the best ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns There are no estimates of the size of its sustainable yield a lack of basic biological information on natural mortality growth or stock structure limited research and lack of a management plan There is also concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species Economic value New Zealand and exports of under $100000 per year Best option Anchovy are one of the best New Zealand seafood choices ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Commonly found in inshore waters around the North Island and upper South Island Maximum age (years) 6 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 560 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1 tonne in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status This species has been very lightly fished so it is thought to be at or close to its natural level The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for anchovyrdquo (MFish 2009 p46) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species capture (score B and B) Fishing Method(s) Lampara nets and purse seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch Some bycatch of other pelagic fish Ecological effects Reducing the anchovy population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other species including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals as has happened with anchovy fisheries elsewhere Sometimes anchovy are discarded when there are no markets making this effect unnecessary Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 14
Arrow Squid
Scientific name Nototodarus gouldi and Nototodarus Sloanii
Other names wheketere (Maori) short-finned squid calamari (Australia) kalamari teftis (Greece) kalmar (Germany) pota (Spain)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two species of squid are very short lived (1 year) and range from surface depths down to 500 metres in coastal waters around New Zealand Arrow squid are mainly caught off the South Island and the Auckland Islands with most taken by mid-water trawling with the rest caught by bottom trawling and jigging Ecological concerns Trawl caught squid where there is a high number of threatened NZ sea lions NZ fur seals seabirds and non-target fish killed as bycatch plus damage done to the seabed and associated species by bottom trawling The Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery is of particular concern killing hundreds of seabirds and up to 150 sea lions per year (72 in 2009) from the main breeding colony which is in decline The state of stocks absence of research and lack of a management plan are also concerns In addition two species are managed as one and there is an absence of basic biological information on squid and no research programme focussed on squid Economic value Most arrow squid are exported frozen to Greece (17) Spain (15) and Australia (12) Exports vary considerably between years and were worth about $70 million in 2008 which was well below 2004 exports ($172m) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Nototodarus sloanii is found off the East Coast of the South Island and the Southern Plateau while N gouldi occurs in warmer waters off the East and West coasts of the North Island south of the sub-tropical convergence Maximum age (years) 1 Size at sexual maturity 22-30 cm (mantle length) Growth rate High Reproductive output Very high Size exploited Approximately 20cm (mantle length) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 127332 tonnes every year since 1997-98 but there has been additional in-season adjustments in Squid 1T of an additional catch of 10 to 30 Recorded catch Reported landings of 56035 tonnes in 2007-08 was about two-thirds of the TACC set in all years since 1997-98 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquohellip it is not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for squid nor determine if recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p54) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing Method(s) Approximately 30 are caught by bottom trawling with the rest coming from mid-water trawling and a small amount by squid jigging a more environmentally friendly method which uses bright lights to attract squid to the jiggers Habitat damage Bottom trawling and mid-water trawl gear fished near the seafloor damages the seabed Bycatch Globally threatened NZ sea lions which have been in decline for the last 10 years NZ fur seals albatross and petrels drown in trawl nets The fishery also catches globally threatened basking sharks Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of these important prey species can affect populations of larger fish seabirds and marine mammals including the threatened NZ sea lion Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1988 Catch limits Yes Management plan No
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 15
Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd NZ SeaFIC website 2005
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 16
Barracouta
Scientific name Thyrsites atun
Other names maka makaa mangaa (Maori) couta snoek
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Barracouta is a relatively short-lived species that is related to gemfish It is widely distributed in the Southern oceans and whilst abundant in New Zealand‟s cooler waters south of Cook Strait they also occur in our northern waters ranging from shallow inshore areas to depths of 200m Once an undesirable bycatch species barracouta are now an important part of trawl fishery catches Ecological concerns The damage done to large areas of the seabed by bottom trawling poor knowledge of stock boundaries limited research lack of a management plan and uncertainty over the sustainability of the current catch limit and recent catches Bycatch of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels non-target fish plus removal of this important predator species on food webs are also of concern Economic value Main markets include Japan China Papua New Guinea and South Africa Total exports worth $28 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Mainly found off the South Chatham Stewart and Snares Islands to depths of 200m Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate to fast Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 32662 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 27968 tonnes in 2007-08 were well under the peak landings of 47000 tonnes reported in 1977 The catch for BAR 5 has exceeded the TACC by up to 25 in three of the last four years Stock trends Unknown A decline in Southland was indicated from trawl surveys in the 1990‟s but surveys have since been cancelled MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available for any barracouta stocks and therefore it is not known if current TACCs and recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p62) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing Method Bottom trawling Habitat damage Large areas of benthic communities are damaged by bottom trawling including bryozoans and crabs Bycatch Non-target fish species such as silver warehou and spiny dogfish and a significant bycatch in Southland of NZ fur seals white-capped (shy) albatrosses and sooty shearwaters Ecological effects Fishing for barracouta removes an important predator from food webs Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment Yield estimates based on average catch have not been reviewed since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 17
Bigeye tuna
Scientific name Thunnus obesus
Other names Ahi Bigeye thon obese (France) mabachi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bigeye tuna is a highly migratory species that is deeper swimming than other tuna found off the coast of the North Island for much of the year Longline fisheries for this tuna occur mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north New Zealand represents only 35 percent of the Pacific catch which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks declining stock trend lack of a management plan plus the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals Bigeye is internationally listed as a threatened species (vulnerable) Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value in 2008 was $17 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Big eye tuna are caught mainly on the east and west coast of the North Island mainly in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 11+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 714 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 201 tonnes in 2006-07 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Likely to be currently above BMSY but thought to be unsustainable - effort 30 higher than sustainable levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Recent [Pacific wide] catches are high relative to the estimated MSY both because of high recent fishing mortality and because the stock has benefited from above-average recruitment over the past 15 years The WCPFC Scientific Committee recommended a minimum 30 reduction in fishing mortality from the average levels for 2003ndash2006 with the goal of returning the fishing mortality rate to FMSY The SC acknowledged that projections indicate that the bigeye tuna stock may become overfished (biomass lt BMSY spawning biomass lt SBMSY) in the future with regard to both total biomass and spawning biomass even with a 30 reduction in fishing mortality Therefore it may be necessary to recommend additional reductions in fishing mortality in the future if assessments indicate that fishing mortality is greater than FMSY (MFish 2008 p39)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing Method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 18
Black cardinalfish
Scientific name Epigonus telescopus
Other names akiwa (Maori) big-eye cardinalfish cardinalfish apogon (France) tenjikudai yesemutsu (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing long-lived (over 100 years) deepwater species is the only cardinalfish that reaches a marketable size It is common off the east coast of the North Island at depths of 300 to 800m and is caught in association with alfonsino around seamounts and orange roughy which has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns The damage done to seamounts by bottom trawling the bycatch of deepwater sharks declining catch rates in the main fisher the unknown state of many stocks and the unsustainability of East Coast North Island and Chatham Rise fisheries where stocks have been estimated to be just 12 of the original unfished population size Limited research lack of a management plan and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit or recent catches are also of concern Economic value The main market is New Zealand with some exports to Japan and China Total exports of $15million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Most abundant off the east coast of the North Island in very mobile schools up to 150m off the bottom over hills and rough ground and at depths of 300-800m Maximum age (years) 100+ Age at sexual maturity 35-45 Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 50-60cm 35 years
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown but thought to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 3751 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1134 tonnes in 2007-08 represents the lowest catch since the fishery was developed in the mid-1980s Stock trends Declining catch rates in the main fishery (CDL2) to a level well below a quarter of that in the early 1990s MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For CDL2 3 and 4 ldquoB2009 was estimated to be 12 B0rdquo and ldquoModel projections indicate that the biomass will increase at catch levels near or below the 2007-08 level but will decline sharply at catch levels equal to the TACCrdquo For other stocks ldquothere is no informationrdquo (MFish 2009 p72-73)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing Method Bottom and mid-water trawling north of Chatham Rise where it is caught in association with Orange Roughy Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates sea floor benthic species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats bulldozing the sea floor destroying black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Deepwater sharks and a range of deepwater species including Orange Roughy Ecological effects Impact on seamount communities and deepwater fish populations
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 for CDL 2 to 8 and 1999 for CDL 1 and 9 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The first accepted quantitative stock assessment was completed for CDL 2 3 and 4 in 2009 An assessment of CDL 2 was previously attempted in 1997 and 2001 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 19
Blue cod
Scientific name Parapercis colias
Other names kopukopu paakirikiri paatutuki raawaru (Maori) New Zealand cod sand perch taragisu (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue cod is an endemic bottom dwelling species that is relatively common throughout New Zealand but is most abundant south of Cook Strait Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch limits which are significantly greater than yield estimates based on past average catches the combined commercial and recreational catches plus limited research The impact of trawling on long-lived slow-growing fragile corals and sponges is also of major concern Large and heavily baited pots can also damage seafloor species when dropped in deeper waters Other concerns include shags being caught in pots and the lack of a management plan Economic value New Zealand markets plus exports to Australia Malaysia China and Taiwan of less than $1 million in 2008 Best option Blue cod caught by hand line ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Blue cod is a bottom dwelling species found mainly inshore off southern New Zealand and the Chatham Islands to depths of 150m The main fisheries occur off Southland and the Chatham Islands with smaller but significant fisheries off Otago Marlborough Sounds and Wanganui Maximum age (years) 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-6 years - all blue cod start life as females with some changing into males when older Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited Enter commercial fishery at 6-12 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2680 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2316 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However a decline of over 40 in 6 years is indicated in the Marlborough Sounds from pot surveys and recreational fishers have suggested local depletion in parts of BCO3 BCO5 and BCO7 BCO5 productivity appears to be affected by dredging for oysters (Cranfield et al 2001) MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor BCO 12345 and 8 recent commercial catch levels and current TACCs are considered sustainablerdquo But ldquoFor [Marlborough Sounds] (in BCO 7) it is not known if the combined recreational and commercial catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p88) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mostly target caught in pots but some are caught on hand lines and some as bycatch by the inshore trawl fleet in BCO3 and BCO7 Apart from area BCO5 there are no limits on the size of mesh used in pots ndash this increases the chance of small fish being caught Habitat damage Long-lived slow growing soft corals sponges and bryozoans are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped on them Trawlers also scrape and damage the seabed and associated species Bycatch Shags may drown in pots and small fish may be caught Ecological effects The combined effects of a loss of large blue cod which are easily caught in fisheries the bycatch caught in trawl fisheries and the serial depletion of blue cod may all be having a degree of adverse impacts on the wider marine ecosystem
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 20
Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cranfield H J G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ J of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 21
Blue mackerel
Scientific name Scomber australasicus
Other names tawatawa tewetewe (Maori) pacific mackerel southern mackerel maquereau (France) saba (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue mackerel is a relative of tuna and is similarly widely distributed around the Pacific including New Zealand It is often found below schools of jack mackerel and kahawai and is caught year round off the North Island and northern South Island primarily by purse seine fishing Ecological concerns The little known state of fishstocks the unknown sustainability of catch levels declining catch rates on the West Coast limited research and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the bycatch of dolphins and other fish species plus the ecological impact of blue mackerel removal from food webs Economic value Exports worth about $10 million in 2008 Main markets are Australia Philippines and Eastern Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Pelagic species widespread around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 24+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but thought to be of a moderate population size Annual catch limit Set at 11550 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8982 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However large decline in catch rates in EMA7 (West Coast of both Islands) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the status of blue mackerel stocks and no estimates of current and reference biomass or yield are available for any blue mackerel area It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p96) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score C and D) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse-seining but also bottom longline bottom pair-trawl beach-seine bottom trawl driftnet (in international waters) dip net Danish seine hand line lampara midwater trawl lobster pot ring net surface longline set net and troll Habitat damage Low for purse-seine caught fish high for bottom trawl and bottom pair-trawl caught fish Bycatch Caught in association with other pelagic species including jack mackerel kahawai skipjack tuna and trevally When caught with the jack mackerel fishery there is a dolphin bycatch problem on the West Coast of the North Island Ecological effects This fishery has an impact on a range of pelagic fish species which play an important role in driving smaller baitfish species close to the sea surface where a variety of seabird species are able to feed on them Reducing these pelagic fish species can in turn reduce the amount of baitfish available at the sea surface for seabirds to feed on Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Management plan No Management component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 22
Blue moki
Scientific name Latridopsis ciliaris
Other names moki moki trumpeter isuzumi isaki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue moki is a comparatively long-lived species found in shallow waters Landings have declined since the mid-1990s when it was introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS) This species spawns between East Cape and Mahia and is culturally important for East CapeCape Runaway Iwi (Maori tribes) It is caught by trawl or set net Ecological concerns The reduction in landings since it was introduced to the QMS limited research the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock structure and the unknown status of stocks and population size Use of set nets and trawlers have impacts on seabed communities and non-target fish species The fishing methods may also have impacts on marine mammals Economic value The main market for blue moki is within New Zealand with exports of under $100000 in 2008 Best option Blue moki caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly found around the South Island and the entire east coast of the North Island south of Cape Runaway down to depths of 100m Blue moki spawns near Cape Runaway East Cape Maximum age (years) 43+ Age at sexual maturity 5-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 608 tonnes in 2001-2002 Recorded catch Reported total landings of 533 tonnes in 2007-2008 below reported annual peak landings in 1970 and 1979 of approximately 960 tonnes Stock trends Rebuilding MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available The current TACCs and recent catch levels are below the estimated MCY are considered sustainablehellip at least in the short to medium term TACs were originally set at low levels to promote stock rebuildingrdquo (MFish 2009 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Trawling and set nets Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on sensitive seafloor species Bycatch Range of non-target fish species caught in set nets and trawl nets plus potential impacts on marine mammals and seabirds including threatened Hector‟s dolphins Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 23
Blue shark
Scientific name Prionace glauca
Other names mango-pounamu poutini (Maori) blue whaler blue pointer peau bleue requin bleu (France) yoshikirizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing A highly migratory species Blue sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north Most of the blue sharks (around 87) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals limited research and the lack of a quantitative stock assessment or a management plan Removal of this predatory species may also have considerable negative ecological implications Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning which is legal in New Zealand is also enormously wasteful Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tail) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Blue sharks range and are caught in longline fisheries all around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 8 for males and 7 to 9 for females Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 1860 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Landings of 835 tonnes total reported catch Stock trends Uncertain estimates of reference and current biomass are not available At a CSIRO scientific meeting in 2007 blue sharks were estimated to have declined by 40 in the Tasman Sea over the last 10 years MSY Status Uncertain Listed on IUCN red list as a near threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics blue shark is possibly less vulnerable to overexploitation than mako or porbeagle sharksrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline fishery The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries figures show that from 2002-2007 more than 80 of blue sharks caught in New Zealand were taken just for their fins
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 24
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 25
Blue warehou
Scientific name Seriolella brama
Other names common warehou warehou okihirasu media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue warehou is a coastal species unlike other warehou (silver and white warehou) common in depths of 20 to 200m in cooler southern waters south of Cook Strait It is popular in fish and chip shops The main fishing grounds for include Cook Strait and the West Coast of the South Island Ecological concerns Limited research the unknown size of fishstocks the lack of a management plan the habitat damage caused by bottom trawling non-target fish bycatch and the associated ecological impacts caused by the fishing methods Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $1 million in 2008 mainly to Japan and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Mainly found in coastal waters around the South Island at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate until maturity Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown in all areas and poorly estimated for WAR3 Annual catch limit Set at 4513 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1530 tonnes in 2007-08 which is a large decline compared to previous catches In past years catches in WAR3 have exceeded the TACC by up to 40 Stock trends Probably declining in WAR 3 fishery and unknown in other areas MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of reference and current biomass are not available For all Fishstocks it is not known if recent landings or TACC‟s are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p109) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (eg squid) including bottom trawling for hoki Some are caught in coastal set nets Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans Bycatch A range of non-target fish species are caught as bycatch in set nets and trawl nets Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - an uncertain assessment was carried out in WAR3 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 26
Bluenose
Scientific name Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Other names matiri (Maori) bonita blue bream deepsea trevalla blue eye trevella (Australia) stone eye Griffin‟s silver fish minami media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bluenose is a long-lived slow growing relative of warehou found in the temperate waters of the southern Hemisphere They are caught year round by trawl and longline mainly around offshore reefs or drop off areas
Ecological concerns The damage caused to underwater banks and canyons north of the Cook Strait by trawling the bycatch of non-target fish species such as sharks and seabirds limited research the lack of a management plan and the uncertainty over stock boundaries Also of concern is the large decline in catch rates (64 in 5 years) throughout the zone the unknown state of stocks and the likelihood the stock will continue to decline at the current catch limits
Economic value Exports of about $14 million in 2008 with main markets in United States (about 50) and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand mainly around rocky areas at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 10+ Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited lt10
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2305 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2498 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining throughout the zone MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoStandardised catch per unit of effort (CPUE) series based on data from six fisheries which span most of major fisheries taking bluenose in the NZ EEZ have declined an average of 64 over the period 2001ndash02 to 2006ndash07 If this decline is indicative of the overall abundance of bluenose in these areas then BNS abundance could have declined by more than 50 across all areas over these six years If there has been replenishment of the features being fished in the period prior to the decline the overall decline in abundance could be even larger Although factors other than abundance may have contributed to the declines in CPUE and catches current BNS catches and TACCs do not appear to be sustainable hellip It is likely that the stock will continue to decline at the current TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p123-125)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Caught by bottom longline in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland and as a bycatch in the alfonsino midwater trawl fishery off the Wairarapa coast Habitat damage Trawling and associated seafloor scraping causes damage to underwater banks canyons and seamounts north of the Cook Strait Bycatch Other non-target fish species in the alfonsino fishery Longlining and trawling also catch a range of bycatch species including sharks Seabirds are also caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects The combined impacts of trawling and longlining on the structure of marine communities
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock estimates for all areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group MFish The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 27
Butterfish Scientific name Odax pullus
Other names marari matohe tarao kooaea (Maori) greenbone Bera-rui (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Butterfish is an endemic species of kelpfish found in shallow waters around the New Zealand coast They are more abundant south of East Cape especially around Cook Strait where they are caught year round in set nets Ecological concerns The unknown status of stocks and population size unknown sustainability of catch levels absence of research the lack of a management plan and the bycatch of non-target fish species Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However a pending court ruling may grant the fishery an exemption and raise the risk to these dolphins Economic value Butterfish is sold in New Zealand Best option Butterfish caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in shallow waters in rocky coastal areas of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands It is most common in areas around Cook Strait Maximum age (years) 11-15 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 ndash larger fish are males that started life as females Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - there are no estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit Set at 162 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 114 tonnes in 2007-08 mainly in the Cook Strait and around Stewart Island Recreational catch is estimated to be of a similar size Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known whether recent catch levels will allow the stock to move towards BMSY Butterfish populations are susceptible to localised depletionrdquo (MFish 2009 p131) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Method Targeted set nets Habitat damage Low for set netting Bycatch Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where butterfish fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Ecological effects Butterfish are important kelp eating fish so their depletion could have wider impacts on kelp forest ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative estimates References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 28
Cockles
Scientific name Austrovenus stutchburyi
Other names hinangi huangi huuai huangiangi tuangi (Maori) NZ littleneck clam (USA) clam venus-shells coque (Canada)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description A relatively short-lived but widespread shellfish species found in soft mud to silty sand habitats in harbours and estuaries The main commercial harvesting areas are at Whangarei NelsonMarlborough and the Otago Peninsula Ecological concerns The impacts of mechanical harvesting and digging at Tasman and Golden Bay Also the past depletion of stocks in Whangarei harbour gaps between surveys the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock size in relation to virgin biomass and BMSY in other areas The ecological effects of removing or killing this shellfish on wading birds that feed on cockles is also of concern Economic value Sold in New Zealand and exported (under $1 million in 2008) to United States and Europe (France) Best option Cockles collected by hand (eg Whangarei and Otago) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands in harbours and estuaries from mean high tide level down to low tide Maximum age (years) 8+ Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Biomass was estimated to be about 35 of virgin biomass in COC1A (Whangarei) In COC3A (Otago) adult cockles are just below or well below 1992 levels in Waitati and Papanui Inlet In COC7A+B (Top of South Island ndash Golden Bay - Marlborough) two of the three commercially fished areas have declined Annual catch limit Total catch limit was set at 3206 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported commercial harvest of approximately 1148 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends In Whangarei (COC1) large cockles (greater than 35mm) have declined to about 5 percent of 1982 levels In Whangarei harbour cockles have declined to well below 1980s levels For Otago areas the biomass is under 30 and 55 of 1992 levels for juvenile cockles and 65-90 of adult numbers In Tasman Bay-Golden Bay the Pakawau Beach population does not appear to have declined (and may have increased) whereas Ferry Point and Riwaka-Tapu Bay cockle size and abundance has declined to 20 and 50 respectively MSY Status Depleted in Whangarei harbour Fishery Assessment plenary report states For Whangarei harbour (COC1) that ldquoThis current TACC is higher than the estimated CAY (239 t) unless a smaller size (28 mm SL or shorter) at recruitment is assumed suggesting that fishing at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be sustainable in the long termrdquo For NelsonMarlborough (COC7A and B) ldquoAt Pakawau Beach the biomass of cockles does not appear to have declined since the start of the commercial fishery in 1983 and has probably increased owing to exceptional recruitment in 2000 At Ferry Point the size and abundance of cockles has declined markedly since 1996 At Riwaka-Tapu Bay size and abundance has also declined Because of the uncertainty over the relationsip between Bcurrent and BMSY it is not known if recent catches and current catch limits will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo For Otago ldquoIn Waitati Inlet the estimates of CAY hellipare above current catch levels and recent reported landings Furthermore CAY estimates for the area of the inlet where commercial fishing currently occurs are also above current catch levels and recent reported landingsrdquo (MFish 2009 p142 148 and 185)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 29
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and A) Fishing method(s) Mechanical digging and raking of mudflats in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and hand harvesting in Whangarei harbour and Otago Peninsula Habitat damage Mechanical digging and raking kills small cockles and impacts other species living within the sediment Minimal impact from hand harvesting Bycatch Impact of mechanical dredging on small shellfish and other sub-surface organisms Ecological effects Small cockles are an important part of the diet of some wading bird species Removing or killing small cockles reduces the amount of food available to wading birds including South Island and variable oystercatchers bar-tailed godwits and Caspian and white-fronted terns Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 for four areas Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Surveys for stock assessments were carried out in Whangarei 2007 Otago 2007 and Pakawau (Golden Bay) Riwaka and Ferry Point in 2008 Quantitative assessments for most areas using 1991-93 information Annual surveys are required for CAY assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 30
Dark ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Other names Chimaera pearl pearl fish chimeacutere (France) ginbuka ginzame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing deepwater shark species is only found in New Zealand and is most abundant in waters 150 to 500m deep off the West Coast of the South Island and the Chatham Rise It is caught almost entirely as bycatch in other target trawl fisheries notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological data the uncertain long-term sustainability of catch levels the unknown status of the fishstocks and the impact of trawling on benthic species As a bycatch species it has associated seabird and marine mammal bycatch and disrupted ecosystem concerns Whilst there is no management plan for dark ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo
Economic value Ghost shark exports of around $2 million to Australia and shark fins are exported to Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly off central and southern New Zealand at depths of 200-400m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown ndash 52-53cm for males and 62-63 cm for females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3012 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 1911 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquo[F]or all stocks it is not known if recent catch levels or current TACCs are sustainable in the long term or whether they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p289)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling (mixture of mid-water and bottom trawling) caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining Habitat damage Destruction of deepwater habitats by bottom trawling Bycatch Wide range of bycatch species (see hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) including seabirds marine mammals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target fish (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta)
Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available for dark ghost shark References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 31
Eels
Scientific name Anguilla australis (short-finned) A dieffenbachii
(long-finned) A reinhardtii (Australian long-finned)
Other names tuna hao tuna heke papakura (Maori short-finned) kuuwharuwharu reherehe (Maori long-finned) short-finned eel long-finned eel yellow eel silver eel (NZ) anguile australe (France)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Eels are important freshwater predators There are two main species of New Zealand eel ndash the endemic long-finned and native short-finned eels They are caught in baited fyke nets or traditional hinaki Both species are long-lived spending part of their life-cycle at sea and part in freshwater environments The long-finned eel is listed as a threatened species by the Department of Conservation (Hitchmough (comp) 2002) A third species - the Australian long-finned eel - is primarily found in Northland Ecological concerns The severely overfished status of the endemic long-finned eel declining catch rates and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels managing two species (short-finned and Australian long-finned) as one species in the South Island the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the lack of a management plan Bycatch of seabirds is also of concern Economic value New Zealand and exports of about $6 million in 2008 to markets including Germany Belgium Netherlands and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Eels are found throughout freshwater lakes rivers and streams plus some estuarine and coastal waters in New Zealand including the Chatham Islands Long-finned Short-finned Maximum age (years) 106 60 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity (migration) 11-56+ 5-41+ (uncertain) Growth rate variable unknown Reproductive output Low Low Sizeage exploited 8-17 6-13 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 872 in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 660 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 35 years Stock trends Declining catch rates in all areas for longfin eels and declines in many areas for shortfin eels Long-finned eel now classified as a threatened species ldquoModelling suggests longfin eels may be severely recruitment overfishedrdquo (MFish 2007 p 254) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Longfin ldquoThis species is more susceptible to overexploitation than shortfins because of their limited geographical distribution (confined to New Zealand and offshore islands) and longevityhellip A key component to ensuring the sustainability of eels is to maintain spawner escapement and to that end approximately 30 of available longfin habitat in the North Island and 34 in the South Island is either in reserves or in rarelynon-fished areas If hydro development and habitat loss are included and based on biomass estimates from several South Island rivers it is estimated that the biomass of longfin eels above the minimum weight at migration is less than 20 of historical valuesrdquo Shortfin ldquoThe catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for the main commercial shortfin fisheries in the South Island generally increased from 2001-02 to 2005-06 By contrast the North Island [areas] with the largest commercial catches showed less consistent trendshellip Caution is therefore required in managing shortfin stocks given the nature of their biology and the fact that they are harvested before they can spawnrdquo (MFish 2009 p248-249) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Fyke nets or hinaki
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 32
Habitat damage Impact of fyke net placement only Bycatch Seabirds (shags) caught in fyke nets Ecological effects The ecological effects of fishing are uncertain but likely to be much less than the impact of land drainage and dams on eel habitat Cumulatively overfishing and habitat loss are removing this important predatory species from New Zealand‟s increasingly degraded freshwater systems Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes - South Island since 2000 Chatham Island since 2003 and North Island since 2004
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Short-finned and bdquoother‟ (Australian long-finned) eels managed as one component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Hitchmough (comp) 2002 NZ Threat Classification System Lists Department of Conservation
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 33
Elephant fish
Scientific name Callorhinchus milli
Other names repe reperepe makorepe (Maori) silver trumpeter white fillets elephant shark (Australia) zoginzame zoginbuku (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small shark species which is only found in New Zealand has biological characteristics that make it relatively less prone to overfishing than most shark species It is most common on the east coast of the South Island to depths of 200m where it is caught mainly as bycatch off the Banks Peninsula in trawl fisheries and as a target species in set nets Ecological concerns The lack of a management plan the unknown sustainability of some recent catch levels and catch limits and the failure to carry out a full stock assessment Also of concern is the impact of trawling on the seabed and associated communities plus non-target fish bycatch of set netting Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk to these dolphins Whilst there is no management plan for elephant fish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for elephant fish nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Market in New Zealand and exports of about $1m in 2008 to Australia and North America ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around the South Island but most common near Banks Peninsula at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 9-15 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to medium Age exploited 3+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Current catches in ELE 3 and 7 well exceed the MCY estimates Annual catch limit Set at 1214 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Total landings of 1436 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but maybe increasing in ELE 3 and 5 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are availablerdquo For ELE 2 and 7 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo For ELE3 ldquoA mixed species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance peaked in 2000ndash01 then dropped by about 40 to 2004ndash05 but has since recovered to near the 2000ndash01 peakrdquo For ELE5 ldquoA mixed target species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance has shown a steady increasing trend since the early 1990s Present CPUE is more than double the lowest level observed in the early 1990srdquo For ELE 3 and 5 ldquoThe state of stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p214-220) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and set nets Most are caught as bycatch in one of the red cod trawl fisheries as well as other trawl fisheries The proportion caught by set nets has declined Habitat damage Removal of benthic species and change in biodiversity from trawling Bycatch Hector‟s dolphins caught in set nets and some trawl fisheries (eg the red cod trawl fishery off Canterbury coast where elephant fish is a bycatch species) Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Elephant fish fisheries also have non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts of marine food webs
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 34
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 35
Flatfish Black flounder yellow-belly flounder dabsand flounder greenback flounder brill turbot lemon sole and NZ sole
Scientific name rhomosolea retiaria (black flounder) R leporine
(yellowbelly flounder) R plebeian (dabsand flounder) R tairina (greenback flounder) Colistium guntheri (brill) C nudipinnis (turbot) Pelotretis flaviatus (lemon sole) Peltorhamphus novaezealandiae (NZ sole)
Other names Paatikitotara (Maori yellow-belly flounder) paatiki (Maori sand flounder greenback flounder NZ sole) paatikimohoao (Maori black flounder) kutuhori paatiki rore pakeke (Maori NZ sole) patikinui (Maori brill) paatiki nui (Maori turbot)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These eight flatfish species grow rapidly and are caught mainly by inshore bottom trawling with smaller amounts in set nets and smaller beach drag nets Sand flounder is the most abundant species and is found only in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of eight species as one fishstock uncertain stock structures and sustainability of catch limits plus limited research (uncertain age of the fish when caught lack of basic biological data for some of the species and absence of yield estimates) and the lack of a management plan Bottom trawling causes serious damage to benthic species and communities whilst set netting is associated with bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds sharks and other non-target fish Flatfish fishing was made exempt from the May 2008 set net restrictions as the fishery is thought to pose a lower risk than other set net fisheries due to low net height However it is unclear whether this is the case given the absence of observers on vessels using this gear Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $8 million mainly to Australia China and Spain ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (8 species) (score B) Distribution Flatfish are found throughout New Zealand Maximum age (years) 6-21 depending on species ndash brill and turbot live significantly longer than other species reaching a maximum age of 21 and 16 years respectively Age at sexual maturity 2+ depending on species Growth rate Rapid Reproductive output Ranging from medium to very high Age exploited 2+ depending on species Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown for all areas and species but can be highly variable Annual catch limit Set at 5409 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3629 tonnes in 2007-08 down from previous peaks of 5160 tonnes in 1983-84 (of which 16 was NZ sole) and 5086 tonnes in 1992-93 Stock trends Unknown for all areas and species MSY Status Unknown for all areas and species Eight species are managed as one fishery The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Flatfish populations typically consist of only one or two year classes at any time The sizes of the populations depend heavily on the strength of the recruiting year classes and are therefore expected to be highly variable For this reason TACCs were set high to allow fishers to take advantage of times of high abundance Recent CPUE analyses revealed that although yellow belly flounder are short lived inter-annual abundance in FLA 1 was surprisingly stable These results suggest that a more conservative approach is possiblerdquo (MFish 2009 p235) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Inshore bottom trawling set nets and drag nets
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 36
Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of non-target fish species including red cod and red gurnard plus possible bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other dolphins NZ fur seals and seabirds by set nets Ecological effects Direct adverse impacts of bottom trawling on seafloor communities and removal of these bottom-dwelling species (especially the removal of large fish) may cause wide disruption to marine ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Eight different species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments for any species or areas but current catch limits are nearly three times estimated yield (MCY) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 37
Frostfish
Scientific name Lepidopus caudatus
Other names tiikati paara hikau para-taharangi (Maori) Cutlassfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively short-lived species is widely distributed around the world In New Zealand it is normally found over the outer shelf in waters 200 ndash 500m deep It is mainly caught as bycatch (more than 90) in trawl fisheries for jack mackerel and hoki and to a lesser extent in the arrow squid barracouta and gemfish fisheries Half are caught off the West Coast of the South Island and Taranaki Bight in mid-water trawl fisheries Ecological concerns Lack of research (including the absence of some basic biological information) the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the uncertainty about stock structure plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species of other fisheries marine mammals non-target fish and impacts on seabed communities are also serious concerns Economic value Export markets include Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely dispersed around New Zealand but mainly caught off the west coasts of both main islands Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3858 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1392 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available The stock structure is uncertain the fishery is variable and almost entirely a bycatch of other target fisheries No age data or estimates of abundance available It is therefore not possible to estimate yields It is not known if recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p261) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method A mixture of mid-water trawl and bottom trawl fishing Habitat damage Damage to seafloor communities when caught by bottom trawl in the hoki gemfish and other trawl fisheries Bycatch Caught as bycatch in the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries which include fur seal and common dolphin captures Less than 10 is target fished Ecological effects The effect of this fishery combined with the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries contribute towards multiple seafloor and water column community impacts Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 38
Garfish
Scientific name Hyporhamphus ihi
Other names hangenge ihe wariwari takeke (Maori) piper half-beak NZ garfish (US) demi-bec neozelandias (France) sayori (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Garfish are relatively short-lived and whilst similar species occur around the world this species is found only in New Zealand They are common in shallow coastal waters such as bays and harbours when they school at the surface Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information information on stock size and yield estimates the uncertainty of some biological information limited research huge uncertainty about stock boundaries and absence of a management plan Economic value Export markets include Asia Best option Garfish is one of the best New Zealand seafood choices as the fishing methods have minimal ecological impact ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Inshore waters around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate (uncertain) Reproductive output High Age exploited 2-3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit TACC of 50 tonnes set in 2002-2003 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available A fishery has existed for several decades but it is not known how heavily this has exploited the stock It is not possible to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p265) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Beach seine and lampara net (Garfish are sometimes also taken as a non-target catch in the pilchard fishery) Habitat damage Low due to most fish being caught by beach seine and lampara nets Bycatch Relatively low bycatch but small fish can be caught by both methods Ecological effects Low although depletion of garfish may have impacts on associated species by altering food web dynamics Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 39
Gemfish
Scientific name Rexea solandri
Other names maha-taharaki maka-tikati tiikati (Maori) silver kingfish southern kingfish silver gemfish (US) kagokamasu ginsawara shirosawara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively long-lived slender fish is found within a wide depth range of between 50 and 550m but is sometimes found as deep as 800m They are usually caught in inshore to middle-depth waters by trawling
Ecological concerns A significant level of habitat and therefore ecological damage is caused by bottom trawling and a range of fish are caught as bycatch New Zealand fur seal and sea bird bycatch is also associated with fisheries in which gemfish is caught as bycatch Annual catches and catch rates have declined dramatically since peaking at over 8000 tonnes in 1985ndash86 due to over-fishing combined with low recruitment poor state of the stocks (about 22 of the original unfished stock size) and annual landings being in the hundreds of tonnes during the last two years There is also no management plan for this species
Economic value Exports of $2 million in 2008 mainly to Japan
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Gemfish is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters but is more common in the south at depths of 150-200m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3-5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size All populations are about 22 of the unfished biomass which is well below BMAY (34) Annual catch limit Set at 1060 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings were 662 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Low recruitment since the early 1990s has resulted in depleted populations could decline further if low recruitment continues MSY Status Populations depleted well below Fisheries Act requirement (MSY) and there is no rebuilding plan in place The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states The assessment of the southern gemfish stock has not been updated since 1997 Landings from SKI 7 increased from 2000 to be a level over twice the TACC in 2004ndash05 but have decreased since then Northern [gemfish] For all three models projections at the current TACC levels suggest the stock may increase with average recruitment (long term mean from 1978 to 2000) but is likely to decline if recruitment remains at the levels seen in more recent years (from 1992 to 2000) (MFish 2009 p280)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Target trawling off the east and north coasts of the North Island Catches off the west and southern coasts of the South Island are now primarily bycatch of hoki and squid fisheries Habitat damage After scampi gemfish trawling had the highest impact of target fisheries in the Bay of Plenty (Cryer et al 2002) Bottom trawling within hoki and squid fisheries results in significant damage to seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of fish and invertebrate species are caught in the targeted fishery When caught in the hoki and arrow squid fisheries seabird fur seal and deepwater shark bycatch problems are also prevalent Ecological effects Bottom trawling disturbs the seabed and changes the abundance and community structure of many bottom dwelling fish species and benthic species (Cryer et al 2002)
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for QMA1 and 2 in 2007 and QMA3 and 7 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer M Hartill B and O‟Shea S (2002) Modification of marine benthos by trawling toward a generalization for the deep ocean Ecological Applications 12(6) 2002 pp1824-1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 40
Grey mullet
Scientific name Mugil cephalus
Other names hopu hohopu kanae kopuwai (Maori) mullet striped mullet sea mullet (Australia) mule muge cabot (France) bora (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Grey mullet is a surface dwelling coastal species that is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical seas In New Zealand it is most commonly found in northern bays harbours mangrove swamps and estuaries They are caught year round in set nets and beach seines but mainly from November to March when they gather to spawn offshore Ecological concerns That the current commercial catch limit in the main fishery is 100 tonnes above the maximum current yield estimate that landings have fluctuated during the last four years raising doubts about the status of this stock the lack of yield or biomass estimates for nearly all areas the lack of a management plan and the apparent disparity between quota areas and likely stock boundaries Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced this risk however a pending court ruling may reopen some fishing areas and continue the pose an undue threat to these dolphins Economic value Main market is in New Zealand with some exports to Asia of less than $100000 in 2008 Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution A surface dwelling species mostly found in sheltered bays and harbours off northern New Zealand Maximum age (years) 15+ Age at sexual maturity 3 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1005 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 849 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reports of serial depletion and declines in catch rates in some areas since 1990 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoGMU 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 using data up to 2005ndash06 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 The status of GMU1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p313) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Set nets and beach seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch A range of species are caught by set nets including marine mammals and non-target fish species Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects Possible ecosystem impacts of removing larger fish from the population Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 41
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Inconclusive quantitative stock assessment for West GMU1 in 1998 There is no assessment for other areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 42
Groper Hapuku amp Bass
Scientific name Polyprion oxygeneios (groper) and Polyprion
americanus (Bass)
Other names hakuraa kapua kauaeroa kawerai kuparu moeone whaapuku toti (Maori) sea bass wrackbarsch (Germany) wreckfish (USA) hata ara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two long-lived slow growing species of sea bass are found around New Zealand though Bass is also found in many temperate oceans around the world Bass is more common in the north and ranges into deeper water (up to 800m) than grouper (up to 400m) They are mainly caught in deep underwater canyons off the East Coast of the North Island Cook Strait Kaikoura and the West Coast of the South Island Once commonly caught inshore and an important coastal predator groper have now almost disappeared from diving depths Ecological concerns The management of two species as one quota species the uncertainty and conflict over stock boundaries limited research (including a lack of information on sustainable yields and uncertainty over basic biological information for bass) Other concerns include the lack of a management plan the decline in reported landings in recent years and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit Bycatch of other fish species is also of concern as is the loss of these ecologically important species particularly hapuku which is a prey species for sperm whales Economic value Export value of about $4million in 2008 mainly to Australia Japan and United States ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found around New Zealand including the Chatham Rise but most common in deep underwater canyons over or near rocky areas down to 250m GroperHapuku Bass Maximum age (years) 60+ 40+ Age at sexual maturity 10-13 10 Growth rate Slow Slow Reproductive output Low Low Age exploited 5 5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but large hapuku have almost disappeared from diving depths Annual catch limit Set at 2181 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1651 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reported landings have declined from a peak of 2698 tonnes in 1983-84 to around 1600 tonnes in recent years MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches are less than the MCY estimates are considered sustainable and are probably at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield Current TACCs are larger than the MCY estimates and it is not known if they are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p322) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly longline and hand line but also caught using trawl and set net Habitat damage Low for line caught fish but trawling catches and damages bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch A range of bycatch fish species including tarakihi and blue cod Deepwater sharks are also occasionally caught (eg seal shark) Ecological effects Serial depletion of these species can occur with line fishing removing large individuals Hapuku or groper is a known prey species for sperm whale so depletion may reduce the whale‟s food availability The effects of trawling include reducing the diversity of fragile invertebrate species including cold water corals sponges and bryozoans
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 43
Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessments or yields References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 44
Hake
Scientific name Merluccius australis
Other names kehe tiikati (Maori) whiting merluza (Spain) merlu (France) heiku (Japan) seehecht (Germany)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hake is a relative of the hoki found only in New Zealand It is targeted on the Chatham Rise and in the sub-Antarctics but is usually caught as bycatch by mid-water hoki trawling Most hake is caught off the West Coast of the South Island with some taken from the south of the South Island and around the Chatham Islands The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Seabirds and marine mammals are commonly caught as bycatch in the associated hoki fishery (NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels) Other concerns include inconsistencies between quota boundaries and stock boundaries the uncertainty of stock size and trends for West Coast and Sub-Antarctic populations the lack of a management plan illegal mis-reporting of catches and the rapid decline in Chatham Rise hake Economic value The main export markets are Japan Spain Australia and Portugal which were worth $27 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in waters around the South Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size In 2004 about 35 of unfished population size (B0) on Chatham Rise and could be between 30 and 70 on the West Coast of the South Island Annual catch limit Set at 13211 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Recorded landings of 5930 tonnes in 2007-08 which is the lowest level in 20 years Stock trends Declining on Chatham Rise slow decline or stable in Sub-Antarctic unknown on West Coast MSY Status Over-fished and declining on the Chatham Rise uncertain in the sub-Antarctics and appears to be sustainable on West Coast of the South Island The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Rise ldquoThe 2004 model results suggested a decline in biomass with biomass in 2004 at about 35 B0 Year class strengths from 1995 to 2000 are estimated to be weaker than average In the projections the model assumes average year class strength since 2001 although more small hake have been caught in the most recent trawl surveys suggesting that the 2002 year class may be above average Projections for the Chatham Rise stock estimated the risk of reducing the stock below 20 B0 in 2009 to be 88 with catches of 3616 t and 28 with catches of 1800 t The higher assumed catch of 3616 t represents the current [Chatham Rise TACC] HAK 4 plus half the HAK 1 while the lower catch level of 1800 t represents the HAK 4 TACC onlyrdquo West coast South Island ldquoThe assessment [2004] suffers from a lack of an independent abundance index for the stock Hence these results should be treated with caution This run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0 The other runs gave similar estimates of biomass and stock status All the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo For the sub-Antarctic stock ldquoAn attempt was made in 2004 to determine the stock status of this stock [but] results should be treated with caution [One] run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0hellipAll the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo (MFish 2009 p343-344) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling Hake are targeted around the Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Islands and caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery elsewhere particularly the West Coast of the South Island
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 45
Habitat damage Bottom trawling reduces species diversity and transforms community structure and composition Bycatch As a bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery the hake fishery is associated with killing hundreds of NZ fur seals and hundreds of albatrosses and petrels each year The seabirds killed include nine species of which several are globally threatened including black-browed albatross Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Ecological effects There is a loss of bottom-dwelling invertebrate diversity due to bottom trawl fishing Also the dumping of offal and other fish waste during fish processing at sea is likely to have a broad range of ecological impacts on marine species and food webs (eg it attracts seabirds some of which are subsequently killed of trawl lineswarps) Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for Chatham Rise and West Coast stocks in 2004 and for sub-Antarctic stocks in 2007
References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 46
Hoki
Scientific name Macruronus novaezelandiae
Other names whiptail blue hake blue grenadier (NZ) langschwanz-seehecht (Germany) merluse (France) merluza azul (Spain) nasello azzurro (Italy) hoki de nouvelle-zelande
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hoki is a relatively fast growing deepwater species related to cod and hake It generally lives beyond the shelf edge from 50 to 900m but is most abundant between 300 and 600m There are two intermixing biological stocks generally referred to as the eastern and western stocks Trawling occurs year round making hoki one of New Zealand‟s largest fisheries Hoki are targeted and caught in their spawning grounds on the West Coast of the South Island and the Cook Strait plus some smaller spawning areas on the east coast of the South Island and Pusegar Banks When not spawning hoki are caught in the sub-Antarctics and on the Chatham Rise where juveniles of both stocks are found Despite being certified as sustainable under the international Marine Stewardship Council scheme it still has significant ecological impacts Ecological concerns The bycatch of hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels each year plus bycatch of globally threatened basking sharks When bottom trawling the fishery has significant impacts on the seafloor altering seabed communities Also of concern is the management of two stocks as one quota management area the slow response to past stock declines so that large quota cuts were needed and the failure to take precautionary action in the face of potential stock recovery (Quotas are this year being increased back to 110000 tonnes - just over the level set following initial cuts in 2004 This increase is based on estimated of the west coast hoki stock being just within target levels for the first time in many years Additional concerns include illegal mis-reporting of catches the significant catches of small fish (over 40) on the Chatham Rise and on the West Coast plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Most hoki is exported to the USA Europe - including the UK and Belgium ndash Japan and Australia Hoki exports were worth $103 million in 2008 down from $346 million in 2001 The Fillet ‟o‟ Fish sold at McDonalds in New Zealand is hoki ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution The main areas where hoki are caught are off the West Coast of the South Island the Cook Strait Chatham Rise to the east of the South Island and Sub-Antarctic waters at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) 20-25 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 years Growth rate Relatively fast Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Following many years of poor recruitment of juvenile fish to the adult population and depletion of stocks particularly on the West Coast hoki have recently been estimated to be within or above 35-50 of their original unfished population size (B0) However the western stock could be as low as 27 of that size Annual catch limit From 250000 tonnes in 2001-02 catch limits were dramatically reduced to 100000 tonnes in 2004-05 and to 90000 tonnes in 2007-08 The catch limit has just been increased this year (2009) by over 20 to 110000 tonnes The hoki fishery has recently identified an Interim Management Target of 35 ndash 50 B0 Recorded catch Estimated catch of 89300 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Rebuilding The stocks have been serially depleted particularly the Western stock and are now dominated by small fish and young ages classes In 2008 around 50 of the catch on the Chatham Rise was made up of juvenile fish smaller than 65 cm The Chatham Rise made up about 40 of the total hoki catch in 2008 Overall in the hoki fishery around 40 of the fish caught were less than 65cm MSY Status 2009 is the first year of suspected recovery to a level at or above MSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Western Stock ldquoModel run 11 B2009 was estimated to be 36 B0 About as likely as not (40-60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target [35 ndash 50 B0] Model run
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 47
12 B2009 very likely to be 39 B0 Likely (60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target The biomass of the western hoki stock is expected to increase over the next 5 years at 2007-08 western fishery catch levelsrdquo Eastern stock ldquoBiomass in 2009 was estimated to be about 48 B0 The biomass of the eastern hoki stock is expected to increase slightly over the next 5 years at 2007-08 eastern fishery catch levelsrdquo ldquoBoth stocks are projected to be within or above the 35-50 B0 target range by the end of the projection periodrdquo (MFish 2009 p 367-371) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawling targets non-spawning aggregations (Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Plateau) and mid-water trawling targets spawning aggregations on West Coast and Cook Strait Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans The expanding use of twin rigs and double linked nets (and some triple linked nets) with a large heavy roller in between has increased the impact of this fishery on fragile deepwater habitats Bycatch Hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels are drowned in the hoki fishery each year The affected albatrosses and petrels include several globally threatened species such as black-browed and Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Non-target fish species bycatch is also a problem and includes quota species hake ling and silver warehou which are caught in West Coast hoki fisheries Other bycatch species include vulnerable deepwater sharks (eg shovelnose dogfish seal shark and Baxter‟s dogfish) Globally threatened basking sharks are also caught There is also incidental mortality of young hoki passing through the net meshes Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but draft prepared Management component Single species however two stocks managed as one quota area Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for East and West stocks in 2009 References European marketing and the MSC SEAFOOD magazine May 2004 Vol 12 no 4 p8 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 48
Jack mackerel
Scientific name Trachurus declivis (Jack Mackerel) T
novaezelandiae (New Zealand Jack Mackerel) T symmetricus murphyi (Peruvian Jack Mackerel)
Other names haature hauture (Maori) horse mackerel horse jack mackerel slender jack mackerel chinchard neozelandias (Canada) Chilean jack mackerel saurel (France) maaji (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These three species of jack mackerels are managed as one species and are mainly caught in the purse-seine targetbycatch fishery in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland‟s east coast Trawl fisheries catch jack mackerel in other areas including the Taranaki Bight and Chatham Rise Peruvian jack mackerel are a southern ranging species found in deepwater whereas jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species forming schools in midwater and ranging from shallow bays and harbours to oceanic islands and reefs Ecological concerns The management of three species as one fishery limited research the lack of some basic biological data for Peruvian jack mackerel the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels especially for western New Zealand (JMA7) Of significant concern is the bycatch of dolphins in the fishery west of the North Island and fur seals in fishery east and south of the South Island (JMA 3) Non-target fish bycatch seabird bycatch bottom trawl impacts on the seabed and ecological implications of jack mackerel removal from the food web Other concerns include the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of $51 million in 2008 with main markets in Japan Eastern Europe and Fiji ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species above 450S and 420S respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is a more southerly species from around the Stewart-Snares Shelf and the Chatham Rise The two northern species are found lt150-300m respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is found to a depth of gt500m Jack mackerel NZ mackerel Peruvian mackerel Maximum age (years) 25+ 25+ 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 3-4 4 Growth rate Moderate Moderate Moderate Reproductive output Medium-high Medium-high Medium Age exploited 2-3 Unknown 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown (Biomass estimates for JMA7 are uncertain) Annual catch limit Set at 60546 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 47855 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest reported Stock trends Decline in T declivis in JMA7 Landings have consistently been lower than the total allowable commercial catch since the mid-1990s MSY Status Unknown Only a preliminary assessment for jack mackerel (T declivis) in JMA7 in 2007 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the resource in JMA 3 though estimated species proportions indicate a catch dominated by T murphyi For JMA 1 and 3 it is not known whether catches at the level of the current TACCs or recent catch levels are sustainable in the long-term The status of JMA3 relative to BMSY [the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield] is unknownrdquo For JMA7 ldquoOverall it cannot be determined if the TAC or current removals are sustainable for JMA 7 but it is likely that the removals from one component of the fishery (T declivis) are sustainable at this time Given increased catches in recent years continued monitoring of the catch composition is strongly recommended as is further work on potential abundance indicesrdquo (MFish 2009 p389) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling and purse seining
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 49
Habitat damage Low for purse seining bottom trawling in effect bulldozes the seabed and can kill or damage bottom dwelling species and alter seafloor communities Bycatch Trawl fishing around Taranaki off Waikato and Auckland catches common dolphins dusky dolphins and pilot whales The fishing area may also overlap with the range of Maui‟s dolphins posing a possible risk to this critically endangered species Trawling on the Snares shelf catches fur seals Blue mackerel is also a bycatch species in this fishery Ecological effects Ecological implications associated with bottom trawling plus as an important predator and prey species reducing jack mackerel numbers can in turn have impacts on associated food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes but only in all areas since 1995 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component All three species managed together as one Stock assessment A preliminary stock assessment for T declivis in JMA7 in 2007 No new quantitative assessment for T novaezelandiae since 1993 in JMA7 No yield estimates in JMA 1 or 3 or for T murphyi in any stock References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Information describing Chilean jack mackerel (Trchurus murphyi) fisheries relating to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Doc SPRFMO-III-SWG-16 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 50
John dory
Scientific name Zeus faber
Other names kuparu pukeru (Maori) saint-pierre zeacutee (France) pez de san pedro (Spain) buckler dory (Canada) matocircdai (Japan) European john dory (US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description John Dory are mid-water to seafloor dwelling and whilst found throughout New Zealand they are most common north of the Cook Strait They are caught in mixed species trawl catches where the main target species are snapper and tarakihi with some also caught by Danish seine Ecological concerns The damage done by bottom-trawling the unknown long-term sustainability of the catch limits the unknown status of stocks population size and stock trends (uncertainty around possible declines off the West Coast South Island) and the uncertainty about stock boundaries in relation to quota boundaries Limited research and the lack of a management plan are also of concern
Economic value New Zealand market plus exports to Australia United States and Germany with a value of about $5 million in 2008
Best option John dory caught by Danish seine rather than by trawl Avoid fish caught using bottom trawl gear
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Relatively common in coastal waters off northern New Zealand especially from the Bay of Plenty northwards Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively rapid Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2-3
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but likely to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 1129 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 725 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown maybe declining off the West Coast of the South Island (JDO7) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For JDO 1 recent catch levels and the current TACC are likely to be sustainable at least in the short-term It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term For all other JDO stocks it is not known if the recent catch levels and current TACCs are sustainable For all fishstocks it is unknown if recent catches or the current TACCs are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo ldquoThe JDO 7 point estimate of biomass in 2007 had declined by 40 from the long-term high in 2003 however the 2007 point estimate still lies within the range of uncertainty around the previous point estimatesrdquo (MFish 2009 p398-400)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) John dory is caught as bycatch in trawl and Danish seine fisheries (eg snapper and Tarakihi) Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed and kills or damages bottom dwelling species Bycatch Fish bycatch associated with its capture in the snapper fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf Ecological effects Trawling reduces species diversity and abundance plus catches large individuals
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments completed for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 51
Kahawai
Scientific name Arripis trutta
Other names koopuuhuri kooukauka (Maori) Australian salmon (Australia) Saumon Australien (France) bangeo (Korea) oki susuki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kahawai are found throughout New Zealand but are most common north of Kaikoura They form schools of similar-sized fish with juveniles found in shallow coastal waters and adults in open water often in large schools from seafloor to surface waters Most kahawai are caught in purse seine fisheries that also target skipjack tuna jack mackerel and blue mackerel A lesser proportion is caught seasonally in set net and mixed species trawl fisheries Kahawai is a particularly important species for recreational and customary fisheries
Ecological concerns The uncertain maximum sustainable yield unknown status of stocks stock structure and stock trends the bycatch of non-target fish and the lack of a management plan Limited past research and the ecological effects of removing this important prey species is also of concern
Economic value Exports of $15m mainly to Australia
Best option Fish caught using purse seine ndash avoid Kahawai caught using set net or trawl ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in inshore waters around New Zealand but most common from Kaikoura northwards Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size The KAH1 assessment shows that the stock has declined to a mid-range of 27-62 B0 (the estimated unfished population size) depending on assumptions including level of non-commercial catch Annual catch limit Set at 2728 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2288 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status While the assessment is uncertain the stock is most likely above BMSY ndash between 27 and 69 B0 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For KAH1 ldquoCurrent assumed removals are lower than almost all estimates of deterministic MSY Combining this with the result that most estimates of current biomass are well above BMSY it is unlikely that the stock will decline below BMSY at current assumed catch levels given the model recruitment assumptionsrdquo For all other KAH areas ldquoNo accepted assessment is available that covers these regions It is not known if the current catches allowances or TACCs are sustainable The status of KAH 2 3 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p 416)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most are caught by purse seiners with less taken seasonally in set-net and some in trawl fisheries Habitat damage Low impact from purse seiners and set netting high impact from trawl fisheries on bottom dwelling species Bycatch Range of other pelagic species including skipjack tuna kingfish blue mackerel and jack mackerel Ecological effects Loss of large older fish impact of bottom trawling bulldozing the seabed and ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 1 October 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A new quantitative assessment in 2007 for KAH1 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 52
Kina
Scientific name Evechinus chloroticus
Other names kina ariki kin koorako puurau (Maori) sea urchin sea egg Oursin de Nouvelle-Zelande (France)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kina are an important grazing species found throughout New Zealand Most are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by targeted dredging Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch levels or limits the risk a serial depletion of stocks and impacts on reef communities from changes in grazing levels the lack of stock assessments limited research and the lack of a management plan When dredged considerable habitat damage can occur Economic value Kina are sold in New Zealand Best option Kina collected by hand (breath-hold diving) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Throughout New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 8-9 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1147 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Reported catch of 7629 tonnes for all fishstocks in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor all Fishstocks it is not known if current catch levels or TACCs are sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support sustainable yieldsrdquo (MFish 2009 p424) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most kina are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by target dredging Habitat damage Minimal damage from diving dredging scrapes the seafloor killing or damaging bottom dwelling species Bycatch None from diving dredging has a high bycatch including a range of bottom dwelling species Ecological effects Changes in kina numbers have effects on algal community assemblages Impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Dredging for kina has considerable ecological implications as it destroys seafloor communities which affects associated mid-water species Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 (South Island) and 2003 (North Island) Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No stock assessments Biomass estimates have been made for Arapawa Island (1997) and Dusky Sound and Chalky Inlet (1995) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 53
Kingfish
Scientific name Seriola lalandi
Other names haku kahu makumaku warehenga (Maori) yellowtail kingfish northern kingfish
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively large fish is an important predatory fish rarely found south of Cook Strait preferring the warmer waters of the north It can form schools of up to several hundred but is mainly caught as a non-target catch of inshore set net trawl and longline fisheries Kingfish is a commonly sought after recreational fish Ecological concerns The loss of large individual fish the unknown sustainability of the combined commercial and recreational catch limits uncertainty about the stock structure the absence of biomass and yield estimates the absence of a quantitative stock assessment limited research and the lack of a management plan Some fishing methods cause damage to the seabed and have high fish bycatch Economic value About 25 of kingfish is exported (under $05m) to the USA and Australia with the rest going to the domestic New Zealand market Best option Line caught kingfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Common in coastal waters around the North Island Maximum age (years) 16+ Age at sexual maturity 4-7 (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but stock relatively small Annual catch limit The maximum current yield (MCY) was set at 200 tonnes in 2007-08 the second lowest catch in over 20 years Recorded catch Reported landings of 159 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but there is concern from recreational fishers about current catch rates MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Although commercial catches are near or below MCY levels it is not known if recent combined commercial and recreational catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p436) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly taken as a non-target catch of inshore set net and longline fisheries with some trawl bycatch Habitat damage Minimal damage from lines or set nets Trawling causes damage to seafloor habitats contacting the seabed Bycatch Range of species caught as bycatch in set net and trawl fisheries which are often highly unselective techniques Ecological effects Removal of large fish may alter food web dynamics whilst bottom contact trawling bulldozes the seabed reducing biodiversity of bottom dwelling communities Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 54
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Scientific name Parika scaber
Other names kokiri kiririi (Maori) trigger fish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Leatherjacket or creamfish is a relatively small coastal species found throughout New Zealand but largely caught off the South Island Most of the catch is taken as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries mainly targeting trevally red gurnard and snapper but in recent years it has also been caught in some fisheries targeting squid Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the lack of a stock assessment limited research and no management plan Bycatch of sharks and seabirds in associated fisheries is also of concern as are impacts on seafloor habitats when caught with bottom trawl gear Economic value The main market is domestic and Australia with exports of $660000 in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Leatherjacket is distributed throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands It is caught on the East Coast between Otago and East Cape in Southland and between Cape Farewell and Cape Foulwind on the West Coast Maximum age (years) 7+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit 1431 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 467 tonnes in 2007-08 well below the 1300 tonnes caught in 1999-2000 fishing year Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass It is not known whether the leatherjacket stocks are at above or below a level that can produce MSY (MFish 2009 p450) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Method Bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including those targeting trevally red gurnard snapper and squid Habitat damage Trawl fishing with bottom gear scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself this fishery is associated with the bycatch problems of other fisheries including sharks and seabirds Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of this coastal species has knock on impacts on associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management composition Single species Stock assessment No completed quantitative stock assessment References Final Advice Paper Setting of Sustainability and Other Management Controls for Stocks to be Introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2003 18 July 2003 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science GroupMinistry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 55
Ling
Scientific name Genypterus blacodes
Other names hoka hokarari rari (Maori) ashiro kingu (Japan) kingklip (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Ling is a bottom dwelling species of the eel family which lives at depths of 300-700m throughout New Zealand It is often caught as bycatch in hoki and hake trawl fisheries though it is also targeted with bottom longline and bottom trawl methods The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Damage to fragile deepwater species and habitats caused by bottom trawling and the high level of globally threatened seabird species and NZ fur seals caught as bycatch Also of concern is the unknown long-term sustainability of some current catch limits and landings the uncertainty of stock boundaries tthe lack of a management plan for the fishery and the loss of ling from diving depths Economic value The main export markets are in Asia particularly Hong Kong and Japan plus Australia and Spain Exports were worth $40 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Ling is widespread in water off the south of the North Island and off the South Island but is mainly caught south of the South Island and over the Campbell Rise at 200-700m Maximum age (years) 30 Age at sexual maturity 5-9 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (most of the North Island) and uncertain for LIN 7 (West Coast South Island) Other areas (LIN 3 4 5 and 6) are likely above BMAY Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 21977 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16264 tonnes in 2007-08 the third lowest catch in 15 years Stock trends Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (non-Cook Strait) declining for LIN2 (Cook Strait) uncertain for LIN 7 declining slowly LIN 5 and 6 and increasing for LIN 3 and 4 MSY Status Unknown for LIN 1 and 2 described as sustainable for LIN 3 and 4 and LIN 5 6 and 7 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For LIN1 ldquoIn the absence of a representative index of abundance it is not known whether current LIN 1 catches or the TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown The biological stock affinities of ling in LIN 1 are unknownrdquo For LIN 2 (Cook Strait ndash 40 of catch) ldquoThe model results hellip suggest that the stock has declined particularly since the late 1980s Based on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be above BMAY but is likely to continue to decline at current catch levels It is not known if recent landings and the current TACCs are sustainable or are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield] For LIN3 and LIN4 ldquoBased on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be well above BMAY and building Catches at the level of the current TACC are likely to be sustainablerdquo For LIN 5 and 6 (but not Bounty Plateau) ldquoBased on the 2007 assessment ling stocks are probably only lightly fished and current stock sizes are estimated to be well above BMAY Estimates of absolute current and reference biomass are unreliable It is likely that the current TACC is sustainable as current catches appear to be having only a small impact on biomass levelsrdquo For LIN7 (West Coast) ldquoBased on the 2008 assessment the status of the LIN 7WC stock is highly uncertain The stock assessment model results did not provide reliable estimates of current biomass as a percentage of B0 but it is unlikely that this value is less than 40 and it could be much higher The relatively constant catch history since 1989 and the relative constancy of the trawl catch-at-age distributions since 1991 suggest that future catches at the current level are sustainable at least in the medium termrdquo (MFish 2009 p466-467) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Ling is mainly caught in targeted bottom longline and bottom trawling operations
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 56
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage to seamounts sea floor species and fragile deep-sea ecosystems Bycatch Several thousand seabirds are drowned on the longlines used in the ling fishery every year This includes the critically endangered Chatham‟s albatross and other threatened species (eg white-chinned petrels grey petrels Salvin‟s albatross flesh-footed shearwaters and sooty shearwaters) In September 2007 12 critically endangered Chatham albatrosses and 22 Salvin‟s albatrosses were caught by a single long-line vessel on the Chatham Rise New Zealand fur seals are also killed in the trawl fishery as are a range of deepwater sharks including seal sharks Ling is itself a non-target bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery which also has serious bycatch problems Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for LIN 3 and 4 (2004) 5 and 6 (2003) 7 (2009) and 6 Bounty (2006) and an initial assessment for LIN2 (Cook Strait) (2007) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries
Guidebook The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 57
Lookdown dory
Scientific name Cyttus traversi
Other names king dory
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description An offshore deepwater species that is widely distributed around New Zealand and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries particularly the hoki fishery Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and the absence of a management plan The fishery also has direct impacts on seafloor communities as a result of trawl fishing As lookdown dory is a bycatch of other fisheries it is also associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Lookdown dory are caught all around New Zealand with the largest catches on the East Coast of the South Island the Chatham Rise and the West Coast of the South Island Maximum age (years) 30+ Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 783 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 430 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Uncertain but annual trawl survey on the Chatham Rise ldquoshow no decline in recent yearsrdquo MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no known sustainability concerns in the lookdown dory fishery Trawl surveys indicate stable abundance in the main fishery However it is not known whether recent catches will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p 473) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - lookdown dory is caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery and to a much smaller extent in the barracouta hake ling and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawl fishing scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species of other fisheries lookdown dory is associated with seabird and marine mammal bycatch problems It is also associated with high non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch plus seabird and marine mammal bycatch has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 58
Mako shark
Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus
Other names mako (Maori) mackerel shark shortfin mako
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Mako sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to porbeagle sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species A highly migratory species Mako sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north About 75 of mako sharks caught are processed and the rest are dumped at sea Mako shark are the third most common species of shark that are targeted for their highly priced fins with about 47 of the reported catch recorded as finned Jointly with snapper oreodeepwater dory and southern bluefin tuna mako shark has the second worst ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Limited research on mako sharks lack of a stock assessment and uncertainty about the state of the stocks The high number of juveniles in the catch is also of concern as is the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals Where mako sharks are caught using bottom fishing methods impacts on the seafloor and associated communities are also of concern Whilst there is no management plan for mako sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for makos nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning makos and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mako sharks are highly migratory oceanic fish that often visit coastal areas around northern New Zealand They are caught by longline vessels on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast Maximum age (years) 29 males and 28 females Age at sexual maturity 7-9 years males and 19-21 years females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 2 (Much of the catch is immature) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 406 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 73 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest landings in seven years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain but reported as bdquovulnerable to overexploitation‟ The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics mako shark is vulnerable to overexploitation (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p50) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Primarily pelagic longlining around the North Island with a smaller catch caught by bottom longliners and trawlers Habitat damage Low except when caught by bottom trawling which alters seafloor community structure and function Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of a large predatory species has wide implications for oceanic food webs The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 59
Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) Stock assessments and yield estimatesScience Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Bishop SD Francis MP Duffy C (2006) Age growth maturity longevity and natural mortality of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in New Zealand waters Marine and Freshwater Research 57 143-154 New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 60
Moonfish
Scientific name Lampris guttatus
Other names opah spotted moonfish nandai akamanbo (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Moonfish are a bycatch in tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main islands Ecological concerns the uncertainty of some basic biological information uncertainty about the state of the stocks basic biology the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals and the lack of a stock assessment or a management plan There are also ecological concerns given removal of this large predator species from the food web Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Moonfish are a widely distributed pelagic species found in both temperate and tropical waters of the Worlds oceans Maximum age (years) 14-20 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Medium-high Reproductive output Medium-high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size There is no information on stock structure but Moonfish is known to have a South Pacific wide distribution Annual catch limit Set at 527 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in over 10 years About 70 of moonfish caught are mature Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoWhile moonfish appear to have moderately productive life history characteristics the stock status is unknown It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p53) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Moonfish are caught mainly by pelagic longline vessels targeting tuna on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast with pelagic trawling for southern blue whiting and hoki being the second main method Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of moonfish and non-target species from marine systems Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 61
Orange Roughy
Scientific name Hoplostethus atlanticus
Other names Deepsea perch sea perch slimehead (NZ) red roughy (Australia) hoplostete orange granatbarsch (Germany) pesce arancio (Italy) beryx de nouvelle-zelande (France) rosy soldierfish (Canada)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Orange Roughy is a very slow growing and long-lived (120 ndash 130 years) deepwater fish making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing It does not breed until 23-31 years old and does so once a year in large spawning aggregations often around deepwater seamounts pinnacles and canyons around New Zealand There are nine distinct orange roughy fisheries within the New Zealand EEZ each managed independently The East and South Chatham Rise fishery is the largest and oldest orange roughy fishery in the world Jointly with porbeagle shark orange roughy has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns New Zealand‟s orange roughy have suffered from years of over-fishing on the spawning grounds which has decimated populations Although quotas have been reduced in recent years serious concerns remain as they may not be enough Nothing is known about roughy recruitment and there is a mismatch between model projections and catch information Most populations are now below 20 of their original unfished size with one reduced to just 3 As well as stock concerns orange roughy is caught by bottom trawling which destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It effectively bulldozes the sea floor demolishing black corals lace corals coral trees colourful sponge fields and long-lived bryozoans some aged at over 500 years old Deepwater sharks and other non-target fish species are also caught which alters marine food web dynamics As a prey species for sperm whales and giant squid orange roughy depletion has a direct impact on these deepwater species Some orange roughy fisheries have also caught seabirds and marine mammals Economic value Orange Roughy is one of the most valuable export fish species worth $57 million in 20086 Previously this was $200 million Most is exported to the USA and Australia with some to the UK where it is reportedly used by some fast food chains as fish fillet burgers Orange roughy is also sold in New Zealand for example as frozen fish fillets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution The main spawning grounds around New Zealand are the Challenger Plateau Cook Canyon Puysegur Bank North Chatham Rise Ritchie Bank and East Cape at depths of between 700 metres and at least 1500 metres Most are caught on the Chatham Rise where the underwater terrain is rugged and consists of hill pinnacle and canyon seascapes Maximum age (years) 120-130 Age at sexual maturity 23-315 years Growth rate Very slow Reproductive output Low Females carry 40000 to 60000 eggs per kilogram of body weight which is less than 10 of the average for other fish species Age exploited From about 20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Most stocks are below 20 of their unfished population size (B0) The Challenger population is down to 3 B0 Annual catch limit Set at 13612 tonnes in 2007-08 with areas ORH7A and 7B closed Recorded catch Reported landings of 13110 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 54000 tonnes in 1988-89 Stock trends Long-term decline MSY Status Most stocks are depleted well below BMSY and with minimal chance of recovery in the near future Uncertain status for both Southern ORH 3B and exploratory ORH 1 Rebuilding of stocks indicated in models is not supported by catch rate information (eg ORH3B and ORH7B) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For ORH 1 ldquoAn assessment of the Mercury-Colville box in 2001 indicated that biomass had been reduced to 10-15 B0 (compared to an assumed BMSY of 30 B0)hellip In other areas of ORH 1 the
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 62
status of the constituent stocks is unknownhellip without any indication of current abundance there is no way to determine if this level of fishing is in fact sustainable or if current feature limits will avoid overexploitation of localised areasrdquo For ORH 3B NW and South Chatham Rise ndash ldquohellipthe 2006 biomass was estimated to be below BMSY at 11 (8-16) B0 and recent exploitation rates were estimated to be about four times that under a CAY policyhellip the probability that the stock would rebuild to 30 B0 or even 20 B0 within 5 years was close to zerordquo NE Chatham Rise ndash ldquoNo quantitative stock assessment model B2008 was estimated to be 13-30 B0 Likely to be below the Management Target [30]rdquo Puysegur ndash ldquothe point estimate of biomass from this assessment [1998] is probably below BMSY [7] but it is uncertainrdquo Other areas ndash ldquoThe status of orange roughy in these areas is unknown It is also not known whether recent catch levels or the current catch limit are sustainable or whether they will allow the stock(s) to move towards BMSYrdquo ORH2A 2B and 3A East Cape ndash the 2003 assessment indicated that the stock was then about 24B0 [It] suggests that the current catch limit should allow the stock to rebuildrdquo East Coast North Island - ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available[but] biomass was likely to have reached a minimum in the mid 1990s [less than 20B0] [Currently] the stock was likely to be increasing under recent catch levels but was unable to determine whether the current TACC would result in a continued rebuild of the stockrdquo West Coast (ORH7B) ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available The current stock size is most likely below BMSY as catch rates have not increased over the last 5 years despite a large reduction in annual removals from the stockrdquo Challenger (ORH7A) ldquoThe 2000 assessment of this stock indicates that it is currently about one tenth of BMSY (range 7 to 14 of BMSY and 3 of B0rdquo (MFish 2009 p486 498-499 521-524 530 534-535) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling between 750 and 1200m Habitat Damage Bottom trawling destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It decimates black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Includes coral trees sponges and gorgonians which have been aged at over 500 years old A range of non-target fish species are also caught including deepwater dory or oreo Baxter‟s dogfish and basket-work eels There is a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds in some fisheries Ecological effects In addition to the ecological effects of habitat damage Orange Roughy is a prey species of sperm whale and giant squid so the commercial catch also reduces the amount of available food for species further up deep sea food chains Fishing for Orange Roughy and oreos also removes a large proportion of deep sea benthic biomass significantly altering these unique communities Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments have been carried out for most areas apart from exploratory ORH 1 and Southern ORH 3B Latest assessments at ORH1 (Mercury-Colville) 2001 East Cape 2003 East Coast North Island 2005 NW Chatham Rise 2006 East and South Chatham Rise 2009 review of previous assessments Puysegur 1998 Challenger 2000 West Coast South Island 2007 References Clark M (2001) Are deepwater fisheries sustainable ndash the example of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in New Zealand Fisheries research 51123-135 Clark MR Anderson OF Francis RICC Tracey OM (2000) The effects of commercial exploitation on Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) from the continental slope of the Chatham Rise NZ from 1979 to 1997 Fisheries Research 45217-238 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 63
Oreo
Scientific name Allocyttus niger (black oreo) Neocyttus
rhomboidalis (spiky oreo) Pseudocyttus maculatus (smooth oreo)
Other names NZ dory black dory smooth dory spotted oreo brown oreo NZ smooth dory deepwater dory deepsea dory (Australia) teifsee-petersfisch (Germany) peterfisch (Switzerland) dore austral (France Switzerland)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Oreos are deepwater fish that are long-lived (up to 150 years) and slow growing making them highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing There are three species in New Zealand but they are all managed as one quota management species They are predominantly found in deep waters off the east and south of the South Island and off the Chatham Islands Jointly with snapper mako shark and southern bluefin tuna oreos have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of the three oreo species as one a declining stock trend uncertainty over stock boundaries lack of stock assessments in some areas unknown sustainability of catch limits and lack of a management plan Attempts to improve research in the oreo fishery have been hampered by the seafood industry challenging and preventing the Ministry of Fisheries from commissioning research surveys Also of great concern is the destructive impact of deep sea trawling on seamount habitats and high levels of non target fish bycatch There is also a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds Economic value Key markets are the USA Australia Germany and Switzerland with smooth oreo being the main market species Exports were worth $747 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Oreos occur around the south of New Zealand at depths of 600m to over 1000m Black Spiky Smooth Maximum age (years) 153 100+ 86 Age at sexual maturity 27 Unknown 31 Growth rate Slow Slow Slow Reproductive output Low-medium Low Low-medium Age exploited 27 Unknown 21 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Estimates are uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 18600 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16979 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 26514 tonnes in 1981-82 and 21755 in 1996-97 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown for all areas except OEO 3A (black and smooth) OEO 4 (smooth) southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) Estimates are uncertain and there are conflicts between sub-areas (OEO3A) declines in CPUE inconsistent with stock sizes and unsustainable catches in Southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states OEO 3A Black oreos ndash ldquoModel biomass levels are uncertainrdquo The ldquototal mature biomass for 2002-2003 was estimated to be 52 of initial biomass (B0) [but] is not equal across the three sub-areas with area 2 and 3 being 29 and 7 of their respective mature equilibrium virgin biomass levels [There is] a 0 probability that [vulnerable biomass] would be greater than 27 B0 (BMSY)rdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquoTotal mature biomass for 2008-09 was estimated to be 36 of the initial biomass (B0) The projections showed that biomass should increase at catch levels of 1400 t over the next 5 yearsrdquo OEO 4 Black oreos ndash ldquoThe 2009 stock assessment of OEO 4 black oreo was considered unreliablerdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquothe mid-year mature biomass in 2007-08 was 57 of mature B0 [But] there are considerable uncertainties associated with this assessment [as a]
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 64
substantial proportions of the abundance in each acoustic survey are attributed to layer marks which are generally not fished [and] standardised CPUE in the larger east fishery has declined in recent yearsrdquo OEO13A Southland Smooth oreo ndash The [2004] ldquobiomass estimates are uncertain [but] the analysis suggested that the mature virgin biomass was probably small less than 21000t and the stock is unlikely to be able to support a large fisheryrdquo OEO6 Pukaki Rise Smooth Oreo - ldquolarge stock sizes were unlikely Particularly because the standardised CPUE has declined rapidly under catch levels that have been small relative to other smooth oreo fisheries[and] median long term yield of about 550t which is lower than the current catch of 1300t Black oreos - These biomass estimates are uncertainhellip The basecase results suggesthellip the stock is currently estimated to be at 44 B0 but with high uncertainty (19-80 B0) Projections suggest that mature biomass is as likely as not to fall below 20 B0 within the next five years if catches are maintained at the 2007-08 level OEO6 Bounty Plateau Smooth Oreo ndash ldquoBiomass estimates are uncertain hellipthe basecase model [estimated] current mature biomass was estimated to be 33 of a virgin biomass For black oreo and smooth oreo in other parts of OEO1 - ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p563-564 576 588-589) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Deepwater trawling mainly on the south Chatham Rise eastern Southland and Sub-Antarctic Plateau Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates seabed habitats and fragile seamount species assemblages Bycatch A range of non-target species are caught including deepwater sharks such as seal shark Baxter‟s dogfish and shovel-nosed dogfish Deepwater invertebrates such as soft corals tall sponges bryozoans gorgonian corals and other corals are also caught some of which have been aged at over 500 years There is also a bycatch of seabirds and marine mammals Ecological effects Combined with the ecological effects of the closely associated orange roughy the oreo fishery is responsible for considerable damage to seamounts other special deepwater habitats and associated communities Management and management unit (score B and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Three different species managed together as one when they should be managed independently Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in OEO 3A (Black and Smooth) in 2009 OEO4 (Black -2009 and Smooth 2007) OEO1 Southland (Smooth 2004) OEO 6 -Pukaki Rise (Black 2009 and Smooth 2006) Bounty Plateau (Smooth 2008) only References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 65
Oysters
Scientific name Tiostrea chilensis
Other names tio tio para tio repe tio parupaur (Maori) Dredge oyster Bluff oyster Foveaux Strait oyster Stewart Island Oyster Nelson oyster flat oyster
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Wild caught oysters or dredge oysters are endemic to New Zealand and are found in coastal waters often in dense communities The fishery is seasonal (open from March to August) with the main commercial fishery operating in Foveaux Strait A small catch is also taken when harvesting scallops in Tasman and Golden bays and a new fishery has started in Clifford and Cloudy Bays Ecological concerns Wild oysters are collected by dredging ndash a highly destructive fishing method that digs into the seafloor destroying seafloor communities in it‟s path The use of heavy box dredgers is especially damaging Dredging creates considerable sedimentation which smothers seabed communities in the areas where the fishery operates In much of the Foveaux Strait dredging has removed bryozoan reef communities which has exposed some previously sheltered marine life to storm and tide action Some oyster beds have not recovered from dredging even after 50 years The oyster fishery also catches a range of non-target species and has impacts on a number of fish populations especially blue cod stocks In Tasman Bay and Golden Bay oysters have declined to low population levels and the fishery has been associated with a decline in fish stocks The lack of a management plan and inadequate consideration of the impact of dredging in new areas (eg Clifford and Cloudy Bay) is also of concern The presence of a disease in Foveaux Strait oysters in recent years which has killed over 60 of the population has made it difficult to estimate the current status of the population there Economic value Foveaux Strait oysters are sold in New Zealand while some NelsonMarlborough oysters are exported (up to a value of $10 million per year) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 36+ Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 4-8 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size In 2006 the recruited stock size in Foveaux Strait was estimated at about 28 B0 which is up from 10 in 1992 The biomass in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay continues to decline and is now at 32 of 1998 levels with only 3 of 1998 levels in Golden Bay Annual catch limit Set at 2094 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 826 tonnes in 2007-08 from Foveaux Strait Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Foveaux Strait current catches are less than 10 of catches in the 1980s Stock trends Uncertain in Foveaux Strait with biomass projected to be decreasing or slowly increasing depending on level of Bonamia infection Trends are also uncertain in Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Tasman and Golden bays the stock has decreased MSY Status The Golden Bay population is well below BMSY and other stocks are either below target levels or uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Foveaux Strait ldquoDepending on the level of assumed [Bonamia] disease mortality the 2009 stock assessment shows the median projected status in 2012 ranges from 30 more than the current level (with nil disease mortality) to 23 below the current level (assuming disease mortality of 02 y-1) For the current estimates of disease mortality the model trajectories show the population size to remain about the same for a year and then continued but slow rebuilding of the fishery The decreased rate of projected rebuilding is due to relatively low numbers of pre-recruits and small oyster available to recruit to fishery in the short termrdquo For TasmanGolden Bays ldquoStock projections are unavailable Catches at the level of the TACC are also likely to cause the stock to drop below the Hard Limit [10B0] in the near termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 66
For Marlborough stocks ldquoQuantitative stock projections are unavailable Stocks are likely to be close to virgin biomass (B0) because the area has been commercially fished for only two seasons at the increased TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p 184-185 192-194 200-201) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Bottom dredging with a heavy metal dredger Habitat damage Dredging in effect bulldozes the sea floor causing extensive habitat destruction including the loss of bryozoan reefs from large areas of Foveaux Strait Bryozoan reefs are not only important habitat types for species diversity they are also important settlement areas for oysters and important for other commercial species (eg blue cod) Bycatch Dredging collects everything that is large enough to be retained by the mesh In an experiment bottom dredging killed 19ndash36 of small oysters (Cranfield et al 1999) Ecological effects Dredging causes considerable ecological damage both directly to seafloor communities and indirectly by increasing sedimentation and smothering and by altering food web dynamics A disease (Bonamia) has repeatedly infected oysters in the Foveaux Strait fishery in recent years causing large-scale mortality This is likely to have been exacerbated by the impacts of dredging which has highly modified the seabed and stressed oysters In areas where dredging stopped blue cod and dredge oyster numbers increased and seafloor habitats have started to regenerate (Cranfield et al 2001) Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1996 for NelsonMarlborough and 1998 for Foveaux Strait Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on 2008 survey in Foveaux Strait and 2008 in Nelson-Marlborough and 2007 survey in Marlborough References Cranfield H J Michael K P and Doonan I J 1999 Changes in the distribution of epifaunal reefs and oysters during 130 years of dredging for oysters in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 9 461-483 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 2007 The New Zealand Seafood Industry council Ltd Ministry of Fisheries 2004 H J Cranfield G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 67
Pacific bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus orientalis
Other names Bluefin Northern bluefin tuna (Australia) thon rouge de sud (Canada France) minamimaguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pacific bluefin tuna is a very large highly migratory species that can move thousands of kilometres in a year It was previously known as Northern bluefin tuna in the Pacific but the northern bluefin is actually a different species (T thynnus) that grows much bigger and is a rare visitor to New Zealand Pacific bluefin tuna are occasionally caught in New Zealand in association with southern bluefin tuna (T maccoyii) in longline fisheries off the West Coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty
Ecological concerns Limited research uncertainty about stock assessments and the state of stocks (including the potential that they are overfished) unclear international management across different Pacific tuna management agreements and the lack of a management plan The bycatch of seabirds a range of shark species and NZ fur seals is also of concern as is the removal of this important predatory species from oceanic food webs
Economic value Pacific bluefin tuna are sold in Japan USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Pacific bluefin tuna are caught on the west coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 3+
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - North and Central Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 116 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 13 tonnes in 2007-08 compared to 9000 tonnes taken in the North Pacific Stock trends Uncertain but past decline in the size of the spawning population MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not availablehellip Given the conclusions of the May-June 2008 stock assessment with regard to the current level of [fishing mortality] (F) relative to potential target and limit reference points and residual uncertainties associated with key model parameters it is important that the current level of [fishing mortality] is not increasedrdquo (MFish 2008 p59)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining on the West Coast of the South Island and around Northland and Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment An assessment by the International Scientific Committee for tuna and tuna-like species (ISC) in 2008 References The distribution of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the south east Pacific Ocean with emphasis on New Zealand waters T Murray NIWA Aug 2005 NZFAR 200542 Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 68
Packhorse lobster
Scientific name Sagmariasus verreauxi
Other names koura papatia pawharu (Maori) packhorse crayfish crayfish green rock lobster Eastern rock lobster (Australia US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Found in the north and east of the North Island Packhorse rock lobster live around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m They are larger and have a slightly greener colour than rock lobster (crayfish) and are mainly caught in the far north waters of New Zealand Ecological concerns Concerns include the lack of basic biological data about the species the absence of any stock assessment or directed research on this species the unknown causes of the decline in reported catch since 1998-99 the apparent decline within diving depth and the lack of a management plan Catching packhorse lobster with cray pots may have impacts on some sensitive seabed habitats Economic value The market for Packhorse lobster includes Japan Best option Whilst assessed as a species of concern Packhorse lobster is one of the better seafood choices in 2009 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found mainly in the north of the North Island Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 403 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings are usually less than 25 tonnes each season but was 34 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but abundance has declined at diving depths MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoThe status of this stock is unknownrdquo (MFish 2008 p94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species such as soft corals Bycatch Minimal but some octopus and shag species may be caught Ecological effects Unknown Packhorse lobster are important generalist predators of a range of species including kina so their depletion from an area may cause wider ecological impacts Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment and no proposed future research References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand commercial fisheries The atlas of area codes and TACCs 20082009 Clement and Associates Limited Nelson (2008)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 69
Paddle crab
Scientific name Ovalipes catharus
Other names paumlpaka (Maori) swimming crab south pacific crab NZ sea crab eacutetrille (France) Gazami menagazami (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paddle crabs are found around New Zealand and southern Australia where it is widely distributed in sandy shallow waters In New Zealand they are mainly caught off the east coast of the North Island from the eastern Bay of Plenty northwards Ecological concerns There is limited research on paddle crabs resulting in the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels uncertainty over stock status and basic biological information There is also no management plan and some concern about habitat damage caused by the fishing methods particularly when caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Economic value Paddle crabs are sold in New Zealand and Japan Best option Paddle crabs caught using cray pots Avoid crabs caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely distributed around New Zealand on sandy seabeds in shallow waters Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output High (uncertain) Age exploited 3-4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 765 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Total landings of 168 tonnes reported in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states For all QMAs [quota management areas] ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Landings have fluctuated significantly in most QMAs mainly due to market variations Paddle crabs are abundant throughout most of their range and the fishery is probably only lightly exploitedrdquo (MFish 2009 p602) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Baited traps and pots but also caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Habitat damage Low for trapping and potting except in sensitive habitats Trawling and particularly dredging can have significant habitat impacts altering seafloor communities Bycatch Minor for baited traps or pots apart from some octopus and hagfish Trawling however catches a range of seabed dwellers and fish species that live on or close to the seafloor Ecological effects Paddle crabs are a food source for other marine species such as octopus Their depletion may alter food web dynamics and any damage caused to seafloor habitats may impact associated communities Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 70
Pale ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus bemisi
Other names Chimaera ratfish pearl
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description As with the dark ghost shark this species is a slow growing deepwater shark that is found throughout New Zealand‟s offshore waters It has soft skin that is easily damaged It is caught almost entirely as a bycatch of other target trawl fisheries operating around the Chatham Rise and in southern waters most notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Ecological concerns There is a lack of some basic biological data on pale ghost sharks little directed research and no quantitative stock assessment (resulting in unknown sustainability of current catch limits) Also of concern is the possible dumping of catches in past years Habitat damage is caused by trawling and as a bycatch species of other fisheries it is associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for pale ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Ghost sharks are exported to Australia with the shark fins being exported to Asia at a value of around $2 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly on the Chatham Rise and SouthlandSub-Antarctic at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Low Reproductive output Likely to be low Age exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 1780 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 818 tonnes in 2007-08 ndash it is likely that ghost sharks have been dumped and not reported in past years Stock trends Uncertain Chatham Rise trawl survey indicates a decline of 80 between 1984 and 1994 (Clark et al 2000) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available for pale ghost shark For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [Maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p296) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Habitat damage Trawling especially bottom trawling for hoki which bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges long-lived bryozoans and other associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch species pale ghost shark associated with the capture of a range of other species including seabirds fur seals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target catch (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 71
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any area and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 72
Paua
Scientific name Haliotis iris (black-footed paua) and Haliotis australis (yellow-footed paua)
Other names kararuri hihiwa karahiwa karariwha koeo korohiwa kororiwha marariwha marari hauwai inaka wharangi (Maori) abalone black-foot paua (H iris) yellow-foot paua queen paua (H australis)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paua is a large sea-snail that lives in shallow coastal waters usually in large groups on rocky reefs and feeds of algae There are two species in New Zealand (black-footed and yellow-footed paua) but it is black-footed paua that is most abundant with virtually the entire commercial fishery targeting it Paua is taken by hand mainly by commercial fishers The attractive shell also has some commercial value Most wild paua are taken from the South Island Chatham Islands Stewart Island and the southern coast of the North Island Ecological concerns The depleted state and unsustainable current catch levels in a number of areas for example declining stocks around Stewart Island (area 5B) and parts of Southland (area 5A) the potential for serial depletion and small-scale recruitment failure and the lack of a management plan As paua is a highly sought after resource a black market for paua has led to widespread illegal harvesting Paua is an important algal grazer within marine ecosystems so depletion raises wider ecological concerns Economic value 80 is exported to the western Pacific Rim including Singapore Hong Kong and Australia Total exports were worth $46 million in 2008 Best option Make sure you only buy paua from a reputable retailer to avoid eating illegal caught fish Paua caught off the West Coast of the South Island are currently the most sustainable ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Paua is found around the whole coastline Most of the commercial catch is from the Wairarapa coast southwards with most of the catch from waters around the South Island Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 4-6 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow but variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Size exploited Minimum shell length of 125mm for black-footed paua and 80mm for the smaller species yellow-footed paua Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Paua populations around Stewart Island (area 5B) the Otago coast (area 5D) and the top of the South Island (area 7) are below the reference biomass levels Population size is unknown or uncertain in other areas Annual catch limit Set at 105850 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported catch was 104569 tonnes in 2007-08 (There is thought to be considerable (up to 1000 tonnes) illegal and non-reported paua harvesting) Stock trends Probably rebuilding in area 7 declining or unknown in all other areas MSY Status Declining or slowly rebuilding The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states PAU4 ldquothe results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable but with considerable uncertainty [and] require this assessment to be treated with great cautionrdquo PAU5A At face value these results suggest that the current TACC and recent catches are not sustainable However the results suggest that catches at current levels within Dusky Chalky and South coast areas will result in further depletion within these areasrdquo PAU 5B ldquoThe assessment suggests that both spawning and recruited biomass are below the target levels[Future projections of] recruited biomass shows a tendency to decreaserdquo PAU5D ldquoThe stock assessment results were equivocalhellipthe future direction of recruited biomass was uncertainhellipIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] is sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 73
PAU 7 ldquoThe assessment shows a depleted stock Assessment results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable and the stock is likely to increase over three years The list of cautions discussed above under ldquoother factorsrdquo should be read in conjunction with this statement Potential problems with the model are likely to cause model results to be optimisticrdquo PAU 2 and 3 ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass for PAU 2 and 3 ldquo For PAU6 ldquoThe current TACC of 1 tonne is sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 611 622 633-634 644 657-658 and 670) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score A and A) Fishing method Paua is collected by hand by free divers using a knife Underwater breathing apparatus is not allowed Habitat damage Minimal Other marine species may be damaged when paua are cut from rocks Ecological effects Removal of this important algal grazer from sub-tidal communities may alter algal community structure and modify food web dynamics However impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one However most commercial fisheries target one species only Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in PAU 4 (2004) 5A (2006) 5B (2007) 5D (2006) and 7 (2008) Uncertainties in models are likely to cause the model results to be optimistic The assessments do not estimate unfished stock size (B0) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 74
Pilchard
Scientific name Sardinops sagax
Other names mohimohi (Maori) sardine pillie Australian sardine (Australia) maiwashi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Only recently identified as a separate species the NZ pilchard is a small (up to 25cm) short-lived but relatively fast growing fish found in mid to surface coastal waters It is widely distributed around New Zealand but found in heavy concentrations in sheltered bays such as the Hauraki Gulf and Tasman Bay sometimes in mixed schools with sprat and anchovy Pilchards are mainly targeted throughout the year by purse seiners but also beach seine and lampara nets In 1995 some populations were severely impacted by a natural mass mortality thought to have been caused by a virus Jointly with anchovy and sprats pilchard has the highest ecological ranking of any New Zealand commercial fishery and is therefore one of the best fish choices Ecological concerns There is an absence of research on pilchards and the lack of a stock assessment meaning that the sustainability of the current catch levels is unknown There is also no management plan and concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species seabirds and some marine mammals Economic value Exports of $140000 to Asia with some locally available pilchards in New Zealand Best option Try to choose pilchards caught by purse seine rather than beach seine as this fishing method is a more selective and does not contact the seafloor ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Widespread in inshore waters around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 9 Age at sexual maturity 2 years Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A catch limit was introduced at 2485 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 716 tonnes in 2007-08 less than half the previous year‟s landings Stock trends Annual landings have fluctuated from between 25 tonnes to 1491 tonnes in the last 16 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches from northeast North Island and the TACC for PIL1 [northern North Island] are higher than the 660t MCY [maximum current yield] estimate However the MCY estimate is considered unreliable It is not known if the current catches or TACCs are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p675) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse seine but also beach seine and lampara nets Habitat damage Low impact from fishing methods especially when caught by purse seine Bycatch Sometimes catches other pelagic fish such as anchovy jack mackerel (in north) and sprats (in south) Ecological effects Reducing the pilchard population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other marine life including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals This disruption to food webs has occurred in similar fisheries overseas Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 75
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and no current directed research References Pilchard biology and fisheries in New Zealand and a review of pilchard biology fisheries and research in the main world fisheries LJ Paul et al NZ Fisheries Assessment report 200137 NIWA July 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 76
Porbeagle shark
Scientific name Lamna nasus
Other names Porbeagle porpoise shark
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pobeagle sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to mako sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species Porbeagle sharks are highly migratory and are mainly caught as bycatch in a range of tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main Islands They are also caught as bycatch in some mid-water and bottom trawl fisheries Most of the porbeagle sharks landed (around 85) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Jointly with orange roughy porbeagle shark has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide
Ecological concerns there is limited research on porbeagle sharks and no stock assessment As a result there is uncertainty about the state of the stocks and the sustainability of catch limits The fisheries associated with the porbeagle shark catches also catch other sharks seabirds and fur seals When caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries seafloor habitats are also damaged Whilst there is no management plan for porbeagle sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for porbeagle sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning porbeagles and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful
Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Porbeagle sharks are a widespread oceanic species found around most of New Zealand Maximum age (years) 65 Age at sexual maturity Males mature at 8-11 years and females at 15-18 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 1
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 215 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in nearly 10 years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Unknown but numerous trends a bdquocause for concern‟ Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield However declining catches over a period when effort has increased rapidly low CPUE in recent years combined with the low productivity of the species and a history of fishery collapses in the North Atlantic are all cause for concernrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p64)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method longlining around the North Island and bottom trawling Habitat damage Low for longlining but high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline and trawl fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline and trawl fishery
Management and management unit (score E and D) Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment Management plan No Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 77
Queen scallops
Scientific name Chlamys delicatula
Other names tipa (Maori) southern queen NZ gem scallop NZ gem shellfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the smaller of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found mainly in southern waters from South Canterbury and Stewart Island to the Sub-Antarctic Islands As with the more common scallops (Pecten novaezealandiae) they are found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats Queen scallops are a deeper species found in waters up to 400m They are harvested by dredging Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including invertebrates and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Also of concern is the absence of directed research unknown sustainability of current catch levels absence of population size or yield estimates and the lack of a management plan Economic value The market for queen scallops includes New Zealand and Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution From South Canterbury to Stewart Island and around offshore islands from the Snares to as far south as Macquarie Island Australia Maximum age (years) 10+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output High Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 380 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 95 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown and there are no yield estimates MSY Status Depleted in some areas uncertain in others The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoA relative biomass estimate for the areas fished within QSC 3 is available from a 2004 survey [But] this survey was not standardized and there are no previous estimates for relative biomass to provide comparisonrdquo (MFish 2009 p698) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Dredging Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of fragile invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 in FMA 3 and 5 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments A non-standardised relative biomass is available from a 2004 survey References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 78
Red cod
Scientific name Pseudophycis bachus
Other names hoka (Maori) NZ cod moride rouge julienette (Can France) akadara benidara (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This fast growing but short-lived species is found throughout New Zealand but is more common in southern waters at depths of 100 to 300m They are mainly targeted by trawlers at depths of 30-200m in the Canterbury Bight and off Westland but are also caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries off the south of the South Island Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to deepwater seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of directed research on red cod the unknown or uncertain sustainability of current catch limits and the lack of updated assessments and a red cod management plan Economic value Red cod is sold in New Zealand and is exported to Australia Canada Japan and United States with a value of over $9 million in 2008 Best option Red cod that are caught in areas other than the east coast South Island trawl fishery and fish that are not caught by bottom trawling ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand in shallow coastal water to waters over 700m depth They are most common in around the South Island at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 7 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown ndash variable with good recruitment in colder El Nino climatic conditions Annual catch limit Set at 8270 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6457 tonnes in 2003-04 the second lowest catch in 6 years Stock trends Unknown as stock size undergoes high natural variability East Coast South Island (RCO3) biomass index was at its lowest recorded level West Coast South Island (RCO7) index was around its highest level but with high uncertainty For both RCO3 and RCO7 ldquothere is a strong correlation between recruitment and environmental variables with a periodic 14 month time lagrdquo However its predictive power of the environment-abundance model was more accurate for RCO7 (MFish 2007 p712-713) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states RCO 1 and RCO 2 ldquoit is not known if the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and recent catch levels are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo RCO3 hellip ldquoa constant catch at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be attainable or sustainable in most years Catches and the winter East Coast South Island survey biomass index in 2006ndash07 were at their lowest recorded levels These low catch and biomass estimates are likely a function of a depressed population rather than from recruitment failurerdquo hellip RCO7 ldquoRecent quantitative stock projections are unavailable and the previous assessment is too outdated to be informative for such a short lived species The 2009 survey biomass estimate is the highest in the series but it also has the highest CVrdquo (MFish 2009 p700-711) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling mainly bottom trawling
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 79
Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater marine communities and species Bycatch Inshore trawling for red cod poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where red cod fishing continues to overlap with dolphin areas outside these closures Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity and abundance Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for RCO 3 and 7 in 1999 but nothing for other areas These assessments are too old to be accepted No current directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 80
Red gurnard
Scientific name Chelidonichthys kumu
Other names kumukumu puuwhaiau (Maori) gurnard latchet (Asia) grondin rouge (France) houbou (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This distinctive fish is widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds It is a major bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries for red cod flatfish and jack mackerel and is directly targeted in some areas including by longline and set net Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the associated red cod east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of recent directed research on red gurnard and lack of current stock assessments the inclusion of several stocks in one quota management area and the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of about $1 million mainly to Japan Best option Red gurnard caught by longline or by trawling in areas where there is minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east coast North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds to a depth of 150m Maximum age (years) 16 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for all stocks Annual catch limit Set at 4993 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3344 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest in eight years Stock trends Unknown for most areas GUR3 likely to have increased since the mid-1990s Catches are well below the limits except GUR3 MSY Status Unknown apart from estimates for GUR 1 - in 1999 status was at 80B0 for GUR1W and 59 B0 for GUR1E The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference absolute biomass are not available for any gurnard stock The current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] were based on a period of highest ever catches and these levels have not been reached in recent yearsrdquo GUR1 Stable or increasing CPUE trends in conjunction with a 20 year period of reasonably constant annual landings suggest that recent catches in GUR 1 are sustainable As annual landings have remained at or a little over half the 2287t TACC it is not known whether the TACC is sustainablerdquo GUR2 CPUE analyses suggest that GUR2 abundance remained fairly stable between 198990 and 200405 Reported landings were also reasonably stable during this period These results suggest that catches in this time period and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-term GUR3 ldquoRecent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo [Stock was] ldquoat apparent low levels in the mid-1990s Stock size appears to have increased substantially since thenhellip Two independent CPUE series and the trawl survey corroborate that stock size for GUR 3 has increased since the late 1990‟srdquo GUR 7 ldquoThe West Coast South Island trawl survey relative biomass index declined from 1995 to 2000 and has increased steadily from 2003 to the highest level in the series in 2009 the 2009 estimate is preliminary Recent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 81
GUR 8 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainableldquo (MFish 2009 p730-734) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly trawling but also longline and set net Habitat damage Trawling for red gurnard uses bottom trawl gear which damages seafloor habitats and communities Bycatch Trawling and set netting for gurnard poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins particularly in the east coast South Island trawl fishery where they have been killed Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However fishing in areas outside these colures still poses some risk of catching the dolphins Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The only quantitative stock assessment is in QMA 1 in 1999 This assessment is too old to be accepted by the MFish stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 82
Red snapper
Scientific name Centroberyx affinis
Other names kaorea (Maori) golden snapper red fish (Australia and US)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Red snapper is a schooling fish related to alfonsino found around the coast of northern New Zealand from depths of 10 to 400m It is mostly caught as a bycatch in the longline fishery for snapper (an unrelated species despite the name) off the East Coast of Northland in the tarakihi trawl fishery around Northland It is also caught in the set net fishery for snapper and trevally in the Bay of Plenty Ecological concerns Little is known about the biology of red snapper and there is considerable uncertainty about whether separate stocks exist stock boundaries and the state of the stocks due to the lack of a stock assessment Also of concern is the bycatch of sharks and seabirds in longline fisheries impacts on seabed ecology from trawling non target fish bycatch and the lack of a management plan Economic value Red snapper are mainly sold on the domestic market ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Red snapper are widespread around the coast northern of New Zealand and are found at depths of 10 to 400m Thy are caught mainly around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 40 Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown There is also no research to determine if there are separate biological stocks Annual catch limit Set at 145 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 87 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest catch in five years but well below the peak catch of 211 tonnes Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe reference or current biomass is not known for any red snapper stock It is not known if the recent catch levels are sustainable The status of RSN 1 2 and 10 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p738) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method longline fishery off the East Coast of Northland trawl fishery around Northland and set net fishery in the Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low for longline and set net fisheries high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery and a variety of non-target fish are caught by trawl and set net fisheries Ecological effects Wasteful removal of non-target species from the marine ecosystem and damage to bottom dwelling species and habitats caused by trawling Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 83
Ribaldo
Scientific name Mora moro
Other names Deepsea cod googly-eyed cod white cod mora
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deep-sea relative of red cod occurs around New Zealand and southern Australia at depths of 200 to 1300m It is most common between 500m and 1000m and is caught on bottom longlines and as a bycatch of deepwater trawling and longlining In recent years most of the catch comes from longlining for ling but historically from the late 1970s to 1990 it was a bycatch from target trawling for hoki orange roughy and ling Ecological concerns The bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery the bycatch of NZ fur seals and seabirds associated with trawl caught ribald and the impact of bottom trawling on seabed communities Also of concern is the absence of directed research and a quantitative stock assessment the lack of basic biological information on ribaldo the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the commercial catch limit plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Ribaldo are sold in New Zealand and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand and is moderately common around the South Island at depths of 200ndash1300m It is most common between 500ndash1000m Maximum age (years) 60+ Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1282 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 992 tonnes for 2007-08 which was the lowest in 14 years Stock trends Unknown - total reported landings have increased since 1982-83 but are now half the peak catch of 1996-97 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainable in the long term or whether catches at the level of the current TACCs will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p743) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Trawl and longline ndash most catch since 1990 is bycatch from ling longlining Habitat damage Minimal impact from longlining When caught by bottom trawl deepwater habitats and associated communities are damaged Bycatch Same bycatch as in the ling longline fishery - vulnerable seabirds and deepwater shark species (See ling for more information on bycatch species associated with ribaldo catches) When caught in the orange roughy and hoki fisheries a wider range of species are caught as bycatch including NZ fur seals and seafloor invertebrates Ecological effects As a bycatch species in the ling fishery this fish is associated with impacts on vulnerable seabird species and removal of a range of non-target fish from marine food webs When caught by trawling it is associated with significant alterations to deepwater ecosystem and species diversity Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 84
Rig Lemonfish
Scientific name Mustelus lenticulatus
Other names Pioke Makoo (Maori) Lemonfish spotted dogfish smoothhound spotted estuary smooth-hound gummy shark hoshizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small species of shark is a popular ldquofish and chiprdquo fish which has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species Rig is found around New Zealand usually in waters no more than 200m deep It is caught in very long bottom set nets and in trawl nets with a proportion also caught as bycatch in other targeted trawl fisheries Ecological concerns The rig fishery is notorious for posing a significant threat to globally threatened Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins where they have been caught and killed in nets (especially set nets) Set nets and inshore trawling are also responsible for the bycatch of other dolphins fur seals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns with the rig fishery include the limited research on it the lack of quantitative stock assessments unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits (with declines in some stocks) and the lack of a comprehensive management plan There are also concerns about seabed damage caused by trawling Economic value Rig is sold in New Zealand and Australia with exports of about $25 m ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common in coastal waters especially shallow bays around New Zealand with adults out to 200m Maximum age (years) 20 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 5-8 Growth rate Moderately fast Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 1919 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1313 tonnes in 2007-08 are the second lowest in nearly 20 years and are well under half the annual landings reported in the early 1980s which peaked at 3826 tonnes in 1983 Stock trends Uncertain but declines in catches in SPO 1 West (north west North Island) SPO7 (West coast and top of the South Island) and SPO 8 (south west North Island) The SPO 7 (Tasman BayGolden Bay) catch rates have declined by over 70 in the last 15 years while a decline of over 50 was recorded in the West Coast South Island trawl survey between 1995 and 2005 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available SPO 1 ldquoreported landings have consistently declined since 1991ndash92 Patterns in relative abundance suggest that recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short termhellip However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable SPO2 Apart from ldquoa sharp drop [in the set net index] in the final one or two years indices are stable and have been for 14 years the current TACC is thought to be sustainable However it is unknown whether the current catch which is on average (past 4 years) 23 over the TACC is sustainablerdquo For SPO 3 ldquoRecent catch levels are thought to be sustainable in the short-term but it is not known if the TACC is sustainable because catches have averaged about 13 below the TACC since 2000ndash01rdquo For SPO7 [I]n 2006 based on a stock assessment that SPO 7 was below BMSY and that neither current catches nor the TACC were sustainable Based on this assessment the TACC was reduced for 2006ndash07 to 221 trdquo SPO8 All recorded landings have been less than the TACC Recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short-term However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable (MFish 2009 p759-760)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 85
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and bottom set nets as well as bycatch in other trawl fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and associated communities Bycatch Globally threatened Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are caught in set net fisheries which also catch other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling also poses a risk to these endangered dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Juvenile rig are also caught in harbours Ecological effects Changes to species diversity and disruption of ecological systems Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment A preliminary assessment exists for SPO7 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 86
Rock lobster
Scientific name Jasus edwardsii
Other names koura matapara matapuku (Maori) crayfish red crayfish red rock lobster spiny rock lobster southern rock lobster (Australia US) langouste (France) ise-ebi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Rock lobster is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters living in and around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m Rock lobster are caught year round and the fishery is New Zealand‟s third largest seafood export earner In addition to an annual quota there are size restrictions in place to protect juveniles and egg carrying females Ecological concerns The depleted state of some stocks the Gisborne stock in particular which is half of the legally required population size and the unknown status of some other stocks While some stocks are recovering they are still well below original levels Also of concern is the increasing uncertainty of annual catch levels in the medium-term and the lack of a management plan Cray potting is a relatively harmless fishing method but it can have impacts on marine mammals seabirds and sensitive seabed habitats Economic value Over 90 is exported live to Asian markets (Japan Taiwan and Hong Kong) Exports were worth $127 million in 2006 Best option The best option is to buy rock lobster that have not been caught from the Gisborne area or from the southern South Island region ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Rock lobster is found along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand but is more abundant around the south of the South Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived (40+) Age at sexual maturity 3-12 Growth rate Thought to be slow growing Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 5-11 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Stocks are well below estimated 1950s population levels Several stocks have high exploitation rates which means they rely on few year classes and are susceptible to periods of low recruitment (possibly recruitment overfished) Annual catch limit Set at 27663 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2 9810tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends Variable ndash declines in northern and central New Zealand over the last 10 years but steady increases in southern South Island (CRA 7 and 8) over the last 10 years CRA 3 (Gisborne area) is estimated at half BMSY MSY Status Depleted stocks in most areas in particular CRA3 CRA 7 and 8 There is no reference to unfished stock size (B0) or sustainable yield (BMSY) in the assessments CRA 3 and 4 are below 30 of the 1950s stock size The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Northland (CRA1) ldquoThe 2002 model results suggest that hellip levels of catch appear to be sustainablehellip However the projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable much beyond two to three yearsrdquo Auckland-Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) ldquoThe 2002 model result suggested that 2001-02 stock abundance was higher than in the 1979ndash88 reference period The 2001-02 levels of catch hellipappeared to be sustainablehellip However in this stock the projections should be considered less reliable than for CRA 1 because the uncertainty of future recruitment has more short-term effect on projected biomassrdquo Gisborne (CRA 3) ldquoCurrent biomass was estimated to be roughly half BMSY suggested a depleted stock compared with the estimated Bmsy Current fishing mortality is approximately 27 higher than FMSY Projections made for five years with the 2007 levels of catchhellip produced a median 25 decrease in model biomassrdquo Wairarapa-Wellington (CRA 4) The 2005 model results suggest that stock abundance in 2005-06 was higher than the 1979-88 reference period 2006 levels of catch produced a median 6 reduction in model biomass over three years to a level that usually remained higher than the reference levels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 87
Marlborough-Canterbury (CRA5) ldquoThe 2003 model result suggest that 2002-03 vulnerable biomass is higher than in the 1979-88 reference periodhellip With the 2002-03 assumed levels of catch model projections at the end of the 5-year projection period showed a
median biomass smaller than the 2002 03 biomass but still well above the reference levels These projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable beyond two to three yearsrdquo Chatham Islands (CRA 6) stock assessment ldquohas not been updated since 1996 The status of the stock is uncertainrdquo CRA 7 and 8 The 2006 model results the ldquoCPUE was well above the target set for the rebuilt stock (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p92-94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species Long-lived slow growing soft corals are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped onto them in the deep waters of Fiordland Bycatch Globally threatened Chatham Island shags Hector‟s dolphins and sperm whales are known to drown when they get entangled on pot lines for instance near Kaikoura Ecological effects Rock lobster is a generalist predator so their depletion affects a range of species including kina Fishing in sensitive areas may also alter seafloor community composition and diversity Management and management unit (score B and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but since 1992 there has been very good management forums operating in different regions where the commercial and recreational fishers are working on the state of the fishery There is mixed success with some forums failing to protect stocks (eg Gisborne area) Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except CRA 9 with some assessments in other areas being 5 or more years old ndash CRA 1 and CRA 2 (2002) CRA 3 (2008) CRA 4 (2005) CRA 5 (2003) CRA 6 (1996) CRA 7 and 8 (2006) References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Sullivan (Comp) Science Group Ministry of Fisheries MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 88
Rubyfish
Scientific name Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Other names Rock salmon (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This very long-lived (90 years or more) slow growing fish is found from mid-to-deepwater where they school over the seafloor and off deepwater banks and reefs Normally a southern ocean species in New Zealand rubyfish prefer the warmer northern and central waters and are most common at depths of 200 to 400m Rubyfish are caught throughout the year mainly as bycatch in trawl fisheries for alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel There is also a developing target trawl fishery At least a third of recent annual catches were from targeted mid-water trawling fished close to the bottom Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information about rubyfish the absence of directed research the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and as a result the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also of concern is the recent decline in landings off the east coast of the North Island and the lack of a management plan Non-target fish bycatch (including marine mammals and seabirds) and trawl impact on seabed communities are also of concern Economic value Rubyfish are exported to Europe and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Rubyfish are found in the southern oceans from South Africa to Australasia Here they are found in sub-tropical waters around northern and central New Zealand at depths ranging from 50 to 800m but absent from the southern Chatham Rise and Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 90+ Age at sexual maturity 7 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 7 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 800 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 564 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available RBY1 In 2002hellipthe stock [was assessed as] lightly fished [and] it seems likely that the stock is above BMSY Based on the low catches through to 2004ndash05 - RBY 1 was likely to remain near the unexploited level at that time RBY2 Most of the current RBY catch comes from QMA 2 It is not known whether the level of recent commercial catches in this QMA is sustainable The status of RBY 2 relative to BMSY is unknown RBY others For most other areas it is not known if recent catches are sustainable The status of other RBY stocks relative to BMSY is unknown (MFish 2009 p772) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel) and targeted by mid-water trawling where the gear is usually fished close to the bottom Habitat damage Trawling on seamount features close to or on the seabed can cause significant damage to habitats and associated communities Bycatch As a bycatch species rubyfish are associated with a range of non-target fish including quota management system species (eg tarakihi silver warehou gemfish and ling) and the captures of seabirds and marine mammals (See alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel fisheries for associated bycatch) Ecological effects Disruption to marine webs by the removal of a wide range of fish species and destruction of deep water ecosystems and species when fishing occurs on or close to the seafloor
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 89
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 90
Scallops
Scientific name Pecten novaezealandiae
Other names kuakua pure tipai tupa (Maori) coquille saint-jacques de Nouvelle-Zealande (France) hotatega (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the larger and shallower distributed of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats of sheltered bays from the low tide mark down to about 50m water depth The main commercial fisheries are in the Nelson-Marlborough region with other fisheries off Northland Coromandel Peninsula and around the Chatham Islands They are harvested before they spawn by dredging The scallop dredge fishery in the Nelson-Marlborough region is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including fish and invertebrates It causes incidental damage to scallops (as much as 50 of those not caught) and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages including high biodiversity habitat (eg Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay) Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits variations in stock sizes depending on survey timing and fishing season plus the absence of a management plan Economic value Most are exported to France with an export value of over $23 million in 2008 down from $146 million in 2001 Coromandel scallops are sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution These scallops are an endemic species found all around New Zealand but especially in bays 10ndash50 m deep Maximum age (years) 6-7 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Relatively high but variable between areas and years and generally decreasing with depth Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 15-35 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Scallop populations sizes are naturally variable between areas and years Annual catch limit Annual catch limits are variable between areas and years with a minimum TACC set for Northland and Coromandel Total catch limit was 895 tonnes meat weight Recorded catch The total catch in 2007-08 was 196 tonnes meat weight with about 50 coming from top of the South Island Stock trends Recovering Coromandel and some Northland fisheries apart from the Far North and Bream Bay (which has declined 85 in one year) In the southern fisheries there has been little recovery with Tasman Bay reaching its lowest level in 10 years at 1 of 1998 levels MSY Status Latest published data suggest a recovery in the Northern fisheries after substantial declines in the late 1990‟s and early 2000‟s The southern fishery has shown variable changes with Tasman Bay reaching 3 of it 2002 levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Islands (SCA4) ldquoIt is not known if current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and catch levels are sustainable or will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo For the NelsonMarlborough (SCA7) ldquoThere has been a substantial decline in the biomass of scallops in both Golden Bay and Tasman Bay since about 2002 current biomass is extremely low in Tasman Bayhellip In contrast biomass in the Marlborough Sounds has remained relatively stable over the same period Recent SCA 7 landings have been low and Tasman Bay has been completely closed to commercial harvesting since 2006hellip It is thought now that the current practise of bdquorotational‟ fishing on its own is probably not a sufficient strategy for the sustainable management of this fisheryrdquo For northern stocks Northland ndash ldquoA substantial increase in biomass was observed between 2003 and 2006 which resulted in the 2006 biomass estimate being the highest recorded for Northland However the 2007 survey results suggest the biomass in Bream Bay and MangawhaiPakiri has declined markedly since 2006 and consequently the overall fishery biomass is far lower in 2007 than in recent yearsrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 91
Coromandel ndash ldquobiomass estimates around the turn of the century (2000) were consistently at or near the lowest on record and it seems reasonable to conclude that the population was for unknown reasons at a very low ebb In contrast following reasonable increases in biomass catch rate and condition of scallops in 2003 and especially 2004 the biomass in 2005hellip was the highest on record The 2007 survey results show there has been a decline in the overall biomass since 2006 although the biomass estimate is still high compared with historical recordsrdquo (Brown and Horn 2007 Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p779-780 790-791 and 799) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Dredging at depths of 10ndash50 m (85 m at the Chatham Islands) Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of non-target species including horse mussels bryozoans and sponges It also kills up to 50 of the scallops that are not caught The sponge garden area of high biodiversity in Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay was destroyed by scallop dredging in the 1990‟s Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and other invertebrates plus occasional benthic fish (eg stargazers) Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology reduces habitat variability and species diversity and removes sensitive species such as horse mussels Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes for all areas since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but most stocks are supposed to be managed on a ldquocurrent annual yieldrdquo basis (ie catch limits are varied in accordance with survey results each year) however surveys are not always annual In 2009 the Southern Scallop Enhancement Company applied for environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on annual surveys for most areas apart from Chatham Islands (2005) References Survey of scallops and oysters in Golden Bay Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds May 2007 Brown S and Horn P L June 2007 NIWA An appraisal of an in-season depletion method of estimating biomass and yield in the Coromandel scallop fishery M Cryer NZ Fisheries Assessment Report 20018 NIWA April 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 92
Scampi
Scientific name Metanephrops challengeri
Other names kourarangi (Maori) NZ scampi kaisersgranat (Germany) langoustine-de-NZ (France) akaza-ebi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the largest prawn-like species found in New Zealand waters although it is actually a small lobster It is found all around New Zealand at depths of 200 to 750m The commercial fishery is now under the quota management system after some controversy over allocation of quota It is caught using specialised deepwater bottom trawls with fine mesh nets Ecological concerns due to the fishing method there is a high level of bycatch of fish invertebrates marine mammal and seabirds There is also considerable destruction to seabed habitats species and associated marine life Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and limits in all of the larger quota management areas the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Economic value Export value of $11825 million in 2004 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Scampi are widely distributed around New Zealand at depths of 200-750m on the continental slope Maximum age (years) 15 (approx) Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to moderate (females carry only a few tens to a very few hundred eggs) Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown other than for areas subject to underwater photographic surveys in the Bay of Plenty Annual catch limit Total catch limit of 1291 tonnes set in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 669 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining catch rates in SCI1 SCI2 SCI3 SCI4A and SCI6A was substantially under-caught Scampi 1 2 and 3 had the lowest catches for over 15 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states There are no agreed biomass estimates ldquoThere are no stock assessments or yield estimates for any scampi stock It is not known if recent catches and current catch limits for any scampi stock are sustainable in the long term or will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p814) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method Bottom trawling with fine mesh gear Habitat damage Trawling for scampi has significant adverse impacts on seafloor habitats as it scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty over 1100 km2 is swept by trawlers each year which is one of the smaller scampi fisheries (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch There is a high level of a range of quota and non-quota species caught in scampi trawls (up to five times the target catch) Around the Auckland Islands threatened NZ sea lions are occasionally caught as well as observed captures of globally threatened black-browed Salvin‟s and white-capped (shy) albatrosses plus sooty and flesh-footed shearwaters Ecological effects Scampi trawling causes significant disruption to seabed species assemblages reduces deepwater biodiversity and modifies the structure of marine communities Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Introduced on 1 October in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 93
Stock assessment No completed quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 94
School shark
Scientific name Galeorhinus galeus
Other names makohuarau (Maori) grey shark greyboy tope flake milandre (France) eirakubuka mejirozame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description School shark is a long-lived and slow growing species that is late to mature This means the fishery has low overall productivity and as with most other sharks the species is highly vulnerable to fishing pressure Like rig it is sold as a ldquofish and chiprdquo option It is widespread throughout the coastal waters of New Zealand but is particularly abundant in the north at depths of at least 200m It is caught throughout the year mainly by set netting Ecological concerns The school sharks fishery poses a threat to globally endangered Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins which may be caught and killed in nets (particularly set nets) and risks catching other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling for schools shark may also impact seabed habitats Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns include the uncertainty about basic biological information on school sharks the absence of quantitative stock assessments and consequently the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits Lack of information on the size and sex composition of the catch and the lack of a management plan are additional concerns Whilst there is no management plan for school sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for school sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value School shark is sold for the New Zealand fish and chip market and is exported to main markets in Australia fetching $615m in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand coastal waters although it is more common in the north Prefers the shallower waters of the continental shelf but is known to at least 200m Maximum age (years) 50+ Age at sexual maturity 12-17+ Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 10 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3437 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3299 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown Catches have been steadily increasing following historical declines in catch However there is a lack of information on sex and size composition of catches MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current or reference biomass are not available School shark TACs were originally set at half the 1983 catch because of apparently declining catch rates and concern about the undoubtedly low productivity of the species However catches and actual TACCs have steadily increased since 1986ndash87 CPUE indices are characterised by high uncertainty but there are no indications that current catches are not sustainable in the short-term However it is not known whether recent catch levels or the current TACCs are sustainable in the long-term The status of SCH 1 2 3 4 5 7 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p832-0833) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Set netting trawling and lining with some also caught by tuna longliners well offshore Habitat damage Trawling damages seafloor habitats
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 95
Bycatch Juvenile school sharks are caught in harbour set nets and there is a risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where Hector‟s dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist outside these closures Ecological effects Changes to bottom dwelling species diversity as a result of trawling and alteration of coastal food web dynamics due to removal of this predatory species from the population Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 96
Sea perch
Scientific name Helicolenus percoides
Other names matuawhapuku pohuikaroa puaihakua (Maori) jock stewart scarpee deepsea perch ocean perch
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Sea perch is a relatively slow growing long-lived fish (up to 45 years) that is related to scorpionfish It is widely distributed around New Zealand ranging from just a few metres water depth to very deep waters (1200m) It is mostly caught as bycatch in red cod and hoki trawl fisheries off the east coast of the South Island including the Chatham Rise A small targeted catch comes from some central and southern line fisheries including the groper fishery and a small bycatch comes from bottom longlining Ecological concerns The lack of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of current catch levels (particularly given it is a long-lived species) and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the destructive impacts of bottom trawling on fragile deepwater habitats and species and the capture of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals associated with other fisheries Economic value Sea perch are sold in New Zealand and exported to Australia Japan and Korea at a value of $1million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Sea perch occurs widely around New Zealand at depths of just a few metres to 1200m but is most common around the South Island Maximum age (years) 43 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Relatively slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 20-30cm or 5-20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2170 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 12457 tonnes in 2007-08 around 75 as bycatch in trawl fisheries - the second lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown but between 19981999 and 200203 CPUE in SPE3 (off eastern South Island) declined in a range of fisheries MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are available For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p852) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Sea perch is caught as a bycatch species by trawl and line vessels (mainly in red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries) Habitat damage When caught as part of bottom trawling there are impacts on sea floor habitats and bottom dwelling species Bycatch Sea perch is associated with the bycatch of red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries The bycatch in these fisheries includes marine mammals seabirds and a wide range of non-target fish species (see bycatch report for these fisheries for more information) Ecological effects Due to the broad range of non-target bycatch associated with sea perch catches there is likely to be multiple disturbances to marine food web dynamics There is also disturbance to bottom dwelling species and diversity as a result of bottom trawling Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 97
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 98
Silver warehou
Scientific name Seriolella punctata
Other names warehou hiriwa (Maori) spotted warehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like the white warehou silver warehou are a deeper ranging warehou species than the blue warehou living off the continental shelf edge and its upper slope It is mostly caught from the Chatham Rise (their major spawning ground) Canterbury Bight southeast of Stewart Island and the west coast of the South Island at depths of 200-800m Ecological concerns The absence of a quantitative stock assessment resulting in the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the uncertainty about stock boundaries Also of concern is the overfishing of current catch limits problems associated with the past mis-reporting of silver warehou as white warehou and the lack of a management plan Trawling impacts on seabed habitats and communities is also of concern as is seabird marine mammal and non-target fish bycatch associated the fisheries in which this species is caught Economic value Export value of about $23 million with the main market being Japan ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found mainly on the Chatham Rise (with the major spawning are on the western Chatham Rise) outer Canterbury Bight South Island west coast and the shelf south east of Stewart Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Relatively fast to mature Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash no estimates of reference current absolute biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 10380 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8107 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown ndash recent catch rates in SWA1 (all waters off the North Island West Coast and top of the South Island) is about half historic average levels MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo SWA1 ldquoCatch curve analyses indicate that the average exploitation rate on silver warehou in the WCSI hoki fishery is probably less than the natural mortality rate indicating that the stock is not being overfished Annual catches have averaged 1480 t hellipand catches at this level are likely sustainable in the short to medium term However it is not known whether catches at the level of the TACC (3000 tonnes) are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown SWA3 and 4 ldquoThe sustainability of current TACCs and recent catch levels for these Fishstocks is not known and it is not known if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p860-861) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing method Trawling ndash caught as a bycatch in hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel fisheries Habitat damage Impact of trawling on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch As silver warehou is caught in other target fisheries it is associated with a wide range of non target catch including marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish (See hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel for more information) Ecological effects Alteration of seafloor species and associated diversity due to trawling plus removal of a range of fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 99
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 100
Skates
Scientific name Zearaja nasutus (Rough skate) Dipturus
innominatus (Smooth skate)
Other names manumanu pakaurua uku waewae whai (Maori) barndoor skate (NZ) suei gangiei (Japan) gaori (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Skates are very closely related to sharks and are members of the cartilaginous fishes group (they have no bones) They are very distinctive with flattened wing-like bodies and occur all around New Zealand from coastal waters to depths of about 200m There are two species of skate commonly caught in our commercial fisheries ndash rough skate and smooth skate the latter more common in deeper waters living longer and growing larger They are caught as a bycatch species in trawl nets and on lines across a number of fisheries in multiple management areas each as a separate quota management species The largest of these extending from the coast of Fiordland out and round to just north of Kaikoura and including the Chatham Islands (QMA 3) accounts for more landings than all others combined Ecological concerns The limited research on skates and absence of basic biological information on each skate species the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels in QMA 3 or the total quota area the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the impacts on deepwater habitats as a result of trawling and the bycatch of marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish in other fisheries where skates are caught as bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for skates in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for skates nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Skates are finned at sea Economic value Exports of around $06 m to Asia and Europe especially France and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Both of these endemic species occur all around New Zealand Rough skate is more common in coastal waters while smooth skate is usually found in deeper waters both extending to 200m water depth
Rough Smooth Maximum age (years) 9 28+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 8-13 Growth rate Unknown Unknown Reproductive output High Medium Sizeage exploited Unknown Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A total quota of 1989 tonnes for rough skate and 867 tonnes for smooth skates in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1699 tonnes of rough skate and 715 tonnes of smooth skate in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but biomass indices declined significantly since 1991 on West Coast South Island for smooth skate MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available Relative biomass estimates from West Coast South Island trawl surveys 7 revealed strong decline for smooth skate It is not known if recent catch levels or the TACC are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p871) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Trawling and on lines Skates are caught as bycatch in a range of fisheries including hoki Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater habitats and associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch of other fisheries skates are associated with the captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 101
Ecological effects The primary effects are those caused by trawling ndash damage to seabed species assemblages loss of large adult skates and disruption to deepwater food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Whilst recognised as separate species these to skates (smooth and rough skate) are largely managed as a single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 1997 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 102
Skipjack tuna Scientific name Katsuwonus pelamis
Other names skipjack bonite (France) tunny (UK) katsuo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters usually preferring the warmer surface waters New Zealand is the southern limit of the skipjack tuna migration route (which is well known for being very long) where they visit the northeast from December to May or in later months from New Plymouth to Cape Farewell Skipjack are predominantly caught by purse seine vessels operating North of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay The New Zealand catch is a small part of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of sharks the bycatch of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the Pacific fishery plus the lack of a stock assessment catch limits or a management plan Economic value The main market is for canning outside New Zealand primarily in Indonesia and Thailand The export value of skipjack tuna is about $10 million Best option Skipjack is the most ecologically sustainable tuna species on the Best Fish Guide If possible try to avoid skipjack caught in association with catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna which are overfished ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Skipjack tuna are caught on the west and east coasts of the North Islands mainly north of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 1 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score B) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit It is not part of the quota management system (QMS) and no catch limits are set for New Zealand Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings in 2007-08 of 11834 tonnes inside the zone with another 15678 tonnes caught by New Zealand flagged vessels on the high seas Stock trends Uncertain but model results suggest that in recent years the skipjack population has been considerably higher (about 20) than the overall average level for the assessed period MSY Status Uncertain but likely to above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are currently no concerns relating to the current status of this stock though there are concerns that any increases in fishing effort on this stock could adversely [effect] bigeye and yellowfin tuna New Zealand catches represent 15 of the total catch The stock is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are likely to be sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Predominantly purse seine fishery around the North Island with some troll caught fish Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sometimes skipjack are caught with over-fished bigeye and yellowfin tuna which is a concern in the Pacific fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species (egtuna) has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there a catch limit or Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 103
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A South Pacific assessment in 2008 References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Langley A Hampton J and Ogura M 2005 Stock Assessment of skipjack tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean SC-1 SA-WP-4 First meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee Noumea New Caledonia Report from the Md-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 104
Snapper
Scientific name Pagrus auratus
Other names tamure kourea (Maori) sea bream bream schnapper NZ golden snapper brim porgy (US) dorade (France) madai goushyuumadai (Japan) cham dom (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description A slow growing long-lived (up to 60 years) member of the sea bream family snapper is one of largest and most valuable coastal fisheries in New Zealand It is common around the North Island and upper South Island and is mainly caught by bottom longlining or trawling operations generally at depths of 10-100 metres Jointly with oreosdeepwater dory mako shark and southern bluefin tuna snapper have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns The depleted status of the stocks (primarily as a result of historical depletion) the management of two stocks as one the uncertainty in stock assessments for some areas and the lack of a management plan As snapper are also a common target for recreational fishing a sector in which there is limited to no assessment of catch the impacts of the combined recreational and commercial catches are also of concern The impacts of bottom trawling the bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery (including the globally threatened black petrel) and the possible bycatch of the critically endangered Maui‟s dolphin in the trawl fishery are other concerns Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching Maui‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return to inshore coastal waters if regulations are dropped Economic value Japan is the single largest export market (around 50) while Australia and Taiwan take some 30 between them The export value of snapper was about $32 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly in the warmer coastal waters of the northern North Island and the Bay of Plenty but ranges to the north of the South Island Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Depleted in most areas Annual catch limit Set at 6357 tonnes in 2005-06 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6367 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends All stocks appear to be increasing However SNA8 (Kapiti coast to Cape Reinga in the North) projections assume a level of recruitment higher than that observed in recent years and may not reach the legally required BMSY level for up to 60 years The SNA1 stock (Northland to eastern Bay of Plenty) assessment has not been updated since 2000 MSY Status The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for snapper is assumed to be 20 of the unfished stock size (B0) This is unrealistically low All stocks are likely below this legally required level SNA 1 was about 18 B0 in 2000 and SNA 8 was between 8 and 12 B0 SNA2 stock (east coast North Island from Kapiti to eastern Bay of Plenty) was probably below the recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield SNA7 (West Coast and top of the South Island) is thought to be rebuilding after being depleted to very low levels Fishery Assessment plenary report states SNA1 was last assessed in 2000 East Northland ndashthe base case indicates that recruited biomass is at about BMSY reference point and is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the twenty year projection period Hauraki GulfBay of Plenty ndash indicates that the current recruited biomass (2000) is less than the BMSY reference point but is expected to increase over the next twenty years under the current TACC and estimated levels of recreational and unreported catch It is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the projection periodrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 105
SNA2 ldquoAs there are no indices of biomass model estimates [2002] must be treated with caution For almost all [model] runs the current biomass was estimated to be near to or somewhat below BMSY but was projected to increase towards BMSY by 2006 at the current catch level (436t)rdquo SNA 7 ldquoCurrent catch levels are below the expected level of productivity predicted by the assessment model which suggests that the stock should be rebuilding This prediction has not been corroborated by catches or other information external to the model hellip the model was depicting the 2001 SNA 7 biomass at an unrealistically high level (100-200 BMSY) and [the MFish Working Group] rejected the results of the assessmentrdquo SNA8 ldquoThe 2005 stock assessment indicated that current biomass (2004ndash05) was between 8 and 12 B0 and the biomass was predicted to slowly increase at the TACC level of 1500 t However from 1 October 2005 the TACC was reduced to 1300 t to ensure a faster rebuild of the stock At this TACC level the predicted rebuild to BMSY (20 B0) occurred after 2018 in all casesrdquo (MFish 2009 p904-905) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom longlining bottom trawling and some set netting Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and leads to a loss in biodiversity (Thrush et al 1998) Bycatch Seabirds are caught as by-kill on longlines including flesh-footed shearwaters and globally threatened black petrels while trawling and set netting catch a range of non target fish species Snapper fisheries may also risk possible bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 which has significantly reduced the threat to these dolphins plus other marine mammals and wildlife However captures may still exist where trawl fishing overlaps with dolphins areas outside the closed areas Ecological effects Modification and damage to seafloor habitats associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Whilst most stocks are managed separately there are two distinct stocks managed as one Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in all areas except QMA 2 and 3 However SNA1 was last carried out in 2000 SNA2 and 7 in 2002 and SNA8 in 2005 The results of SNA7 was rejected by the stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd S F Thrush J E Hewitt V J Cummings P K Dayton M Cryer S J Turner G A Funnell R G Budd C J Milburn M R Wilkinson (1998) Disturbance of the marine benthic habitat by commercial fishing impacts at the scale of the fishery Ecological Applications Vol 8 No 3 pp 866-879
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 106
Southern blue whiting
Scientific name Micromesistius australis
Other names Southern poutassou merlan bleu austral (France Canada) merlu (Italy) blauer wittling (Germany) minamidara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deepwater cod species is only found in waters around the Sub-Antarctic Islands where it schools near the seabed at depths of 450 to 650m It is therefore targeted and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries operating in this region particularly during its spawning season in August to early October The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The recorded and projected declines in biomass for two stocks (Campbell and Bounty‟s) the unknown sustainability of current catch limits in the two other stocks and the lack of a management plan Of particular concern is the increasing trend of threatened NZ sea lion captures in this fishery which has relatively low observer coverage Also the impact of bottom trawling the very high bycatch of NZ fur seals (the highest of any NZ fishery) especially around the Bounty Islands and the deaths of seabirds are of serious concern Economic value The southern blue whiting fishery has an export value of about $227 million (2008) with the main markets in Japan Bulgaria Australia and China This fish is also used to make crabsticks or surimi ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Restricted to Sub-Antarctic waters This species is abundant south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau Pukaki Rise and Bounty Platform at depths of 300-650m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Highly uncertain or unknown for the Pukaki and Auckland Island stocks depleted for the other two areas Annual catch limit Set at 36948 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 31866 tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends The Bounty Platform stock and Campbell Island stocks have had good recruitment and are rebuilding The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown MSY Status Of the four stocks Bounty Platform and Campbell Island stocks are depleted with the Campbell Island stock estimated to be below BMAY in 2007 The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Campbell Islands stock ldquoFor the base case the B2006 was estimated to be 78000t corresponding to 30 B0 [BMAY is 34] The assessment is much more optimistic that the equivalent stock assessment presented in 2006 particularly in the projections as stock size is not predicted to decrease with future catches of 20000 tonnes (current TACC)rdquo Bounty Platform stock ldquoA survey carried out by the fishing industry in August 2007 indicated that there has been a very large increase in biomass in this stock since 2004hellip Without a formal stock assessment it is not possible to quantify the size of the stock and to determine a current annual yield (CAY) for the fisheryhellip Another survey in August 2008 confirmed that the 2002 year class is very strong and biomass was likely to be over 100000 t Using the results of the 2008 survey to estimate conservative estimates of CAYhellip gave estimates of CAY of 13500 t to 22000 t The TACC was increased from 1 April 2009 to 15000 trdquo Pukaki Stock ldquothis stock has only been lightly exploited since 1993 and likely to be above the level that will support the MAYrdquo Auckland Islands stock ldquoit is unknown if recent catches are sustainable or if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2007 p891) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Trawling mainly by foreign chartered vessels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 107
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage bottom dwelling species and fragile deepwater ecosystems Bycatch The southern blue whiting fishery has the highest captures of NZ fur seals of any fishery especially around the Bounty Islands It also captures seabirds other fish species and increasingly globally threatened NZ sea lions Ecological effects Trawling impacts on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Also the removal of young southern blue whiting which are an important food for globally threatened yellow-eyed penguin and forms the bulk of the food of globally threatened black-browed albatross (Diomedea melanophrys impavida) during the chick-rearing period (Cherel et al 1999) Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 (1 November) Catch limits Yes Management plan No The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except Auckland Islands For example Campbell Islands (2008) Bounty Platform (2004) Pukaki Rise (2002) Industry surveys in 2007 and 2008 have yet to be fully assessed References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Albatross predation of juvenile southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) on the Campbell Plateau Cherel Waugh and Hanchet 1999 New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 1999 Volume 33
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 108
Southern bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus maccoyii
Other names Bluefin southern bluefin thon rouge de sud (Canada France) atun del sur (Spain) minamimaguro indo-maguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Southern bluefin tuna is a long-lived migratory species found throughout the Southern Hemisphere which can move thousands of kilometres in a year It is a highly sought after tuna species due to its flesh being of high oil and low moisture content Iin 1996 it‟s depleted status resulted in it being ranked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered Southern bluefin tuna breed in the Indian Ocean off western Australia arriving in New Zealand in prime condition at around the age of 5 years old where they are caught off the east coast by longlining and trolling Jointly with mako shark snapper and oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna has the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Southern bluefin stocks are severely over-fished ndash the breeding population is severely depleted and there is a high level of unreported and illegal catch (up to 30 of the reported catch) The lack of a management plan and the bycatch of seabirds NZ fur seals a range of shark species and the huge non-target fish bycatch are also of concern Economic value Southern bluefin tuna are exported to Japan the USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices An individual 444 pound bluefin sold for a record US$173000 in Tokyo in 2001 The export value of southern blue fin tuna was $7million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Breeds south of Java (Indonesia) on the west coast of Australia Distributed in the southern oceans between 10oS and 50oS including New Zealand waters Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 8-12 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Southern bluefin tuna are severely depleted - well under 10 of the 1960 population size and possibly as low as 3 In 1996 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed this species as Critically Endangered the highest threat category Annual catch limit The annual New Zealand catch limit has been set at 413 tonnes in 2004-05 out of a global ldquolimitrdquo of 11620 tonnes set by the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) This includes voluntary commitments from Korea and Taiwan to reduces catches by a combined 280 tonnes Recorded catch Reported landings of 378 tonnes in 2008 Estimated global catches reported in 2007 (11 540 t) were the lowest for over 50 years In 2005 a high level of unreported or illegal catch was identified principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years There is also concerns about the reporting of aquaculture farming by Australian fishers Stock trends Declined to historically low size and it is unclear whether the stock is now stable or declining (it is not rebuilding) MSY Status Well below the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield and expected to suffer from further declines in spawning stock biomass in the coming years The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the 2008 CCSBT-SAG meeting the operating model was run under a number of scenarios that are generally similar to those evaluated in 2006 The scenarios indicate that spawning stock biomass is still at a very low level (generally below 10 of pre-exploitation spawning stock biomass a level at which recruitment may be at risk of further decline) This is well below the 1980 level and below the level that could produce maximum sustainable yield Rebuilding the spawning stock biomass would almost certainly increase sustainable yield and provide security against unforeseen environmental events Presently however there is no sign of spawning stock biomass rebuilding Consistent with the poor recruitment from 1999 to 2002 a gap in the size (and presumably age) composition is apparent By inference this gap will lead to a further decline in spawning stock biomass in coming yearsrdquo (MFish 2009 p114)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 109
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Pelagic longlining with approximately 500000 baited hooks set in New Zealand per year The small number of Japanese chartered vessels and New Zealand vessels are required to use some seabird bycatch mitigation measures Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds including globally threatened species of albatross and petrel are killed as well as non-target fish (including blue sharks) and some marine turtles Albatross species recorded killed in the fishery include Antipodean Buller‟s Salvin‟s Gibson‟s Campbell Chatham black-browed and white-capped Grey petrels are also caught The numbers of fish bycatch species can be up to 20 times the target tuna catch Ecological effects This fishery is directly responsible for driving both the target tuna species and some species of albatross towards extinction Due to the excess removal of this species and the removal of other large predatory species the fishery has knock-on effects on food web dynamics Management and management unit (score B and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes as a proportion of the bdquoglobal limit‟ set by the CCSBT Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in 2008 and 2009 by CCSBT Assessments have been affected by the high level of unreported or illegal catch identified in 2005 principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 110
Spiny dogfish
Scientific name Squalus acanthias
Other names koinga kaaraerae mako-huarau mangoo-hapuu mango-pekepeke (Maori) spurdog spineback spiky dog fish spiky southern spiny dogfish spotted spiny dogfish rock salmon (UK) gob sang eo (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like rig this small shark species has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species It lives near the seafloor in deeper waters than rig (100 ndash 700m) occuring almost worldwide in cool temperate waters In New Zealand they are most commonly found off the south and east coasts of the South Island It is mainly caught as bycatch in several deepwater trawl fisheries plus by inshore trawlers set netters and longliners Ecological concerns The limited research on this species the absence of a quantitative stock assessment which results in the unknown sustainability of current catch limits the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Also of concern is the impact of trawling on seabed habitats and due to the association with other fisheries where it is caught seabird marine mammal and other fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for spiny dogfish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for spiny dogfsh nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Spiny dogfish is sold in New Zealand and is exported mainly to Western Europe and China with a value of $24 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Most common off the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 100-700m but also occurs on the Chatham Rise and northern Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 21-26 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium ndash female fish produce 1 to 19 live young per litter with a gestation period of 24 months Age exploited 4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size No estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit A catch limit was set at 12660 in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6293 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest since being under quota management Stock trends There was an upward trend in reported catches between 1980-81 and 2001-02 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAlthough reported commercial catches of spiny dogfish were observed to increase in all major FMAs during the 1990s the extent to which these increases can be attributed to changes in reporting practice (ie more accurate reporting of discards in recent times) is uncertain Trawl surveys on the other hand indicate that there was a general increase in the abundance of spiny dogfish particularly around the South Island in the mid 1990s It is unknown whether current catch limits are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p937) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling set netting and longlining It is mainly caught as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including hoki barracouta and red cod Habitat damage When caught by bottom trawl or from mid-water trawls close to the seafloor bottom dwelling species and habitats are damaged Bycatch Spiny dogfish is caught in association with other fisheries where there seabirds marine mammals and a range of non-target fish are caught as bycatch (See hoki barracouta and red cod for more information)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 111
Ecological effects As with most sharks spiny dogfish is an important predator so excess removal from marine systems is likely to alter food web dynamics (In conjunction with the removal of other non-target fish this is almost certainly the case) Up to 80 of spiny dogfish have been discarded in some areas making its removal utterly wasteful Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and limited research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 112
Sprats
Scientific name Sprattus antipodum (sprat) S muelleri (stout sprat)
Other names kupae marakuha patete (Maori) New Zealand herring sardine sprotte (Germany) espadin (Spain) iwashi supuratto (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Sprats also commonly referred to as sardines or New Zealand herring actually incorporate two different species of sprat They are a small fast growing schooling fish found in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays They are often used (long with anchovy and pilchards) by recreational fishers as baitfish and are caught commercially in a minor and intermittent fishery They are a schooling fish most commonly found around the South Island sometimes in mixed schools with anchovy and pilchards Jointly with anchovy and pilchard sprats have the highest ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological information on both species the lack of a quantitative stock assessment the impact of trawling on seafloor species and the lack of a management plan There is also some concern about the impact of fishing this species on predatory species further up the food chain such as marine mammals seabirds and larger fish However these concerns have not yet been assessed
Economic value The market for sprats includes New Zealand
Best option Try to choose sprats caught by purse seine or beach seine
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (both species) (score A) Distribution Open water and common in inshore waters around the South Island and in localized shoals around the North Island Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 450 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch 1 tonne in 2007-08 During the 1990s reported catches ranged from less than 1 tonne to 7 tonnes Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current biomass are available At the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is probably not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for spratsrdquo (MFish 2009 p940)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Method Mainly purse seine but also set net and beach seine Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on seafloor habitats and species diversity Bycatch Associated with pilchard in the south and purse seine bycatch species Ecological effects This is an important food species for larger fish seabirds and marine mammals ldquoExcessive localised harvesting may disrupt ecosystemsrdquo (MFish 2009 p 940)
Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 113
Stargazer monkfish
Scientific name Kathetostoma giganteum
Other names kourepoua moamoa ngu (Maori) giant stargazer bulldog sterngucker (Germany) miishimaokoze (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Stargazer or monkfish is actually one of a few species of stargazer in New Zealand It (the giant stargazer) is widespread in New Zealand coastal waters between 50 and 500m living on or partially buried in soft sediments on the seabed It is caught year round mainly around the South Island where it is most common as a bycatch in domestic trawl fisheries targeting red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi It is also caught as bycatch in some deepwater fisheries Ecological concerns The absence of quantitative stock assessments for any areas uncertainty over stock boundaries unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the habitat destruction caused by bottom trawling plus the non-target fish seabirds and marine mammal bycatch associated with other fisheries in which it is caught Economic value Stargazer is sold in New Zealand and had an export value of about $4 million in 2008 mainly sold to Japan Latvia and Germany ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Moderately common in shelf waters around southern New Zealand at depths of 50 to 500m Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Largely unknown There has been a preliminary estimate off the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA7) which gave a spawning stock estimate of 29 to 51 B0 for the base case assessment and within the East Coast North Island area (STA 2) the exploitation rate was estimated to be very high with ldquolong term yieldshellipof the order of 50-60 tonnesrdquo Annual catch limit Set at 5412 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3258 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but STA 7 stock has declined by around 29 to 51 since 1990 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo STA1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches have exceeded [the TACC] It is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA2 (East coast North Island) ldquoRecent relative abundance indices from both the ECNI inshore trawl survey and the ECNI scampi trawl survey are lower than those in 1993 The 1997 assessment suggested that the exploitation rate was very high but [a]n upper bound of 80 for the catchbiomass ratiohellipwas considered unrealistically highhellip Landings have been slightly above the TACC in recent years It is not known whether recent catches and the current TACC are sustainable The status helliprelative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe reinstated ECSI trawl survey returned a biomass estimate that was slightly above the 5 indices observed in the early 1990s This biomass estimate was also consistent with the CPUE series developed for the bottom trawl fishery targeted at red cod stargazer and Barracoutahellip On this basis [it was] concluded that current catches have been sustainable over the 18 years of the CPUE series although it is not known if the TACC is sustainable given that the average catches over this period have been about 15 below the TACC Relative biomass indices for stargazer from the annual trawl survey of the western end of the Chatham Rise have remained stable It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term The status of STA 3 relative to BMSY is unknown STA 4 (Chatham Rise) ldquoif fishing is overly concentrated in those areas where stargazer can be targeted such as close to the Chatham Islands there are concerns that local depletion may occur Recent catches have been substantially less than the TACC
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 114
the stock appears to have been lightly fished and is still likely to be in the fishing down phase It is not known if catches at the level of the current TACC would be sustainable The status of STA 4 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 5 (Southern waters including Subantarctic Islands and Fiordland) The current ldquoTAC is at the level of recent catches and is probably sustainable The status of STA 5 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA7 (West Coast amp top of the South Island) The WCSI trawl survey indices have increased from a low observed in 2003 to the highest in the series in 2009 (preliminary estimate) The results of the quantitative stock assessment suggested that stock biomass during the 2004ndash05 fishing year was unlikely to be below the biomass required to support the maximum sustainable yield The range of model results for STA 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is likely to be above BMSYrdquo STA 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p963-964) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling Stargazer is a bycatch in red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed destroying and altering bottom habitats and species assemblages Bycatch Stargazer is associated with the bycatch problems of the fisheries in which it is caught which includes captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals (See red cod flatfish barracouta and scampi for more information) Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration (especially for the scampi fishery) plus non-target bycatch has considerable ecological implications on seabed and wider marine systems Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment except for a preliminary assessments in STA2 (1997) and STA7 (2008) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 115
Striped marlin
Scientific name Tetrapturus audax
Other names takaketonga (Maori) marlin
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Striped marlin is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters Between 1987 and 1991 there was a moratorium on landing any broadbill species (marlin and swordfish) in the area between Mokau and East Cape (Auckland Fisheries Management Area) due to concerns about depleted stocks In 1991 the moratorium was replaced with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between recreational and commercial fishers to allow for the commercial take of swordbill Since 1995 there is a requirement to report all catches of billfish The MOU was last singed in 1996 As a result of the agreement on billfish striped marlin is principally a recreational only fish (about 65 tagged and released to aid research) with any commercial captures the result of accidental capture in the tuna surface longline fishery in northern waters Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessment plus the state of the stocks and catch limits Commercial captures of marlin are associated with the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals One of the key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Marlin is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Striped marlin are caught mainly around the North Islands north of 42oS Maximum age (years) 12+ Age at sexual maturity 1-2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit None set Recorded catch Latest reported annual commercial catch of 17 tonnes in 2007 most of which was discarded and 2 tonnes taken by New Zealand vessels outside the zone Stock trends Uncertain but likely declining MSY Status Uncertain but may be below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSeveral of the plausible model scenarios investigated indicate that current levels of fishing mortality may approximate or exceed the reference level FMSY and current spawning biomass levels may approximate or be below the biomass based reference point BMSY On the basis of this preliminary assessment it is recommended as a precautionary measure that there should be no increase in fishing mortality (ie fishing effort) on striped marlin in the southwestern Pacific particularly hellipthe Tasman Seardquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p120-121) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic Surface longlining for tuna around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Sharks New Zealand fur seals and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of some of these important large predators may impact oceanic food web dynamics including other species caught as bycatch in the longline fishery Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species No ndash due to an MOU with recreational fishers marlin cannot be targeted by commercial fishers
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 116
Management plan No However a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Stock assessment A stock assessment in 2006 by the WCPFC Scientific Committee with collaboration by Australia and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 NZ Fishing Industry Board
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 117
Swordfish
Scientific name Xiphias gladius
Other names broadbill broadbill swordfish paea espadon (France) mekajiki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Swordfish is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator found worldwide in temperate tropical and subtropical seas The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters with catch limits set under the quota management system They are targeted and caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessments catch limits and state of the stocks plus the potential for serial depletion of large swordfish There is also concern about the bycatch of sharks seabirds fur seals and sea turtles In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Another key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Swordfish are found worldwide in temperate subtropical and tropical waters They are present in New Zealand year round from the Kermadecs to Foveaux Strait Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 9-10 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 885 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 402 tonnes in 2006-07 The average sex ratio of swordfish caught in the longline fishery over the last 20 years was 3 times as many females compared to males Stock trends Uncertain There was a decline in CPUE from 2000 to 2004 which is consistent with the decline in Australia but the recent assessment suggests an increase in the stock MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSwordfish taken in New Zealand are part of a larger regional stockrdquo The [2008 WCPFC] assessment undertaken for swordfish in the southwestern Pacific region indicated an increase in stock abundance in recent years and the model projections predict further increases at current levels of fishing mortality Plausible assessment results indicate that overfishing is not occurring and that the stock is not in an overfished state However due to the uncertainty in the assessment the SC recommended that there be no further increase in catch or effort in order to keep the stock above its associated reference pointshellip It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for swordfish or to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support a MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p128) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method Pelagic surface longlining - they are caught on the west and east coast of the North Island plus around the Kermadecs Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks New Zealand fur seals and turtles are caught in the longline fishery In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Ecological effects Removal of these important large predators (Southern bluefin and sharks) impacts oceanic food web dynamics
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 118
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A preliminary assessment in 2008 by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) (Kolody et al 2008) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Kolody D Campbell R Davies N (2008) A Multifan-CL Stock Assessment of South-Western-Central Pacific Swordfish 1952-2007 Working Paper SA-WP-6 to WCPFC SC4 held 11-22 August 2008 Port Moresby PNG 89 p Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 119
Tarakihi
Scientific name Nemadactylus macropterus
Other names Ocean bream silver bream morwong (Australia) shimakurodai tarakii (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Tarakihi is a long-lived relative of red moki that is common around New Zealand but mostly found south of East Cape and around the South Island They are associated with shallow reefs as juveniles but then school over open seafloors as adults from 50 to 250m water depth Ecological concerns Tarakihi is caught by trawling so there is some concern about habitat damage if trawl gear touches the seafloor Trawling also catches a range of other fish Other concerns include the limited amount of some basic biological information the absence of quantitative stock assessments the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the lack of a management plan for Tarakihi Economic value Tarakihi are sold in New Zealand Japan and Australia and had an export value of $05 million in 2008 Best option Try to avoid Tarakihi caught in association with red cod off the East coast of the South Island or caught in association with gemfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand but mostly in the cooler waters south of East Cape and around the South Island Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) For TAR7 an assessment in 2008 had a base case estimate of 42-68 unfished stock size Annual catch limit Set at 6438 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 5429 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) Unchanged stable for all other areas MSY Status Unknown Western New Zealand stocks are thought to be close to or above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TAR1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoThe [CPUE] indices remain stable suggesting that current catches and the TACC for TAR 1 are sustainable In 2002 the Inshore WG concluded that TAR 1 was likely to be above BMSY There is no evidence from the CPUE analyses to suggest any major changes in abundance since this timerdquo TAR2 (East coast North Island) ldquoThe state of the TAR 2 stock in relation to BMSY is not known Long periods of sustained catches around 1 600t to 1 700t indicate a flat yield curve for the stock and suggest that the stock is probably close to BMSYrdquo TAR3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown Abundance appeared to reach its lowest historical level over 2003-04 to 2005-06 at about 70 of the long-term average having declined steadily from a peak in 1999-00 Abundance may be increasing back to average levels again although a decline was again noted in 2007-08 ldquo TAR4 (Chatham Rise) ldquothe fishery around the Chatham Islands has generally been lightly fished and the stock can probably support higher catch levels for the next few yearsldquo TAR 7 (West coast South Island) ldquoThe range of model results for TAR 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is Likely to be above BMSYrdquo TAR 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoOverall landings from the North and South Islands have remained relatively stable since at least the late 1960s despite changes in effort and methods of fishing Given the long stable catch history of this fishery current catch levels and TACCs are thought to be sustainablerdquo (MFish 2007 p966)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 120
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling Tarakihi is also a bycatch in the red cod and barracouta trawl fisheries around the South Island Habitat damage Trawling for tarakihi scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty the impact of tarakhihi trawling was considered along with scampi hoki and gemfish trawling (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch Other fish species Ecological effects Trawling alters species diversity and habitat composition and may disturb coastal food web dynamics Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment apart from a preliminary assessment of TAR7 in 2008 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 121
Trevally
Scientific name Pseudocaranx dentex
Other names araara kopapa komutumutu raumarie (Maori) blue gill jack fish silver trevally (Australia UK) carangue (France) Minamishimaaji (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Trevally is a long-lived species (up to 45 years) that lives near the seabed when young but schools as adults in the open water where they feed on krill and other plankton It is common around many parts of the North Island and the top half of the south Island and most abundant at depths of around 80m It is caught year round mainly around the North Island in conjunction with the snapper trawl fishery It is also caught by purse seiners in the Bay of Plenty and in set nets Ecological concerns The over-catch of Trevally off the east coast of the North Island the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the uncertainty of the stock status and the lack of a management plan Trawling catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear may cause considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems The fishery may also risk captures of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins off the west coast of the North Island Restrictions on trawling and set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling the risk of catching these dolphins may once again increase Economic value The main markets for Trevally are in New Zealand Japan UK and the Middle East It had an export value of $32 million in 2008 Best option Trevally caught of western New Zealand appear healthier but avoid fish caught using bottom trawl or set net Purse seine caught trevally is the best option ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common around the North Island and northern South Island with most trevally found along the north east and north west coasts of the North Island at a depth of 80m Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate to low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Uncertain though the population off western New Zealand (TRE7) has been estimated to be relatively healthy Annual catch limit Set at 3933 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2875 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in nearly 20 years Stock trends Uncertain Although an assessment of TRE7 shows a fluctuating stock size since 1980 and there are concerns about declines in TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) catches MSY Status Uncertain apart from an assessment of TRE7 which indicates the current stock is just above BMSY (28 B0) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches reported for TRE 1 are less than the estimated MCY levels and below the TACC Reduced proportions of older age classes in the single bottom trawl catch between 1999-00 and 2006-07 combined with the strong drops in landings in 2006-07 and 2007-08 may indicate that stock abundance is declining at current catch levelsrdquo TRE 2 (Eastern North Island to Kapiti) ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainablerdquo TRE 7 (Western New Zealand - North amp South Islands) ldquoRelatively large proportions of fish gt10 years including a healthy 20+ age group (as evidenced by the age structure of the commercial catch) suggest that TRE 7 have not been heavily exploitedhellipModel projections indicate that the biomass of TRE 7 stock is About as Likely as Not to remain stable over the next 5 years and the probability of the stock going below BMSY in 2013 is estimated at 0 (M=01) and 38 (M=0087)rdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p999 - 1002)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 122
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawl purse seine and set net Trevally is also caught as a bycatch in snapper red gurnard kahawai and john dory fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages the seabed reducing bottom dwelling species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself a range of other fish species are caught as bycatch including other commercial species (snapper red gurnard kahawai john dory) as well as non-target species There is also a risk of catching seabirds and marine mammals including potential bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Ecological effects Impacts of bottom trawling on bottom dwelling species and habitats plus ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A revised quantitative assessment in TRE7 in 2009 and a preliminary assessment for TRE 1 in 2006 which was not accepted References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 123
Trumpeter
Scientific name Latris lineata
Other names porae koekohe kohikohi (Maori) striped trumpeter okiisaki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This moki relative occurs in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere from the Indian Ocean to South America In New Zealand it is found from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is mainly caught on the east coast of both main islands ranging from 20 to 200m water depth There is little targeted fishing for trumpeter - it is mainly caught s a bycatch fish in line fisheries with some caught in trawl and set nets Ecological concerns The absence of basic biological information about Trumpeter the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the potential for localised depletion of some populations plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species itself trumpeter fishing is also associated with other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Trumpeter is sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is seldom common Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Likely to be moderate Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 144 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 101 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown (There is a risk for localised population to be quickly fished out) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1019) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Mostly caught as bycatch in coastal line-fisheries with some caught in trawl nets and set nets Habitat damage Unknown Bycatch A range of fish species also caught as bycatch in fisheries where trumpeter is caught Ecological effects Unknown Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Final Position Paper for the 1998-99 Sustainability Round
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 124
White warehou Scientific name Seriolella caerulea
Other names Deepsea wharehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description White warehou is the deepest ranging of the three warehou species in New Zealand and is common in southeastern waters and on the Campbell Plateau in the Subantarctics It is mostly taken as a bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries for hoki and silver warehou Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information about white warehou the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown stock size the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels There are also concerns about past mis-reporting of white warehou as silver warehou catches plus there is no management plan Bottom trawling causes considerable damage to seafloor communities and due to white warehou being a bycatch species of other fisheries it is also associated with the bycatch of seabirds marine mammals and other non-target fish Economic value White warehou is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Most common off south east New Zealand and on the Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Moderate Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3735 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2116 tonnes in 2003-04 Stock trends Unknown Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states ldquoIt is not known whether recent catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1030) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling especially bottom trawling White warehou is caught as bycatch in the hoki and silver warehou fisheries and to a lesser extent the hake ling and scampi fisheries Only 8 of the catch is from targeted fishing Habitat damage Bottom trawling scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species in a range of middle-depth fisheries it is associated with non-target fish marine mammal and seabird captures (See hoki and silver warehou for more information) Ecological effects Trawling destroys bottom dwelling species assemblages and habitat composition Wider ecological effects on food webs are largely due to the captures of non-target wildlife in the fisheries it is associated with Management and management unit (score E and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species However there is a problem in that quota areas do not match possible spawning areas Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 125
Yellowfin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus albacares
Other names Yellowfin thon juane (France) Ahi Shibi kiwada (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Yellowfin tuna is a migratory species found mainly in the warm ocean waters of northern New Zealand and moving south in summer to East Cape Like many tuna it is an important oceanic predator regulating the abundance of other marine species They are caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries on the west and east coast of the North Island The New Zealand catch is a very small part (003) of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns The lack of a stock assessment catch limits and a management plan therefore the high uncertainty about the state of the stocks Other concerns include declining catch rates the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals plus and ecological impact of removing this top predator species on wider oceanic food webs Economic value The export value of yellowfin tuna was $150000 in 2008 with the main markets in Japan Australia and the USA ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Yellowfin tuna are caught on the west coast and east coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 263 tonnes set in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 17 tonnes in 2006-07 within the EEZ which is minor compared to Western and Central Pacific catches of over 400000 tonnes Stock trends Declining stock size and catches which are unlikely to be sustainable MSY Status The yellowfin stock is likely to be above BMSY but are still considered to be fully exploited with a high possibility (47 ndash 73) of being overfished At current catch levels the stock is likely to move below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states From the 2007 WCPO assessment ldquothe possibility of overfishing is still relatively high (47) The reference points that predict the status of the stock under equilibrium conditions are B BMSY (110) and SBSBMSY (112) which indicate that the long-term average biomass would remain slightly above the level capable of producing MSY at 2002minus2005 average fishing mortalityhellip The WCPO yellowfin tuna fishery can be considered to be fully exploited Both the 2006 and 2007 assessments indicate that there is a high probability that overfishing is occurring (73 for the base case 2006 assessment and 47 for the base case 2007 assessment) In order to reduce the likelihood of overfishing and if the Commission wishes to maintain average biomass at levels greater than 5 above BMSY reductions in the fishing mortality rate would be required The stock size is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are not sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards and then below a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p155-156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic longlining around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 126
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment A completed quantitative stock assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Conservation (WCPO) Fisheries Scientific Committee (2007) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Hampton J Langley A and Kleiber P (2006) Stock assessment of yellowfin tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean including an assessment of management options WCPFC-SC2-2006SA WP-1 Second meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee 7-18 August 2006 Philippines (wwwwcpfcorg) Anon 2007 Commission or the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Scientific Committee Summary report Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia 244pp Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 127
Yellow-eyed mullet
Scientific name Aldrichetta forsteri
Other names aua kaataha kataka makawhiti (Maori) herring yelloweye mullet (Australia)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively short-lived surface dwelling coastal species is found throughout New Zealand but is most abundant in northern waters It is smaller and more slender than grey mullet forming schools in shallow coastal waters harbours and estuaries It is caught using set nets or by beach seining Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information on yellow-eyed mullet the absence of a quantitative stock assessment and so the unknown stock size and sustainability of recent catch levels (especially in combination with non-commercial take of this species) There is also concern about the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the likelihood of sub-stocks being managed together within quota areas plus the absence of a management plan Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Set netting also risks capture of other marine mammals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting off the west coast of the North Island introduced in 2003 and again in May 2008 have reduced this risk but set netting still poses a threat outside these areas Pending a high court ruling on a challenge to the restrictions the risk to Maui‟s dolphins may return Economic value Yellow-eyed mullet are sold in New Zealand and Australia Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Most common in northern New Zealand waters in sheltered bays harbours and estuaries Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 68 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported commercial landings of 17 tonnes in 2007-08 with a similar non-commercial catch Stock trends Unknown but may be subject to localised depletion MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p1036) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly set nets and beach seine nets Habitat damage Low Bycatch The small mesh nets used may increase fishing pressure on grey mullet and a range of other shallow water species There is also a potential bycatch of seabirds dolphins and other marine mammals in the set net fishery However restrictions on set netting in areas where the endangered Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects The localised nature of the fishery in some harbours means there could be a risk of serial depletion in some places Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 128
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 129
Appendix I Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Wallet Card Hard copies of the Best Fish Guide wallet card are available from Forest amp Bird and numerous nationwide outlets For example Kelly Tarltonrsquos Underwater Aquarium (Auckland) Portabello Marine Laboratory (Dunedin) Burger Wisconsin (nationwide) plus libraries health food shops cafes and other retail outlets It is also available to download as a pdf from our web site wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 130
Appendix II Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological Assessment Scores Using the Best Fish Guide Assessment Methodology New Zealand fish are given an overall rank from A (highest ecological sustainability) to E (lowest ecological sustainability) This is derived by awarding a score of 1 to 5 (ranks A to E) to six different assessment criteria (some weighted more heavily than others) The sum of these scores provides the overall assessment score and rank For more information on the assessment methodology please download the Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) from wwwbestfishguideorgnz Table Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological assessment scores for New Zealandrsquos wild caught seafood species showing individual scores for each criterion the multipliers applied ndash high importance (x3) to low importance (x1) ndash and the overall score and rank
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Albacore ALB 3 3 4 3 4 3 43 D
Alfonsino BYX 4 2 5 3 5 4 48 E
Anchovy ANC 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Arrow Squid SQU 4 5 5 1 5 5 54 E
Barracouta BAR 4 4 5 2 3 4 48 E
Bigeye Tuna BIG 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Black cardinal fish
CDL 5 4 4 5 3 4 55 E
Blue cod BCO 4 2 2 3 3 3 37 D
Blue mackerel EMA 4 4 3 3 3 3 45 E
Blue moki MOK 3 3 5 4 1 4 42 D
Blue shark BWS 4 5 4 4 4 4 55 E
Blue warehou WAR 4 3 5 3 3 4 47 E
Bluenose BNS 5 5 4 4 2 4 54 E
Butterfish BUT 4 2 4 3 4 4 44 D
Cockles COC 4 1 4 2 3 3 36 D
Dark ghost shark
GSH 4 3 5 4 2 5 48 E
Eels EEL 5 3 2 5 5 3 51 E
Elephantfish ELE 4 5 4 3 2 3 48 E
Flatfish FLA 4 4 5 2 5 4 52 E
Frostfish FRO 4 3 5 2 3 5 46 E
Garfish GAR 4 1 2 2 4 5 36 D
Gemfish SKI 5 3 5 4 2 3 49 E
Grey mullet GMU 4 2 4 2 4 3 41 D
Groper Hapuku HPB 4 2 4 4 5 5 49 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 131
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Hake HAK 3 4 5 3 3 3 46 E
Hoki HOK 3 5 5 3 3 2 48 E
Jack mackerel JMA 3 5 5 3 5 4 54 E
John dory JDO 4 2 5 2 2 4 40 D
Kahawai KAH 4 1 2 3 4 4 37 D
Kina SUR 4 1 2 3 3 5 36 D
Kingfish KIN 4 2 4 3 3 4 42 D
Leather jacket LEA 4 2 5 2 4 5 45 E
Ling LIN 3 5 5 3 3 3 49 E
Lookdown dory LDO 4 3 5 3 4 5 50 E
Mako shark MAK 4 5 4 4 4 5 56 E
Moonfish MOO
4 5 4 2 4 5 52 E
Orange roughy ORH 5 4 5 5 4 3 58 E
Oreos OEO 4 4 5 5 5 2 56 E
Oyster OYS 5 2 5 4 4 3 50 E
Pacific bluefin tuna
TOR 3 5 4 4 4 4 52 E
Packhorse lobster
PHC 4 2 2 4 2 5 39 D
Paddle crabs PAD 4 2 4 2 4 5 43 D
Pale ghost shark GSP 4 3 5 4 3 5 50 E
Paua PAU 5 1 1 5 5 3 43 D
Pilchards PIL 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Porbeagle shark POS 4 5 4 5 4 5 58 E
Queen scallops QSC
C 4 2 5 3 4 4 46 E
Red Cod RCO 3 4 5 2 2 4 43 D
Red Gurnard GUR 3 3 5 2 2 4 40 D
Red snapper RSN 4 3 4 4 4 5 50 E
Ribaldo RIB 4 3 4 4 2 5 46 E
Rig RIG 4 5 4 4 3 4 53 E
Rock lobster CRA 5 3 2 4 1 2 40 D
Rubyfish RBY 4 3 5 5 3 4 51 E
Scallops SCA 4 4 5 2 3 3 47 E
Scampi SCI 4 5 5 4 2 3 52 E
School shark SCH 4 5 4 4 2 4 51 E
Sea perch SPE 5 3 5 4 3 4 52 E
Silver warehou SWA 4 4 4 2 3 4 46 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 132
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Skates SKA 4 3 5 4 5 4 53 E
Skipjack tuna SKJ 2 3 2 3 4 3 36 D
Snapper SNA 5 5 5 4 3 2 56 E
Southern blue whiting
SBW 3 5 4 4 1 3 45 E
Southern bluefin tuna
SBT 5 5 4 4 4 2 56 E
Spiny dogfish SPD 4 4 5 4 2 4 50 E
Sprats SPR 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Stargazer STA 4 3 5 3 2 4 45 E
Striped marlin STM 4 5 4 3 4 4 53 E
Swordfish SWO
4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Tarakihi TAR 3 4 5 3 2 3 44 D
Trevally TRE 3 2 5 4 1 3 38 D
Trumpeter TRU 4 3 4 3 3 5 46 E
White warehou WW
A 4 4 5 3 1 5 47 E
Yellow fin tuna YFN 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Yellow-eyed mullet
YEM 4 2 4 1 3 4 38 D
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 133
Acronyms
ACAP ndash Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
B0 ndash The unfished initial or virgin recruited biomass for a stock
BMSY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield
BMAY ndash The recruited biomass that will support the maximum average yield
BMCY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum constant yield
CAY ndash Current annual yield - this is the estimate of the maximum sustainable catch for the current year in reference to a level of fishing mortality which has an acceptable level of risk
CITES ndash Convention on Trade in Endangered Species
CMS ndash Convention on Migratory Species
DoC ndash Department of Conservation
ITQ ndash Individual Transferable Quota - quota share of the TACC ITQs are property rights to a fishery granted in perpetuity which can be traded
ESY ndash Ecologically sustainable yield ndash the yield an ecosystem can sustain without shifting to an undesirable state
F ndash Fishing mortality rate is that part of the total mortality rate applying to the fish population that is caused by fishing
M ndash Natural mortality on a fish stock
MAY ndash Maximum Average Yield - which is the long-term current annual yield and equivalent to MSY
MCY ndash Maximum constant yield - the maximum constant catch that is sustainable with acceptable levels of risk at probable levels of future biomass for a fish stock
MFish ndash Ministry of Fisheries
MEY ndash Maximum Economic Yield - the greatest difference between the costs of inputs and the values of outputs (catch) This is the sustained catch that produces the maximum economic value this is usually at a catch below MSY
MSY ndash Maximum sustainable yield in relation to any stock means the greatest yield that can be achieved over time while maintaining the stocks productive capacity having regard to the population dynamics of the stock and any environmental factors that influence the stock (section 2 Fisheries Act 1996)
OSY ndash Optimum sustainable yield is the yield which considers factors in addition to maximum sustainable yield for instance effects on other species in the ecosystem and of other human uses of the ecosystem
TACC ndash Total Allowable Commercial Catch - this is the TAC minus an allowance for customary Maori fisheries recreational fisheries and other mortality on a stock caused by fishing The TACC is established under section 20 of the Fisheries Act 1996
TAC ndash Total Allowable Catch of any fish stock this includes the TACC plus an allowance for non-commercial catches including customary Maori catch and other mortality caused by fishing The TAC is established under section 13 or 14 of the Fisheries Act 96
Von B k ndash This is the Brody growth co-efficient and defines the growth rate toward the maximum This is from the standard Von Bertalanffy model (1938) which describes the growth in fish length
Lt=l [1-e-k(t-to)
] where l is the maximum body size and to is the shift in the growth curve to allow for nonzero body length at age zero
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 134
Glossary of Terms
Aquaculture - Aquatic species such as fish and shellfish in salt brackish or freshwater Farming implies private ownership and enhancement of production by stocking feeding providing protection from predators and other management measures
Beach-seine - A large enclosing net brought out by boats and dragged to the (sandy) shore Also a net
used to encircle fish in shallow water usually operated by two people wading out from shore the net
has lead weights to keep the bottom on the sea floor and floats to keep the top of the net at or near
the surface The seine may be set from a boat but hauled in from the land Also called shore seine
drag seine draw net haul seine yard seine and sweep net
Benthic species or benthos ndash Animals or plants living on the bottom of the ocean or lake
Biological diversity - The variability among living organisms including diversity within species between
species and of ecosystems (Section 2 of the Fisheries Act 1996) The Convention on Biological
Diversity also defines this as the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter
alia terrestrial marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems
Biomass - An aggregate weight at a particular time of fish (or other organisms) in a stock or in a fishery
Bottom trawl net - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom such
as Orange Roughy and oreos
Bottom pair-trawl - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom but
towed between two similar trawlers
Bycatch - Those species killed in a fishery targeted on other species or a different size range of the same
species and includes that part of the catch that has no commercial value and is discarded
Catch - The total number or weight of fish and other marine life including bycatch taken by fishing from an area over a period of time as opposed to landings which do not reflect the amount of discards
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (CCAMLR) - Established by treaty in 1980 the CCAMLR is unique among fisheries agreements in that the conservation measures adopted by the Commission must include a fisherys impact on the entire ecosystem rather than on just the targeted species This ecosystem approach aims to prevent a decrease in the size of harvested populations to levels that threaten their stable recruitment and to minimize the risk of changes in the marine ecosystem that are not potentially reversible over two or three decades The meetings of the Commission are held annually in Hobart Australia with representatives of the 23 CCAMLR member states
Continental shelf - The continental shelf is a gradually sloping undersea shelf of land that extends beyond shore of the continent The nature of this geologic shelf is home to a great diversity of fish and shellfish species
Copepods - A large group (approximately 6000 species) of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans They are an important food source for many larger animals including fish seabirds and baleen whales
Coral reefs ndash Reefs built up over hundreds of years by colonies of small animals called coral polyps and their skeletons of calcium carbonate Coral reefs cover less than 1 of the ocean area but are home to one-third of all marine fish species
Crustacean - The aquatic equivalent of insects also from the phylum Arthropoda Found in both fresh and salt water crustaceans are invertebrates and characteristically have a segmented body and exoskeleton with limbs that are paired and jointed Lobsters crabs shrimp and barnacles are examples of crustaceans
Danish seine - A method of seining with a large net but the catch is landed on the vessel Can be a single or
two boats net where an area of water of about 2 square kilometres is swept as two encircling ropes
leading to a trawl-like net are retrieved by the vessel(s) Fish within the ropes are herded into the net
during hauling
Demersal species - Fish found on or near the bottom of the ocean for example Orange Roughy
Depleted fishery - A fishery where the population has been reduced to less than that which would support
the maximum sustainable yield
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 135
Developed fishery - A fishery operating at or near the level of the maximum sustainable yield subject to
other environmental constraints
Developing fishery - A fishery in which experimental or feasibility fishing is being undertaken to determine
whether the resource can support a viable fishery
Dip-net - A net used for transferring the catch of a deep-sea seine after it has been brought alongside It is
operated either entirely by hand or partly by hand and partly by mechanical power Other names are
scoop brailer spoon net brail net and hand brailer
Dragnet ndash a small net pulled by two or more people which is dragged along the bottom
Driftnet - A gillnet weighted at the bottom and supported by floats at the top which drifts with the tide or
current Large driftnets used to be in excess of 50 km on the high seas and in New Zealand EEZ
can be no longer than 1km
EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone - the zone out to 200 nautical miles offshore established pursuant to
international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Fishing effort - The amount of fishing activity undertaken It is usually measured by the total time spent
fishing combined with the quantity of gear used for example the catch per thousand hooks or the
catch per trawl
Fecundity - The level or rate of egg or offspring production Fecundity may change with the size and age of a species
Finning - The practice of cutting off the fins of sharks and discarding the sharkrsquos body overboard Asia is the primary market for shark fins which are used to make shark fin soup The US Congress banned shark-finning in all US waters in 2000 Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Fishery - Can be defined in many ways though in general terms it is the take or removal of a species from the aquatic environment using some type of fishing technology The emphasis is on the human aspects of fishing and all the activities it involves
Food chain - The sequence of organisms through which energy and materials are transferred (in the form of food) or the linear progression of feeding levels in which one organism is the food source for the next
Food web - The complex interlocking series of individual food chains in an ecosystem ie all the predator-prey relationships
Fyke net ndash A long bag net distended by hoops into which fish can pass easily without being able to return
Globally threatened species - A species that is globally threatened with biological extinction under the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria
Growth over-fishing - When the losses due to natural and fishing mortality exceed the gains due to
recruitment and growth during the same period This is usually reflected by a reduction in the size of
the fish being harvested
High-grading - The practice of discarding at sea all or a portion of a vessels legal catch in order to obtain a higher or larger grade of fish that brings higher prices It may occur in both quota and nonquota fisheries
Hinaki ndash A traditional Maori woven eel net trap made from supplejack and flax
Invertebrate - Animals without a backbone (eg jellyfish octopus sponges bryozoans) In fishery management terms invertebrate usually refers to shellfish such as lobsters shrimp oysters and scallops
Jig - A multi-barbed hook used mainly to catch squid
Lampara net - Similar to but much smaller than a purse seine with no pursing action This net is generally
used for catching artificial light attracted schools of small fish such as anchovy and pilchard There is
a central spoon-shaped section and two lateral wings and the net is usually operated from a small
boat The rapid retrieval of the lead line does close the bottom of the net but it is not a true purse
Landings - Commercial landings are defined as the quantity of fish and shellfish brought ashore for sale The term also applies to the amount caught for personal use by recreational fishermen This measurement does not include the amount of bycatch incidentally caught and discarded dead at sea
Maximum sustainable yield - The maximum amount of a species that can be taken without diminishing the future take
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 136
Metric tonne - Often the unit of measurement for commercial and recreational landings a metric tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms 0984 long tons 11023 short tons or 22046 pounds
Mid-water trawl - A trawl designed catch species in mid-water eg hoki and southern blue whiting These
trawl nets can have 60 metre headline heights (top to bottom on net) and opening over 150m wide
Nautical mile - One nautical mile is the equivalent of 115 statute miles
Overcapitalization - This occurs when there is more fishing capacity (ie more boats gear or investment in equipment) than is needed to catch the available amount of fish in an economically efficient and sustainable manner Overcapitalization poses a threat to fish populations because it can easily lead to overfishing
Overfishing - Overfishing exists when the rate of fishing is greater than the level required to meet the management goal or maximum sustainable yield In other words overfishing occurs when a population of fish is caught faster than it can replenish itself through reproduction (Roberts et al)
Pelagic - An ancient Greek word for the open ocean or high seas the area comprising most of the Earths surface
Pelagic species - Species found near the surface of the sea and not on or near the seabed for example
tuna and kahawai
Plankton - Small plant and animal species that spend at least part of their time on the sea surface They rely in large part on ocean currents for distribution and transportation As eggs and larvae many marine species such as cod and Dungeness crabs are planktonic for part of their life cycle The plankton provide food for many commercially important fish and form the basis of ocean food webs Some of the largest marine creatures such as whale sharks and blue whales eat plankton Zooplankton are animals and phytoplankton are plants
Population - A group of interbreeding organisms that represents the level of organization at which speciation begins In other words a population is a group within a species that shares common ecological and genetic features compared to other individuals of that species
Precautionary principle - A proactive method of dealing with the environment that places the burden of proof on those whose activities could harm the environment rather than on the public It is the opposite of the wait-and-see principle acting before scientific proof of deleterious effects is applying a precautionary approach
Purse seine - A floating net designed to surround fish and can be closed at the bottom or ldquopursedrdquo by
means of a free-running line attached to the bottom of the net The net may be of up to 1 km length
and 300 m depth and is used to encircle surface schooling fish such as kahawai trevally and
skipjack tuna During retrieval the bottom of the net is closed or pursed by drawing a purse line
through a series of rings to prevent the fish escaping
Recruit - A fish entering the period in its life history when it is exposed to fishing Related phrases include
pre-recruits age or length at recruitment recruitment failure
Recruitment - Recruitment is the general replacement of fish to a stock or population In fisheries it is the
time when a fish grow to a size they become liable to be caught in fishing gear
Recruitment failure - The failure of the fish stock to be replaced by recruits
Recruitment over-fishing - Occurs when the spawning stock has been reduced to a level at which
recruitment of young fish entering the exploited component of the fishery is significantly reduced
Ring net - A modified lampara net with purse rings operated by two vessels
Seamount - Underwater volcanic mountain ridges and plateaus that rise up several kilometres from the sea
floor but do not reach the surface of the sea
Seine - A type of fishing net that encircles a school of fish
Set - To prepare and cast a net one ldquosetrdquo is typically defined as the interval from the time the net is cast to
the time the net is hauled in
Set net - A type of gill net that has been intentionally set staked or anchored or otherwise fixed in stationary
position as opposed to drift nets
Stock - The technical definition of a stock is an interbreeding sub-population of a species reproductively isolated to some extent from other populations Used as a unit for fishery management however stock refers to a specific population or group of populations of one or more species
Territorial Sea - This is sea within 12 nautical miles from low-water line along the coast
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 137
Trammel net - Type of gill net with three panels suspended from a common surface line and attached to a
single bottom line The two outside panels are of a larger mesh than the inside panel
Trawl - Net with a wide mouth tapering to a small pointed end usually called the cod end Trawls are towed
behind a vessel at any depth in the water column
Trolls - Lines with lures or baited hooks that are drawn through the water from a vessel while in motion
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 138
Glossary of Fish Names
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Abalone Paua Haliotis iris
Ahi Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Ahi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Akiwa Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Albacore Tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Anguile australe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Araara Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arāra Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arrow Squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Ashiro Ling Genypterus blacodes
Aua Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Australian long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Australian salmon Kahawai Arripis trutta
Barndoor skate Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Barracouta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Beryx Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Beryx de nouvelle-zelande Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Big-eye cardinalfish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Bigeye Tuna Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Black cardinal fish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Black dory Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 139
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Black Oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black-footed paua Paua Haliotis iris
Blauer wittling Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Blue bream Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Blue cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Blue grenadier Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue hake Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Blue moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Blue Pointer Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue shark Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Blue whaler Blue shark Prionace glauca
Bluefin Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Bluefin Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Bluenose Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bluff oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Bonita Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Brill Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Brim Snapper Pagrus auratus
Broadbill Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Broadbill swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Brown oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Bulldog Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Butterfish Butterfish Odax pullus
Calamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Chimera Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 140
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Chimera Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Chinchard neozelandias Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Cockles Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Common warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Coque Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Coquille saint-jacques de
Nouvelle-Zealande
Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Couta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Crayfish Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Crayfish Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Creamfish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Cutlassfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Dab Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Dark ghost shark Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Deepsea cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Deepsea dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Deepsea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Deepsea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Deepsea trevalla Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Deepsea warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Demi-bec neozelandias Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Dore austral Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Eels Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Elephant shark Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Elephantfish Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 141
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Flake School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Flat oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Flatfish Flatfish
Foveaux Strait Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Frostfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Gangiei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Gaori Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Garfish Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Gemfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Giant stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Golden snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Googly-eyed cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Goushyuumadai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Granatbarsch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Green rock lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Greenback flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea tapirina
Greenbone Butterfish Odax pullus
Grey boy School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grey mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Grey shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grondin rouget Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Groper Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Gummy shark Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Haature Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Haiku Hake Merluccius australis
Hake Hake Merluccius australis
Haku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 142
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Hakuraa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Half-beak Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hangenge Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hapuka Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Hauture Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Hauwai Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Herring Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Hihiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Hikau Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Hinangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Hohopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Hoka Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoka Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Hokarari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoki Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Hoplostete orange Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Hopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Horse mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Huangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huangiangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huuai Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Ihe Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Inaka Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Jack fish Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Jack mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 143
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Jock Stewart Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
John dory John dory Zeus faber
Julienette Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Kaaraerae Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kaataha Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kahawai Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kahu Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kaisersgranat Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Kalamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kalmar Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kanae Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Kaorea Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Kapua Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kararuri Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kataka Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kauaeroa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kawerai Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kehe Hake Merluccius australis
Kin koorako Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina ariki Kina Evechinus chloroticus
King dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kingklip Ling Genypterus blacodes
Kingu Ling Genypterus blacodes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 144
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Koekohe Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koeo Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kohikohi Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koinga Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kokowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Komutumutu Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kooeaea Butterfish Odax pullus
Koopuuhuri Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kooukauka Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kopapa Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kopukopu Blue cod Parapercis colias
Kopuwai Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Korohiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kororiwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Korowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Koura Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Koura Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Kourea Snapper Pagrus auratus
Kourepoua Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Kuakua Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Kumukumu Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Kupae Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Kuparu Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kuparu John dory Zeus faber
Kutuhori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Kuuwharuwharu Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Langoustine-de-NZ Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 145
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Langschwanz-Seehecht Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Latchet Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Leather jacket Leather jacket Parika scaber
Lemonfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Ling Ling Genypterus blacodes
Longfinned albacore Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachia +
Lookdown dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Mackerel shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Madai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Maha-taharaki Gemfish Rexea solandri
Maka Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Makaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Maka-tikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Makawhiti Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Mako shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Makohuarau School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Mako-huarau Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Makorepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Makumaku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Mangaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Mangoo-hapuu Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pekepeke Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pounamu Blue shark Prionace glauca
Manumanu Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Marakuha Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Marare Butterfish Odax pullus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 146
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Marari Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Mararī Butterfish Odax pullus
Marariwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Matapara Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matapuku Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matiri Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Matohe Butterfish Odax pullus
Matuawhapuku Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Merlan bleu austral Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Merluse Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Merluza Hake Merluccius australis
Merluza azul Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Minamimaguro Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Minamimaguro Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Moamoa Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moeone Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Mohimohi Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Moki trumpeter Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Monkfish Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moonfish Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Mora Ribaldo Mora moro
Morwong Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Nasello azzurro Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Nelson oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
New Zealand cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Ngu Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 147
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Northern Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
NZ cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
NZ dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
NZ gem scallop Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ gem shellfish Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ golden snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
NZ Herring Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
NZ Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae +
NZ littleneck clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
NZ sea crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
NZ smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
NZ sole Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Ocean bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Ocean perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Opah Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Orange roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Oreos Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Oursin de Nouvelle-
Zelande
Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Paakirikiri Blue cod Parapercis colias
Paara Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Paatiki Flatfish
Paatiki nui Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Paatiki rori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Paatikimohoao Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Paatikitotara Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Paatutuki Blue cod Parapercis colias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 148
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Pacific bluefin tuna Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Pacific mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Packhorse lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Paddle crabs Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Paea Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Pakaurua Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Pakeke Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Pale ghost shark Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Paumlpaka Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Papakura Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Papatia Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Para-taharangi Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Patete Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Patikinui Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Paua Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Pawharu Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Pearl Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Pearl Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Peruvian Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Pesce arancio Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Peterfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Pilchards Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Pillie Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Piper Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Pohuikaroa Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Porae Trumpeter Latris lineata
Porbeagle Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 149
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Porbeagle shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Porpoise shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Pota Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Poutini Blue shark Prionace glauca
Puaihakua Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Pukeru John dory Zeus faber
Pure Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Puurau Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Puuwhaiau Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Queen paua Paua Haliotis australis
Queen scallops Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Raawaru Blue cod Parapercis colias
Rari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Rattail Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Raumarie Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Red Cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Red Gurnard Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Red rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Red roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Red snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Reherehe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Repe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Reperepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Ribaldo Ribaldo Mora moro
Rig Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Rock salmon Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Rock salmon Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 150
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Roodbars Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Rosy soldierfish Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Rough skate Skates Zearaja nasutus
Rubyfish Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Saint-pierre John dory Zeus faber
Sand Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Sand perch Blue cod Parapercis colias
Sardine Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Sardine Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Scallops Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Scampi Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Scaree Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Schnapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
School shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Sea bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Sea bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Sea egg Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Sea mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Sea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Sea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Sea Urchin Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Seehecht Hake Merluccius australis
Shibi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Shortfin mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Short-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Short-finned squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Silver bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 151
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Silver eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Silver kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Silver trumpeter Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Silver warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Skates Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Skipjack tuna Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis
Slimehead Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Smooth Oreo Oreos Pseudocyttus maculatus
Smooth skate Skates Dipturus innominatus
Snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
Snoek Barracouta Thyrsites atun
South pacific crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Southern anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Southern blue whiting Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern bluefin tuna Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Southern kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Southern mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Southern poutassou Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern queen Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Southern spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey Oreo Oreos Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Spineback Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Splendid alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Spotted estuary smooth- Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 152
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
hound
Spotted oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Spotted spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spotted warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Spotten dogfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Sprats Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Spurdog Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Stone eye Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Striped marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Striped mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Striped trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Sudlicher kaiserbarsch Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Suei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Swimming crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Takaketonga Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Takeke Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Tamure Snapper Pagrus auratus
Tarakihi Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Tarao Butterfish Odax pullus
Tawatawa Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Teifsee-petersfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Tewetewe Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Tftis Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Thon rouge de sud Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Thon rouge de sud Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 153
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Tiikati Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Tiikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Tiikati Hake Merluccius australis
Tio Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio para Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio repe Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tipa Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Tipai Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Tope School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Toti Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Trevally Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Trigger fish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Tuangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Tuna hao Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tuna heke Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tupa Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Turbot Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Uku Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Venus shells Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Waewae Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Warehenga Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Wariwari Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Whaapuku Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Whai Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 154
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Wharangi Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Wheketere Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Whiptail Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
White cod Ribaldo Mora moro
White fillets Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
White tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
White warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Whiting Hake Merluccius australis
Wrackbarsch Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Wreckfish Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Yellow eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Yellow fin tuna Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Yellow-belly flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Yelloweye mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-eyed mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-footed paua Paua Haliotis australis
Yellowtail Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
![Page 4: Best Fish Guide 2009-2010](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022071523/613d0ab7736caf36b7589f48/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Index to fish species assessments Seafood species
Page Seafood species Page
Albacore tuna
Alfonsino
Anchovy
Arrow squid
Barracouta
Bigeye tuna
Black cardinalfish
Blue cod
Blue mackerel
Blue moki
Blue shark
Blue warehou
Bluenose
Butterfish
Cockles
Dark ghost shark
Eels
Elephant fish
Flatfish
Frostfish
Garfish
Gemfish
Grey mullet
Groper Hapuku Bass
Hake
Hoki
Jack mackerel
John dory
Kahawai
Kina
Kingfish
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Ling
Lookdown dory
Mako shark
Moonfish
Orange Roughy
Oreos Deepwater dory
10
12
13
14
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
25
26
27
28
30
31
33
35
37
38
39
40
42
44
46
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
57
58
60
61
63
Oyster
Pacific bluefin tuna
Packhorse lobster
Paddle crabs
Pale ghost shark
Paua
Pilchard
Porbeagle shark
Queen scallops
Red cod
Red gurnard
Red snapper
Ribaldo
Rig Lemonfish
Rock lobster Crayfish
Rubyfish
Scallops
Scampi
School shark
Sea perch
Silver warehou
Skates
Skipjack tuna
Snapper
Southern blue whiting
Southern bluefin tuna
Spiny dogfish
Sprats
Stargazer Monkfish
Striped marlin
Swordfish
Tarakihi
Trevally
Trumpeter
White warehou
Yellow fin tuna
Yellow-eyed mullet
65
67
68
69
70
72
74
76
77
78
80
82
83
84
86
88
90
92
94
96
98
100
102
104
106
108
110
112
113
115
117
119
121
123
124
125
127
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 1
Introduction New Zealandrsquos oceans
New Zealand has one of the largest marine areas in the world covering more than 1 of
the Earthrsquos surface Its marine area is also incredibly diverse from the sub-tropical oceans
in the north to our temperate waters around the mainland and cool sub-Antarctic waters in
the south
Many of our marine species are found nowhere else in the world Scientists estimate that
more than 80 of New Zealandrsquos biodiversity is found in our oceans and much more is
yet to be discovered About 15000 marine species are known while it is estimated that
another 50000 species are yet to be discovered ndash new species are being found all the
time
Our marine area is also a vital part of our economy supporting out $15 billion fishing
industry and our $20 billion tourism industry
It is also central to our national identity most New Zealanders live near the ocean and
have a close relationship with the marine environment We collect kaimoana or seafood
swim dive snorkel and sail and appreciate the variety of marine life
Oceans under threat
New Zealandrsquos marine environment is under increasing pressure from human activities
Climate change pollution coastal development mineral exploration and mining create
cumulative effects that are having a detrimental impact on the health of the marine
environment and marine life
Fishing operations have the most significant impact on the marine environment both
through the amount of fish caught and the methods used to catch it
Some fishing practices such as bottom trawling and dredging used by fisheries in
New Zealand waters damage the marine environment
Over the last 50 years fishing technologies have developed to such an extent that
the scale of fishing operations now exceeds a level that is sustainable The UN
estimates that 70 of the worldrsquos fisheries are now exploited to their limits over-
exploited or depleted
Many fisheries also catch significant levels of by-catch ndash species such as
albatrosses dolphins sea lions and other non-target species
According to Statistics New Zealand fishing uses more energy than any other
industry sector increasing by 40 in the last decade
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 2
New Zealand prides itself on our clean green image and promotes its fisheries
management as world-leading
Compared to some fisheries this is partly true ndash New Zealand does take a comprehensive
management approach and is recognised as being among the best But comparing
ourselves to countries with no management or very poor fisheries management does not
mean that we should be proud of our situation New Zealand is still far from living up to its
slogan ldquoIf itrsquos from New Zealand itrsquos sustainablerdquo
Wild fisheries typically take place in open waters with low levels of enforcement of rules
that aim to ensure sustainability and few observers to report any breaches or problems
New Zealandrsquos fisheries quota management system is a rights-based system that entitles
quota holders to a ldquoright to fishrdquo which encourages them to fish to the maximum level
allowed under their quota rather than take a more sustainable approach
To ensure sustainability the QMS requires good information and a precautionary
approach Fisheries management in New Zealand is failing by
Allowing significant waste of fisheries resources
Having no upper size limit and allowing fish that have gathered to spawn to be
caught reducing the ability of fish populations to reproduce
Targeting the maximum (rather than an optimum or precautionary) yield
Lacking information about fish stocks and how sustainable catches are
Allowing or poorly managing levels of marine mammal and seabird deaths
including endangered species
Using destructive fishing techniques such as bottom trawling and dredging which
destroy habitats and seabed life
Our vision
Forest amp Bird has a vision for a more sustainable fishery by 2030
A healthy and diverse marine environment supporting an abundance of marine life
where profitable fisheries operate alongside other activities
Adverse impacts of fishing on the marine environment have been repaired or
mitigated and ldquonursery areasrdquo important for replenishment of populations are
protected
New Zealand meets or exceeds worldrsquos best practice in fisheries management and
environmental practice so it can market truly sustainable products worldwide
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 3
Forest amp Bird hopes that making seafood consumers aware of problems behind our
fisheries management will help them make better choices and encourage our fisheries to
improve their practices
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 4
The Best Fish Guide
The Best Fish Guide is a tool to inform seafood consumers and encourage
environmentally sound choices of seafood
The guide covers an assessment of New Zealandrsquos wild-caught fisheries (see the section
about farmed fisheries for more information ndash page 5)
The assessment is based on six criteria some of which are given heavier weighting than
others
Criteria Weighting
Status and sustainability of catch High
Captures of protected or globally threatened species High
Fishing method and impact Medium
Fish biology and vulnerability to overfishing Medium
Management regime appropriate to species Medium
Management effectiveness and information levels Low
The Best Fish Guide assessment methodology has been peer reviewed and is available
for you to download at wwwbestfishguideorgnz It is also available from Forest amp Birdrsquos
national office
The Best Fish Guide presents the results of its assessments in three formats
A detailed ecological assessment report (pages 10 - 128 of this report)
A comprehensive online reference tool (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
A wallet guide that summarises fish rankings at a glance The wallet guide ranks
fisheries from green (best choice) to red (worst choice) (see Appendix I)
To help you get the best taste from your Best Fish Guide we asked New Zealand chefs
and fish fans including Peta Methias Annabel Langbein and Dobie Blaze to share their
favourite ndash and sustainable ndash fish recipes using the species identified as best choice in the
guide You can find them at wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Questions to ask
Unfortunately many seafood retailers have poor information and labelling making it difficult
to make a sustainable choice As well as using the Best Fish Guide you can ask your
retailer questions
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 5
What species is it
Most fish species are known by a number of different names For example groper is also
known as bass and hapuku Or it can work the other way sometimes different species
are known by the same name For example fish labelled as ldquotunardquo could be a good choice
species like albacore tuna or it could be a worst choice like southern bluefin tuna
To identify what type of fish you are buying go to the Best Fish Guide glossary of fish
names (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
Where was it caught
If your seafood was caught locally its ecological footprint is smaller because it doesnrsquot
have to be transported so far It is also easier to check how local fish were caught The
sustainability of fisheries in some regions is better than in other regions By asking where
the fish was caught and checking the Best Fish Guide seafood species assessments you
can find out whether that species is caught sustainably in that locality
How was it caught
Some fishing methods (bottom trawling and dredging) have devastating impacts on
seafloor habitats other methods (gillset netting trawl fishing long-lining) cause deaths of
vulnerable species By asking how your fish was caught you can avoid the high impact
and damaging methods
By asking these questions you can support more sustainable fishing practices and better
management of fisheries
Farmed seafood
The Best Fish Guide does not currently assess farmed seafood because it is managed
under a very different system from wild fisheries and its sustainability varies according to
very specific local factors
The main species farmed in New Zealand are molluscs such as mussels and oysters and
fin fish in particular salmon Farmed molluscs generally have a lower ecological impact
than farmed fin fish A particular concern about fish farming is the feeding of reared fish
with wild-caught seafood
Until Forest amp Bird develops its farmed fish assessment methodology we encourage you to
choose farmed seafood
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 6
Best Fish Guide 2009-10 assessment summary
The 2009-2010 Best Fish Guide assessment was carried out in August 2009 using the
latest government and published information on the biology status and management of
fish stocks protected species captures habitat damage and ecological damage caused by
fishing methods to marine life
Fishery Facts
Of New Zealandrsquos 75 commercial fisheries assessed
29 (39) are over-fished or there has been a substantial decline in stocks
49 (65) cause habitat damage 45 (60) kill significant numbers of seabirds 47 (63) kill a significant number of marine mammals 55 (73) catch too much non-target fish 51 (68) cause adverse ecological effects
42 (56) have never had a quantitative stock assessment and the stock status is unknown
15 (20) have had a full stock assessment in the last 10 years (some showed that little was known about the state of the stocks)
7 (9) have quantitative stock assessments which are more than 10 years old 18 (24) have had only a partial stock assessment in the last 10 years 11 (15) have had all stocks assessed in the last 5 years 24 (32) were missing basic biological information required to manage the stock
75 (100) have no management plan 8 (11) manage more than one species as a single species
Every year over 1300 commercial fishing vessels fish in New Zealand waters
Catching 453145 tonnes of fish in the 2008 fishing year with hoki making up the largest proportion (This is down from 652000 tonnes in 1998)
Setting 10000 km of nets Setting 50 million hooks Making 90000 trawls Making 90000 dredge tows
Also
On average around 55000 square kilometres were trawled each year in the middle depth and deep water fisheries between 1990 and 20051 (with most fishing in areas targeting hoki squid orange roughy scampi and snapper)
Around 1000 fur seals are killed annually in New Zealand fisheries2
1 Ministry for the Environment (2009) Environmental Report Area swept by trawling
(httpwwwmfegovtnzenvironmental-reportingoceansfishing-activitytrawlingarea-swepthtml) 2 Smith MH and S J Baird (2009) Model-based estimation of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus foresteri)
incidental captures and strike rates for trawl fishing in New Zealand waters for the years 1994-95 to 2005-06 NZ Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity No 40
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 7
The Best and the Worst
New Zealandrsquos most ecologically sustainable fisheries are generally those with low-impact
fishing methods targeting species with a low vulnerability to fishing or caught in well-
managed fisheries
The highest-ranking fisheries representing the best seafood choices are anchovies
pilchards and sprats
Close behind still offering a good seafood choice are skipjack tuna garfish cockles and
kina
Improvements3
A number of commercially caught species have moved up the Best Fish Guide rankings
including hoki blue cod trevally packhorse lobster and red gurnard
The worst-ranking fisheries are orange roughy and porbeagle shark followed by
oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna mako shark snapper blue shark and black
cardinalfish These fish represent a poor seafood choice and should be avoided
Degraded3
Quite a few commercially caught species have moved down the Best Fish Guide rankings
These include skates or rays bluenose rock lobster scallops eels and both bigeye and
yellowfin tuna
Below is a table illustrating some of New Zealandrsquos fisheries with the greatest
environmental impact (unless otherwise stated these numbers are based on a 3 year
average of the latest information)
Ecological impact Worst offending fisheries (in order of impact) Numbers killed per year
Marine Mammals
- Hectors dolphins4 Riglemonfish school shark elephantfish butterfish 110-150
- NZ sea lions5 Southern squid trawl fishery scampi southern blue
whiting 54
- NZ fur seals5
Hoki southern blue whiting ling 800
- Dolphins (common porpoise bottlenose)
5 Jack mackerel blue mackerel 55
Seabirds (2006-07)5
- Albatrosses Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline swordfish longline
1060
- Petrels Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline 1900
- Fishing methods Longline fisheries 1500
3 Change in status relative to the Best Fish Guide 2007-08 assessment 4 Davies N Bian R Starr P Lallemand P Gilbert D and McKenzie J (2008) Risk analysis of Hectorrsquos dolphins
and Mauirsquos dolphin subpopulations to commercial set net fishing using a temporal-spatial age-structured model NIWA Wellington
5 Abraham E R and Thompson F N (2009) Capture of protected species in New Zealand trawl and longline fisheries1998-99 to 2006-07 Dragonfly Wellington
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 8
eg Tuna longline fisheries (southern bluefin tuna big-eye tuna etc)
500
eg Bottom longline fisheries ndash snapper ling bluenose
990
Trawl fisheries (eg squid hoki scampi) 1680
Turtles5
Tuna longline fisheries 12
Sharks
- Basking sharks6 Hoki squid barracouta 50
- Blue sharks7 Tuna longline fishery 76000
Finned sharks (proportion of sharks finned between 2002 and 2007)
6
eg blue shark 87
eg porbeagle shark 85
eg mako shark 47
Seafloor species8
Bottom trawl fisheries (eg orange roughy and oreo) 30+ tonnes
Incidental (non-target) bycatch
Scampi fishery9 54 x total scampi
catch
Southern bluefin tuna10
20 x total southern bluefin
tuna catch
Trawl fisheries11
10-25 of total target catch
Dredge fisheries (eg oysters and scallops)12
1 - 25 x total target catch
New Zealand sea lion bycatch has been estimated to range from 45 to 115 sea lions over the last five years
A summary of the ecological assessment scores for each New Zealand seafood species is
presented in Appendix II (page130)
6 Ministry of Fisheries (2008) New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks
Ministry of Fisheries Wellington 7 Science Group Ministry of Fisheries (2008) Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008
stock assessments and yield estimates 157p 8 Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-
2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p 9 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02
to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
Ballara SL and Anderson OF (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the trawl fisheries for arrow squid and scampi in New Zealand waters New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 38 102p
Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p
Anderson O F and Smith M H (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2002-03 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 20053 37p
10 Griggs LH Baird S J and Francis MP (2007) Fish bycatch in New Zealand tuna longline fisheries 2002-03 to 2004-05 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200718 58p
11 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
12 Beentjes MP and Baird SJ (2004) Review of dredge fishing technologies and practice for application in New Zealand New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200437 40p
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 9
Seafood assessment results
The following pages detail the ecological assessments of each commercially caught New
Zealand seafood species (An index is presented at the front of this report)
To aid the reader a quick reference to the key ecological concerns are illustrated with one
of the following icons
Fish stock(s) increasing after period of substantial decline
Fish stock(s) over-fished or have substantially declined
Fishery causes habitat damage
Fishery has a seabird bycatch problem
Fishery has a marine mammal bycatch problem
Fishery has a non-target fish bycatch problem
Fishery causes adverse ecological effects
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 10
Albacore tuna
Scientific name Thunnus alalunga
Other names White tuna (canned) albacore longfinned albacore thon blanc (France) tunny (UK) binnaga bincho tombo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna that is mainly caught by troll and longline fisheries (30-50 of the catch) off the west coast of New Zealand‟s North and South Islands The albacore catch steadily increased following the start of commercial fishing in the 1960s and fluctuated (between 2200 and 6600 tonnes) in the last ten years (Lewis and Williams 2001 p29) The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals declining stock trends and the absence of catch limits a management plan and an updated stock assessment Removal of this large predatory species from the ocean‟s food web has wide ecological implications Economic value The main market is for canned albacore with the canning process done outside New Zealand Canned albacore tuna is sold as ldquowhite tunardquo mainly in the USA The export value is over $10 million per year Best option Troll caught tuna (eg West Coast of the South Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology amp risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Albacore tuna are a highly migratory species found on the west coast of the North and South Islands between New Plymouth and Fiordland It is also found on the East Coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit There are no catch limits set for New Zealand (it is not on the QMS) and there is no global catch limit Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 2251 tonnes in 2008 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown - Likely to be above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe current assessment indicates lower levels of stock size and maximum sustainable yield which appear to be more realistic than previous assessments There is uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the south Pacific albacore stock and the WCPFC [Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission] Scientific committee recommended that catches of south Pacific albacore remain at current levels considering the current rates of fishing mortality on adult albacorerdquo (MFish 2008 p31) Impact of fishing method and Protected threatened or endangered species bycatch (score D and C) Fishing Method(s) Trolling on the West Coast of the South Island and longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery and sharks are caught in the troll fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and Management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Management plan No The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 11
Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the WCPFC is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries (2000) A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report (2001) New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) stock assessments and yield estimates Ministry of Fisheries Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 12
Alfonsino
Scientific name Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Other names Splendid alfonsino sudlicher kaiserbarsch (Germany) roodbars (Netherlands) beryx (France) kinmedai kinme (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Alfonsino is actually the name used for two deepwater species related to the red snapper They are both widely dispersed in New Zealand waters and are particularly found around seamounts and deepwater reefs in waters 200 to 800m deep Ecological concerns Management of two species as one damage by fishing gear to seamounts ecological impacts of bottom trawling shark bycatch limited research lack of a management plan unknown stock status and unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and current catch limits in all of the fishstocks Economic value Main market is Japan with exports of about $7 million per year ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (Score C) Distribution Widely dispersed in New Zealand waters but mainly found near seamounts off the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Rise at depths of 300-600m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 4-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3000 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2748 tonnes in 2007-08 Catch limits have been exceeded in BYX 2 for seven of the last ten years Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For BYX 1 ldquois likely to be lightly fishedhellip no stock assessment has been conducted and the state of the stock in relation to BMSY is not knownrdquo For BYX 2 current catches ldquoappears to be sustainable in the short to medium termrdquo For BYX 3 ldquoIt is not known if the recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p43) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing Method(s) Mainly bottom trawling and some mid-water trawling over hills and seamounts around the Chatham Rise Habitat damage Trawling damages fragile underwater seamounts altering unique community complexes Bycatch Sharks and a range of non-target species including sponges and corals Ecological effects Destruction to seafloor habitats and seamount ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No assessments for any area except BYX 2 which has had no quantitative assessment since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 13
Anchovy
Scientific name Engraulis australis
Other names kokowhaawhaa korowhaawhaa (Maori) Southern anchovy
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This small fast growing but short-lived schooling fish is common in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays It is often found in mixed schools with pilchards and sprats and occurs around the world Jointly with pilchards and sprats anchovy has the best ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns There are no estimates of the size of its sustainable yield a lack of basic biological information on natural mortality growth or stock structure limited research and lack of a management plan There is also concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species Economic value New Zealand and exports of under $100000 per year Best option Anchovy are one of the best New Zealand seafood choices ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Commonly found in inshore waters around the North Island and upper South Island Maximum age (years) 6 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 560 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1 tonne in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status This species has been very lightly fished so it is thought to be at or close to its natural level The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for anchovyrdquo (MFish 2009 p46) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species capture (score B and B) Fishing Method(s) Lampara nets and purse seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch Some bycatch of other pelagic fish Ecological effects Reducing the anchovy population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other species including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals as has happened with anchovy fisheries elsewhere Sometimes anchovy are discarded when there are no markets making this effect unnecessary Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 14
Arrow Squid
Scientific name Nototodarus gouldi and Nototodarus Sloanii
Other names wheketere (Maori) short-finned squid calamari (Australia) kalamari teftis (Greece) kalmar (Germany) pota (Spain)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two species of squid are very short lived (1 year) and range from surface depths down to 500 metres in coastal waters around New Zealand Arrow squid are mainly caught off the South Island and the Auckland Islands with most taken by mid-water trawling with the rest caught by bottom trawling and jigging Ecological concerns Trawl caught squid where there is a high number of threatened NZ sea lions NZ fur seals seabirds and non-target fish killed as bycatch plus damage done to the seabed and associated species by bottom trawling The Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery is of particular concern killing hundreds of seabirds and up to 150 sea lions per year (72 in 2009) from the main breeding colony which is in decline The state of stocks absence of research and lack of a management plan are also concerns In addition two species are managed as one and there is an absence of basic biological information on squid and no research programme focussed on squid Economic value Most arrow squid are exported frozen to Greece (17) Spain (15) and Australia (12) Exports vary considerably between years and were worth about $70 million in 2008 which was well below 2004 exports ($172m) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Nototodarus sloanii is found off the East Coast of the South Island and the Southern Plateau while N gouldi occurs in warmer waters off the East and West coasts of the North Island south of the sub-tropical convergence Maximum age (years) 1 Size at sexual maturity 22-30 cm (mantle length) Growth rate High Reproductive output Very high Size exploited Approximately 20cm (mantle length) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 127332 tonnes every year since 1997-98 but there has been additional in-season adjustments in Squid 1T of an additional catch of 10 to 30 Recorded catch Reported landings of 56035 tonnes in 2007-08 was about two-thirds of the TACC set in all years since 1997-98 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquohellip it is not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for squid nor determine if recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p54) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing Method(s) Approximately 30 are caught by bottom trawling with the rest coming from mid-water trawling and a small amount by squid jigging a more environmentally friendly method which uses bright lights to attract squid to the jiggers Habitat damage Bottom trawling and mid-water trawl gear fished near the seafloor damages the seabed Bycatch Globally threatened NZ sea lions which have been in decline for the last 10 years NZ fur seals albatross and petrels drown in trawl nets The fishery also catches globally threatened basking sharks Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of these important prey species can affect populations of larger fish seabirds and marine mammals including the threatened NZ sea lion Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1988 Catch limits Yes Management plan No
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 15
Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd NZ SeaFIC website 2005
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 16
Barracouta
Scientific name Thyrsites atun
Other names maka makaa mangaa (Maori) couta snoek
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Barracouta is a relatively short-lived species that is related to gemfish It is widely distributed in the Southern oceans and whilst abundant in New Zealand‟s cooler waters south of Cook Strait they also occur in our northern waters ranging from shallow inshore areas to depths of 200m Once an undesirable bycatch species barracouta are now an important part of trawl fishery catches Ecological concerns The damage done to large areas of the seabed by bottom trawling poor knowledge of stock boundaries limited research lack of a management plan and uncertainty over the sustainability of the current catch limit and recent catches Bycatch of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels non-target fish plus removal of this important predator species on food webs are also of concern Economic value Main markets include Japan China Papua New Guinea and South Africa Total exports worth $28 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Mainly found off the South Chatham Stewart and Snares Islands to depths of 200m Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate to fast Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 32662 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 27968 tonnes in 2007-08 were well under the peak landings of 47000 tonnes reported in 1977 The catch for BAR 5 has exceeded the TACC by up to 25 in three of the last four years Stock trends Unknown A decline in Southland was indicated from trawl surveys in the 1990‟s but surveys have since been cancelled MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available for any barracouta stocks and therefore it is not known if current TACCs and recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p62) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing Method Bottom trawling Habitat damage Large areas of benthic communities are damaged by bottom trawling including bryozoans and crabs Bycatch Non-target fish species such as silver warehou and spiny dogfish and a significant bycatch in Southland of NZ fur seals white-capped (shy) albatrosses and sooty shearwaters Ecological effects Fishing for barracouta removes an important predator from food webs Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment Yield estimates based on average catch have not been reviewed since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 17
Bigeye tuna
Scientific name Thunnus obesus
Other names Ahi Bigeye thon obese (France) mabachi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bigeye tuna is a highly migratory species that is deeper swimming than other tuna found off the coast of the North Island for much of the year Longline fisheries for this tuna occur mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north New Zealand represents only 35 percent of the Pacific catch which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks declining stock trend lack of a management plan plus the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals Bigeye is internationally listed as a threatened species (vulnerable) Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value in 2008 was $17 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Big eye tuna are caught mainly on the east and west coast of the North Island mainly in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 11+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 714 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 201 tonnes in 2006-07 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Likely to be currently above BMSY but thought to be unsustainable - effort 30 higher than sustainable levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Recent [Pacific wide] catches are high relative to the estimated MSY both because of high recent fishing mortality and because the stock has benefited from above-average recruitment over the past 15 years The WCPFC Scientific Committee recommended a minimum 30 reduction in fishing mortality from the average levels for 2003ndash2006 with the goal of returning the fishing mortality rate to FMSY The SC acknowledged that projections indicate that the bigeye tuna stock may become overfished (biomass lt BMSY spawning biomass lt SBMSY) in the future with regard to both total biomass and spawning biomass even with a 30 reduction in fishing mortality Therefore it may be necessary to recommend additional reductions in fishing mortality in the future if assessments indicate that fishing mortality is greater than FMSY (MFish 2008 p39)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing Method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 18
Black cardinalfish
Scientific name Epigonus telescopus
Other names akiwa (Maori) big-eye cardinalfish cardinalfish apogon (France) tenjikudai yesemutsu (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing long-lived (over 100 years) deepwater species is the only cardinalfish that reaches a marketable size It is common off the east coast of the North Island at depths of 300 to 800m and is caught in association with alfonsino around seamounts and orange roughy which has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns The damage done to seamounts by bottom trawling the bycatch of deepwater sharks declining catch rates in the main fisher the unknown state of many stocks and the unsustainability of East Coast North Island and Chatham Rise fisheries where stocks have been estimated to be just 12 of the original unfished population size Limited research lack of a management plan and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit or recent catches are also of concern Economic value The main market is New Zealand with some exports to Japan and China Total exports of $15million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Most abundant off the east coast of the North Island in very mobile schools up to 150m off the bottom over hills and rough ground and at depths of 300-800m Maximum age (years) 100+ Age at sexual maturity 35-45 Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 50-60cm 35 years
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown but thought to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 3751 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1134 tonnes in 2007-08 represents the lowest catch since the fishery was developed in the mid-1980s Stock trends Declining catch rates in the main fishery (CDL2) to a level well below a quarter of that in the early 1990s MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For CDL2 3 and 4 ldquoB2009 was estimated to be 12 B0rdquo and ldquoModel projections indicate that the biomass will increase at catch levels near or below the 2007-08 level but will decline sharply at catch levels equal to the TACCrdquo For other stocks ldquothere is no informationrdquo (MFish 2009 p72-73)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing Method Bottom and mid-water trawling north of Chatham Rise where it is caught in association with Orange Roughy Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates sea floor benthic species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats bulldozing the sea floor destroying black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Deepwater sharks and a range of deepwater species including Orange Roughy Ecological effects Impact on seamount communities and deepwater fish populations
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 for CDL 2 to 8 and 1999 for CDL 1 and 9 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The first accepted quantitative stock assessment was completed for CDL 2 3 and 4 in 2009 An assessment of CDL 2 was previously attempted in 1997 and 2001 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 19
Blue cod
Scientific name Parapercis colias
Other names kopukopu paakirikiri paatutuki raawaru (Maori) New Zealand cod sand perch taragisu (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue cod is an endemic bottom dwelling species that is relatively common throughout New Zealand but is most abundant south of Cook Strait Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch limits which are significantly greater than yield estimates based on past average catches the combined commercial and recreational catches plus limited research The impact of trawling on long-lived slow-growing fragile corals and sponges is also of major concern Large and heavily baited pots can also damage seafloor species when dropped in deeper waters Other concerns include shags being caught in pots and the lack of a management plan Economic value New Zealand markets plus exports to Australia Malaysia China and Taiwan of less than $1 million in 2008 Best option Blue cod caught by hand line ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Blue cod is a bottom dwelling species found mainly inshore off southern New Zealand and the Chatham Islands to depths of 150m The main fisheries occur off Southland and the Chatham Islands with smaller but significant fisheries off Otago Marlborough Sounds and Wanganui Maximum age (years) 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-6 years - all blue cod start life as females with some changing into males when older Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited Enter commercial fishery at 6-12 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2680 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2316 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However a decline of over 40 in 6 years is indicated in the Marlborough Sounds from pot surveys and recreational fishers have suggested local depletion in parts of BCO3 BCO5 and BCO7 BCO5 productivity appears to be affected by dredging for oysters (Cranfield et al 2001) MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor BCO 12345 and 8 recent commercial catch levels and current TACCs are considered sustainablerdquo But ldquoFor [Marlborough Sounds] (in BCO 7) it is not known if the combined recreational and commercial catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p88) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mostly target caught in pots but some are caught on hand lines and some as bycatch by the inshore trawl fleet in BCO3 and BCO7 Apart from area BCO5 there are no limits on the size of mesh used in pots ndash this increases the chance of small fish being caught Habitat damage Long-lived slow growing soft corals sponges and bryozoans are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped on them Trawlers also scrape and damage the seabed and associated species Bycatch Shags may drown in pots and small fish may be caught Ecological effects The combined effects of a loss of large blue cod which are easily caught in fisheries the bycatch caught in trawl fisheries and the serial depletion of blue cod may all be having a degree of adverse impacts on the wider marine ecosystem
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 20
Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cranfield H J G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ J of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 21
Blue mackerel
Scientific name Scomber australasicus
Other names tawatawa tewetewe (Maori) pacific mackerel southern mackerel maquereau (France) saba (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue mackerel is a relative of tuna and is similarly widely distributed around the Pacific including New Zealand It is often found below schools of jack mackerel and kahawai and is caught year round off the North Island and northern South Island primarily by purse seine fishing Ecological concerns The little known state of fishstocks the unknown sustainability of catch levels declining catch rates on the West Coast limited research and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the bycatch of dolphins and other fish species plus the ecological impact of blue mackerel removal from food webs Economic value Exports worth about $10 million in 2008 Main markets are Australia Philippines and Eastern Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Pelagic species widespread around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 24+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but thought to be of a moderate population size Annual catch limit Set at 11550 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8982 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However large decline in catch rates in EMA7 (West Coast of both Islands) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the status of blue mackerel stocks and no estimates of current and reference biomass or yield are available for any blue mackerel area It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p96) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score C and D) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse-seining but also bottom longline bottom pair-trawl beach-seine bottom trawl driftnet (in international waters) dip net Danish seine hand line lampara midwater trawl lobster pot ring net surface longline set net and troll Habitat damage Low for purse-seine caught fish high for bottom trawl and bottom pair-trawl caught fish Bycatch Caught in association with other pelagic species including jack mackerel kahawai skipjack tuna and trevally When caught with the jack mackerel fishery there is a dolphin bycatch problem on the West Coast of the North Island Ecological effects This fishery has an impact on a range of pelagic fish species which play an important role in driving smaller baitfish species close to the sea surface where a variety of seabird species are able to feed on them Reducing these pelagic fish species can in turn reduce the amount of baitfish available at the sea surface for seabirds to feed on Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Management plan No Management component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 22
Blue moki
Scientific name Latridopsis ciliaris
Other names moki moki trumpeter isuzumi isaki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue moki is a comparatively long-lived species found in shallow waters Landings have declined since the mid-1990s when it was introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS) This species spawns between East Cape and Mahia and is culturally important for East CapeCape Runaway Iwi (Maori tribes) It is caught by trawl or set net Ecological concerns The reduction in landings since it was introduced to the QMS limited research the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock structure and the unknown status of stocks and population size Use of set nets and trawlers have impacts on seabed communities and non-target fish species The fishing methods may also have impacts on marine mammals Economic value The main market for blue moki is within New Zealand with exports of under $100000 in 2008 Best option Blue moki caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly found around the South Island and the entire east coast of the North Island south of Cape Runaway down to depths of 100m Blue moki spawns near Cape Runaway East Cape Maximum age (years) 43+ Age at sexual maturity 5-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 608 tonnes in 2001-2002 Recorded catch Reported total landings of 533 tonnes in 2007-2008 below reported annual peak landings in 1970 and 1979 of approximately 960 tonnes Stock trends Rebuilding MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available The current TACCs and recent catch levels are below the estimated MCY are considered sustainablehellip at least in the short to medium term TACs were originally set at low levels to promote stock rebuildingrdquo (MFish 2009 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Trawling and set nets Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on sensitive seafloor species Bycatch Range of non-target fish species caught in set nets and trawl nets plus potential impacts on marine mammals and seabirds including threatened Hector‟s dolphins Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 23
Blue shark
Scientific name Prionace glauca
Other names mango-pounamu poutini (Maori) blue whaler blue pointer peau bleue requin bleu (France) yoshikirizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing A highly migratory species Blue sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north Most of the blue sharks (around 87) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals limited research and the lack of a quantitative stock assessment or a management plan Removal of this predatory species may also have considerable negative ecological implications Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning which is legal in New Zealand is also enormously wasteful Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tail) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Blue sharks range and are caught in longline fisheries all around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 8 for males and 7 to 9 for females Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 1860 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Landings of 835 tonnes total reported catch Stock trends Uncertain estimates of reference and current biomass are not available At a CSIRO scientific meeting in 2007 blue sharks were estimated to have declined by 40 in the Tasman Sea over the last 10 years MSY Status Uncertain Listed on IUCN red list as a near threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics blue shark is possibly less vulnerable to overexploitation than mako or porbeagle sharksrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline fishery The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries figures show that from 2002-2007 more than 80 of blue sharks caught in New Zealand were taken just for their fins
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 24
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 25
Blue warehou
Scientific name Seriolella brama
Other names common warehou warehou okihirasu media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue warehou is a coastal species unlike other warehou (silver and white warehou) common in depths of 20 to 200m in cooler southern waters south of Cook Strait It is popular in fish and chip shops The main fishing grounds for include Cook Strait and the West Coast of the South Island Ecological concerns Limited research the unknown size of fishstocks the lack of a management plan the habitat damage caused by bottom trawling non-target fish bycatch and the associated ecological impacts caused by the fishing methods Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $1 million in 2008 mainly to Japan and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Mainly found in coastal waters around the South Island at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate until maturity Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown in all areas and poorly estimated for WAR3 Annual catch limit Set at 4513 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1530 tonnes in 2007-08 which is a large decline compared to previous catches In past years catches in WAR3 have exceeded the TACC by up to 40 Stock trends Probably declining in WAR 3 fishery and unknown in other areas MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of reference and current biomass are not available For all Fishstocks it is not known if recent landings or TACC‟s are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p109) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (eg squid) including bottom trawling for hoki Some are caught in coastal set nets Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans Bycatch A range of non-target fish species are caught as bycatch in set nets and trawl nets Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - an uncertain assessment was carried out in WAR3 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 26
Bluenose
Scientific name Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Other names matiri (Maori) bonita blue bream deepsea trevalla blue eye trevella (Australia) stone eye Griffin‟s silver fish minami media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bluenose is a long-lived slow growing relative of warehou found in the temperate waters of the southern Hemisphere They are caught year round by trawl and longline mainly around offshore reefs or drop off areas
Ecological concerns The damage caused to underwater banks and canyons north of the Cook Strait by trawling the bycatch of non-target fish species such as sharks and seabirds limited research the lack of a management plan and the uncertainty over stock boundaries Also of concern is the large decline in catch rates (64 in 5 years) throughout the zone the unknown state of stocks and the likelihood the stock will continue to decline at the current catch limits
Economic value Exports of about $14 million in 2008 with main markets in United States (about 50) and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand mainly around rocky areas at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 10+ Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited lt10
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2305 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2498 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining throughout the zone MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoStandardised catch per unit of effort (CPUE) series based on data from six fisheries which span most of major fisheries taking bluenose in the NZ EEZ have declined an average of 64 over the period 2001ndash02 to 2006ndash07 If this decline is indicative of the overall abundance of bluenose in these areas then BNS abundance could have declined by more than 50 across all areas over these six years If there has been replenishment of the features being fished in the period prior to the decline the overall decline in abundance could be even larger Although factors other than abundance may have contributed to the declines in CPUE and catches current BNS catches and TACCs do not appear to be sustainable hellip It is likely that the stock will continue to decline at the current TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p123-125)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Caught by bottom longline in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland and as a bycatch in the alfonsino midwater trawl fishery off the Wairarapa coast Habitat damage Trawling and associated seafloor scraping causes damage to underwater banks canyons and seamounts north of the Cook Strait Bycatch Other non-target fish species in the alfonsino fishery Longlining and trawling also catch a range of bycatch species including sharks Seabirds are also caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects The combined impacts of trawling and longlining on the structure of marine communities
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock estimates for all areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group MFish The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 27
Butterfish Scientific name Odax pullus
Other names marari matohe tarao kooaea (Maori) greenbone Bera-rui (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Butterfish is an endemic species of kelpfish found in shallow waters around the New Zealand coast They are more abundant south of East Cape especially around Cook Strait where they are caught year round in set nets Ecological concerns The unknown status of stocks and population size unknown sustainability of catch levels absence of research the lack of a management plan and the bycatch of non-target fish species Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However a pending court ruling may grant the fishery an exemption and raise the risk to these dolphins Economic value Butterfish is sold in New Zealand Best option Butterfish caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in shallow waters in rocky coastal areas of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands It is most common in areas around Cook Strait Maximum age (years) 11-15 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 ndash larger fish are males that started life as females Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - there are no estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit Set at 162 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 114 tonnes in 2007-08 mainly in the Cook Strait and around Stewart Island Recreational catch is estimated to be of a similar size Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known whether recent catch levels will allow the stock to move towards BMSY Butterfish populations are susceptible to localised depletionrdquo (MFish 2009 p131) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Method Targeted set nets Habitat damage Low for set netting Bycatch Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where butterfish fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Ecological effects Butterfish are important kelp eating fish so their depletion could have wider impacts on kelp forest ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative estimates References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 28
Cockles
Scientific name Austrovenus stutchburyi
Other names hinangi huangi huuai huangiangi tuangi (Maori) NZ littleneck clam (USA) clam venus-shells coque (Canada)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description A relatively short-lived but widespread shellfish species found in soft mud to silty sand habitats in harbours and estuaries The main commercial harvesting areas are at Whangarei NelsonMarlborough and the Otago Peninsula Ecological concerns The impacts of mechanical harvesting and digging at Tasman and Golden Bay Also the past depletion of stocks in Whangarei harbour gaps between surveys the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock size in relation to virgin biomass and BMSY in other areas The ecological effects of removing or killing this shellfish on wading birds that feed on cockles is also of concern Economic value Sold in New Zealand and exported (under $1 million in 2008) to United States and Europe (France) Best option Cockles collected by hand (eg Whangarei and Otago) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands in harbours and estuaries from mean high tide level down to low tide Maximum age (years) 8+ Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Biomass was estimated to be about 35 of virgin biomass in COC1A (Whangarei) In COC3A (Otago) adult cockles are just below or well below 1992 levels in Waitati and Papanui Inlet In COC7A+B (Top of South Island ndash Golden Bay - Marlborough) two of the three commercially fished areas have declined Annual catch limit Total catch limit was set at 3206 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported commercial harvest of approximately 1148 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends In Whangarei (COC1) large cockles (greater than 35mm) have declined to about 5 percent of 1982 levels In Whangarei harbour cockles have declined to well below 1980s levels For Otago areas the biomass is under 30 and 55 of 1992 levels for juvenile cockles and 65-90 of adult numbers In Tasman Bay-Golden Bay the Pakawau Beach population does not appear to have declined (and may have increased) whereas Ferry Point and Riwaka-Tapu Bay cockle size and abundance has declined to 20 and 50 respectively MSY Status Depleted in Whangarei harbour Fishery Assessment plenary report states For Whangarei harbour (COC1) that ldquoThis current TACC is higher than the estimated CAY (239 t) unless a smaller size (28 mm SL or shorter) at recruitment is assumed suggesting that fishing at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be sustainable in the long termrdquo For NelsonMarlborough (COC7A and B) ldquoAt Pakawau Beach the biomass of cockles does not appear to have declined since the start of the commercial fishery in 1983 and has probably increased owing to exceptional recruitment in 2000 At Ferry Point the size and abundance of cockles has declined markedly since 1996 At Riwaka-Tapu Bay size and abundance has also declined Because of the uncertainty over the relationsip between Bcurrent and BMSY it is not known if recent catches and current catch limits will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo For Otago ldquoIn Waitati Inlet the estimates of CAY hellipare above current catch levels and recent reported landings Furthermore CAY estimates for the area of the inlet where commercial fishing currently occurs are also above current catch levels and recent reported landingsrdquo (MFish 2009 p142 148 and 185)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 29
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and A) Fishing method(s) Mechanical digging and raking of mudflats in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and hand harvesting in Whangarei harbour and Otago Peninsula Habitat damage Mechanical digging and raking kills small cockles and impacts other species living within the sediment Minimal impact from hand harvesting Bycatch Impact of mechanical dredging on small shellfish and other sub-surface organisms Ecological effects Small cockles are an important part of the diet of some wading bird species Removing or killing small cockles reduces the amount of food available to wading birds including South Island and variable oystercatchers bar-tailed godwits and Caspian and white-fronted terns Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 for four areas Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Surveys for stock assessments were carried out in Whangarei 2007 Otago 2007 and Pakawau (Golden Bay) Riwaka and Ferry Point in 2008 Quantitative assessments for most areas using 1991-93 information Annual surveys are required for CAY assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 30
Dark ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Other names Chimaera pearl pearl fish chimeacutere (France) ginbuka ginzame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing deepwater shark species is only found in New Zealand and is most abundant in waters 150 to 500m deep off the West Coast of the South Island and the Chatham Rise It is caught almost entirely as bycatch in other target trawl fisheries notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological data the uncertain long-term sustainability of catch levels the unknown status of the fishstocks and the impact of trawling on benthic species As a bycatch species it has associated seabird and marine mammal bycatch and disrupted ecosystem concerns Whilst there is no management plan for dark ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo
Economic value Ghost shark exports of around $2 million to Australia and shark fins are exported to Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly off central and southern New Zealand at depths of 200-400m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown ndash 52-53cm for males and 62-63 cm for females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3012 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 1911 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquo[F]or all stocks it is not known if recent catch levels or current TACCs are sustainable in the long term or whether they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p289)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling (mixture of mid-water and bottom trawling) caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining Habitat damage Destruction of deepwater habitats by bottom trawling Bycatch Wide range of bycatch species (see hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) including seabirds marine mammals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target fish (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta)
Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available for dark ghost shark References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 31
Eels
Scientific name Anguilla australis (short-finned) A dieffenbachii
(long-finned) A reinhardtii (Australian long-finned)
Other names tuna hao tuna heke papakura (Maori short-finned) kuuwharuwharu reherehe (Maori long-finned) short-finned eel long-finned eel yellow eel silver eel (NZ) anguile australe (France)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Eels are important freshwater predators There are two main species of New Zealand eel ndash the endemic long-finned and native short-finned eels They are caught in baited fyke nets or traditional hinaki Both species are long-lived spending part of their life-cycle at sea and part in freshwater environments The long-finned eel is listed as a threatened species by the Department of Conservation (Hitchmough (comp) 2002) A third species - the Australian long-finned eel - is primarily found in Northland Ecological concerns The severely overfished status of the endemic long-finned eel declining catch rates and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels managing two species (short-finned and Australian long-finned) as one species in the South Island the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the lack of a management plan Bycatch of seabirds is also of concern Economic value New Zealand and exports of about $6 million in 2008 to markets including Germany Belgium Netherlands and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Eels are found throughout freshwater lakes rivers and streams plus some estuarine and coastal waters in New Zealand including the Chatham Islands Long-finned Short-finned Maximum age (years) 106 60 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity (migration) 11-56+ 5-41+ (uncertain) Growth rate variable unknown Reproductive output Low Low Sizeage exploited 8-17 6-13 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 872 in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 660 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 35 years Stock trends Declining catch rates in all areas for longfin eels and declines in many areas for shortfin eels Long-finned eel now classified as a threatened species ldquoModelling suggests longfin eels may be severely recruitment overfishedrdquo (MFish 2007 p 254) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Longfin ldquoThis species is more susceptible to overexploitation than shortfins because of their limited geographical distribution (confined to New Zealand and offshore islands) and longevityhellip A key component to ensuring the sustainability of eels is to maintain spawner escapement and to that end approximately 30 of available longfin habitat in the North Island and 34 in the South Island is either in reserves or in rarelynon-fished areas If hydro development and habitat loss are included and based on biomass estimates from several South Island rivers it is estimated that the biomass of longfin eels above the minimum weight at migration is less than 20 of historical valuesrdquo Shortfin ldquoThe catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for the main commercial shortfin fisheries in the South Island generally increased from 2001-02 to 2005-06 By contrast the North Island [areas] with the largest commercial catches showed less consistent trendshellip Caution is therefore required in managing shortfin stocks given the nature of their biology and the fact that they are harvested before they can spawnrdquo (MFish 2009 p248-249) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Fyke nets or hinaki
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 32
Habitat damage Impact of fyke net placement only Bycatch Seabirds (shags) caught in fyke nets Ecological effects The ecological effects of fishing are uncertain but likely to be much less than the impact of land drainage and dams on eel habitat Cumulatively overfishing and habitat loss are removing this important predatory species from New Zealand‟s increasingly degraded freshwater systems Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes - South Island since 2000 Chatham Island since 2003 and North Island since 2004
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Short-finned and bdquoother‟ (Australian long-finned) eels managed as one component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Hitchmough (comp) 2002 NZ Threat Classification System Lists Department of Conservation
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 33
Elephant fish
Scientific name Callorhinchus milli
Other names repe reperepe makorepe (Maori) silver trumpeter white fillets elephant shark (Australia) zoginzame zoginbuku (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small shark species which is only found in New Zealand has biological characteristics that make it relatively less prone to overfishing than most shark species It is most common on the east coast of the South Island to depths of 200m where it is caught mainly as bycatch off the Banks Peninsula in trawl fisheries and as a target species in set nets Ecological concerns The lack of a management plan the unknown sustainability of some recent catch levels and catch limits and the failure to carry out a full stock assessment Also of concern is the impact of trawling on the seabed and associated communities plus non-target fish bycatch of set netting Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk to these dolphins Whilst there is no management plan for elephant fish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for elephant fish nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Market in New Zealand and exports of about $1m in 2008 to Australia and North America ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around the South Island but most common near Banks Peninsula at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 9-15 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to medium Age exploited 3+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Current catches in ELE 3 and 7 well exceed the MCY estimates Annual catch limit Set at 1214 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Total landings of 1436 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but maybe increasing in ELE 3 and 5 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are availablerdquo For ELE 2 and 7 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo For ELE3 ldquoA mixed species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance peaked in 2000ndash01 then dropped by about 40 to 2004ndash05 but has since recovered to near the 2000ndash01 peakrdquo For ELE5 ldquoA mixed target species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance has shown a steady increasing trend since the early 1990s Present CPUE is more than double the lowest level observed in the early 1990srdquo For ELE 3 and 5 ldquoThe state of stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p214-220) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and set nets Most are caught as bycatch in one of the red cod trawl fisheries as well as other trawl fisheries The proportion caught by set nets has declined Habitat damage Removal of benthic species and change in biodiversity from trawling Bycatch Hector‟s dolphins caught in set nets and some trawl fisheries (eg the red cod trawl fishery off Canterbury coast where elephant fish is a bycatch species) Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Elephant fish fisheries also have non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts of marine food webs
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 34
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 35
Flatfish Black flounder yellow-belly flounder dabsand flounder greenback flounder brill turbot lemon sole and NZ sole
Scientific name rhomosolea retiaria (black flounder) R leporine
(yellowbelly flounder) R plebeian (dabsand flounder) R tairina (greenback flounder) Colistium guntheri (brill) C nudipinnis (turbot) Pelotretis flaviatus (lemon sole) Peltorhamphus novaezealandiae (NZ sole)
Other names Paatikitotara (Maori yellow-belly flounder) paatiki (Maori sand flounder greenback flounder NZ sole) paatikimohoao (Maori black flounder) kutuhori paatiki rore pakeke (Maori NZ sole) patikinui (Maori brill) paatiki nui (Maori turbot)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These eight flatfish species grow rapidly and are caught mainly by inshore bottom trawling with smaller amounts in set nets and smaller beach drag nets Sand flounder is the most abundant species and is found only in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of eight species as one fishstock uncertain stock structures and sustainability of catch limits plus limited research (uncertain age of the fish when caught lack of basic biological data for some of the species and absence of yield estimates) and the lack of a management plan Bottom trawling causes serious damage to benthic species and communities whilst set netting is associated with bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds sharks and other non-target fish Flatfish fishing was made exempt from the May 2008 set net restrictions as the fishery is thought to pose a lower risk than other set net fisheries due to low net height However it is unclear whether this is the case given the absence of observers on vessels using this gear Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $8 million mainly to Australia China and Spain ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (8 species) (score B) Distribution Flatfish are found throughout New Zealand Maximum age (years) 6-21 depending on species ndash brill and turbot live significantly longer than other species reaching a maximum age of 21 and 16 years respectively Age at sexual maturity 2+ depending on species Growth rate Rapid Reproductive output Ranging from medium to very high Age exploited 2+ depending on species Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown for all areas and species but can be highly variable Annual catch limit Set at 5409 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3629 tonnes in 2007-08 down from previous peaks of 5160 tonnes in 1983-84 (of which 16 was NZ sole) and 5086 tonnes in 1992-93 Stock trends Unknown for all areas and species MSY Status Unknown for all areas and species Eight species are managed as one fishery The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Flatfish populations typically consist of only one or two year classes at any time The sizes of the populations depend heavily on the strength of the recruiting year classes and are therefore expected to be highly variable For this reason TACCs were set high to allow fishers to take advantage of times of high abundance Recent CPUE analyses revealed that although yellow belly flounder are short lived inter-annual abundance in FLA 1 was surprisingly stable These results suggest that a more conservative approach is possiblerdquo (MFish 2009 p235) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Inshore bottom trawling set nets and drag nets
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 36
Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of non-target fish species including red cod and red gurnard plus possible bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other dolphins NZ fur seals and seabirds by set nets Ecological effects Direct adverse impacts of bottom trawling on seafloor communities and removal of these bottom-dwelling species (especially the removal of large fish) may cause wide disruption to marine ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Eight different species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments for any species or areas but current catch limits are nearly three times estimated yield (MCY) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 37
Frostfish
Scientific name Lepidopus caudatus
Other names tiikati paara hikau para-taharangi (Maori) Cutlassfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively short-lived species is widely distributed around the world In New Zealand it is normally found over the outer shelf in waters 200 ndash 500m deep It is mainly caught as bycatch (more than 90) in trawl fisheries for jack mackerel and hoki and to a lesser extent in the arrow squid barracouta and gemfish fisheries Half are caught off the West Coast of the South Island and Taranaki Bight in mid-water trawl fisheries Ecological concerns Lack of research (including the absence of some basic biological information) the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the uncertainty about stock structure plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species of other fisheries marine mammals non-target fish and impacts on seabed communities are also serious concerns Economic value Export markets include Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely dispersed around New Zealand but mainly caught off the west coasts of both main islands Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3858 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1392 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available The stock structure is uncertain the fishery is variable and almost entirely a bycatch of other target fisheries No age data or estimates of abundance available It is therefore not possible to estimate yields It is not known if recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p261) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method A mixture of mid-water trawl and bottom trawl fishing Habitat damage Damage to seafloor communities when caught by bottom trawl in the hoki gemfish and other trawl fisheries Bycatch Caught as bycatch in the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries which include fur seal and common dolphin captures Less than 10 is target fished Ecological effects The effect of this fishery combined with the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries contribute towards multiple seafloor and water column community impacts Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 38
Garfish
Scientific name Hyporhamphus ihi
Other names hangenge ihe wariwari takeke (Maori) piper half-beak NZ garfish (US) demi-bec neozelandias (France) sayori (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Garfish are relatively short-lived and whilst similar species occur around the world this species is found only in New Zealand They are common in shallow coastal waters such as bays and harbours when they school at the surface Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information information on stock size and yield estimates the uncertainty of some biological information limited research huge uncertainty about stock boundaries and absence of a management plan Economic value Export markets include Asia Best option Garfish is one of the best New Zealand seafood choices as the fishing methods have minimal ecological impact ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Inshore waters around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate (uncertain) Reproductive output High Age exploited 2-3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit TACC of 50 tonnes set in 2002-2003 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available A fishery has existed for several decades but it is not known how heavily this has exploited the stock It is not possible to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p265) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Beach seine and lampara net (Garfish are sometimes also taken as a non-target catch in the pilchard fishery) Habitat damage Low due to most fish being caught by beach seine and lampara nets Bycatch Relatively low bycatch but small fish can be caught by both methods Ecological effects Low although depletion of garfish may have impacts on associated species by altering food web dynamics Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 39
Gemfish
Scientific name Rexea solandri
Other names maha-taharaki maka-tikati tiikati (Maori) silver kingfish southern kingfish silver gemfish (US) kagokamasu ginsawara shirosawara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively long-lived slender fish is found within a wide depth range of between 50 and 550m but is sometimes found as deep as 800m They are usually caught in inshore to middle-depth waters by trawling
Ecological concerns A significant level of habitat and therefore ecological damage is caused by bottom trawling and a range of fish are caught as bycatch New Zealand fur seal and sea bird bycatch is also associated with fisheries in which gemfish is caught as bycatch Annual catches and catch rates have declined dramatically since peaking at over 8000 tonnes in 1985ndash86 due to over-fishing combined with low recruitment poor state of the stocks (about 22 of the original unfished stock size) and annual landings being in the hundreds of tonnes during the last two years There is also no management plan for this species
Economic value Exports of $2 million in 2008 mainly to Japan
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Gemfish is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters but is more common in the south at depths of 150-200m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3-5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size All populations are about 22 of the unfished biomass which is well below BMAY (34) Annual catch limit Set at 1060 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings were 662 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Low recruitment since the early 1990s has resulted in depleted populations could decline further if low recruitment continues MSY Status Populations depleted well below Fisheries Act requirement (MSY) and there is no rebuilding plan in place The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states The assessment of the southern gemfish stock has not been updated since 1997 Landings from SKI 7 increased from 2000 to be a level over twice the TACC in 2004ndash05 but have decreased since then Northern [gemfish] For all three models projections at the current TACC levels suggest the stock may increase with average recruitment (long term mean from 1978 to 2000) but is likely to decline if recruitment remains at the levels seen in more recent years (from 1992 to 2000) (MFish 2009 p280)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Target trawling off the east and north coasts of the North Island Catches off the west and southern coasts of the South Island are now primarily bycatch of hoki and squid fisheries Habitat damage After scampi gemfish trawling had the highest impact of target fisheries in the Bay of Plenty (Cryer et al 2002) Bottom trawling within hoki and squid fisheries results in significant damage to seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of fish and invertebrate species are caught in the targeted fishery When caught in the hoki and arrow squid fisheries seabird fur seal and deepwater shark bycatch problems are also prevalent Ecological effects Bottom trawling disturbs the seabed and changes the abundance and community structure of many bottom dwelling fish species and benthic species (Cryer et al 2002)
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for QMA1 and 2 in 2007 and QMA3 and 7 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer M Hartill B and O‟Shea S (2002) Modification of marine benthos by trawling toward a generalization for the deep ocean Ecological Applications 12(6) 2002 pp1824-1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 40
Grey mullet
Scientific name Mugil cephalus
Other names hopu hohopu kanae kopuwai (Maori) mullet striped mullet sea mullet (Australia) mule muge cabot (France) bora (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Grey mullet is a surface dwelling coastal species that is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical seas In New Zealand it is most commonly found in northern bays harbours mangrove swamps and estuaries They are caught year round in set nets and beach seines but mainly from November to March when they gather to spawn offshore Ecological concerns That the current commercial catch limit in the main fishery is 100 tonnes above the maximum current yield estimate that landings have fluctuated during the last four years raising doubts about the status of this stock the lack of yield or biomass estimates for nearly all areas the lack of a management plan and the apparent disparity between quota areas and likely stock boundaries Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced this risk however a pending court ruling may reopen some fishing areas and continue the pose an undue threat to these dolphins Economic value Main market is in New Zealand with some exports to Asia of less than $100000 in 2008 Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution A surface dwelling species mostly found in sheltered bays and harbours off northern New Zealand Maximum age (years) 15+ Age at sexual maturity 3 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1005 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 849 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reports of serial depletion and declines in catch rates in some areas since 1990 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoGMU 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 using data up to 2005ndash06 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 The status of GMU1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p313) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Set nets and beach seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch A range of species are caught by set nets including marine mammals and non-target fish species Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects Possible ecosystem impacts of removing larger fish from the population Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 41
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Inconclusive quantitative stock assessment for West GMU1 in 1998 There is no assessment for other areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 42
Groper Hapuku amp Bass
Scientific name Polyprion oxygeneios (groper) and Polyprion
americanus (Bass)
Other names hakuraa kapua kauaeroa kawerai kuparu moeone whaapuku toti (Maori) sea bass wrackbarsch (Germany) wreckfish (USA) hata ara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two long-lived slow growing species of sea bass are found around New Zealand though Bass is also found in many temperate oceans around the world Bass is more common in the north and ranges into deeper water (up to 800m) than grouper (up to 400m) They are mainly caught in deep underwater canyons off the East Coast of the North Island Cook Strait Kaikoura and the West Coast of the South Island Once commonly caught inshore and an important coastal predator groper have now almost disappeared from diving depths Ecological concerns The management of two species as one quota species the uncertainty and conflict over stock boundaries limited research (including a lack of information on sustainable yields and uncertainty over basic biological information for bass) Other concerns include the lack of a management plan the decline in reported landings in recent years and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit Bycatch of other fish species is also of concern as is the loss of these ecologically important species particularly hapuku which is a prey species for sperm whales Economic value Export value of about $4million in 2008 mainly to Australia Japan and United States ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found around New Zealand including the Chatham Rise but most common in deep underwater canyons over or near rocky areas down to 250m GroperHapuku Bass Maximum age (years) 60+ 40+ Age at sexual maturity 10-13 10 Growth rate Slow Slow Reproductive output Low Low Age exploited 5 5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but large hapuku have almost disappeared from diving depths Annual catch limit Set at 2181 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1651 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reported landings have declined from a peak of 2698 tonnes in 1983-84 to around 1600 tonnes in recent years MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches are less than the MCY estimates are considered sustainable and are probably at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield Current TACCs are larger than the MCY estimates and it is not known if they are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p322) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly longline and hand line but also caught using trawl and set net Habitat damage Low for line caught fish but trawling catches and damages bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch A range of bycatch fish species including tarakihi and blue cod Deepwater sharks are also occasionally caught (eg seal shark) Ecological effects Serial depletion of these species can occur with line fishing removing large individuals Hapuku or groper is a known prey species for sperm whale so depletion may reduce the whale‟s food availability The effects of trawling include reducing the diversity of fragile invertebrate species including cold water corals sponges and bryozoans
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 43
Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessments or yields References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 44
Hake
Scientific name Merluccius australis
Other names kehe tiikati (Maori) whiting merluza (Spain) merlu (France) heiku (Japan) seehecht (Germany)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hake is a relative of the hoki found only in New Zealand It is targeted on the Chatham Rise and in the sub-Antarctics but is usually caught as bycatch by mid-water hoki trawling Most hake is caught off the West Coast of the South Island with some taken from the south of the South Island and around the Chatham Islands The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Seabirds and marine mammals are commonly caught as bycatch in the associated hoki fishery (NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels) Other concerns include inconsistencies between quota boundaries and stock boundaries the uncertainty of stock size and trends for West Coast and Sub-Antarctic populations the lack of a management plan illegal mis-reporting of catches and the rapid decline in Chatham Rise hake Economic value The main export markets are Japan Spain Australia and Portugal which were worth $27 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in waters around the South Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size In 2004 about 35 of unfished population size (B0) on Chatham Rise and could be between 30 and 70 on the West Coast of the South Island Annual catch limit Set at 13211 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Recorded landings of 5930 tonnes in 2007-08 which is the lowest level in 20 years Stock trends Declining on Chatham Rise slow decline or stable in Sub-Antarctic unknown on West Coast MSY Status Over-fished and declining on the Chatham Rise uncertain in the sub-Antarctics and appears to be sustainable on West Coast of the South Island The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Rise ldquoThe 2004 model results suggested a decline in biomass with biomass in 2004 at about 35 B0 Year class strengths from 1995 to 2000 are estimated to be weaker than average In the projections the model assumes average year class strength since 2001 although more small hake have been caught in the most recent trawl surveys suggesting that the 2002 year class may be above average Projections for the Chatham Rise stock estimated the risk of reducing the stock below 20 B0 in 2009 to be 88 with catches of 3616 t and 28 with catches of 1800 t The higher assumed catch of 3616 t represents the current [Chatham Rise TACC] HAK 4 plus half the HAK 1 while the lower catch level of 1800 t represents the HAK 4 TACC onlyrdquo West coast South Island ldquoThe assessment [2004] suffers from a lack of an independent abundance index for the stock Hence these results should be treated with caution This run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0 The other runs gave similar estimates of biomass and stock status All the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo For the sub-Antarctic stock ldquoAn attempt was made in 2004 to determine the stock status of this stock [but] results should be treated with caution [One] run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0hellipAll the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo (MFish 2009 p343-344) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling Hake are targeted around the Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Islands and caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery elsewhere particularly the West Coast of the South Island
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 45
Habitat damage Bottom trawling reduces species diversity and transforms community structure and composition Bycatch As a bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery the hake fishery is associated with killing hundreds of NZ fur seals and hundreds of albatrosses and petrels each year The seabirds killed include nine species of which several are globally threatened including black-browed albatross Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Ecological effects There is a loss of bottom-dwelling invertebrate diversity due to bottom trawl fishing Also the dumping of offal and other fish waste during fish processing at sea is likely to have a broad range of ecological impacts on marine species and food webs (eg it attracts seabirds some of which are subsequently killed of trawl lineswarps) Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for Chatham Rise and West Coast stocks in 2004 and for sub-Antarctic stocks in 2007
References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 46
Hoki
Scientific name Macruronus novaezelandiae
Other names whiptail blue hake blue grenadier (NZ) langschwanz-seehecht (Germany) merluse (France) merluza azul (Spain) nasello azzurro (Italy) hoki de nouvelle-zelande
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hoki is a relatively fast growing deepwater species related to cod and hake It generally lives beyond the shelf edge from 50 to 900m but is most abundant between 300 and 600m There are two intermixing biological stocks generally referred to as the eastern and western stocks Trawling occurs year round making hoki one of New Zealand‟s largest fisheries Hoki are targeted and caught in their spawning grounds on the West Coast of the South Island and the Cook Strait plus some smaller spawning areas on the east coast of the South Island and Pusegar Banks When not spawning hoki are caught in the sub-Antarctics and on the Chatham Rise where juveniles of both stocks are found Despite being certified as sustainable under the international Marine Stewardship Council scheme it still has significant ecological impacts Ecological concerns The bycatch of hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels each year plus bycatch of globally threatened basking sharks When bottom trawling the fishery has significant impacts on the seafloor altering seabed communities Also of concern is the management of two stocks as one quota management area the slow response to past stock declines so that large quota cuts were needed and the failure to take precautionary action in the face of potential stock recovery (Quotas are this year being increased back to 110000 tonnes - just over the level set following initial cuts in 2004 This increase is based on estimated of the west coast hoki stock being just within target levels for the first time in many years Additional concerns include illegal mis-reporting of catches the significant catches of small fish (over 40) on the Chatham Rise and on the West Coast plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Most hoki is exported to the USA Europe - including the UK and Belgium ndash Japan and Australia Hoki exports were worth $103 million in 2008 down from $346 million in 2001 The Fillet ‟o‟ Fish sold at McDonalds in New Zealand is hoki ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution The main areas where hoki are caught are off the West Coast of the South Island the Cook Strait Chatham Rise to the east of the South Island and Sub-Antarctic waters at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) 20-25 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 years Growth rate Relatively fast Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Following many years of poor recruitment of juvenile fish to the adult population and depletion of stocks particularly on the West Coast hoki have recently been estimated to be within or above 35-50 of their original unfished population size (B0) However the western stock could be as low as 27 of that size Annual catch limit From 250000 tonnes in 2001-02 catch limits were dramatically reduced to 100000 tonnes in 2004-05 and to 90000 tonnes in 2007-08 The catch limit has just been increased this year (2009) by over 20 to 110000 tonnes The hoki fishery has recently identified an Interim Management Target of 35 ndash 50 B0 Recorded catch Estimated catch of 89300 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Rebuilding The stocks have been serially depleted particularly the Western stock and are now dominated by small fish and young ages classes In 2008 around 50 of the catch on the Chatham Rise was made up of juvenile fish smaller than 65 cm The Chatham Rise made up about 40 of the total hoki catch in 2008 Overall in the hoki fishery around 40 of the fish caught were less than 65cm MSY Status 2009 is the first year of suspected recovery to a level at or above MSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Western Stock ldquoModel run 11 B2009 was estimated to be 36 B0 About as likely as not (40-60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target [35 ndash 50 B0] Model run
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 47
12 B2009 very likely to be 39 B0 Likely (60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target The biomass of the western hoki stock is expected to increase over the next 5 years at 2007-08 western fishery catch levelsrdquo Eastern stock ldquoBiomass in 2009 was estimated to be about 48 B0 The biomass of the eastern hoki stock is expected to increase slightly over the next 5 years at 2007-08 eastern fishery catch levelsrdquo ldquoBoth stocks are projected to be within or above the 35-50 B0 target range by the end of the projection periodrdquo (MFish 2009 p 367-371) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawling targets non-spawning aggregations (Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Plateau) and mid-water trawling targets spawning aggregations on West Coast and Cook Strait Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans The expanding use of twin rigs and double linked nets (and some triple linked nets) with a large heavy roller in between has increased the impact of this fishery on fragile deepwater habitats Bycatch Hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels are drowned in the hoki fishery each year The affected albatrosses and petrels include several globally threatened species such as black-browed and Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Non-target fish species bycatch is also a problem and includes quota species hake ling and silver warehou which are caught in West Coast hoki fisheries Other bycatch species include vulnerable deepwater sharks (eg shovelnose dogfish seal shark and Baxter‟s dogfish) Globally threatened basking sharks are also caught There is also incidental mortality of young hoki passing through the net meshes Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but draft prepared Management component Single species however two stocks managed as one quota area Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for East and West stocks in 2009 References European marketing and the MSC SEAFOOD magazine May 2004 Vol 12 no 4 p8 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 48
Jack mackerel
Scientific name Trachurus declivis (Jack Mackerel) T
novaezelandiae (New Zealand Jack Mackerel) T symmetricus murphyi (Peruvian Jack Mackerel)
Other names haature hauture (Maori) horse mackerel horse jack mackerel slender jack mackerel chinchard neozelandias (Canada) Chilean jack mackerel saurel (France) maaji (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These three species of jack mackerels are managed as one species and are mainly caught in the purse-seine targetbycatch fishery in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland‟s east coast Trawl fisheries catch jack mackerel in other areas including the Taranaki Bight and Chatham Rise Peruvian jack mackerel are a southern ranging species found in deepwater whereas jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species forming schools in midwater and ranging from shallow bays and harbours to oceanic islands and reefs Ecological concerns The management of three species as one fishery limited research the lack of some basic biological data for Peruvian jack mackerel the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels especially for western New Zealand (JMA7) Of significant concern is the bycatch of dolphins in the fishery west of the North Island and fur seals in fishery east and south of the South Island (JMA 3) Non-target fish bycatch seabird bycatch bottom trawl impacts on the seabed and ecological implications of jack mackerel removal from the food web Other concerns include the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of $51 million in 2008 with main markets in Japan Eastern Europe and Fiji ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species above 450S and 420S respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is a more southerly species from around the Stewart-Snares Shelf and the Chatham Rise The two northern species are found lt150-300m respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is found to a depth of gt500m Jack mackerel NZ mackerel Peruvian mackerel Maximum age (years) 25+ 25+ 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 3-4 4 Growth rate Moderate Moderate Moderate Reproductive output Medium-high Medium-high Medium Age exploited 2-3 Unknown 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown (Biomass estimates for JMA7 are uncertain) Annual catch limit Set at 60546 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 47855 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest reported Stock trends Decline in T declivis in JMA7 Landings have consistently been lower than the total allowable commercial catch since the mid-1990s MSY Status Unknown Only a preliminary assessment for jack mackerel (T declivis) in JMA7 in 2007 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the resource in JMA 3 though estimated species proportions indicate a catch dominated by T murphyi For JMA 1 and 3 it is not known whether catches at the level of the current TACCs or recent catch levels are sustainable in the long-term The status of JMA3 relative to BMSY [the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield] is unknownrdquo For JMA7 ldquoOverall it cannot be determined if the TAC or current removals are sustainable for JMA 7 but it is likely that the removals from one component of the fishery (T declivis) are sustainable at this time Given increased catches in recent years continued monitoring of the catch composition is strongly recommended as is further work on potential abundance indicesrdquo (MFish 2009 p389) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling and purse seining
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 49
Habitat damage Low for purse seining bottom trawling in effect bulldozes the seabed and can kill or damage bottom dwelling species and alter seafloor communities Bycatch Trawl fishing around Taranaki off Waikato and Auckland catches common dolphins dusky dolphins and pilot whales The fishing area may also overlap with the range of Maui‟s dolphins posing a possible risk to this critically endangered species Trawling on the Snares shelf catches fur seals Blue mackerel is also a bycatch species in this fishery Ecological effects Ecological implications associated with bottom trawling plus as an important predator and prey species reducing jack mackerel numbers can in turn have impacts on associated food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes but only in all areas since 1995 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component All three species managed together as one Stock assessment A preliminary stock assessment for T declivis in JMA7 in 2007 No new quantitative assessment for T novaezelandiae since 1993 in JMA7 No yield estimates in JMA 1 or 3 or for T murphyi in any stock References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Information describing Chilean jack mackerel (Trchurus murphyi) fisheries relating to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Doc SPRFMO-III-SWG-16 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 50
John dory
Scientific name Zeus faber
Other names kuparu pukeru (Maori) saint-pierre zeacutee (France) pez de san pedro (Spain) buckler dory (Canada) matocircdai (Japan) European john dory (US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description John Dory are mid-water to seafloor dwelling and whilst found throughout New Zealand they are most common north of the Cook Strait They are caught in mixed species trawl catches where the main target species are snapper and tarakihi with some also caught by Danish seine Ecological concerns The damage done by bottom-trawling the unknown long-term sustainability of the catch limits the unknown status of stocks population size and stock trends (uncertainty around possible declines off the West Coast South Island) and the uncertainty about stock boundaries in relation to quota boundaries Limited research and the lack of a management plan are also of concern
Economic value New Zealand market plus exports to Australia United States and Germany with a value of about $5 million in 2008
Best option John dory caught by Danish seine rather than by trawl Avoid fish caught using bottom trawl gear
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Relatively common in coastal waters off northern New Zealand especially from the Bay of Plenty northwards Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively rapid Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2-3
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but likely to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 1129 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 725 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown maybe declining off the West Coast of the South Island (JDO7) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For JDO 1 recent catch levels and the current TACC are likely to be sustainable at least in the short-term It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term For all other JDO stocks it is not known if the recent catch levels and current TACCs are sustainable For all fishstocks it is unknown if recent catches or the current TACCs are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo ldquoThe JDO 7 point estimate of biomass in 2007 had declined by 40 from the long-term high in 2003 however the 2007 point estimate still lies within the range of uncertainty around the previous point estimatesrdquo (MFish 2009 p398-400)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) John dory is caught as bycatch in trawl and Danish seine fisheries (eg snapper and Tarakihi) Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed and kills or damages bottom dwelling species Bycatch Fish bycatch associated with its capture in the snapper fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf Ecological effects Trawling reduces species diversity and abundance plus catches large individuals
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments completed for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 51
Kahawai
Scientific name Arripis trutta
Other names koopuuhuri kooukauka (Maori) Australian salmon (Australia) Saumon Australien (France) bangeo (Korea) oki susuki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kahawai are found throughout New Zealand but are most common north of Kaikoura They form schools of similar-sized fish with juveniles found in shallow coastal waters and adults in open water often in large schools from seafloor to surface waters Most kahawai are caught in purse seine fisheries that also target skipjack tuna jack mackerel and blue mackerel A lesser proportion is caught seasonally in set net and mixed species trawl fisheries Kahawai is a particularly important species for recreational and customary fisheries
Ecological concerns The uncertain maximum sustainable yield unknown status of stocks stock structure and stock trends the bycatch of non-target fish and the lack of a management plan Limited past research and the ecological effects of removing this important prey species is also of concern
Economic value Exports of $15m mainly to Australia
Best option Fish caught using purse seine ndash avoid Kahawai caught using set net or trawl ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in inshore waters around New Zealand but most common from Kaikoura northwards Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size The KAH1 assessment shows that the stock has declined to a mid-range of 27-62 B0 (the estimated unfished population size) depending on assumptions including level of non-commercial catch Annual catch limit Set at 2728 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2288 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status While the assessment is uncertain the stock is most likely above BMSY ndash between 27 and 69 B0 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For KAH1 ldquoCurrent assumed removals are lower than almost all estimates of deterministic MSY Combining this with the result that most estimates of current biomass are well above BMSY it is unlikely that the stock will decline below BMSY at current assumed catch levels given the model recruitment assumptionsrdquo For all other KAH areas ldquoNo accepted assessment is available that covers these regions It is not known if the current catches allowances or TACCs are sustainable The status of KAH 2 3 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p 416)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most are caught by purse seiners with less taken seasonally in set-net and some in trawl fisheries Habitat damage Low impact from purse seiners and set netting high impact from trawl fisheries on bottom dwelling species Bycatch Range of other pelagic species including skipjack tuna kingfish blue mackerel and jack mackerel Ecological effects Loss of large older fish impact of bottom trawling bulldozing the seabed and ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 1 October 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A new quantitative assessment in 2007 for KAH1 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 52
Kina
Scientific name Evechinus chloroticus
Other names kina ariki kin koorako puurau (Maori) sea urchin sea egg Oursin de Nouvelle-Zelande (France)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kina are an important grazing species found throughout New Zealand Most are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by targeted dredging Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch levels or limits the risk a serial depletion of stocks and impacts on reef communities from changes in grazing levels the lack of stock assessments limited research and the lack of a management plan When dredged considerable habitat damage can occur Economic value Kina are sold in New Zealand Best option Kina collected by hand (breath-hold diving) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Throughout New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 8-9 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1147 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Reported catch of 7629 tonnes for all fishstocks in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor all Fishstocks it is not known if current catch levels or TACCs are sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support sustainable yieldsrdquo (MFish 2009 p424) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most kina are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by target dredging Habitat damage Minimal damage from diving dredging scrapes the seafloor killing or damaging bottom dwelling species Bycatch None from diving dredging has a high bycatch including a range of bottom dwelling species Ecological effects Changes in kina numbers have effects on algal community assemblages Impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Dredging for kina has considerable ecological implications as it destroys seafloor communities which affects associated mid-water species Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 (South Island) and 2003 (North Island) Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No stock assessments Biomass estimates have been made for Arapawa Island (1997) and Dusky Sound and Chalky Inlet (1995) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 53
Kingfish
Scientific name Seriola lalandi
Other names haku kahu makumaku warehenga (Maori) yellowtail kingfish northern kingfish
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively large fish is an important predatory fish rarely found south of Cook Strait preferring the warmer waters of the north It can form schools of up to several hundred but is mainly caught as a non-target catch of inshore set net trawl and longline fisheries Kingfish is a commonly sought after recreational fish Ecological concerns The loss of large individual fish the unknown sustainability of the combined commercial and recreational catch limits uncertainty about the stock structure the absence of biomass and yield estimates the absence of a quantitative stock assessment limited research and the lack of a management plan Some fishing methods cause damage to the seabed and have high fish bycatch Economic value About 25 of kingfish is exported (under $05m) to the USA and Australia with the rest going to the domestic New Zealand market Best option Line caught kingfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Common in coastal waters around the North Island Maximum age (years) 16+ Age at sexual maturity 4-7 (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but stock relatively small Annual catch limit The maximum current yield (MCY) was set at 200 tonnes in 2007-08 the second lowest catch in over 20 years Recorded catch Reported landings of 159 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but there is concern from recreational fishers about current catch rates MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Although commercial catches are near or below MCY levels it is not known if recent combined commercial and recreational catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p436) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly taken as a non-target catch of inshore set net and longline fisheries with some trawl bycatch Habitat damage Minimal damage from lines or set nets Trawling causes damage to seafloor habitats contacting the seabed Bycatch Range of species caught as bycatch in set net and trawl fisheries which are often highly unselective techniques Ecological effects Removal of large fish may alter food web dynamics whilst bottom contact trawling bulldozes the seabed reducing biodiversity of bottom dwelling communities Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 54
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Scientific name Parika scaber
Other names kokiri kiririi (Maori) trigger fish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Leatherjacket or creamfish is a relatively small coastal species found throughout New Zealand but largely caught off the South Island Most of the catch is taken as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries mainly targeting trevally red gurnard and snapper but in recent years it has also been caught in some fisheries targeting squid Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the lack of a stock assessment limited research and no management plan Bycatch of sharks and seabirds in associated fisheries is also of concern as are impacts on seafloor habitats when caught with bottom trawl gear Economic value The main market is domestic and Australia with exports of $660000 in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Leatherjacket is distributed throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands It is caught on the East Coast between Otago and East Cape in Southland and between Cape Farewell and Cape Foulwind on the West Coast Maximum age (years) 7+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit 1431 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 467 tonnes in 2007-08 well below the 1300 tonnes caught in 1999-2000 fishing year Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass It is not known whether the leatherjacket stocks are at above or below a level that can produce MSY (MFish 2009 p450) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Method Bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including those targeting trevally red gurnard snapper and squid Habitat damage Trawl fishing with bottom gear scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself this fishery is associated with the bycatch problems of other fisheries including sharks and seabirds Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of this coastal species has knock on impacts on associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management composition Single species Stock assessment No completed quantitative stock assessment References Final Advice Paper Setting of Sustainability and Other Management Controls for Stocks to be Introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2003 18 July 2003 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science GroupMinistry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 55
Ling
Scientific name Genypterus blacodes
Other names hoka hokarari rari (Maori) ashiro kingu (Japan) kingklip (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Ling is a bottom dwelling species of the eel family which lives at depths of 300-700m throughout New Zealand It is often caught as bycatch in hoki and hake trawl fisheries though it is also targeted with bottom longline and bottom trawl methods The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Damage to fragile deepwater species and habitats caused by bottom trawling and the high level of globally threatened seabird species and NZ fur seals caught as bycatch Also of concern is the unknown long-term sustainability of some current catch limits and landings the uncertainty of stock boundaries tthe lack of a management plan for the fishery and the loss of ling from diving depths Economic value The main export markets are in Asia particularly Hong Kong and Japan plus Australia and Spain Exports were worth $40 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Ling is widespread in water off the south of the North Island and off the South Island but is mainly caught south of the South Island and over the Campbell Rise at 200-700m Maximum age (years) 30 Age at sexual maturity 5-9 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (most of the North Island) and uncertain for LIN 7 (West Coast South Island) Other areas (LIN 3 4 5 and 6) are likely above BMAY Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 21977 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16264 tonnes in 2007-08 the third lowest catch in 15 years Stock trends Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (non-Cook Strait) declining for LIN2 (Cook Strait) uncertain for LIN 7 declining slowly LIN 5 and 6 and increasing for LIN 3 and 4 MSY Status Unknown for LIN 1 and 2 described as sustainable for LIN 3 and 4 and LIN 5 6 and 7 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For LIN1 ldquoIn the absence of a representative index of abundance it is not known whether current LIN 1 catches or the TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown The biological stock affinities of ling in LIN 1 are unknownrdquo For LIN 2 (Cook Strait ndash 40 of catch) ldquoThe model results hellip suggest that the stock has declined particularly since the late 1980s Based on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be above BMAY but is likely to continue to decline at current catch levels It is not known if recent landings and the current TACCs are sustainable or are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield] For LIN3 and LIN4 ldquoBased on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be well above BMAY and building Catches at the level of the current TACC are likely to be sustainablerdquo For LIN 5 and 6 (but not Bounty Plateau) ldquoBased on the 2007 assessment ling stocks are probably only lightly fished and current stock sizes are estimated to be well above BMAY Estimates of absolute current and reference biomass are unreliable It is likely that the current TACC is sustainable as current catches appear to be having only a small impact on biomass levelsrdquo For LIN7 (West Coast) ldquoBased on the 2008 assessment the status of the LIN 7WC stock is highly uncertain The stock assessment model results did not provide reliable estimates of current biomass as a percentage of B0 but it is unlikely that this value is less than 40 and it could be much higher The relatively constant catch history since 1989 and the relative constancy of the trawl catch-at-age distributions since 1991 suggest that future catches at the current level are sustainable at least in the medium termrdquo (MFish 2009 p466-467) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Ling is mainly caught in targeted bottom longline and bottom trawling operations
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 56
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage to seamounts sea floor species and fragile deep-sea ecosystems Bycatch Several thousand seabirds are drowned on the longlines used in the ling fishery every year This includes the critically endangered Chatham‟s albatross and other threatened species (eg white-chinned petrels grey petrels Salvin‟s albatross flesh-footed shearwaters and sooty shearwaters) In September 2007 12 critically endangered Chatham albatrosses and 22 Salvin‟s albatrosses were caught by a single long-line vessel on the Chatham Rise New Zealand fur seals are also killed in the trawl fishery as are a range of deepwater sharks including seal sharks Ling is itself a non-target bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery which also has serious bycatch problems Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for LIN 3 and 4 (2004) 5 and 6 (2003) 7 (2009) and 6 Bounty (2006) and an initial assessment for LIN2 (Cook Strait) (2007) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries
Guidebook The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 57
Lookdown dory
Scientific name Cyttus traversi
Other names king dory
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description An offshore deepwater species that is widely distributed around New Zealand and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries particularly the hoki fishery Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and the absence of a management plan The fishery also has direct impacts on seafloor communities as a result of trawl fishing As lookdown dory is a bycatch of other fisheries it is also associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Lookdown dory are caught all around New Zealand with the largest catches on the East Coast of the South Island the Chatham Rise and the West Coast of the South Island Maximum age (years) 30+ Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 783 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 430 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Uncertain but annual trawl survey on the Chatham Rise ldquoshow no decline in recent yearsrdquo MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no known sustainability concerns in the lookdown dory fishery Trawl surveys indicate stable abundance in the main fishery However it is not known whether recent catches will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p 473) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - lookdown dory is caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery and to a much smaller extent in the barracouta hake ling and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawl fishing scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species of other fisheries lookdown dory is associated with seabird and marine mammal bycatch problems It is also associated with high non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch plus seabird and marine mammal bycatch has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 58
Mako shark
Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus
Other names mako (Maori) mackerel shark shortfin mako
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Mako sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to porbeagle sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species A highly migratory species Mako sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north About 75 of mako sharks caught are processed and the rest are dumped at sea Mako shark are the third most common species of shark that are targeted for their highly priced fins with about 47 of the reported catch recorded as finned Jointly with snapper oreodeepwater dory and southern bluefin tuna mako shark has the second worst ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Limited research on mako sharks lack of a stock assessment and uncertainty about the state of the stocks The high number of juveniles in the catch is also of concern as is the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals Where mako sharks are caught using bottom fishing methods impacts on the seafloor and associated communities are also of concern Whilst there is no management plan for mako sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for makos nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning makos and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mako sharks are highly migratory oceanic fish that often visit coastal areas around northern New Zealand They are caught by longline vessels on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast Maximum age (years) 29 males and 28 females Age at sexual maturity 7-9 years males and 19-21 years females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 2 (Much of the catch is immature) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 406 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 73 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest landings in seven years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain but reported as bdquovulnerable to overexploitation‟ The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics mako shark is vulnerable to overexploitation (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p50) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Primarily pelagic longlining around the North Island with a smaller catch caught by bottom longliners and trawlers Habitat damage Low except when caught by bottom trawling which alters seafloor community structure and function Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of a large predatory species has wide implications for oceanic food webs The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 59
Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) Stock assessments and yield estimatesScience Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Bishop SD Francis MP Duffy C (2006) Age growth maturity longevity and natural mortality of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in New Zealand waters Marine and Freshwater Research 57 143-154 New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 60
Moonfish
Scientific name Lampris guttatus
Other names opah spotted moonfish nandai akamanbo (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Moonfish are a bycatch in tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main islands Ecological concerns the uncertainty of some basic biological information uncertainty about the state of the stocks basic biology the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals and the lack of a stock assessment or a management plan There are also ecological concerns given removal of this large predator species from the food web Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Moonfish are a widely distributed pelagic species found in both temperate and tropical waters of the Worlds oceans Maximum age (years) 14-20 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Medium-high Reproductive output Medium-high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size There is no information on stock structure but Moonfish is known to have a South Pacific wide distribution Annual catch limit Set at 527 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in over 10 years About 70 of moonfish caught are mature Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoWhile moonfish appear to have moderately productive life history characteristics the stock status is unknown It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p53) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Moonfish are caught mainly by pelagic longline vessels targeting tuna on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast with pelagic trawling for southern blue whiting and hoki being the second main method Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of moonfish and non-target species from marine systems Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 61
Orange Roughy
Scientific name Hoplostethus atlanticus
Other names Deepsea perch sea perch slimehead (NZ) red roughy (Australia) hoplostete orange granatbarsch (Germany) pesce arancio (Italy) beryx de nouvelle-zelande (France) rosy soldierfish (Canada)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Orange Roughy is a very slow growing and long-lived (120 ndash 130 years) deepwater fish making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing It does not breed until 23-31 years old and does so once a year in large spawning aggregations often around deepwater seamounts pinnacles and canyons around New Zealand There are nine distinct orange roughy fisheries within the New Zealand EEZ each managed independently The East and South Chatham Rise fishery is the largest and oldest orange roughy fishery in the world Jointly with porbeagle shark orange roughy has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns New Zealand‟s orange roughy have suffered from years of over-fishing on the spawning grounds which has decimated populations Although quotas have been reduced in recent years serious concerns remain as they may not be enough Nothing is known about roughy recruitment and there is a mismatch between model projections and catch information Most populations are now below 20 of their original unfished size with one reduced to just 3 As well as stock concerns orange roughy is caught by bottom trawling which destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It effectively bulldozes the sea floor demolishing black corals lace corals coral trees colourful sponge fields and long-lived bryozoans some aged at over 500 years old Deepwater sharks and other non-target fish species are also caught which alters marine food web dynamics As a prey species for sperm whales and giant squid orange roughy depletion has a direct impact on these deepwater species Some orange roughy fisheries have also caught seabirds and marine mammals Economic value Orange Roughy is one of the most valuable export fish species worth $57 million in 20086 Previously this was $200 million Most is exported to the USA and Australia with some to the UK where it is reportedly used by some fast food chains as fish fillet burgers Orange roughy is also sold in New Zealand for example as frozen fish fillets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution The main spawning grounds around New Zealand are the Challenger Plateau Cook Canyon Puysegur Bank North Chatham Rise Ritchie Bank and East Cape at depths of between 700 metres and at least 1500 metres Most are caught on the Chatham Rise where the underwater terrain is rugged and consists of hill pinnacle and canyon seascapes Maximum age (years) 120-130 Age at sexual maturity 23-315 years Growth rate Very slow Reproductive output Low Females carry 40000 to 60000 eggs per kilogram of body weight which is less than 10 of the average for other fish species Age exploited From about 20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Most stocks are below 20 of their unfished population size (B0) The Challenger population is down to 3 B0 Annual catch limit Set at 13612 tonnes in 2007-08 with areas ORH7A and 7B closed Recorded catch Reported landings of 13110 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 54000 tonnes in 1988-89 Stock trends Long-term decline MSY Status Most stocks are depleted well below BMSY and with minimal chance of recovery in the near future Uncertain status for both Southern ORH 3B and exploratory ORH 1 Rebuilding of stocks indicated in models is not supported by catch rate information (eg ORH3B and ORH7B) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For ORH 1 ldquoAn assessment of the Mercury-Colville box in 2001 indicated that biomass had been reduced to 10-15 B0 (compared to an assumed BMSY of 30 B0)hellip In other areas of ORH 1 the
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 62
status of the constituent stocks is unknownhellip without any indication of current abundance there is no way to determine if this level of fishing is in fact sustainable or if current feature limits will avoid overexploitation of localised areasrdquo For ORH 3B NW and South Chatham Rise ndash ldquohellipthe 2006 biomass was estimated to be below BMSY at 11 (8-16) B0 and recent exploitation rates were estimated to be about four times that under a CAY policyhellip the probability that the stock would rebuild to 30 B0 or even 20 B0 within 5 years was close to zerordquo NE Chatham Rise ndash ldquoNo quantitative stock assessment model B2008 was estimated to be 13-30 B0 Likely to be below the Management Target [30]rdquo Puysegur ndash ldquothe point estimate of biomass from this assessment [1998] is probably below BMSY [7] but it is uncertainrdquo Other areas ndash ldquoThe status of orange roughy in these areas is unknown It is also not known whether recent catch levels or the current catch limit are sustainable or whether they will allow the stock(s) to move towards BMSYrdquo ORH2A 2B and 3A East Cape ndash the 2003 assessment indicated that the stock was then about 24B0 [It] suggests that the current catch limit should allow the stock to rebuildrdquo East Coast North Island - ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available[but] biomass was likely to have reached a minimum in the mid 1990s [less than 20B0] [Currently] the stock was likely to be increasing under recent catch levels but was unable to determine whether the current TACC would result in a continued rebuild of the stockrdquo West Coast (ORH7B) ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available The current stock size is most likely below BMSY as catch rates have not increased over the last 5 years despite a large reduction in annual removals from the stockrdquo Challenger (ORH7A) ldquoThe 2000 assessment of this stock indicates that it is currently about one tenth of BMSY (range 7 to 14 of BMSY and 3 of B0rdquo (MFish 2009 p486 498-499 521-524 530 534-535) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling between 750 and 1200m Habitat Damage Bottom trawling destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It decimates black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Includes coral trees sponges and gorgonians which have been aged at over 500 years old A range of non-target fish species are also caught including deepwater dory or oreo Baxter‟s dogfish and basket-work eels There is a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds in some fisheries Ecological effects In addition to the ecological effects of habitat damage Orange Roughy is a prey species of sperm whale and giant squid so the commercial catch also reduces the amount of available food for species further up deep sea food chains Fishing for Orange Roughy and oreos also removes a large proportion of deep sea benthic biomass significantly altering these unique communities Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments have been carried out for most areas apart from exploratory ORH 1 and Southern ORH 3B Latest assessments at ORH1 (Mercury-Colville) 2001 East Cape 2003 East Coast North Island 2005 NW Chatham Rise 2006 East and South Chatham Rise 2009 review of previous assessments Puysegur 1998 Challenger 2000 West Coast South Island 2007 References Clark M (2001) Are deepwater fisheries sustainable ndash the example of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in New Zealand Fisheries research 51123-135 Clark MR Anderson OF Francis RICC Tracey OM (2000) The effects of commercial exploitation on Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) from the continental slope of the Chatham Rise NZ from 1979 to 1997 Fisheries Research 45217-238 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 63
Oreo
Scientific name Allocyttus niger (black oreo) Neocyttus
rhomboidalis (spiky oreo) Pseudocyttus maculatus (smooth oreo)
Other names NZ dory black dory smooth dory spotted oreo brown oreo NZ smooth dory deepwater dory deepsea dory (Australia) teifsee-petersfisch (Germany) peterfisch (Switzerland) dore austral (France Switzerland)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Oreos are deepwater fish that are long-lived (up to 150 years) and slow growing making them highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing There are three species in New Zealand but they are all managed as one quota management species They are predominantly found in deep waters off the east and south of the South Island and off the Chatham Islands Jointly with snapper mako shark and southern bluefin tuna oreos have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of the three oreo species as one a declining stock trend uncertainty over stock boundaries lack of stock assessments in some areas unknown sustainability of catch limits and lack of a management plan Attempts to improve research in the oreo fishery have been hampered by the seafood industry challenging and preventing the Ministry of Fisheries from commissioning research surveys Also of great concern is the destructive impact of deep sea trawling on seamount habitats and high levels of non target fish bycatch There is also a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds Economic value Key markets are the USA Australia Germany and Switzerland with smooth oreo being the main market species Exports were worth $747 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Oreos occur around the south of New Zealand at depths of 600m to over 1000m Black Spiky Smooth Maximum age (years) 153 100+ 86 Age at sexual maturity 27 Unknown 31 Growth rate Slow Slow Slow Reproductive output Low-medium Low Low-medium Age exploited 27 Unknown 21 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Estimates are uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 18600 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16979 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 26514 tonnes in 1981-82 and 21755 in 1996-97 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown for all areas except OEO 3A (black and smooth) OEO 4 (smooth) southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) Estimates are uncertain and there are conflicts between sub-areas (OEO3A) declines in CPUE inconsistent with stock sizes and unsustainable catches in Southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states OEO 3A Black oreos ndash ldquoModel biomass levels are uncertainrdquo The ldquototal mature biomass for 2002-2003 was estimated to be 52 of initial biomass (B0) [but] is not equal across the three sub-areas with area 2 and 3 being 29 and 7 of their respective mature equilibrium virgin biomass levels [There is] a 0 probability that [vulnerable biomass] would be greater than 27 B0 (BMSY)rdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquoTotal mature biomass for 2008-09 was estimated to be 36 of the initial biomass (B0) The projections showed that biomass should increase at catch levels of 1400 t over the next 5 yearsrdquo OEO 4 Black oreos ndash ldquoThe 2009 stock assessment of OEO 4 black oreo was considered unreliablerdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquothe mid-year mature biomass in 2007-08 was 57 of mature B0 [But] there are considerable uncertainties associated with this assessment [as a]
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 64
substantial proportions of the abundance in each acoustic survey are attributed to layer marks which are generally not fished [and] standardised CPUE in the larger east fishery has declined in recent yearsrdquo OEO13A Southland Smooth oreo ndash The [2004] ldquobiomass estimates are uncertain [but] the analysis suggested that the mature virgin biomass was probably small less than 21000t and the stock is unlikely to be able to support a large fisheryrdquo OEO6 Pukaki Rise Smooth Oreo - ldquolarge stock sizes were unlikely Particularly because the standardised CPUE has declined rapidly under catch levels that have been small relative to other smooth oreo fisheries[and] median long term yield of about 550t which is lower than the current catch of 1300t Black oreos - These biomass estimates are uncertainhellip The basecase results suggesthellip the stock is currently estimated to be at 44 B0 but with high uncertainty (19-80 B0) Projections suggest that mature biomass is as likely as not to fall below 20 B0 within the next five years if catches are maintained at the 2007-08 level OEO6 Bounty Plateau Smooth Oreo ndash ldquoBiomass estimates are uncertain hellipthe basecase model [estimated] current mature biomass was estimated to be 33 of a virgin biomass For black oreo and smooth oreo in other parts of OEO1 - ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p563-564 576 588-589) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Deepwater trawling mainly on the south Chatham Rise eastern Southland and Sub-Antarctic Plateau Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates seabed habitats and fragile seamount species assemblages Bycatch A range of non-target species are caught including deepwater sharks such as seal shark Baxter‟s dogfish and shovel-nosed dogfish Deepwater invertebrates such as soft corals tall sponges bryozoans gorgonian corals and other corals are also caught some of which have been aged at over 500 years There is also a bycatch of seabirds and marine mammals Ecological effects Combined with the ecological effects of the closely associated orange roughy the oreo fishery is responsible for considerable damage to seamounts other special deepwater habitats and associated communities Management and management unit (score B and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Three different species managed together as one when they should be managed independently Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in OEO 3A (Black and Smooth) in 2009 OEO4 (Black -2009 and Smooth 2007) OEO1 Southland (Smooth 2004) OEO 6 -Pukaki Rise (Black 2009 and Smooth 2006) Bounty Plateau (Smooth 2008) only References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 65
Oysters
Scientific name Tiostrea chilensis
Other names tio tio para tio repe tio parupaur (Maori) Dredge oyster Bluff oyster Foveaux Strait oyster Stewart Island Oyster Nelson oyster flat oyster
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Wild caught oysters or dredge oysters are endemic to New Zealand and are found in coastal waters often in dense communities The fishery is seasonal (open from March to August) with the main commercial fishery operating in Foveaux Strait A small catch is also taken when harvesting scallops in Tasman and Golden bays and a new fishery has started in Clifford and Cloudy Bays Ecological concerns Wild oysters are collected by dredging ndash a highly destructive fishing method that digs into the seafloor destroying seafloor communities in it‟s path The use of heavy box dredgers is especially damaging Dredging creates considerable sedimentation which smothers seabed communities in the areas where the fishery operates In much of the Foveaux Strait dredging has removed bryozoan reef communities which has exposed some previously sheltered marine life to storm and tide action Some oyster beds have not recovered from dredging even after 50 years The oyster fishery also catches a range of non-target species and has impacts on a number of fish populations especially blue cod stocks In Tasman Bay and Golden Bay oysters have declined to low population levels and the fishery has been associated with a decline in fish stocks The lack of a management plan and inadequate consideration of the impact of dredging in new areas (eg Clifford and Cloudy Bay) is also of concern The presence of a disease in Foveaux Strait oysters in recent years which has killed over 60 of the population has made it difficult to estimate the current status of the population there Economic value Foveaux Strait oysters are sold in New Zealand while some NelsonMarlborough oysters are exported (up to a value of $10 million per year) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 36+ Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 4-8 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size In 2006 the recruited stock size in Foveaux Strait was estimated at about 28 B0 which is up from 10 in 1992 The biomass in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay continues to decline and is now at 32 of 1998 levels with only 3 of 1998 levels in Golden Bay Annual catch limit Set at 2094 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 826 tonnes in 2007-08 from Foveaux Strait Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Foveaux Strait current catches are less than 10 of catches in the 1980s Stock trends Uncertain in Foveaux Strait with biomass projected to be decreasing or slowly increasing depending on level of Bonamia infection Trends are also uncertain in Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Tasman and Golden bays the stock has decreased MSY Status The Golden Bay population is well below BMSY and other stocks are either below target levels or uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Foveaux Strait ldquoDepending on the level of assumed [Bonamia] disease mortality the 2009 stock assessment shows the median projected status in 2012 ranges from 30 more than the current level (with nil disease mortality) to 23 below the current level (assuming disease mortality of 02 y-1) For the current estimates of disease mortality the model trajectories show the population size to remain about the same for a year and then continued but slow rebuilding of the fishery The decreased rate of projected rebuilding is due to relatively low numbers of pre-recruits and small oyster available to recruit to fishery in the short termrdquo For TasmanGolden Bays ldquoStock projections are unavailable Catches at the level of the TACC are also likely to cause the stock to drop below the Hard Limit [10B0] in the near termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 66
For Marlborough stocks ldquoQuantitative stock projections are unavailable Stocks are likely to be close to virgin biomass (B0) because the area has been commercially fished for only two seasons at the increased TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p 184-185 192-194 200-201) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Bottom dredging with a heavy metal dredger Habitat damage Dredging in effect bulldozes the sea floor causing extensive habitat destruction including the loss of bryozoan reefs from large areas of Foveaux Strait Bryozoan reefs are not only important habitat types for species diversity they are also important settlement areas for oysters and important for other commercial species (eg blue cod) Bycatch Dredging collects everything that is large enough to be retained by the mesh In an experiment bottom dredging killed 19ndash36 of small oysters (Cranfield et al 1999) Ecological effects Dredging causes considerable ecological damage both directly to seafloor communities and indirectly by increasing sedimentation and smothering and by altering food web dynamics A disease (Bonamia) has repeatedly infected oysters in the Foveaux Strait fishery in recent years causing large-scale mortality This is likely to have been exacerbated by the impacts of dredging which has highly modified the seabed and stressed oysters In areas where dredging stopped blue cod and dredge oyster numbers increased and seafloor habitats have started to regenerate (Cranfield et al 2001) Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1996 for NelsonMarlborough and 1998 for Foveaux Strait Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on 2008 survey in Foveaux Strait and 2008 in Nelson-Marlborough and 2007 survey in Marlborough References Cranfield H J Michael K P and Doonan I J 1999 Changes in the distribution of epifaunal reefs and oysters during 130 years of dredging for oysters in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 9 461-483 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 2007 The New Zealand Seafood Industry council Ltd Ministry of Fisheries 2004 H J Cranfield G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 67
Pacific bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus orientalis
Other names Bluefin Northern bluefin tuna (Australia) thon rouge de sud (Canada France) minamimaguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pacific bluefin tuna is a very large highly migratory species that can move thousands of kilometres in a year It was previously known as Northern bluefin tuna in the Pacific but the northern bluefin is actually a different species (T thynnus) that grows much bigger and is a rare visitor to New Zealand Pacific bluefin tuna are occasionally caught in New Zealand in association with southern bluefin tuna (T maccoyii) in longline fisheries off the West Coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty
Ecological concerns Limited research uncertainty about stock assessments and the state of stocks (including the potential that they are overfished) unclear international management across different Pacific tuna management agreements and the lack of a management plan The bycatch of seabirds a range of shark species and NZ fur seals is also of concern as is the removal of this important predatory species from oceanic food webs
Economic value Pacific bluefin tuna are sold in Japan USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Pacific bluefin tuna are caught on the west coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 3+
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - North and Central Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 116 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 13 tonnes in 2007-08 compared to 9000 tonnes taken in the North Pacific Stock trends Uncertain but past decline in the size of the spawning population MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not availablehellip Given the conclusions of the May-June 2008 stock assessment with regard to the current level of [fishing mortality] (F) relative to potential target and limit reference points and residual uncertainties associated with key model parameters it is important that the current level of [fishing mortality] is not increasedrdquo (MFish 2008 p59)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining on the West Coast of the South Island and around Northland and Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment An assessment by the International Scientific Committee for tuna and tuna-like species (ISC) in 2008 References The distribution of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the south east Pacific Ocean with emphasis on New Zealand waters T Murray NIWA Aug 2005 NZFAR 200542 Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 68
Packhorse lobster
Scientific name Sagmariasus verreauxi
Other names koura papatia pawharu (Maori) packhorse crayfish crayfish green rock lobster Eastern rock lobster (Australia US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Found in the north and east of the North Island Packhorse rock lobster live around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m They are larger and have a slightly greener colour than rock lobster (crayfish) and are mainly caught in the far north waters of New Zealand Ecological concerns Concerns include the lack of basic biological data about the species the absence of any stock assessment or directed research on this species the unknown causes of the decline in reported catch since 1998-99 the apparent decline within diving depth and the lack of a management plan Catching packhorse lobster with cray pots may have impacts on some sensitive seabed habitats Economic value The market for Packhorse lobster includes Japan Best option Whilst assessed as a species of concern Packhorse lobster is one of the better seafood choices in 2009 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found mainly in the north of the North Island Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 403 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings are usually less than 25 tonnes each season but was 34 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but abundance has declined at diving depths MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoThe status of this stock is unknownrdquo (MFish 2008 p94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species such as soft corals Bycatch Minimal but some octopus and shag species may be caught Ecological effects Unknown Packhorse lobster are important generalist predators of a range of species including kina so their depletion from an area may cause wider ecological impacts Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment and no proposed future research References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand commercial fisheries The atlas of area codes and TACCs 20082009 Clement and Associates Limited Nelson (2008)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 69
Paddle crab
Scientific name Ovalipes catharus
Other names paumlpaka (Maori) swimming crab south pacific crab NZ sea crab eacutetrille (France) Gazami menagazami (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paddle crabs are found around New Zealand and southern Australia where it is widely distributed in sandy shallow waters In New Zealand they are mainly caught off the east coast of the North Island from the eastern Bay of Plenty northwards Ecological concerns There is limited research on paddle crabs resulting in the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels uncertainty over stock status and basic biological information There is also no management plan and some concern about habitat damage caused by the fishing methods particularly when caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Economic value Paddle crabs are sold in New Zealand and Japan Best option Paddle crabs caught using cray pots Avoid crabs caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely distributed around New Zealand on sandy seabeds in shallow waters Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output High (uncertain) Age exploited 3-4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 765 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Total landings of 168 tonnes reported in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states For all QMAs [quota management areas] ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Landings have fluctuated significantly in most QMAs mainly due to market variations Paddle crabs are abundant throughout most of their range and the fishery is probably only lightly exploitedrdquo (MFish 2009 p602) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Baited traps and pots but also caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Habitat damage Low for trapping and potting except in sensitive habitats Trawling and particularly dredging can have significant habitat impacts altering seafloor communities Bycatch Minor for baited traps or pots apart from some octopus and hagfish Trawling however catches a range of seabed dwellers and fish species that live on or close to the seafloor Ecological effects Paddle crabs are a food source for other marine species such as octopus Their depletion may alter food web dynamics and any damage caused to seafloor habitats may impact associated communities Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 70
Pale ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus bemisi
Other names Chimaera ratfish pearl
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description As with the dark ghost shark this species is a slow growing deepwater shark that is found throughout New Zealand‟s offshore waters It has soft skin that is easily damaged It is caught almost entirely as a bycatch of other target trawl fisheries operating around the Chatham Rise and in southern waters most notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Ecological concerns There is a lack of some basic biological data on pale ghost sharks little directed research and no quantitative stock assessment (resulting in unknown sustainability of current catch limits) Also of concern is the possible dumping of catches in past years Habitat damage is caused by trawling and as a bycatch species of other fisheries it is associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for pale ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Ghost sharks are exported to Australia with the shark fins being exported to Asia at a value of around $2 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly on the Chatham Rise and SouthlandSub-Antarctic at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Low Reproductive output Likely to be low Age exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 1780 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 818 tonnes in 2007-08 ndash it is likely that ghost sharks have been dumped and not reported in past years Stock trends Uncertain Chatham Rise trawl survey indicates a decline of 80 between 1984 and 1994 (Clark et al 2000) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available for pale ghost shark For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [Maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p296) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Habitat damage Trawling especially bottom trawling for hoki which bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges long-lived bryozoans and other associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch species pale ghost shark associated with the capture of a range of other species including seabirds fur seals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target catch (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 71
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any area and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 72
Paua
Scientific name Haliotis iris (black-footed paua) and Haliotis australis (yellow-footed paua)
Other names kararuri hihiwa karahiwa karariwha koeo korohiwa kororiwha marariwha marari hauwai inaka wharangi (Maori) abalone black-foot paua (H iris) yellow-foot paua queen paua (H australis)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paua is a large sea-snail that lives in shallow coastal waters usually in large groups on rocky reefs and feeds of algae There are two species in New Zealand (black-footed and yellow-footed paua) but it is black-footed paua that is most abundant with virtually the entire commercial fishery targeting it Paua is taken by hand mainly by commercial fishers The attractive shell also has some commercial value Most wild paua are taken from the South Island Chatham Islands Stewart Island and the southern coast of the North Island Ecological concerns The depleted state and unsustainable current catch levels in a number of areas for example declining stocks around Stewart Island (area 5B) and parts of Southland (area 5A) the potential for serial depletion and small-scale recruitment failure and the lack of a management plan As paua is a highly sought after resource a black market for paua has led to widespread illegal harvesting Paua is an important algal grazer within marine ecosystems so depletion raises wider ecological concerns Economic value 80 is exported to the western Pacific Rim including Singapore Hong Kong and Australia Total exports were worth $46 million in 2008 Best option Make sure you only buy paua from a reputable retailer to avoid eating illegal caught fish Paua caught off the West Coast of the South Island are currently the most sustainable ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Paua is found around the whole coastline Most of the commercial catch is from the Wairarapa coast southwards with most of the catch from waters around the South Island Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 4-6 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow but variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Size exploited Minimum shell length of 125mm for black-footed paua and 80mm for the smaller species yellow-footed paua Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Paua populations around Stewart Island (area 5B) the Otago coast (area 5D) and the top of the South Island (area 7) are below the reference biomass levels Population size is unknown or uncertain in other areas Annual catch limit Set at 105850 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported catch was 104569 tonnes in 2007-08 (There is thought to be considerable (up to 1000 tonnes) illegal and non-reported paua harvesting) Stock trends Probably rebuilding in area 7 declining or unknown in all other areas MSY Status Declining or slowly rebuilding The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states PAU4 ldquothe results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable but with considerable uncertainty [and] require this assessment to be treated with great cautionrdquo PAU5A At face value these results suggest that the current TACC and recent catches are not sustainable However the results suggest that catches at current levels within Dusky Chalky and South coast areas will result in further depletion within these areasrdquo PAU 5B ldquoThe assessment suggests that both spawning and recruited biomass are below the target levels[Future projections of] recruited biomass shows a tendency to decreaserdquo PAU5D ldquoThe stock assessment results were equivocalhellipthe future direction of recruited biomass was uncertainhellipIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] is sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 73
PAU 7 ldquoThe assessment shows a depleted stock Assessment results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable and the stock is likely to increase over three years The list of cautions discussed above under ldquoother factorsrdquo should be read in conjunction with this statement Potential problems with the model are likely to cause model results to be optimisticrdquo PAU 2 and 3 ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass for PAU 2 and 3 ldquo For PAU6 ldquoThe current TACC of 1 tonne is sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 611 622 633-634 644 657-658 and 670) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score A and A) Fishing method Paua is collected by hand by free divers using a knife Underwater breathing apparatus is not allowed Habitat damage Minimal Other marine species may be damaged when paua are cut from rocks Ecological effects Removal of this important algal grazer from sub-tidal communities may alter algal community structure and modify food web dynamics However impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one However most commercial fisheries target one species only Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in PAU 4 (2004) 5A (2006) 5B (2007) 5D (2006) and 7 (2008) Uncertainties in models are likely to cause the model results to be optimistic The assessments do not estimate unfished stock size (B0) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 74
Pilchard
Scientific name Sardinops sagax
Other names mohimohi (Maori) sardine pillie Australian sardine (Australia) maiwashi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Only recently identified as a separate species the NZ pilchard is a small (up to 25cm) short-lived but relatively fast growing fish found in mid to surface coastal waters It is widely distributed around New Zealand but found in heavy concentrations in sheltered bays such as the Hauraki Gulf and Tasman Bay sometimes in mixed schools with sprat and anchovy Pilchards are mainly targeted throughout the year by purse seiners but also beach seine and lampara nets In 1995 some populations were severely impacted by a natural mass mortality thought to have been caused by a virus Jointly with anchovy and sprats pilchard has the highest ecological ranking of any New Zealand commercial fishery and is therefore one of the best fish choices Ecological concerns There is an absence of research on pilchards and the lack of a stock assessment meaning that the sustainability of the current catch levels is unknown There is also no management plan and concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species seabirds and some marine mammals Economic value Exports of $140000 to Asia with some locally available pilchards in New Zealand Best option Try to choose pilchards caught by purse seine rather than beach seine as this fishing method is a more selective and does not contact the seafloor ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Widespread in inshore waters around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 9 Age at sexual maturity 2 years Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A catch limit was introduced at 2485 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 716 tonnes in 2007-08 less than half the previous year‟s landings Stock trends Annual landings have fluctuated from between 25 tonnes to 1491 tonnes in the last 16 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches from northeast North Island and the TACC for PIL1 [northern North Island] are higher than the 660t MCY [maximum current yield] estimate However the MCY estimate is considered unreliable It is not known if the current catches or TACCs are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p675) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse seine but also beach seine and lampara nets Habitat damage Low impact from fishing methods especially when caught by purse seine Bycatch Sometimes catches other pelagic fish such as anchovy jack mackerel (in north) and sprats (in south) Ecological effects Reducing the pilchard population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other marine life including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals This disruption to food webs has occurred in similar fisheries overseas Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 75
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and no current directed research References Pilchard biology and fisheries in New Zealand and a review of pilchard biology fisheries and research in the main world fisheries LJ Paul et al NZ Fisheries Assessment report 200137 NIWA July 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 76
Porbeagle shark
Scientific name Lamna nasus
Other names Porbeagle porpoise shark
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pobeagle sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to mako sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species Porbeagle sharks are highly migratory and are mainly caught as bycatch in a range of tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main Islands They are also caught as bycatch in some mid-water and bottom trawl fisheries Most of the porbeagle sharks landed (around 85) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Jointly with orange roughy porbeagle shark has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide
Ecological concerns there is limited research on porbeagle sharks and no stock assessment As a result there is uncertainty about the state of the stocks and the sustainability of catch limits The fisheries associated with the porbeagle shark catches also catch other sharks seabirds and fur seals When caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries seafloor habitats are also damaged Whilst there is no management plan for porbeagle sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for porbeagle sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning porbeagles and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful
Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Porbeagle sharks are a widespread oceanic species found around most of New Zealand Maximum age (years) 65 Age at sexual maturity Males mature at 8-11 years and females at 15-18 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 1
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 215 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in nearly 10 years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Unknown but numerous trends a bdquocause for concern‟ Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield However declining catches over a period when effort has increased rapidly low CPUE in recent years combined with the low productivity of the species and a history of fishery collapses in the North Atlantic are all cause for concernrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p64)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method longlining around the North Island and bottom trawling Habitat damage Low for longlining but high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline and trawl fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline and trawl fishery
Management and management unit (score E and D) Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment Management plan No Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 77
Queen scallops
Scientific name Chlamys delicatula
Other names tipa (Maori) southern queen NZ gem scallop NZ gem shellfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the smaller of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found mainly in southern waters from South Canterbury and Stewart Island to the Sub-Antarctic Islands As with the more common scallops (Pecten novaezealandiae) they are found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats Queen scallops are a deeper species found in waters up to 400m They are harvested by dredging Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including invertebrates and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Also of concern is the absence of directed research unknown sustainability of current catch levels absence of population size or yield estimates and the lack of a management plan Economic value The market for queen scallops includes New Zealand and Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution From South Canterbury to Stewart Island and around offshore islands from the Snares to as far south as Macquarie Island Australia Maximum age (years) 10+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output High Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 380 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 95 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown and there are no yield estimates MSY Status Depleted in some areas uncertain in others The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoA relative biomass estimate for the areas fished within QSC 3 is available from a 2004 survey [But] this survey was not standardized and there are no previous estimates for relative biomass to provide comparisonrdquo (MFish 2009 p698) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Dredging Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of fragile invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 in FMA 3 and 5 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments A non-standardised relative biomass is available from a 2004 survey References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 78
Red cod
Scientific name Pseudophycis bachus
Other names hoka (Maori) NZ cod moride rouge julienette (Can France) akadara benidara (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This fast growing but short-lived species is found throughout New Zealand but is more common in southern waters at depths of 100 to 300m They are mainly targeted by trawlers at depths of 30-200m in the Canterbury Bight and off Westland but are also caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries off the south of the South Island Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to deepwater seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of directed research on red cod the unknown or uncertain sustainability of current catch limits and the lack of updated assessments and a red cod management plan Economic value Red cod is sold in New Zealand and is exported to Australia Canada Japan and United States with a value of over $9 million in 2008 Best option Red cod that are caught in areas other than the east coast South Island trawl fishery and fish that are not caught by bottom trawling ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand in shallow coastal water to waters over 700m depth They are most common in around the South Island at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 7 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown ndash variable with good recruitment in colder El Nino climatic conditions Annual catch limit Set at 8270 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6457 tonnes in 2003-04 the second lowest catch in 6 years Stock trends Unknown as stock size undergoes high natural variability East Coast South Island (RCO3) biomass index was at its lowest recorded level West Coast South Island (RCO7) index was around its highest level but with high uncertainty For both RCO3 and RCO7 ldquothere is a strong correlation between recruitment and environmental variables with a periodic 14 month time lagrdquo However its predictive power of the environment-abundance model was more accurate for RCO7 (MFish 2007 p712-713) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states RCO 1 and RCO 2 ldquoit is not known if the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and recent catch levels are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo RCO3 hellip ldquoa constant catch at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be attainable or sustainable in most years Catches and the winter East Coast South Island survey biomass index in 2006ndash07 were at their lowest recorded levels These low catch and biomass estimates are likely a function of a depressed population rather than from recruitment failurerdquo hellip RCO7 ldquoRecent quantitative stock projections are unavailable and the previous assessment is too outdated to be informative for such a short lived species The 2009 survey biomass estimate is the highest in the series but it also has the highest CVrdquo (MFish 2009 p700-711) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling mainly bottom trawling
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 79
Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater marine communities and species Bycatch Inshore trawling for red cod poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where red cod fishing continues to overlap with dolphin areas outside these closures Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity and abundance Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for RCO 3 and 7 in 1999 but nothing for other areas These assessments are too old to be accepted No current directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 80
Red gurnard
Scientific name Chelidonichthys kumu
Other names kumukumu puuwhaiau (Maori) gurnard latchet (Asia) grondin rouge (France) houbou (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This distinctive fish is widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds It is a major bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries for red cod flatfish and jack mackerel and is directly targeted in some areas including by longline and set net Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the associated red cod east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of recent directed research on red gurnard and lack of current stock assessments the inclusion of several stocks in one quota management area and the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of about $1 million mainly to Japan Best option Red gurnard caught by longline or by trawling in areas where there is minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east coast North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds to a depth of 150m Maximum age (years) 16 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for all stocks Annual catch limit Set at 4993 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3344 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest in eight years Stock trends Unknown for most areas GUR3 likely to have increased since the mid-1990s Catches are well below the limits except GUR3 MSY Status Unknown apart from estimates for GUR 1 - in 1999 status was at 80B0 for GUR1W and 59 B0 for GUR1E The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference absolute biomass are not available for any gurnard stock The current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] were based on a period of highest ever catches and these levels have not been reached in recent yearsrdquo GUR1 Stable or increasing CPUE trends in conjunction with a 20 year period of reasonably constant annual landings suggest that recent catches in GUR 1 are sustainable As annual landings have remained at or a little over half the 2287t TACC it is not known whether the TACC is sustainablerdquo GUR2 CPUE analyses suggest that GUR2 abundance remained fairly stable between 198990 and 200405 Reported landings were also reasonably stable during this period These results suggest that catches in this time period and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-term GUR3 ldquoRecent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo [Stock was] ldquoat apparent low levels in the mid-1990s Stock size appears to have increased substantially since thenhellip Two independent CPUE series and the trawl survey corroborate that stock size for GUR 3 has increased since the late 1990‟srdquo GUR 7 ldquoThe West Coast South Island trawl survey relative biomass index declined from 1995 to 2000 and has increased steadily from 2003 to the highest level in the series in 2009 the 2009 estimate is preliminary Recent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 81
GUR 8 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainableldquo (MFish 2009 p730-734) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly trawling but also longline and set net Habitat damage Trawling for red gurnard uses bottom trawl gear which damages seafloor habitats and communities Bycatch Trawling and set netting for gurnard poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins particularly in the east coast South Island trawl fishery where they have been killed Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However fishing in areas outside these colures still poses some risk of catching the dolphins Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The only quantitative stock assessment is in QMA 1 in 1999 This assessment is too old to be accepted by the MFish stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 82
Red snapper
Scientific name Centroberyx affinis
Other names kaorea (Maori) golden snapper red fish (Australia and US)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Red snapper is a schooling fish related to alfonsino found around the coast of northern New Zealand from depths of 10 to 400m It is mostly caught as a bycatch in the longline fishery for snapper (an unrelated species despite the name) off the East Coast of Northland in the tarakihi trawl fishery around Northland It is also caught in the set net fishery for snapper and trevally in the Bay of Plenty Ecological concerns Little is known about the biology of red snapper and there is considerable uncertainty about whether separate stocks exist stock boundaries and the state of the stocks due to the lack of a stock assessment Also of concern is the bycatch of sharks and seabirds in longline fisheries impacts on seabed ecology from trawling non target fish bycatch and the lack of a management plan Economic value Red snapper are mainly sold on the domestic market ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Red snapper are widespread around the coast northern of New Zealand and are found at depths of 10 to 400m Thy are caught mainly around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 40 Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown There is also no research to determine if there are separate biological stocks Annual catch limit Set at 145 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 87 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest catch in five years but well below the peak catch of 211 tonnes Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe reference or current biomass is not known for any red snapper stock It is not known if the recent catch levels are sustainable The status of RSN 1 2 and 10 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p738) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method longline fishery off the East Coast of Northland trawl fishery around Northland and set net fishery in the Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low for longline and set net fisheries high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery and a variety of non-target fish are caught by trawl and set net fisheries Ecological effects Wasteful removal of non-target species from the marine ecosystem and damage to bottom dwelling species and habitats caused by trawling Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 83
Ribaldo
Scientific name Mora moro
Other names Deepsea cod googly-eyed cod white cod mora
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deep-sea relative of red cod occurs around New Zealand and southern Australia at depths of 200 to 1300m It is most common between 500m and 1000m and is caught on bottom longlines and as a bycatch of deepwater trawling and longlining In recent years most of the catch comes from longlining for ling but historically from the late 1970s to 1990 it was a bycatch from target trawling for hoki orange roughy and ling Ecological concerns The bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery the bycatch of NZ fur seals and seabirds associated with trawl caught ribald and the impact of bottom trawling on seabed communities Also of concern is the absence of directed research and a quantitative stock assessment the lack of basic biological information on ribaldo the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the commercial catch limit plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Ribaldo are sold in New Zealand and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand and is moderately common around the South Island at depths of 200ndash1300m It is most common between 500ndash1000m Maximum age (years) 60+ Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1282 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 992 tonnes for 2007-08 which was the lowest in 14 years Stock trends Unknown - total reported landings have increased since 1982-83 but are now half the peak catch of 1996-97 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainable in the long term or whether catches at the level of the current TACCs will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p743) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Trawl and longline ndash most catch since 1990 is bycatch from ling longlining Habitat damage Minimal impact from longlining When caught by bottom trawl deepwater habitats and associated communities are damaged Bycatch Same bycatch as in the ling longline fishery - vulnerable seabirds and deepwater shark species (See ling for more information on bycatch species associated with ribaldo catches) When caught in the orange roughy and hoki fisheries a wider range of species are caught as bycatch including NZ fur seals and seafloor invertebrates Ecological effects As a bycatch species in the ling fishery this fish is associated with impacts on vulnerable seabird species and removal of a range of non-target fish from marine food webs When caught by trawling it is associated with significant alterations to deepwater ecosystem and species diversity Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 84
Rig Lemonfish
Scientific name Mustelus lenticulatus
Other names Pioke Makoo (Maori) Lemonfish spotted dogfish smoothhound spotted estuary smooth-hound gummy shark hoshizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small species of shark is a popular ldquofish and chiprdquo fish which has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species Rig is found around New Zealand usually in waters no more than 200m deep It is caught in very long bottom set nets and in trawl nets with a proportion also caught as bycatch in other targeted trawl fisheries Ecological concerns The rig fishery is notorious for posing a significant threat to globally threatened Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins where they have been caught and killed in nets (especially set nets) Set nets and inshore trawling are also responsible for the bycatch of other dolphins fur seals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns with the rig fishery include the limited research on it the lack of quantitative stock assessments unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits (with declines in some stocks) and the lack of a comprehensive management plan There are also concerns about seabed damage caused by trawling Economic value Rig is sold in New Zealand and Australia with exports of about $25 m ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common in coastal waters especially shallow bays around New Zealand with adults out to 200m Maximum age (years) 20 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 5-8 Growth rate Moderately fast Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 1919 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1313 tonnes in 2007-08 are the second lowest in nearly 20 years and are well under half the annual landings reported in the early 1980s which peaked at 3826 tonnes in 1983 Stock trends Uncertain but declines in catches in SPO 1 West (north west North Island) SPO7 (West coast and top of the South Island) and SPO 8 (south west North Island) The SPO 7 (Tasman BayGolden Bay) catch rates have declined by over 70 in the last 15 years while a decline of over 50 was recorded in the West Coast South Island trawl survey between 1995 and 2005 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available SPO 1 ldquoreported landings have consistently declined since 1991ndash92 Patterns in relative abundance suggest that recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short termhellip However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable SPO2 Apart from ldquoa sharp drop [in the set net index] in the final one or two years indices are stable and have been for 14 years the current TACC is thought to be sustainable However it is unknown whether the current catch which is on average (past 4 years) 23 over the TACC is sustainablerdquo For SPO 3 ldquoRecent catch levels are thought to be sustainable in the short-term but it is not known if the TACC is sustainable because catches have averaged about 13 below the TACC since 2000ndash01rdquo For SPO7 [I]n 2006 based on a stock assessment that SPO 7 was below BMSY and that neither current catches nor the TACC were sustainable Based on this assessment the TACC was reduced for 2006ndash07 to 221 trdquo SPO8 All recorded landings have been less than the TACC Recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short-term However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable (MFish 2009 p759-760)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 85
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and bottom set nets as well as bycatch in other trawl fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and associated communities Bycatch Globally threatened Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are caught in set net fisheries which also catch other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling also poses a risk to these endangered dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Juvenile rig are also caught in harbours Ecological effects Changes to species diversity and disruption of ecological systems Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment A preliminary assessment exists for SPO7 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 86
Rock lobster
Scientific name Jasus edwardsii
Other names koura matapara matapuku (Maori) crayfish red crayfish red rock lobster spiny rock lobster southern rock lobster (Australia US) langouste (France) ise-ebi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Rock lobster is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters living in and around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m Rock lobster are caught year round and the fishery is New Zealand‟s third largest seafood export earner In addition to an annual quota there are size restrictions in place to protect juveniles and egg carrying females Ecological concerns The depleted state of some stocks the Gisborne stock in particular which is half of the legally required population size and the unknown status of some other stocks While some stocks are recovering they are still well below original levels Also of concern is the increasing uncertainty of annual catch levels in the medium-term and the lack of a management plan Cray potting is a relatively harmless fishing method but it can have impacts on marine mammals seabirds and sensitive seabed habitats Economic value Over 90 is exported live to Asian markets (Japan Taiwan and Hong Kong) Exports were worth $127 million in 2006 Best option The best option is to buy rock lobster that have not been caught from the Gisborne area or from the southern South Island region ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Rock lobster is found along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand but is more abundant around the south of the South Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived (40+) Age at sexual maturity 3-12 Growth rate Thought to be slow growing Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 5-11 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Stocks are well below estimated 1950s population levels Several stocks have high exploitation rates which means they rely on few year classes and are susceptible to periods of low recruitment (possibly recruitment overfished) Annual catch limit Set at 27663 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2 9810tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends Variable ndash declines in northern and central New Zealand over the last 10 years but steady increases in southern South Island (CRA 7 and 8) over the last 10 years CRA 3 (Gisborne area) is estimated at half BMSY MSY Status Depleted stocks in most areas in particular CRA3 CRA 7 and 8 There is no reference to unfished stock size (B0) or sustainable yield (BMSY) in the assessments CRA 3 and 4 are below 30 of the 1950s stock size The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Northland (CRA1) ldquoThe 2002 model results suggest that hellip levels of catch appear to be sustainablehellip However the projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable much beyond two to three yearsrdquo Auckland-Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) ldquoThe 2002 model result suggested that 2001-02 stock abundance was higher than in the 1979ndash88 reference period The 2001-02 levels of catch hellipappeared to be sustainablehellip However in this stock the projections should be considered less reliable than for CRA 1 because the uncertainty of future recruitment has more short-term effect on projected biomassrdquo Gisborne (CRA 3) ldquoCurrent biomass was estimated to be roughly half BMSY suggested a depleted stock compared with the estimated Bmsy Current fishing mortality is approximately 27 higher than FMSY Projections made for five years with the 2007 levels of catchhellip produced a median 25 decrease in model biomassrdquo Wairarapa-Wellington (CRA 4) The 2005 model results suggest that stock abundance in 2005-06 was higher than the 1979-88 reference period 2006 levels of catch produced a median 6 reduction in model biomass over three years to a level that usually remained higher than the reference levels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 87
Marlborough-Canterbury (CRA5) ldquoThe 2003 model result suggest that 2002-03 vulnerable biomass is higher than in the 1979-88 reference periodhellip With the 2002-03 assumed levels of catch model projections at the end of the 5-year projection period showed a
median biomass smaller than the 2002 03 biomass but still well above the reference levels These projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable beyond two to three yearsrdquo Chatham Islands (CRA 6) stock assessment ldquohas not been updated since 1996 The status of the stock is uncertainrdquo CRA 7 and 8 The 2006 model results the ldquoCPUE was well above the target set for the rebuilt stock (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p92-94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species Long-lived slow growing soft corals are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped onto them in the deep waters of Fiordland Bycatch Globally threatened Chatham Island shags Hector‟s dolphins and sperm whales are known to drown when they get entangled on pot lines for instance near Kaikoura Ecological effects Rock lobster is a generalist predator so their depletion affects a range of species including kina Fishing in sensitive areas may also alter seafloor community composition and diversity Management and management unit (score B and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but since 1992 there has been very good management forums operating in different regions where the commercial and recreational fishers are working on the state of the fishery There is mixed success with some forums failing to protect stocks (eg Gisborne area) Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except CRA 9 with some assessments in other areas being 5 or more years old ndash CRA 1 and CRA 2 (2002) CRA 3 (2008) CRA 4 (2005) CRA 5 (2003) CRA 6 (1996) CRA 7 and 8 (2006) References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Sullivan (Comp) Science Group Ministry of Fisheries MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 88
Rubyfish
Scientific name Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Other names Rock salmon (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This very long-lived (90 years or more) slow growing fish is found from mid-to-deepwater where they school over the seafloor and off deepwater banks and reefs Normally a southern ocean species in New Zealand rubyfish prefer the warmer northern and central waters and are most common at depths of 200 to 400m Rubyfish are caught throughout the year mainly as bycatch in trawl fisheries for alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel There is also a developing target trawl fishery At least a third of recent annual catches were from targeted mid-water trawling fished close to the bottom Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information about rubyfish the absence of directed research the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and as a result the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also of concern is the recent decline in landings off the east coast of the North Island and the lack of a management plan Non-target fish bycatch (including marine mammals and seabirds) and trawl impact on seabed communities are also of concern Economic value Rubyfish are exported to Europe and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Rubyfish are found in the southern oceans from South Africa to Australasia Here they are found in sub-tropical waters around northern and central New Zealand at depths ranging from 50 to 800m but absent from the southern Chatham Rise and Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 90+ Age at sexual maturity 7 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 7 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 800 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 564 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available RBY1 In 2002hellipthe stock [was assessed as] lightly fished [and] it seems likely that the stock is above BMSY Based on the low catches through to 2004ndash05 - RBY 1 was likely to remain near the unexploited level at that time RBY2 Most of the current RBY catch comes from QMA 2 It is not known whether the level of recent commercial catches in this QMA is sustainable The status of RBY 2 relative to BMSY is unknown RBY others For most other areas it is not known if recent catches are sustainable The status of other RBY stocks relative to BMSY is unknown (MFish 2009 p772) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel) and targeted by mid-water trawling where the gear is usually fished close to the bottom Habitat damage Trawling on seamount features close to or on the seabed can cause significant damage to habitats and associated communities Bycatch As a bycatch species rubyfish are associated with a range of non-target fish including quota management system species (eg tarakihi silver warehou gemfish and ling) and the captures of seabirds and marine mammals (See alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel fisheries for associated bycatch) Ecological effects Disruption to marine webs by the removal of a wide range of fish species and destruction of deep water ecosystems and species when fishing occurs on or close to the seafloor
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 89
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 90
Scallops
Scientific name Pecten novaezealandiae
Other names kuakua pure tipai tupa (Maori) coquille saint-jacques de Nouvelle-Zealande (France) hotatega (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the larger and shallower distributed of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats of sheltered bays from the low tide mark down to about 50m water depth The main commercial fisheries are in the Nelson-Marlborough region with other fisheries off Northland Coromandel Peninsula and around the Chatham Islands They are harvested before they spawn by dredging The scallop dredge fishery in the Nelson-Marlborough region is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including fish and invertebrates It causes incidental damage to scallops (as much as 50 of those not caught) and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages including high biodiversity habitat (eg Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay) Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits variations in stock sizes depending on survey timing and fishing season plus the absence of a management plan Economic value Most are exported to France with an export value of over $23 million in 2008 down from $146 million in 2001 Coromandel scallops are sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution These scallops are an endemic species found all around New Zealand but especially in bays 10ndash50 m deep Maximum age (years) 6-7 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Relatively high but variable between areas and years and generally decreasing with depth Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 15-35 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Scallop populations sizes are naturally variable between areas and years Annual catch limit Annual catch limits are variable between areas and years with a minimum TACC set for Northland and Coromandel Total catch limit was 895 tonnes meat weight Recorded catch The total catch in 2007-08 was 196 tonnes meat weight with about 50 coming from top of the South Island Stock trends Recovering Coromandel and some Northland fisheries apart from the Far North and Bream Bay (which has declined 85 in one year) In the southern fisheries there has been little recovery with Tasman Bay reaching its lowest level in 10 years at 1 of 1998 levels MSY Status Latest published data suggest a recovery in the Northern fisheries after substantial declines in the late 1990‟s and early 2000‟s The southern fishery has shown variable changes with Tasman Bay reaching 3 of it 2002 levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Islands (SCA4) ldquoIt is not known if current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and catch levels are sustainable or will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo For the NelsonMarlborough (SCA7) ldquoThere has been a substantial decline in the biomass of scallops in both Golden Bay and Tasman Bay since about 2002 current biomass is extremely low in Tasman Bayhellip In contrast biomass in the Marlborough Sounds has remained relatively stable over the same period Recent SCA 7 landings have been low and Tasman Bay has been completely closed to commercial harvesting since 2006hellip It is thought now that the current practise of bdquorotational‟ fishing on its own is probably not a sufficient strategy for the sustainable management of this fisheryrdquo For northern stocks Northland ndash ldquoA substantial increase in biomass was observed between 2003 and 2006 which resulted in the 2006 biomass estimate being the highest recorded for Northland However the 2007 survey results suggest the biomass in Bream Bay and MangawhaiPakiri has declined markedly since 2006 and consequently the overall fishery biomass is far lower in 2007 than in recent yearsrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 91
Coromandel ndash ldquobiomass estimates around the turn of the century (2000) were consistently at or near the lowest on record and it seems reasonable to conclude that the population was for unknown reasons at a very low ebb In contrast following reasonable increases in biomass catch rate and condition of scallops in 2003 and especially 2004 the biomass in 2005hellip was the highest on record The 2007 survey results show there has been a decline in the overall biomass since 2006 although the biomass estimate is still high compared with historical recordsrdquo (Brown and Horn 2007 Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p779-780 790-791 and 799) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Dredging at depths of 10ndash50 m (85 m at the Chatham Islands) Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of non-target species including horse mussels bryozoans and sponges It also kills up to 50 of the scallops that are not caught The sponge garden area of high biodiversity in Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay was destroyed by scallop dredging in the 1990‟s Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and other invertebrates plus occasional benthic fish (eg stargazers) Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology reduces habitat variability and species diversity and removes sensitive species such as horse mussels Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes for all areas since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but most stocks are supposed to be managed on a ldquocurrent annual yieldrdquo basis (ie catch limits are varied in accordance with survey results each year) however surveys are not always annual In 2009 the Southern Scallop Enhancement Company applied for environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on annual surveys for most areas apart from Chatham Islands (2005) References Survey of scallops and oysters in Golden Bay Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds May 2007 Brown S and Horn P L June 2007 NIWA An appraisal of an in-season depletion method of estimating biomass and yield in the Coromandel scallop fishery M Cryer NZ Fisheries Assessment Report 20018 NIWA April 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 92
Scampi
Scientific name Metanephrops challengeri
Other names kourarangi (Maori) NZ scampi kaisersgranat (Germany) langoustine-de-NZ (France) akaza-ebi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the largest prawn-like species found in New Zealand waters although it is actually a small lobster It is found all around New Zealand at depths of 200 to 750m The commercial fishery is now under the quota management system after some controversy over allocation of quota It is caught using specialised deepwater bottom trawls with fine mesh nets Ecological concerns due to the fishing method there is a high level of bycatch of fish invertebrates marine mammal and seabirds There is also considerable destruction to seabed habitats species and associated marine life Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and limits in all of the larger quota management areas the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Economic value Export value of $11825 million in 2004 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Scampi are widely distributed around New Zealand at depths of 200-750m on the continental slope Maximum age (years) 15 (approx) Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to moderate (females carry only a few tens to a very few hundred eggs) Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown other than for areas subject to underwater photographic surveys in the Bay of Plenty Annual catch limit Total catch limit of 1291 tonnes set in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 669 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining catch rates in SCI1 SCI2 SCI3 SCI4A and SCI6A was substantially under-caught Scampi 1 2 and 3 had the lowest catches for over 15 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states There are no agreed biomass estimates ldquoThere are no stock assessments or yield estimates for any scampi stock It is not known if recent catches and current catch limits for any scampi stock are sustainable in the long term or will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p814) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method Bottom trawling with fine mesh gear Habitat damage Trawling for scampi has significant adverse impacts on seafloor habitats as it scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty over 1100 km2 is swept by trawlers each year which is one of the smaller scampi fisheries (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch There is a high level of a range of quota and non-quota species caught in scampi trawls (up to five times the target catch) Around the Auckland Islands threatened NZ sea lions are occasionally caught as well as observed captures of globally threatened black-browed Salvin‟s and white-capped (shy) albatrosses plus sooty and flesh-footed shearwaters Ecological effects Scampi trawling causes significant disruption to seabed species assemblages reduces deepwater biodiversity and modifies the structure of marine communities Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Introduced on 1 October in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 93
Stock assessment No completed quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 94
School shark
Scientific name Galeorhinus galeus
Other names makohuarau (Maori) grey shark greyboy tope flake milandre (France) eirakubuka mejirozame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description School shark is a long-lived and slow growing species that is late to mature This means the fishery has low overall productivity and as with most other sharks the species is highly vulnerable to fishing pressure Like rig it is sold as a ldquofish and chiprdquo option It is widespread throughout the coastal waters of New Zealand but is particularly abundant in the north at depths of at least 200m It is caught throughout the year mainly by set netting Ecological concerns The school sharks fishery poses a threat to globally endangered Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins which may be caught and killed in nets (particularly set nets) and risks catching other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling for schools shark may also impact seabed habitats Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns include the uncertainty about basic biological information on school sharks the absence of quantitative stock assessments and consequently the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits Lack of information on the size and sex composition of the catch and the lack of a management plan are additional concerns Whilst there is no management plan for school sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for school sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value School shark is sold for the New Zealand fish and chip market and is exported to main markets in Australia fetching $615m in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand coastal waters although it is more common in the north Prefers the shallower waters of the continental shelf but is known to at least 200m Maximum age (years) 50+ Age at sexual maturity 12-17+ Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 10 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3437 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3299 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown Catches have been steadily increasing following historical declines in catch However there is a lack of information on sex and size composition of catches MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current or reference biomass are not available School shark TACs were originally set at half the 1983 catch because of apparently declining catch rates and concern about the undoubtedly low productivity of the species However catches and actual TACCs have steadily increased since 1986ndash87 CPUE indices are characterised by high uncertainty but there are no indications that current catches are not sustainable in the short-term However it is not known whether recent catch levels or the current TACCs are sustainable in the long-term The status of SCH 1 2 3 4 5 7 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p832-0833) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Set netting trawling and lining with some also caught by tuna longliners well offshore Habitat damage Trawling damages seafloor habitats
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 95
Bycatch Juvenile school sharks are caught in harbour set nets and there is a risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where Hector‟s dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist outside these closures Ecological effects Changes to bottom dwelling species diversity as a result of trawling and alteration of coastal food web dynamics due to removal of this predatory species from the population Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 96
Sea perch
Scientific name Helicolenus percoides
Other names matuawhapuku pohuikaroa puaihakua (Maori) jock stewart scarpee deepsea perch ocean perch
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Sea perch is a relatively slow growing long-lived fish (up to 45 years) that is related to scorpionfish It is widely distributed around New Zealand ranging from just a few metres water depth to very deep waters (1200m) It is mostly caught as bycatch in red cod and hoki trawl fisheries off the east coast of the South Island including the Chatham Rise A small targeted catch comes from some central and southern line fisheries including the groper fishery and a small bycatch comes from bottom longlining Ecological concerns The lack of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of current catch levels (particularly given it is a long-lived species) and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the destructive impacts of bottom trawling on fragile deepwater habitats and species and the capture of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals associated with other fisheries Economic value Sea perch are sold in New Zealand and exported to Australia Japan and Korea at a value of $1million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Sea perch occurs widely around New Zealand at depths of just a few metres to 1200m but is most common around the South Island Maximum age (years) 43 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Relatively slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 20-30cm or 5-20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2170 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 12457 tonnes in 2007-08 around 75 as bycatch in trawl fisheries - the second lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown but between 19981999 and 200203 CPUE in SPE3 (off eastern South Island) declined in a range of fisheries MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are available For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p852) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Sea perch is caught as a bycatch species by trawl and line vessels (mainly in red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries) Habitat damage When caught as part of bottom trawling there are impacts on sea floor habitats and bottom dwelling species Bycatch Sea perch is associated with the bycatch of red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries The bycatch in these fisheries includes marine mammals seabirds and a wide range of non-target fish species (see bycatch report for these fisheries for more information) Ecological effects Due to the broad range of non-target bycatch associated with sea perch catches there is likely to be multiple disturbances to marine food web dynamics There is also disturbance to bottom dwelling species and diversity as a result of bottom trawling Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 97
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 98
Silver warehou
Scientific name Seriolella punctata
Other names warehou hiriwa (Maori) spotted warehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like the white warehou silver warehou are a deeper ranging warehou species than the blue warehou living off the continental shelf edge and its upper slope It is mostly caught from the Chatham Rise (their major spawning ground) Canterbury Bight southeast of Stewart Island and the west coast of the South Island at depths of 200-800m Ecological concerns The absence of a quantitative stock assessment resulting in the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the uncertainty about stock boundaries Also of concern is the overfishing of current catch limits problems associated with the past mis-reporting of silver warehou as white warehou and the lack of a management plan Trawling impacts on seabed habitats and communities is also of concern as is seabird marine mammal and non-target fish bycatch associated the fisheries in which this species is caught Economic value Export value of about $23 million with the main market being Japan ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found mainly on the Chatham Rise (with the major spawning are on the western Chatham Rise) outer Canterbury Bight South Island west coast and the shelf south east of Stewart Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Relatively fast to mature Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash no estimates of reference current absolute biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 10380 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8107 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown ndash recent catch rates in SWA1 (all waters off the North Island West Coast and top of the South Island) is about half historic average levels MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo SWA1 ldquoCatch curve analyses indicate that the average exploitation rate on silver warehou in the WCSI hoki fishery is probably less than the natural mortality rate indicating that the stock is not being overfished Annual catches have averaged 1480 t hellipand catches at this level are likely sustainable in the short to medium term However it is not known whether catches at the level of the TACC (3000 tonnes) are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown SWA3 and 4 ldquoThe sustainability of current TACCs and recent catch levels for these Fishstocks is not known and it is not known if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p860-861) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing method Trawling ndash caught as a bycatch in hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel fisheries Habitat damage Impact of trawling on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch As silver warehou is caught in other target fisheries it is associated with a wide range of non target catch including marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish (See hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel for more information) Ecological effects Alteration of seafloor species and associated diversity due to trawling plus removal of a range of fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 99
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 100
Skates
Scientific name Zearaja nasutus (Rough skate) Dipturus
innominatus (Smooth skate)
Other names manumanu pakaurua uku waewae whai (Maori) barndoor skate (NZ) suei gangiei (Japan) gaori (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Skates are very closely related to sharks and are members of the cartilaginous fishes group (they have no bones) They are very distinctive with flattened wing-like bodies and occur all around New Zealand from coastal waters to depths of about 200m There are two species of skate commonly caught in our commercial fisheries ndash rough skate and smooth skate the latter more common in deeper waters living longer and growing larger They are caught as a bycatch species in trawl nets and on lines across a number of fisheries in multiple management areas each as a separate quota management species The largest of these extending from the coast of Fiordland out and round to just north of Kaikoura and including the Chatham Islands (QMA 3) accounts for more landings than all others combined Ecological concerns The limited research on skates and absence of basic biological information on each skate species the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels in QMA 3 or the total quota area the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the impacts on deepwater habitats as a result of trawling and the bycatch of marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish in other fisheries where skates are caught as bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for skates in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for skates nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Skates are finned at sea Economic value Exports of around $06 m to Asia and Europe especially France and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Both of these endemic species occur all around New Zealand Rough skate is more common in coastal waters while smooth skate is usually found in deeper waters both extending to 200m water depth
Rough Smooth Maximum age (years) 9 28+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 8-13 Growth rate Unknown Unknown Reproductive output High Medium Sizeage exploited Unknown Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A total quota of 1989 tonnes for rough skate and 867 tonnes for smooth skates in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1699 tonnes of rough skate and 715 tonnes of smooth skate in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but biomass indices declined significantly since 1991 on West Coast South Island for smooth skate MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available Relative biomass estimates from West Coast South Island trawl surveys 7 revealed strong decline for smooth skate It is not known if recent catch levels or the TACC are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p871) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Trawling and on lines Skates are caught as bycatch in a range of fisheries including hoki Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater habitats and associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch of other fisheries skates are associated with the captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 101
Ecological effects The primary effects are those caused by trawling ndash damage to seabed species assemblages loss of large adult skates and disruption to deepwater food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Whilst recognised as separate species these to skates (smooth and rough skate) are largely managed as a single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 1997 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 102
Skipjack tuna Scientific name Katsuwonus pelamis
Other names skipjack bonite (France) tunny (UK) katsuo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters usually preferring the warmer surface waters New Zealand is the southern limit of the skipjack tuna migration route (which is well known for being very long) where they visit the northeast from December to May or in later months from New Plymouth to Cape Farewell Skipjack are predominantly caught by purse seine vessels operating North of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay The New Zealand catch is a small part of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of sharks the bycatch of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the Pacific fishery plus the lack of a stock assessment catch limits or a management plan Economic value The main market is for canning outside New Zealand primarily in Indonesia and Thailand The export value of skipjack tuna is about $10 million Best option Skipjack is the most ecologically sustainable tuna species on the Best Fish Guide If possible try to avoid skipjack caught in association with catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna which are overfished ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Skipjack tuna are caught on the west and east coasts of the North Islands mainly north of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 1 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score B) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit It is not part of the quota management system (QMS) and no catch limits are set for New Zealand Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings in 2007-08 of 11834 tonnes inside the zone with another 15678 tonnes caught by New Zealand flagged vessels on the high seas Stock trends Uncertain but model results suggest that in recent years the skipjack population has been considerably higher (about 20) than the overall average level for the assessed period MSY Status Uncertain but likely to above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are currently no concerns relating to the current status of this stock though there are concerns that any increases in fishing effort on this stock could adversely [effect] bigeye and yellowfin tuna New Zealand catches represent 15 of the total catch The stock is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are likely to be sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Predominantly purse seine fishery around the North Island with some troll caught fish Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sometimes skipjack are caught with over-fished bigeye and yellowfin tuna which is a concern in the Pacific fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species (egtuna) has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there a catch limit or Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 103
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A South Pacific assessment in 2008 References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Langley A Hampton J and Ogura M 2005 Stock Assessment of skipjack tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean SC-1 SA-WP-4 First meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee Noumea New Caledonia Report from the Md-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 104
Snapper
Scientific name Pagrus auratus
Other names tamure kourea (Maori) sea bream bream schnapper NZ golden snapper brim porgy (US) dorade (France) madai goushyuumadai (Japan) cham dom (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description A slow growing long-lived (up to 60 years) member of the sea bream family snapper is one of largest and most valuable coastal fisheries in New Zealand It is common around the North Island and upper South Island and is mainly caught by bottom longlining or trawling operations generally at depths of 10-100 metres Jointly with oreosdeepwater dory mako shark and southern bluefin tuna snapper have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns The depleted status of the stocks (primarily as a result of historical depletion) the management of two stocks as one the uncertainty in stock assessments for some areas and the lack of a management plan As snapper are also a common target for recreational fishing a sector in which there is limited to no assessment of catch the impacts of the combined recreational and commercial catches are also of concern The impacts of bottom trawling the bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery (including the globally threatened black petrel) and the possible bycatch of the critically endangered Maui‟s dolphin in the trawl fishery are other concerns Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching Maui‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return to inshore coastal waters if regulations are dropped Economic value Japan is the single largest export market (around 50) while Australia and Taiwan take some 30 between them The export value of snapper was about $32 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly in the warmer coastal waters of the northern North Island and the Bay of Plenty but ranges to the north of the South Island Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Depleted in most areas Annual catch limit Set at 6357 tonnes in 2005-06 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6367 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends All stocks appear to be increasing However SNA8 (Kapiti coast to Cape Reinga in the North) projections assume a level of recruitment higher than that observed in recent years and may not reach the legally required BMSY level for up to 60 years The SNA1 stock (Northland to eastern Bay of Plenty) assessment has not been updated since 2000 MSY Status The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for snapper is assumed to be 20 of the unfished stock size (B0) This is unrealistically low All stocks are likely below this legally required level SNA 1 was about 18 B0 in 2000 and SNA 8 was between 8 and 12 B0 SNA2 stock (east coast North Island from Kapiti to eastern Bay of Plenty) was probably below the recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield SNA7 (West Coast and top of the South Island) is thought to be rebuilding after being depleted to very low levels Fishery Assessment plenary report states SNA1 was last assessed in 2000 East Northland ndashthe base case indicates that recruited biomass is at about BMSY reference point and is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the twenty year projection period Hauraki GulfBay of Plenty ndash indicates that the current recruited biomass (2000) is less than the BMSY reference point but is expected to increase over the next twenty years under the current TACC and estimated levels of recreational and unreported catch It is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the projection periodrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 105
SNA2 ldquoAs there are no indices of biomass model estimates [2002] must be treated with caution For almost all [model] runs the current biomass was estimated to be near to or somewhat below BMSY but was projected to increase towards BMSY by 2006 at the current catch level (436t)rdquo SNA 7 ldquoCurrent catch levels are below the expected level of productivity predicted by the assessment model which suggests that the stock should be rebuilding This prediction has not been corroborated by catches or other information external to the model hellip the model was depicting the 2001 SNA 7 biomass at an unrealistically high level (100-200 BMSY) and [the MFish Working Group] rejected the results of the assessmentrdquo SNA8 ldquoThe 2005 stock assessment indicated that current biomass (2004ndash05) was between 8 and 12 B0 and the biomass was predicted to slowly increase at the TACC level of 1500 t However from 1 October 2005 the TACC was reduced to 1300 t to ensure a faster rebuild of the stock At this TACC level the predicted rebuild to BMSY (20 B0) occurred after 2018 in all casesrdquo (MFish 2009 p904-905) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom longlining bottom trawling and some set netting Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and leads to a loss in biodiversity (Thrush et al 1998) Bycatch Seabirds are caught as by-kill on longlines including flesh-footed shearwaters and globally threatened black petrels while trawling and set netting catch a range of non target fish species Snapper fisheries may also risk possible bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 which has significantly reduced the threat to these dolphins plus other marine mammals and wildlife However captures may still exist where trawl fishing overlaps with dolphins areas outside the closed areas Ecological effects Modification and damage to seafloor habitats associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Whilst most stocks are managed separately there are two distinct stocks managed as one Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in all areas except QMA 2 and 3 However SNA1 was last carried out in 2000 SNA2 and 7 in 2002 and SNA8 in 2005 The results of SNA7 was rejected by the stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd S F Thrush J E Hewitt V J Cummings P K Dayton M Cryer S J Turner G A Funnell R G Budd C J Milburn M R Wilkinson (1998) Disturbance of the marine benthic habitat by commercial fishing impacts at the scale of the fishery Ecological Applications Vol 8 No 3 pp 866-879
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 106
Southern blue whiting
Scientific name Micromesistius australis
Other names Southern poutassou merlan bleu austral (France Canada) merlu (Italy) blauer wittling (Germany) minamidara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deepwater cod species is only found in waters around the Sub-Antarctic Islands where it schools near the seabed at depths of 450 to 650m It is therefore targeted and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries operating in this region particularly during its spawning season in August to early October The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The recorded and projected declines in biomass for two stocks (Campbell and Bounty‟s) the unknown sustainability of current catch limits in the two other stocks and the lack of a management plan Of particular concern is the increasing trend of threatened NZ sea lion captures in this fishery which has relatively low observer coverage Also the impact of bottom trawling the very high bycatch of NZ fur seals (the highest of any NZ fishery) especially around the Bounty Islands and the deaths of seabirds are of serious concern Economic value The southern blue whiting fishery has an export value of about $227 million (2008) with the main markets in Japan Bulgaria Australia and China This fish is also used to make crabsticks or surimi ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Restricted to Sub-Antarctic waters This species is abundant south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau Pukaki Rise and Bounty Platform at depths of 300-650m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Highly uncertain or unknown for the Pukaki and Auckland Island stocks depleted for the other two areas Annual catch limit Set at 36948 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 31866 tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends The Bounty Platform stock and Campbell Island stocks have had good recruitment and are rebuilding The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown MSY Status Of the four stocks Bounty Platform and Campbell Island stocks are depleted with the Campbell Island stock estimated to be below BMAY in 2007 The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Campbell Islands stock ldquoFor the base case the B2006 was estimated to be 78000t corresponding to 30 B0 [BMAY is 34] The assessment is much more optimistic that the equivalent stock assessment presented in 2006 particularly in the projections as stock size is not predicted to decrease with future catches of 20000 tonnes (current TACC)rdquo Bounty Platform stock ldquoA survey carried out by the fishing industry in August 2007 indicated that there has been a very large increase in biomass in this stock since 2004hellip Without a formal stock assessment it is not possible to quantify the size of the stock and to determine a current annual yield (CAY) for the fisheryhellip Another survey in August 2008 confirmed that the 2002 year class is very strong and biomass was likely to be over 100000 t Using the results of the 2008 survey to estimate conservative estimates of CAYhellip gave estimates of CAY of 13500 t to 22000 t The TACC was increased from 1 April 2009 to 15000 trdquo Pukaki Stock ldquothis stock has only been lightly exploited since 1993 and likely to be above the level that will support the MAYrdquo Auckland Islands stock ldquoit is unknown if recent catches are sustainable or if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2007 p891) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Trawling mainly by foreign chartered vessels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 107
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage bottom dwelling species and fragile deepwater ecosystems Bycatch The southern blue whiting fishery has the highest captures of NZ fur seals of any fishery especially around the Bounty Islands It also captures seabirds other fish species and increasingly globally threatened NZ sea lions Ecological effects Trawling impacts on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Also the removal of young southern blue whiting which are an important food for globally threatened yellow-eyed penguin and forms the bulk of the food of globally threatened black-browed albatross (Diomedea melanophrys impavida) during the chick-rearing period (Cherel et al 1999) Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 (1 November) Catch limits Yes Management plan No The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except Auckland Islands For example Campbell Islands (2008) Bounty Platform (2004) Pukaki Rise (2002) Industry surveys in 2007 and 2008 have yet to be fully assessed References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Albatross predation of juvenile southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) on the Campbell Plateau Cherel Waugh and Hanchet 1999 New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 1999 Volume 33
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 108
Southern bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus maccoyii
Other names Bluefin southern bluefin thon rouge de sud (Canada France) atun del sur (Spain) minamimaguro indo-maguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Southern bluefin tuna is a long-lived migratory species found throughout the Southern Hemisphere which can move thousands of kilometres in a year It is a highly sought after tuna species due to its flesh being of high oil and low moisture content Iin 1996 it‟s depleted status resulted in it being ranked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered Southern bluefin tuna breed in the Indian Ocean off western Australia arriving in New Zealand in prime condition at around the age of 5 years old where they are caught off the east coast by longlining and trolling Jointly with mako shark snapper and oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna has the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Southern bluefin stocks are severely over-fished ndash the breeding population is severely depleted and there is a high level of unreported and illegal catch (up to 30 of the reported catch) The lack of a management plan and the bycatch of seabirds NZ fur seals a range of shark species and the huge non-target fish bycatch are also of concern Economic value Southern bluefin tuna are exported to Japan the USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices An individual 444 pound bluefin sold for a record US$173000 in Tokyo in 2001 The export value of southern blue fin tuna was $7million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Breeds south of Java (Indonesia) on the west coast of Australia Distributed in the southern oceans between 10oS and 50oS including New Zealand waters Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 8-12 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Southern bluefin tuna are severely depleted - well under 10 of the 1960 population size and possibly as low as 3 In 1996 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed this species as Critically Endangered the highest threat category Annual catch limit The annual New Zealand catch limit has been set at 413 tonnes in 2004-05 out of a global ldquolimitrdquo of 11620 tonnes set by the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) This includes voluntary commitments from Korea and Taiwan to reduces catches by a combined 280 tonnes Recorded catch Reported landings of 378 tonnes in 2008 Estimated global catches reported in 2007 (11 540 t) were the lowest for over 50 years In 2005 a high level of unreported or illegal catch was identified principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years There is also concerns about the reporting of aquaculture farming by Australian fishers Stock trends Declined to historically low size and it is unclear whether the stock is now stable or declining (it is not rebuilding) MSY Status Well below the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield and expected to suffer from further declines in spawning stock biomass in the coming years The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the 2008 CCSBT-SAG meeting the operating model was run under a number of scenarios that are generally similar to those evaluated in 2006 The scenarios indicate that spawning stock biomass is still at a very low level (generally below 10 of pre-exploitation spawning stock biomass a level at which recruitment may be at risk of further decline) This is well below the 1980 level and below the level that could produce maximum sustainable yield Rebuilding the spawning stock biomass would almost certainly increase sustainable yield and provide security against unforeseen environmental events Presently however there is no sign of spawning stock biomass rebuilding Consistent with the poor recruitment from 1999 to 2002 a gap in the size (and presumably age) composition is apparent By inference this gap will lead to a further decline in spawning stock biomass in coming yearsrdquo (MFish 2009 p114)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 109
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Pelagic longlining with approximately 500000 baited hooks set in New Zealand per year The small number of Japanese chartered vessels and New Zealand vessels are required to use some seabird bycatch mitigation measures Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds including globally threatened species of albatross and petrel are killed as well as non-target fish (including blue sharks) and some marine turtles Albatross species recorded killed in the fishery include Antipodean Buller‟s Salvin‟s Gibson‟s Campbell Chatham black-browed and white-capped Grey petrels are also caught The numbers of fish bycatch species can be up to 20 times the target tuna catch Ecological effects This fishery is directly responsible for driving both the target tuna species and some species of albatross towards extinction Due to the excess removal of this species and the removal of other large predatory species the fishery has knock-on effects on food web dynamics Management and management unit (score B and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes as a proportion of the bdquoglobal limit‟ set by the CCSBT Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in 2008 and 2009 by CCSBT Assessments have been affected by the high level of unreported or illegal catch identified in 2005 principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 110
Spiny dogfish
Scientific name Squalus acanthias
Other names koinga kaaraerae mako-huarau mangoo-hapuu mango-pekepeke (Maori) spurdog spineback spiky dog fish spiky southern spiny dogfish spotted spiny dogfish rock salmon (UK) gob sang eo (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like rig this small shark species has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species It lives near the seafloor in deeper waters than rig (100 ndash 700m) occuring almost worldwide in cool temperate waters In New Zealand they are most commonly found off the south and east coasts of the South Island It is mainly caught as bycatch in several deepwater trawl fisheries plus by inshore trawlers set netters and longliners Ecological concerns The limited research on this species the absence of a quantitative stock assessment which results in the unknown sustainability of current catch limits the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Also of concern is the impact of trawling on seabed habitats and due to the association with other fisheries where it is caught seabird marine mammal and other fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for spiny dogfish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for spiny dogfsh nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Spiny dogfish is sold in New Zealand and is exported mainly to Western Europe and China with a value of $24 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Most common off the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 100-700m but also occurs on the Chatham Rise and northern Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 21-26 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium ndash female fish produce 1 to 19 live young per litter with a gestation period of 24 months Age exploited 4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size No estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit A catch limit was set at 12660 in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6293 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest since being under quota management Stock trends There was an upward trend in reported catches between 1980-81 and 2001-02 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAlthough reported commercial catches of spiny dogfish were observed to increase in all major FMAs during the 1990s the extent to which these increases can be attributed to changes in reporting practice (ie more accurate reporting of discards in recent times) is uncertain Trawl surveys on the other hand indicate that there was a general increase in the abundance of spiny dogfish particularly around the South Island in the mid 1990s It is unknown whether current catch limits are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p937) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling set netting and longlining It is mainly caught as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including hoki barracouta and red cod Habitat damage When caught by bottom trawl or from mid-water trawls close to the seafloor bottom dwelling species and habitats are damaged Bycatch Spiny dogfish is caught in association with other fisheries where there seabirds marine mammals and a range of non-target fish are caught as bycatch (See hoki barracouta and red cod for more information)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 111
Ecological effects As with most sharks spiny dogfish is an important predator so excess removal from marine systems is likely to alter food web dynamics (In conjunction with the removal of other non-target fish this is almost certainly the case) Up to 80 of spiny dogfish have been discarded in some areas making its removal utterly wasteful Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and limited research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 112
Sprats
Scientific name Sprattus antipodum (sprat) S muelleri (stout sprat)
Other names kupae marakuha patete (Maori) New Zealand herring sardine sprotte (Germany) espadin (Spain) iwashi supuratto (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Sprats also commonly referred to as sardines or New Zealand herring actually incorporate two different species of sprat They are a small fast growing schooling fish found in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays They are often used (long with anchovy and pilchards) by recreational fishers as baitfish and are caught commercially in a minor and intermittent fishery They are a schooling fish most commonly found around the South Island sometimes in mixed schools with anchovy and pilchards Jointly with anchovy and pilchard sprats have the highest ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological information on both species the lack of a quantitative stock assessment the impact of trawling on seafloor species and the lack of a management plan There is also some concern about the impact of fishing this species on predatory species further up the food chain such as marine mammals seabirds and larger fish However these concerns have not yet been assessed
Economic value The market for sprats includes New Zealand
Best option Try to choose sprats caught by purse seine or beach seine
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (both species) (score A) Distribution Open water and common in inshore waters around the South Island and in localized shoals around the North Island Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 450 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch 1 tonne in 2007-08 During the 1990s reported catches ranged from less than 1 tonne to 7 tonnes Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current biomass are available At the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is probably not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for spratsrdquo (MFish 2009 p940)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Method Mainly purse seine but also set net and beach seine Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on seafloor habitats and species diversity Bycatch Associated with pilchard in the south and purse seine bycatch species Ecological effects This is an important food species for larger fish seabirds and marine mammals ldquoExcessive localised harvesting may disrupt ecosystemsrdquo (MFish 2009 p 940)
Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 113
Stargazer monkfish
Scientific name Kathetostoma giganteum
Other names kourepoua moamoa ngu (Maori) giant stargazer bulldog sterngucker (Germany) miishimaokoze (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Stargazer or monkfish is actually one of a few species of stargazer in New Zealand It (the giant stargazer) is widespread in New Zealand coastal waters between 50 and 500m living on or partially buried in soft sediments on the seabed It is caught year round mainly around the South Island where it is most common as a bycatch in domestic trawl fisheries targeting red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi It is also caught as bycatch in some deepwater fisheries Ecological concerns The absence of quantitative stock assessments for any areas uncertainty over stock boundaries unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the habitat destruction caused by bottom trawling plus the non-target fish seabirds and marine mammal bycatch associated with other fisheries in which it is caught Economic value Stargazer is sold in New Zealand and had an export value of about $4 million in 2008 mainly sold to Japan Latvia and Germany ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Moderately common in shelf waters around southern New Zealand at depths of 50 to 500m Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Largely unknown There has been a preliminary estimate off the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA7) which gave a spawning stock estimate of 29 to 51 B0 for the base case assessment and within the East Coast North Island area (STA 2) the exploitation rate was estimated to be very high with ldquolong term yieldshellipof the order of 50-60 tonnesrdquo Annual catch limit Set at 5412 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3258 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but STA 7 stock has declined by around 29 to 51 since 1990 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo STA1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches have exceeded [the TACC] It is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA2 (East coast North Island) ldquoRecent relative abundance indices from both the ECNI inshore trawl survey and the ECNI scampi trawl survey are lower than those in 1993 The 1997 assessment suggested that the exploitation rate was very high but [a]n upper bound of 80 for the catchbiomass ratiohellipwas considered unrealistically highhellip Landings have been slightly above the TACC in recent years It is not known whether recent catches and the current TACC are sustainable The status helliprelative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe reinstated ECSI trawl survey returned a biomass estimate that was slightly above the 5 indices observed in the early 1990s This biomass estimate was also consistent with the CPUE series developed for the bottom trawl fishery targeted at red cod stargazer and Barracoutahellip On this basis [it was] concluded that current catches have been sustainable over the 18 years of the CPUE series although it is not known if the TACC is sustainable given that the average catches over this period have been about 15 below the TACC Relative biomass indices for stargazer from the annual trawl survey of the western end of the Chatham Rise have remained stable It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term The status of STA 3 relative to BMSY is unknown STA 4 (Chatham Rise) ldquoif fishing is overly concentrated in those areas where stargazer can be targeted such as close to the Chatham Islands there are concerns that local depletion may occur Recent catches have been substantially less than the TACC
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 114
the stock appears to have been lightly fished and is still likely to be in the fishing down phase It is not known if catches at the level of the current TACC would be sustainable The status of STA 4 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 5 (Southern waters including Subantarctic Islands and Fiordland) The current ldquoTAC is at the level of recent catches and is probably sustainable The status of STA 5 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA7 (West Coast amp top of the South Island) The WCSI trawl survey indices have increased from a low observed in 2003 to the highest in the series in 2009 (preliminary estimate) The results of the quantitative stock assessment suggested that stock biomass during the 2004ndash05 fishing year was unlikely to be below the biomass required to support the maximum sustainable yield The range of model results for STA 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is likely to be above BMSYrdquo STA 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p963-964) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling Stargazer is a bycatch in red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed destroying and altering bottom habitats and species assemblages Bycatch Stargazer is associated with the bycatch problems of the fisheries in which it is caught which includes captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals (See red cod flatfish barracouta and scampi for more information) Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration (especially for the scampi fishery) plus non-target bycatch has considerable ecological implications on seabed and wider marine systems Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment except for a preliminary assessments in STA2 (1997) and STA7 (2008) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 115
Striped marlin
Scientific name Tetrapturus audax
Other names takaketonga (Maori) marlin
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Striped marlin is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters Between 1987 and 1991 there was a moratorium on landing any broadbill species (marlin and swordfish) in the area between Mokau and East Cape (Auckland Fisheries Management Area) due to concerns about depleted stocks In 1991 the moratorium was replaced with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between recreational and commercial fishers to allow for the commercial take of swordbill Since 1995 there is a requirement to report all catches of billfish The MOU was last singed in 1996 As a result of the agreement on billfish striped marlin is principally a recreational only fish (about 65 tagged and released to aid research) with any commercial captures the result of accidental capture in the tuna surface longline fishery in northern waters Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessment plus the state of the stocks and catch limits Commercial captures of marlin are associated with the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals One of the key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Marlin is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Striped marlin are caught mainly around the North Islands north of 42oS Maximum age (years) 12+ Age at sexual maturity 1-2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit None set Recorded catch Latest reported annual commercial catch of 17 tonnes in 2007 most of which was discarded and 2 tonnes taken by New Zealand vessels outside the zone Stock trends Uncertain but likely declining MSY Status Uncertain but may be below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSeveral of the plausible model scenarios investigated indicate that current levels of fishing mortality may approximate or exceed the reference level FMSY and current spawning biomass levels may approximate or be below the biomass based reference point BMSY On the basis of this preliminary assessment it is recommended as a precautionary measure that there should be no increase in fishing mortality (ie fishing effort) on striped marlin in the southwestern Pacific particularly hellipthe Tasman Seardquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p120-121) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic Surface longlining for tuna around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Sharks New Zealand fur seals and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of some of these important large predators may impact oceanic food web dynamics including other species caught as bycatch in the longline fishery Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species No ndash due to an MOU with recreational fishers marlin cannot be targeted by commercial fishers
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 116
Management plan No However a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Stock assessment A stock assessment in 2006 by the WCPFC Scientific Committee with collaboration by Australia and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 NZ Fishing Industry Board
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 117
Swordfish
Scientific name Xiphias gladius
Other names broadbill broadbill swordfish paea espadon (France) mekajiki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Swordfish is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator found worldwide in temperate tropical and subtropical seas The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters with catch limits set under the quota management system They are targeted and caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessments catch limits and state of the stocks plus the potential for serial depletion of large swordfish There is also concern about the bycatch of sharks seabirds fur seals and sea turtles In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Another key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Swordfish are found worldwide in temperate subtropical and tropical waters They are present in New Zealand year round from the Kermadecs to Foveaux Strait Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 9-10 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 885 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 402 tonnes in 2006-07 The average sex ratio of swordfish caught in the longline fishery over the last 20 years was 3 times as many females compared to males Stock trends Uncertain There was a decline in CPUE from 2000 to 2004 which is consistent with the decline in Australia but the recent assessment suggests an increase in the stock MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSwordfish taken in New Zealand are part of a larger regional stockrdquo The [2008 WCPFC] assessment undertaken for swordfish in the southwestern Pacific region indicated an increase in stock abundance in recent years and the model projections predict further increases at current levels of fishing mortality Plausible assessment results indicate that overfishing is not occurring and that the stock is not in an overfished state However due to the uncertainty in the assessment the SC recommended that there be no further increase in catch or effort in order to keep the stock above its associated reference pointshellip It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for swordfish or to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support a MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p128) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method Pelagic surface longlining - they are caught on the west and east coast of the North Island plus around the Kermadecs Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks New Zealand fur seals and turtles are caught in the longline fishery In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Ecological effects Removal of these important large predators (Southern bluefin and sharks) impacts oceanic food web dynamics
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 118
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A preliminary assessment in 2008 by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) (Kolody et al 2008) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Kolody D Campbell R Davies N (2008) A Multifan-CL Stock Assessment of South-Western-Central Pacific Swordfish 1952-2007 Working Paper SA-WP-6 to WCPFC SC4 held 11-22 August 2008 Port Moresby PNG 89 p Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 119
Tarakihi
Scientific name Nemadactylus macropterus
Other names Ocean bream silver bream morwong (Australia) shimakurodai tarakii (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Tarakihi is a long-lived relative of red moki that is common around New Zealand but mostly found south of East Cape and around the South Island They are associated with shallow reefs as juveniles but then school over open seafloors as adults from 50 to 250m water depth Ecological concerns Tarakihi is caught by trawling so there is some concern about habitat damage if trawl gear touches the seafloor Trawling also catches a range of other fish Other concerns include the limited amount of some basic biological information the absence of quantitative stock assessments the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the lack of a management plan for Tarakihi Economic value Tarakihi are sold in New Zealand Japan and Australia and had an export value of $05 million in 2008 Best option Try to avoid Tarakihi caught in association with red cod off the East coast of the South Island or caught in association with gemfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand but mostly in the cooler waters south of East Cape and around the South Island Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) For TAR7 an assessment in 2008 had a base case estimate of 42-68 unfished stock size Annual catch limit Set at 6438 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 5429 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) Unchanged stable for all other areas MSY Status Unknown Western New Zealand stocks are thought to be close to or above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TAR1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoThe [CPUE] indices remain stable suggesting that current catches and the TACC for TAR 1 are sustainable In 2002 the Inshore WG concluded that TAR 1 was likely to be above BMSY There is no evidence from the CPUE analyses to suggest any major changes in abundance since this timerdquo TAR2 (East coast North Island) ldquoThe state of the TAR 2 stock in relation to BMSY is not known Long periods of sustained catches around 1 600t to 1 700t indicate a flat yield curve for the stock and suggest that the stock is probably close to BMSYrdquo TAR3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown Abundance appeared to reach its lowest historical level over 2003-04 to 2005-06 at about 70 of the long-term average having declined steadily from a peak in 1999-00 Abundance may be increasing back to average levels again although a decline was again noted in 2007-08 ldquo TAR4 (Chatham Rise) ldquothe fishery around the Chatham Islands has generally been lightly fished and the stock can probably support higher catch levels for the next few yearsldquo TAR 7 (West coast South Island) ldquoThe range of model results for TAR 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is Likely to be above BMSYrdquo TAR 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoOverall landings from the North and South Islands have remained relatively stable since at least the late 1960s despite changes in effort and methods of fishing Given the long stable catch history of this fishery current catch levels and TACCs are thought to be sustainablerdquo (MFish 2007 p966)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 120
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling Tarakihi is also a bycatch in the red cod and barracouta trawl fisheries around the South Island Habitat damage Trawling for tarakihi scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty the impact of tarakhihi trawling was considered along with scampi hoki and gemfish trawling (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch Other fish species Ecological effects Trawling alters species diversity and habitat composition and may disturb coastal food web dynamics Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment apart from a preliminary assessment of TAR7 in 2008 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 121
Trevally
Scientific name Pseudocaranx dentex
Other names araara kopapa komutumutu raumarie (Maori) blue gill jack fish silver trevally (Australia UK) carangue (France) Minamishimaaji (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Trevally is a long-lived species (up to 45 years) that lives near the seabed when young but schools as adults in the open water where they feed on krill and other plankton It is common around many parts of the North Island and the top half of the south Island and most abundant at depths of around 80m It is caught year round mainly around the North Island in conjunction with the snapper trawl fishery It is also caught by purse seiners in the Bay of Plenty and in set nets Ecological concerns The over-catch of Trevally off the east coast of the North Island the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the uncertainty of the stock status and the lack of a management plan Trawling catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear may cause considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems The fishery may also risk captures of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins off the west coast of the North Island Restrictions on trawling and set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling the risk of catching these dolphins may once again increase Economic value The main markets for Trevally are in New Zealand Japan UK and the Middle East It had an export value of $32 million in 2008 Best option Trevally caught of western New Zealand appear healthier but avoid fish caught using bottom trawl or set net Purse seine caught trevally is the best option ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common around the North Island and northern South Island with most trevally found along the north east and north west coasts of the North Island at a depth of 80m Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate to low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Uncertain though the population off western New Zealand (TRE7) has been estimated to be relatively healthy Annual catch limit Set at 3933 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2875 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in nearly 20 years Stock trends Uncertain Although an assessment of TRE7 shows a fluctuating stock size since 1980 and there are concerns about declines in TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) catches MSY Status Uncertain apart from an assessment of TRE7 which indicates the current stock is just above BMSY (28 B0) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches reported for TRE 1 are less than the estimated MCY levels and below the TACC Reduced proportions of older age classes in the single bottom trawl catch between 1999-00 and 2006-07 combined with the strong drops in landings in 2006-07 and 2007-08 may indicate that stock abundance is declining at current catch levelsrdquo TRE 2 (Eastern North Island to Kapiti) ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainablerdquo TRE 7 (Western New Zealand - North amp South Islands) ldquoRelatively large proportions of fish gt10 years including a healthy 20+ age group (as evidenced by the age structure of the commercial catch) suggest that TRE 7 have not been heavily exploitedhellipModel projections indicate that the biomass of TRE 7 stock is About as Likely as Not to remain stable over the next 5 years and the probability of the stock going below BMSY in 2013 is estimated at 0 (M=01) and 38 (M=0087)rdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p999 - 1002)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 122
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawl purse seine and set net Trevally is also caught as a bycatch in snapper red gurnard kahawai and john dory fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages the seabed reducing bottom dwelling species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself a range of other fish species are caught as bycatch including other commercial species (snapper red gurnard kahawai john dory) as well as non-target species There is also a risk of catching seabirds and marine mammals including potential bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Ecological effects Impacts of bottom trawling on bottom dwelling species and habitats plus ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A revised quantitative assessment in TRE7 in 2009 and a preliminary assessment for TRE 1 in 2006 which was not accepted References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 123
Trumpeter
Scientific name Latris lineata
Other names porae koekohe kohikohi (Maori) striped trumpeter okiisaki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This moki relative occurs in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere from the Indian Ocean to South America In New Zealand it is found from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is mainly caught on the east coast of both main islands ranging from 20 to 200m water depth There is little targeted fishing for trumpeter - it is mainly caught s a bycatch fish in line fisheries with some caught in trawl and set nets Ecological concerns The absence of basic biological information about Trumpeter the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the potential for localised depletion of some populations plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species itself trumpeter fishing is also associated with other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Trumpeter is sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is seldom common Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Likely to be moderate Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 144 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 101 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown (There is a risk for localised population to be quickly fished out) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1019) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Mostly caught as bycatch in coastal line-fisheries with some caught in trawl nets and set nets Habitat damage Unknown Bycatch A range of fish species also caught as bycatch in fisheries where trumpeter is caught Ecological effects Unknown Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Final Position Paper for the 1998-99 Sustainability Round
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 124
White warehou Scientific name Seriolella caerulea
Other names Deepsea wharehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description White warehou is the deepest ranging of the three warehou species in New Zealand and is common in southeastern waters and on the Campbell Plateau in the Subantarctics It is mostly taken as a bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries for hoki and silver warehou Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information about white warehou the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown stock size the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels There are also concerns about past mis-reporting of white warehou as silver warehou catches plus there is no management plan Bottom trawling causes considerable damage to seafloor communities and due to white warehou being a bycatch species of other fisheries it is also associated with the bycatch of seabirds marine mammals and other non-target fish Economic value White warehou is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Most common off south east New Zealand and on the Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Moderate Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3735 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2116 tonnes in 2003-04 Stock trends Unknown Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states ldquoIt is not known whether recent catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1030) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling especially bottom trawling White warehou is caught as bycatch in the hoki and silver warehou fisheries and to a lesser extent the hake ling and scampi fisheries Only 8 of the catch is from targeted fishing Habitat damage Bottom trawling scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species in a range of middle-depth fisheries it is associated with non-target fish marine mammal and seabird captures (See hoki and silver warehou for more information) Ecological effects Trawling destroys bottom dwelling species assemblages and habitat composition Wider ecological effects on food webs are largely due to the captures of non-target wildlife in the fisheries it is associated with Management and management unit (score E and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species However there is a problem in that quota areas do not match possible spawning areas Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 125
Yellowfin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus albacares
Other names Yellowfin thon juane (France) Ahi Shibi kiwada (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Yellowfin tuna is a migratory species found mainly in the warm ocean waters of northern New Zealand and moving south in summer to East Cape Like many tuna it is an important oceanic predator regulating the abundance of other marine species They are caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries on the west and east coast of the North Island The New Zealand catch is a very small part (003) of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns The lack of a stock assessment catch limits and a management plan therefore the high uncertainty about the state of the stocks Other concerns include declining catch rates the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals plus and ecological impact of removing this top predator species on wider oceanic food webs Economic value The export value of yellowfin tuna was $150000 in 2008 with the main markets in Japan Australia and the USA ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Yellowfin tuna are caught on the west coast and east coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 263 tonnes set in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 17 tonnes in 2006-07 within the EEZ which is minor compared to Western and Central Pacific catches of over 400000 tonnes Stock trends Declining stock size and catches which are unlikely to be sustainable MSY Status The yellowfin stock is likely to be above BMSY but are still considered to be fully exploited with a high possibility (47 ndash 73) of being overfished At current catch levels the stock is likely to move below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states From the 2007 WCPO assessment ldquothe possibility of overfishing is still relatively high (47) The reference points that predict the status of the stock under equilibrium conditions are B BMSY (110) and SBSBMSY (112) which indicate that the long-term average biomass would remain slightly above the level capable of producing MSY at 2002minus2005 average fishing mortalityhellip The WCPO yellowfin tuna fishery can be considered to be fully exploited Both the 2006 and 2007 assessments indicate that there is a high probability that overfishing is occurring (73 for the base case 2006 assessment and 47 for the base case 2007 assessment) In order to reduce the likelihood of overfishing and if the Commission wishes to maintain average biomass at levels greater than 5 above BMSY reductions in the fishing mortality rate would be required The stock size is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are not sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards and then below a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p155-156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic longlining around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 126
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment A completed quantitative stock assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Conservation (WCPO) Fisheries Scientific Committee (2007) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Hampton J Langley A and Kleiber P (2006) Stock assessment of yellowfin tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean including an assessment of management options WCPFC-SC2-2006SA WP-1 Second meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee 7-18 August 2006 Philippines (wwwwcpfcorg) Anon 2007 Commission or the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Scientific Committee Summary report Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia 244pp Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 127
Yellow-eyed mullet
Scientific name Aldrichetta forsteri
Other names aua kaataha kataka makawhiti (Maori) herring yelloweye mullet (Australia)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively short-lived surface dwelling coastal species is found throughout New Zealand but is most abundant in northern waters It is smaller and more slender than grey mullet forming schools in shallow coastal waters harbours and estuaries It is caught using set nets or by beach seining Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information on yellow-eyed mullet the absence of a quantitative stock assessment and so the unknown stock size and sustainability of recent catch levels (especially in combination with non-commercial take of this species) There is also concern about the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the likelihood of sub-stocks being managed together within quota areas plus the absence of a management plan Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Set netting also risks capture of other marine mammals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting off the west coast of the North Island introduced in 2003 and again in May 2008 have reduced this risk but set netting still poses a threat outside these areas Pending a high court ruling on a challenge to the restrictions the risk to Maui‟s dolphins may return Economic value Yellow-eyed mullet are sold in New Zealand and Australia Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Most common in northern New Zealand waters in sheltered bays harbours and estuaries Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 68 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported commercial landings of 17 tonnes in 2007-08 with a similar non-commercial catch Stock trends Unknown but may be subject to localised depletion MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p1036) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly set nets and beach seine nets Habitat damage Low Bycatch The small mesh nets used may increase fishing pressure on grey mullet and a range of other shallow water species There is also a potential bycatch of seabirds dolphins and other marine mammals in the set net fishery However restrictions on set netting in areas where the endangered Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects The localised nature of the fishery in some harbours means there could be a risk of serial depletion in some places Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 128
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 129
Appendix I Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Wallet Card Hard copies of the Best Fish Guide wallet card are available from Forest amp Bird and numerous nationwide outlets For example Kelly Tarltonrsquos Underwater Aquarium (Auckland) Portabello Marine Laboratory (Dunedin) Burger Wisconsin (nationwide) plus libraries health food shops cafes and other retail outlets It is also available to download as a pdf from our web site wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 130
Appendix II Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological Assessment Scores Using the Best Fish Guide Assessment Methodology New Zealand fish are given an overall rank from A (highest ecological sustainability) to E (lowest ecological sustainability) This is derived by awarding a score of 1 to 5 (ranks A to E) to six different assessment criteria (some weighted more heavily than others) The sum of these scores provides the overall assessment score and rank For more information on the assessment methodology please download the Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) from wwwbestfishguideorgnz Table Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological assessment scores for New Zealandrsquos wild caught seafood species showing individual scores for each criterion the multipliers applied ndash high importance (x3) to low importance (x1) ndash and the overall score and rank
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Albacore ALB 3 3 4 3 4 3 43 D
Alfonsino BYX 4 2 5 3 5 4 48 E
Anchovy ANC 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Arrow Squid SQU 4 5 5 1 5 5 54 E
Barracouta BAR 4 4 5 2 3 4 48 E
Bigeye Tuna BIG 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Black cardinal fish
CDL 5 4 4 5 3 4 55 E
Blue cod BCO 4 2 2 3 3 3 37 D
Blue mackerel EMA 4 4 3 3 3 3 45 E
Blue moki MOK 3 3 5 4 1 4 42 D
Blue shark BWS 4 5 4 4 4 4 55 E
Blue warehou WAR 4 3 5 3 3 4 47 E
Bluenose BNS 5 5 4 4 2 4 54 E
Butterfish BUT 4 2 4 3 4 4 44 D
Cockles COC 4 1 4 2 3 3 36 D
Dark ghost shark
GSH 4 3 5 4 2 5 48 E
Eels EEL 5 3 2 5 5 3 51 E
Elephantfish ELE 4 5 4 3 2 3 48 E
Flatfish FLA 4 4 5 2 5 4 52 E
Frostfish FRO 4 3 5 2 3 5 46 E
Garfish GAR 4 1 2 2 4 5 36 D
Gemfish SKI 5 3 5 4 2 3 49 E
Grey mullet GMU 4 2 4 2 4 3 41 D
Groper Hapuku HPB 4 2 4 4 5 5 49 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 131
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Hake HAK 3 4 5 3 3 3 46 E
Hoki HOK 3 5 5 3 3 2 48 E
Jack mackerel JMA 3 5 5 3 5 4 54 E
John dory JDO 4 2 5 2 2 4 40 D
Kahawai KAH 4 1 2 3 4 4 37 D
Kina SUR 4 1 2 3 3 5 36 D
Kingfish KIN 4 2 4 3 3 4 42 D
Leather jacket LEA 4 2 5 2 4 5 45 E
Ling LIN 3 5 5 3 3 3 49 E
Lookdown dory LDO 4 3 5 3 4 5 50 E
Mako shark MAK 4 5 4 4 4 5 56 E
Moonfish MOO
4 5 4 2 4 5 52 E
Orange roughy ORH 5 4 5 5 4 3 58 E
Oreos OEO 4 4 5 5 5 2 56 E
Oyster OYS 5 2 5 4 4 3 50 E
Pacific bluefin tuna
TOR 3 5 4 4 4 4 52 E
Packhorse lobster
PHC 4 2 2 4 2 5 39 D
Paddle crabs PAD 4 2 4 2 4 5 43 D
Pale ghost shark GSP 4 3 5 4 3 5 50 E
Paua PAU 5 1 1 5 5 3 43 D
Pilchards PIL 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Porbeagle shark POS 4 5 4 5 4 5 58 E
Queen scallops QSC
C 4 2 5 3 4 4 46 E
Red Cod RCO 3 4 5 2 2 4 43 D
Red Gurnard GUR 3 3 5 2 2 4 40 D
Red snapper RSN 4 3 4 4 4 5 50 E
Ribaldo RIB 4 3 4 4 2 5 46 E
Rig RIG 4 5 4 4 3 4 53 E
Rock lobster CRA 5 3 2 4 1 2 40 D
Rubyfish RBY 4 3 5 5 3 4 51 E
Scallops SCA 4 4 5 2 3 3 47 E
Scampi SCI 4 5 5 4 2 3 52 E
School shark SCH 4 5 4 4 2 4 51 E
Sea perch SPE 5 3 5 4 3 4 52 E
Silver warehou SWA 4 4 4 2 3 4 46 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 132
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Skates SKA 4 3 5 4 5 4 53 E
Skipjack tuna SKJ 2 3 2 3 4 3 36 D
Snapper SNA 5 5 5 4 3 2 56 E
Southern blue whiting
SBW 3 5 4 4 1 3 45 E
Southern bluefin tuna
SBT 5 5 4 4 4 2 56 E
Spiny dogfish SPD 4 4 5 4 2 4 50 E
Sprats SPR 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Stargazer STA 4 3 5 3 2 4 45 E
Striped marlin STM 4 5 4 3 4 4 53 E
Swordfish SWO
4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Tarakihi TAR 3 4 5 3 2 3 44 D
Trevally TRE 3 2 5 4 1 3 38 D
Trumpeter TRU 4 3 4 3 3 5 46 E
White warehou WW
A 4 4 5 3 1 5 47 E
Yellow fin tuna YFN 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Yellow-eyed mullet
YEM 4 2 4 1 3 4 38 D
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 133
Acronyms
ACAP ndash Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
B0 ndash The unfished initial or virgin recruited biomass for a stock
BMSY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield
BMAY ndash The recruited biomass that will support the maximum average yield
BMCY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum constant yield
CAY ndash Current annual yield - this is the estimate of the maximum sustainable catch for the current year in reference to a level of fishing mortality which has an acceptable level of risk
CITES ndash Convention on Trade in Endangered Species
CMS ndash Convention on Migratory Species
DoC ndash Department of Conservation
ITQ ndash Individual Transferable Quota - quota share of the TACC ITQs are property rights to a fishery granted in perpetuity which can be traded
ESY ndash Ecologically sustainable yield ndash the yield an ecosystem can sustain without shifting to an undesirable state
F ndash Fishing mortality rate is that part of the total mortality rate applying to the fish population that is caused by fishing
M ndash Natural mortality on a fish stock
MAY ndash Maximum Average Yield - which is the long-term current annual yield and equivalent to MSY
MCY ndash Maximum constant yield - the maximum constant catch that is sustainable with acceptable levels of risk at probable levels of future biomass for a fish stock
MFish ndash Ministry of Fisheries
MEY ndash Maximum Economic Yield - the greatest difference between the costs of inputs and the values of outputs (catch) This is the sustained catch that produces the maximum economic value this is usually at a catch below MSY
MSY ndash Maximum sustainable yield in relation to any stock means the greatest yield that can be achieved over time while maintaining the stocks productive capacity having regard to the population dynamics of the stock and any environmental factors that influence the stock (section 2 Fisheries Act 1996)
OSY ndash Optimum sustainable yield is the yield which considers factors in addition to maximum sustainable yield for instance effects on other species in the ecosystem and of other human uses of the ecosystem
TACC ndash Total Allowable Commercial Catch - this is the TAC minus an allowance for customary Maori fisheries recreational fisheries and other mortality on a stock caused by fishing The TACC is established under section 20 of the Fisheries Act 1996
TAC ndash Total Allowable Catch of any fish stock this includes the TACC plus an allowance for non-commercial catches including customary Maori catch and other mortality caused by fishing The TAC is established under section 13 or 14 of the Fisheries Act 96
Von B k ndash This is the Brody growth co-efficient and defines the growth rate toward the maximum This is from the standard Von Bertalanffy model (1938) which describes the growth in fish length
Lt=l [1-e-k(t-to)
] where l is the maximum body size and to is the shift in the growth curve to allow for nonzero body length at age zero
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 134
Glossary of Terms
Aquaculture - Aquatic species such as fish and shellfish in salt brackish or freshwater Farming implies private ownership and enhancement of production by stocking feeding providing protection from predators and other management measures
Beach-seine - A large enclosing net brought out by boats and dragged to the (sandy) shore Also a net
used to encircle fish in shallow water usually operated by two people wading out from shore the net
has lead weights to keep the bottom on the sea floor and floats to keep the top of the net at or near
the surface The seine may be set from a boat but hauled in from the land Also called shore seine
drag seine draw net haul seine yard seine and sweep net
Benthic species or benthos ndash Animals or plants living on the bottom of the ocean or lake
Biological diversity - The variability among living organisms including diversity within species between
species and of ecosystems (Section 2 of the Fisheries Act 1996) The Convention on Biological
Diversity also defines this as the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter
alia terrestrial marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems
Biomass - An aggregate weight at a particular time of fish (or other organisms) in a stock or in a fishery
Bottom trawl net - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom such
as Orange Roughy and oreos
Bottom pair-trawl - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom but
towed between two similar trawlers
Bycatch - Those species killed in a fishery targeted on other species or a different size range of the same
species and includes that part of the catch that has no commercial value and is discarded
Catch - The total number or weight of fish and other marine life including bycatch taken by fishing from an area over a period of time as opposed to landings which do not reflect the amount of discards
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (CCAMLR) - Established by treaty in 1980 the CCAMLR is unique among fisheries agreements in that the conservation measures adopted by the Commission must include a fisherys impact on the entire ecosystem rather than on just the targeted species This ecosystem approach aims to prevent a decrease in the size of harvested populations to levels that threaten their stable recruitment and to minimize the risk of changes in the marine ecosystem that are not potentially reversible over two or three decades The meetings of the Commission are held annually in Hobart Australia with representatives of the 23 CCAMLR member states
Continental shelf - The continental shelf is a gradually sloping undersea shelf of land that extends beyond shore of the continent The nature of this geologic shelf is home to a great diversity of fish and shellfish species
Copepods - A large group (approximately 6000 species) of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans They are an important food source for many larger animals including fish seabirds and baleen whales
Coral reefs ndash Reefs built up over hundreds of years by colonies of small animals called coral polyps and their skeletons of calcium carbonate Coral reefs cover less than 1 of the ocean area but are home to one-third of all marine fish species
Crustacean - The aquatic equivalent of insects also from the phylum Arthropoda Found in both fresh and salt water crustaceans are invertebrates and characteristically have a segmented body and exoskeleton with limbs that are paired and jointed Lobsters crabs shrimp and barnacles are examples of crustaceans
Danish seine - A method of seining with a large net but the catch is landed on the vessel Can be a single or
two boats net where an area of water of about 2 square kilometres is swept as two encircling ropes
leading to a trawl-like net are retrieved by the vessel(s) Fish within the ropes are herded into the net
during hauling
Demersal species - Fish found on or near the bottom of the ocean for example Orange Roughy
Depleted fishery - A fishery where the population has been reduced to less than that which would support
the maximum sustainable yield
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 135
Developed fishery - A fishery operating at or near the level of the maximum sustainable yield subject to
other environmental constraints
Developing fishery - A fishery in which experimental or feasibility fishing is being undertaken to determine
whether the resource can support a viable fishery
Dip-net - A net used for transferring the catch of a deep-sea seine after it has been brought alongside It is
operated either entirely by hand or partly by hand and partly by mechanical power Other names are
scoop brailer spoon net brail net and hand brailer
Dragnet ndash a small net pulled by two or more people which is dragged along the bottom
Driftnet - A gillnet weighted at the bottom and supported by floats at the top which drifts with the tide or
current Large driftnets used to be in excess of 50 km on the high seas and in New Zealand EEZ
can be no longer than 1km
EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone - the zone out to 200 nautical miles offshore established pursuant to
international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Fishing effort - The amount of fishing activity undertaken It is usually measured by the total time spent
fishing combined with the quantity of gear used for example the catch per thousand hooks or the
catch per trawl
Fecundity - The level or rate of egg or offspring production Fecundity may change with the size and age of a species
Finning - The practice of cutting off the fins of sharks and discarding the sharkrsquos body overboard Asia is the primary market for shark fins which are used to make shark fin soup The US Congress banned shark-finning in all US waters in 2000 Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Fishery - Can be defined in many ways though in general terms it is the take or removal of a species from the aquatic environment using some type of fishing technology The emphasis is on the human aspects of fishing and all the activities it involves
Food chain - The sequence of organisms through which energy and materials are transferred (in the form of food) or the linear progression of feeding levels in which one organism is the food source for the next
Food web - The complex interlocking series of individual food chains in an ecosystem ie all the predator-prey relationships
Fyke net ndash A long bag net distended by hoops into which fish can pass easily without being able to return
Globally threatened species - A species that is globally threatened with biological extinction under the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria
Growth over-fishing - When the losses due to natural and fishing mortality exceed the gains due to
recruitment and growth during the same period This is usually reflected by a reduction in the size of
the fish being harvested
High-grading - The practice of discarding at sea all or a portion of a vessels legal catch in order to obtain a higher or larger grade of fish that brings higher prices It may occur in both quota and nonquota fisheries
Hinaki ndash A traditional Maori woven eel net trap made from supplejack and flax
Invertebrate - Animals without a backbone (eg jellyfish octopus sponges bryozoans) In fishery management terms invertebrate usually refers to shellfish such as lobsters shrimp oysters and scallops
Jig - A multi-barbed hook used mainly to catch squid
Lampara net - Similar to but much smaller than a purse seine with no pursing action This net is generally
used for catching artificial light attracted schools of small fish such as anchovy and pilchard There is
a central spoon-shaped section and two lateral wings and the net is usually operated from a small
boat The rapid retrieval of the lead line does close the bottom of the net but it is not a true purse
Landings - Commercial landings are defined as the quantity of fish and shellfish brought ashore for sale The term also applies to the amount caught for personal use by recreational fishermen This measurement does not include the amount of bycatch incidentally caught and discarded dead at sea
Maximum sustainable yield - The maximum amount of a species that can be taken without diminishing the future take
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 136
Metric tonne - Often the unit of measurement for commercial and recreational landings a metric tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms 0984 long tons 11023 short tons or 22046 pounds
Mid-water trawl - A trawl designed catch species in mid-water eg hoki and southern blue whiting These
trawl nets can have 60 metre headline heights (top to bottom on net) and opening over 150m wide
Nautical mile - One nautical mile is the equivalent of 115 statute miles
Overcapitalization - This occurs when there is more fishing capacity (ie more boats gear or investment in equipment) than is needed to catch the available amount of fish in an economically efficient and sustainable manner Overcapitalization poses a threat to fish populations because it can easily lead to overfishing
Overfishing - Overfishing exists when the rate of fishing is greater than the level required to meet the management goal or maximum sustainable yield In other words overfishing occurs when a population of fish is caught faster than it can replenish itself through reproduction (Roberts et al)
Pelagic - An ancient Greek word for the open ocean or high seas the area comprising most of the Earths surface
Pelagic species - Species found near the surface of the sea and not on or near the seabed for example
tuna and kahawai
Plankton - Small plant and animal species that spend at least part of their time on the sea surface They rely in large part on ocean currents for distribution and transportation As eggs and larvae many marine species such as cod and Dungeness crabs are planktonic for part of their life cycle The plankton provide food for many commercially important fish and form the basis of ocean food webs Some of the largest marine creatures such as whale sharks and blue whales eat plankton Zooplankton are animals and phytoplankton are plants
Population - A group of interbreeding organisms that represents the level of organization at which speciation begins In other words a population is a group within a species that shares common ecological and genetic features compared to other individuals of that species
Precautionary principle - A proactive method of dealing with the environment that places the burden of proof on those whose activities could harm the environment rather than on the public It is the opposite of the wait-and-see principle acting before scientific proof of deleterious effects is applying a precautionary approach
Purse seine - A floating net designed to surround fish and can be closed at the bottom or ldquopursedrdquo by
means of a free-running line attached to the bottom of the net The net may be of up to 1 km length
and 300 m depth and is used to encircle surface schooling fish such as kahawai trevally and
skipjack tuna During retrieval the bottom of the net is closed or pursed by drawing a purse line
through a series of rings to prevent the fish escaping
Recruit - A fish entering the period in its life history when it is exposed to fishing Related phrases include
pre-recruits age or length at recruitment recruitment failure
Recruitment - Recruitment is the general replacement of fish to a stock or population In fisheries it is the
time when a fish grow to a size they become liable to be caught in fishing gear
Recruitment failure - The failure of the fish stock to be replaced by recruits
Recruitment over-fishing - Occurs when the spawning stock has been reduced to a level at which
recruitment of young fish entering the exploited component of the fishery is significantly reduced
Ring net - A modified lampara net with purse rings operated by two vessels
Seamount - Underwater volcanic mountain ridges and plateaus that rise up several kilometres from the sea
floor but do not reach the surface of the sea
Seine - A type of fishing net that encircles a school of fish
Set - To prepare and cast a net one ldquosetrdquo is typically defined as the interval from the time the net is cast to
the time the net is hauled in
Set net - A type of gill net that has been intentionally set staked or anchored or otherwise fixed in stationary
position as opposed to drift nets
Stock - The technical definition of a stock is an interbreeding sub-population of a species reproductively isolated to some extent from other populations Used as a unit for fishery management however stock refers to a specific population or group of populations of one or more species
Territorial Sea - This is sea within 12 nautical miles from low-water line along the coast
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 137
Trammel net - Type of gill net with three panels suspended from a common surface line and attached to a
single bottom line The two outside panels are of a larger mesh than the inside panel
Trawl - Net with a wide mouth tapering to a small pointed end usually called the cod end Trawls are towed
behind a vessel at any depth in the water column
Trolls - Lines with lures or baited hooks that are drawn through the water from a vessel while in motion
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 138
Glossary of Fish Names
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Abalone Paua Haliotis iris
Ahi Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Ahi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Akiwa Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Albacore Tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Anguile australe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Araara Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arāra Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arrow Squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Ashiro Ling Genypterus blacodes
Aua Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Australian long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Australian salmon Kahawai Arripis trutta
Barndoor skate Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Barracouta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Beryx Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Beryx de nouvelle-zelande Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Big-eye cardinalfish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Bigeye Tuna Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Black cardinal fish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Black dory Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 139
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Black Oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black-footed paua Paua Haliotis iris
Blauer wittling Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Blue bream Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Blue cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Blue grenadier Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue hake Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Blue moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Blue Pointer Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue shark Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Blue whaler Blue shark Prionace glauca
Bluefin Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Bluefin Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Bluenose Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bluff oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Bonita Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Brill Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Brim Snapper Pagrus auratus
Broadbill Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Broadbill swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Brown oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Bulldog Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Butterfish Butterfish Odax pullus
Calamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Chimera Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 140
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Chimera Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Chinchard neozelandias Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Cockles Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Common warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Coque Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Coquille saint-jacques de
Nouvelle-Zealande
Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Couta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Crayfish Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Crayfish Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Creamfish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Cutlassfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Dab Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Dark ghost shark Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Deepsea cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Deepsea dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Deepsea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Deepsea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Deepsea trevalla Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Deepsea warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Demi-bec neozelandias Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Dore austral Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Eels Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Elephant shark Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Elephantfish Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 141
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Flake School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Flat oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Flatfish Flatfish
Foveaux Strait Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Frostfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Gangiei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Gaori Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Garfish Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Gemfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Giant stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Golden snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Googly-eyed cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Goushyuumadai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Granatbarsch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Green rock lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Greenback flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea tapirina
Greenbone Butterfish Odax pullus
Grey boy School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grey mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Grey shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grondin rouget Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Groper Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Gummy shark Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Haature Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Haiku Hake Merluccius australis
Hake Hake Merluccius australis
Haku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 142
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Hakuraa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Half-beak Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hangenge Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hapuka Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Hauture Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Hauwai Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Herring Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Hihiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Hikau Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Hinangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Hohopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Hoka Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoka Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Hokarari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoki Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Hoplostete orange Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Hopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Horse mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Huangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huangiangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huuai Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Ihe Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Inaka Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Jack fish Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Jack mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 143
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Jock Stewart Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
John dory John dory Zeus faber
Julienette Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Kaaraerae Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kaataha Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kahawai Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kahu Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kaisersgranat Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Kalamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kalmar Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kanae Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Kaorea Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Kapua Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kararuri Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kataka Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kauaeroa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kawerai Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kehe Hake Merluccius australis
Kin koorako Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina ariki Kina Evechinus chloroticus
King dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kingklip Ling Genypterus blacodes
Kingu Ling Genypterus blacodes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 144
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Koekohe Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koeo Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kohikohi Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koinga Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kokowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Komutumutu Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kooeaea Butterfish Odax pullus
Koopuuhuri Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kooukauka Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kopapa Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kopukopu Blue cod Parapercis colias
Kopuwai Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Korohiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kororiwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Korowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Koura Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Koura Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Kourea Snapper Pagrus auratus
Kourepoua Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Kuakua Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Kumukumu Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Kupae Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Kuparu Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kuparu John dory Zeus faber
Kutuhori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Kuuwharuwharu Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Langoustine-de-NZ Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 145
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Langschwanz-Seehecht Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Latchet Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Leather jacket Leather jacket Parika scaber
Lemonfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Ling Ling Genypterus blacodes
Longfinned albacore Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachia +
Lookdown dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Mackerel shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Madai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Maha-taharaki Gemfish Rexea solandri
Maka Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Makaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Maka-tikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Makawhiti Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Mako shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Makohuarau School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Mako-huarau Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Makorepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Makumaku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Mangaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Mangoo-hapuu Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pekepeke Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pounamu Blue shark Prionace glauca
Manumanu Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Marakuha Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Marare Butterfish Odax pullus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 146
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Marari Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Mararī Butterfish Odax pullus
Marariwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Matapara Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matapuku Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matiri Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Matohe Butterfish Odax pullus
Matuawhapuku Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Merlan bleu austral Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Merluse Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Merluza Hake Merluccius australis
Merluza azul Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Minamimaguro Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Minamimaguro Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Moamoa Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moeone Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Mohimohi Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Moki trumpeter Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Monkfish Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moonfish Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Mora Ribaldo Mora moro
Morwong Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Nasello azzurro Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Nelson oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
New Zealand cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Ngu Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 147
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Northern Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
NZ cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
NZ dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
NZ gem scallop Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ gem shellfish Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ golden snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
NZ Herring Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
NZ Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae +
NZ littleneck clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
NZ sea crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
NZ smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
NZ sole Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Ocean bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Ocean perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Opah Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Orange roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Oreos Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Oursin de Nouvelle-
Zelande
Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Paakirikiri Blue cod Parapercis colias
Paara Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Paatiki Flatfish
Paatiki nui Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Paatiki rori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Paatikimohoao Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Paatikitotara Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Paatutuki Blue cod Parapercis colias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 148
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Pacific bluefin tuna Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Pacific mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Packhorse lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Paddle crabs Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Paea Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Pakaurua Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Pakeke Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Pale ghost shark Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Paumlpaka Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Papakura Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Papatia Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Para-taharangi Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Patete Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Patikinui Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Paua Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Pawharu Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Pearl Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Pearl Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Peruvian Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Pesce arancio Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Peterfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Pilchards Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Pillie Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Piper Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Pohuikaroa Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Porae Trumpeter Latris lineata
Porbeagle Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 149
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Porbeagle shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Porpoise shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Pota Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Poutini Blue shark Prionace glauca
Puaihakua Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Pukeru John dory Zeus faber
Pure Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Puurau Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Puuwhaiau Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Queen paua Paua Haliotis australis
Queen scallops Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Raawaru Blue cod Parapercis colias
Rari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Rattail Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Raumarie Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Red Cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Red Gurnard Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Red rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Red roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Red snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Reherehe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Repe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Reperepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Ribaldo Ribaldo Mora moro
Rig Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Rock salmon Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Rock salmon Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 150
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Roodbars Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Rosy soldierfish Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Rough skate Skates Zearaja nasutus
Rubyfish Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Saint-pierre John dory Zeus faber
Sand Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Sand perch Blue cod Parapercis colias
Sardine Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Sardine Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Scallops Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Scampi Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Scaree Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Schnapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
School shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Sea bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Sea bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Sea egg Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Sea mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Sea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Sea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Sea Urchin Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Seehecht Hake Merluccius australis
Shibi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Shortfin mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Short-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Short-finned squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Silver bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 151
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Silver eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Silver kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Silver trumpeter Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Silver warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Skates Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Skipjack tuna Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis
Slimehead Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Smooth Oreo Oreos Pseudocyttus maculatus
Smooth skate Skates Dipturus innominatus
Snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
Snoek Barracouta Thyrsites atun
South pacific crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Southern anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Southern blue whiting Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern bluefin tuna Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Southern kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Southern mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Southern poutassou Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern queen Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Southern spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey Oreo Oreos Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Spineback Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Splendid alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Spotted estuary smooth- Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 152
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
hound
Spotted oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Spotted spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spotted warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Spotten dogfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Sprats Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Spurdog Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Stone eye Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Striped marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Striped mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Striped trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Sudlicher kaiserbarsch Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Suei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Swimming crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Takaketonga Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Takeke Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Tamure Snapper Pagrus auratus
Tarakihi Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Tarao Butterfish Odax pullus
Tawatawa Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Teifsee-petersfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Tewetewe Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Tftis Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Thon rouge de sud Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Thon rouge de sud Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 153
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Tiikati Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Tiikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Tiikati Hake Merluccius australis
Tio Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio para Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio repe Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tipa Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Tipai Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Tope School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Toti Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Trevally Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Trigger fish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Tuangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Tuna hao Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tuna heke Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tupa Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Turbot Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Uku Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Venus shells Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Waewae Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Warehenga Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Wariwari Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Whaapuku Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Whai Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 154
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Wharangi Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Wheketere Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Whiptail Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
White cod Ribaldo Mora moro
White fillets Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
White tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
White warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Whiting Hake Merluccius australis
Wrackbarsch Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Wreckfish Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Yellow eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Yellow fin tuna Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Yellow-belly flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Yelloweye mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-eyed mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-footed paua Paua Haliotis australis
Yellowtail Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
![Page 5: Best Fish Guide 2009-2010](https://reader035.vdocument.in/reader035/viewer/2022071523/613d0ab7736caf36b7589f48/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 1
Introduction New Zealandrsquos oceans
New Zealand has one of the largest marine areas in the world covering more than 1 of
the Earthrsquos surface Its marine area is also incredibly diverse from the sub-tropical oceans
in the north to our temperate waters around the mainland and cool sub-Antarctic waters in
the south
Many of our marine species are found nowhere else in the world Scientists estimate that
more than 80 of New Zealandrsquos biodiversity is found in our oceans and much more is
yet to be discovered About 15000 marine species are known while it is estimated that
another 50000 species are yet to be discovered ndash new species are being found all the
time
Our marine area is also a vital part of our economy supporting out $15 billion fishing
industry and our $20 billion tourism industry
It is also central to our national identity most New Zealanders live near the ocean and
have a close relationship with the marine environment We collect kaimoana or seafood
swim dive snorkel and sail and appreciate the variety of marine life
Oceans under threat
New Zealandrsquos marine environment is under increasing pressure from human activities
Climate change pollution coastal development mineral exploration and mining create
cumulative effects that are having a detrimental impact on the health of the marine
environment and marine life
Fishing operations have the most significant impact on the marine environment both
through the amount of fish caught and the methods used to catch it
Some fishing practices such as bottom trawling and dredging used by fisheries in
New Zealand waters damage the marine environment
Over the last 50 years fishing technologies have developed to such an extent that
the scale of fishing operations now exceeds a level that is sustainable The UN
estimates that 70 of the worldrsquos fisheries are now exploited to their limits over-
exploited or depleted
Many fisheries also catch significant levels of by-catch ndash species such as
albatrosses dolphins sea lions and other non-target species
According to Statistics New Zealand fishing uses more energy than any other
industry sector increasing by 40 in the last decade
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 2
New Zealand prides itself on our clean green image and promotes its fisheries
management as world-leading
Compared to some fisheries this is partly true ndash New Zealand does take a comprehensive
management approach and is recognised as being among the best But comparing
ourselves to countries with no management or very poor fisheries management does not
mean that we should be proud of our situation New Zealand is still far from living up to its
slogan ldquoIf itrsquos from New Zealand itrsquos sustainablerdquo
Wild fisheries typically take place in open waters with low levels of enforcement of rules
that aim to ensure sustainability and few observers to report any breaches or problems
New Zealandrsquos fisheries quota management system is a rights-based system that entitles
quota holders to a ldquoright to fishrdquo which encourages them to fish to the maximum level
allowed under their quota rather than take a more sustainable approach
To ensure sustainability the QMS requires good information and a precautionary
approach Fisheries management in New Zealand is failing by
Allowing significant waste of fisheries resources
Having no upper size limit and allowing fish that have gathered to spawn to be
caught reducing the ability of fish populations to reproduce
Targeting the maximum (rather than an optimum or precautionary) yield
Lacking information about fish stocks and how sustainable catches are
Allowing or poorly managing levels of marine mammal and seabird deaths
including endangered species
Using destructive fishing techniques such as bottom trawling and dredging which
destroy habitats and seabed life
Our vision
Forest amp Bird has a vision for a more sustainable fishery by 2030
A healthy and diverse marine environment supporting an abundance of marine life
where profitable fisheries operate alongside other activities
Adverse impacts of fishing on the marine environment have been repaired or
mitigated and ldquonursery areasrdquo important for replenishment of populations are
protected
New Zealand meets or exceeds worldrsquos best practice in fisheries management and
environmental practice so it can market truly sustainable products worldwide
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 3
Forest amp Bird hopes that making seafood consumers aware of problems behind our
fisheries management will help them make better choices and encourage our fisheries to
improve their practices
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 4
The Best Fish Guide
The Best Fish Guide is a tool to inform seafood consumers and encourage
environmentally sound choices of seafood
The guide covers an assessment of New Zealandrsquos wild-caught fisheries (see the section
about farmed fisheries for more information ndash page 5)
The assessment is based on six criteria some of which are given heavier weighting than
others
Criteria Weighting
Status and sustainability of catch High
Captures of protected or globally threatened species High
Fishing method and impact Medium
Fish biology and vulnerability to overfishing Medium
Management regime appropriate to species Medium
Management effectiveness and information levels Low
The Best Fish Guide assessment methodology has been peer reviewed and is available
for you to download at wwwbestfishguideorgnz It is also available from Forest amp Birdrsquos
national office
The Best Fish Guide presents the results of its assessments in three formats
A detailed ecological assessment report (pages 10 - 128 of this report)
A comprehensive online reference tool (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
A wallet guide that summarises fish rankings at a glance The wallet guide ranks
fisheries from green (best choice) to red (worst choice) (see Appendix I)
To help you get the best taste from your Best Fish Guide we asked New Zealand chefs
and fish fans including Peta Methias Annabel Langbein and Dobie Blaze to share their
favourite ndash and sustainable ndash fish recipes using the species identified as best choice in the
guide You can find them at wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Questions to ask
Unfortunately many seafood retailers have poor information and labelling making it difficult
to make a sustainable choice As well as using the Best Fish Guide you can ask your
retailer questions
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 5
What species is it
Most fish species are known by a number of different names For example groper is also
known as bass and hapuku Or it can work the other way sometimes different species
are known by the same name For example fish labelled as ldquotunardquo could be a good choice
species like albacore tuna or it could be a worst choice like southern bluefin tuna
To identify what type of fish you are buying go to the Best Fish Guide glossary of fish
names (wwwbestfishguideorgnz)
Where was it caught
If your seafood was caught locally its ecological footprint is smaller because it doesnrsquot
have to be transported so far It is also easier to check how local fish were caught The
sustainability of fisheries in some regions is better than in other regions By asking where
the fish was caught and checking the Best Fish Guide seafood species assessments you
can find out whether that species is caught sustainably in that locality
How was it caught
Some fishing methods (bottom trawling and dredging) have devastating impacts on
seafloor habitats other methods (gillset netting trawl fishing long-lining) cause deaths of
vulnerable species By asking how your fish was caught you can avoid the high impact
and damaging methods
By asking these questions you can support more sustainable fishing practices and better
management of fisheries
Farmed seafood
The Best Fish Guide does not currently assess farmed seafood because it is managed
under a very different system from wild fisheries and its sustainability varies according to
very specific local factors
The main species farmed in New Zealand are molluscs such as mussels and oysters and
fin fish in particular salmon Farmed molluscs generally have a lower ecological impact
than farmed fin fish A particular concern about fish farming is the feeding of reared fish
with wild-caught seafood
Until Forest amp Bird develops its farmed fish assessment methodology we encourage you to
choose farmed seafood
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 6
Best Fish Guide 2009-10 assessment summary
The 2009-2010 Best Fish Guide assessment was carried out in August 2009 using the
latest government and published information on the biology status and management of
fish stocks protected species captures habitat damage and ecological damage caused by
fishing methods to marine life
Fishery Facts
Of New Zealandrsquos 75 commercial fisheries assessed
29 (39) are over-fished or there has been a substantial decline in stocks
49 (65) cause habitat damage 45 (60) kill significant numbers of seabirds 47 (63) kill a significant number of marine mammals 55 (73) catch too much non-target fish 51 (68) cause adverse ecological effects
42 (56) have never had a quantitative stock assessment and the stock status is unknown
15 (20) have had a full stock assessment in the last 10 years (some showed that little was known about the state of the stocks)
7 (9) have quantitative stock assessments which are more than 10 years old 18 (24) have had only a partial stock assessment in the last 10 years 11 (15) have had all stocks assessed in the last 5 years 24 (32) were missing basic biological information required to manage the stock
75 (100) have no management plan 8 (11) manage more than one species as a single species
Every year over 1300 commercial fishing vessels fish in New Zealand waters
Catching 453145 tonnes of fish in the 2008 fishing year with hoki making up the largest proportion (This is down from 652000 tonnes in 1998)
Setting 10000 km of nets Setting 50 million hooks Making 90000 trawls Making 90000 dredge tows
Also
On average around 55000 square kilometres were trawled each year in the middle depth and deep water fisheries between 1990 and 20051 (with most fishing in areas targeting hoki squid orange roughy scampi and snapper)
Around 1000 fur seals are killed annually in New Zealand fisheries2
1 Ministry for the Environment (2009) Environmental Report Area swept by trawling
(httpwwwmfegovtnzenvironmental-reportingoceansfishing-activitytrawlingarea-swepthtml) 2 Smith MH and S J Baird (2009) Model-based estimation of New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus foresteri)
incidental captures and strike rates for trawl fishing in New Zealand waters for the years 1994-95 to 2005-06 NZ Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity No 40
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 7
The Best and the Worst
New Zealandrsquos most ecologically sustainable fisheries are generally those with low-impact
fishing methods targeting species with a low vulnerability to fishing or caught in well-
managed fisheries
The highest-ranking fisheries representing the best seafood choices are anchovies
pilchards and sprats
Close behind still offering a good seafood choice are skipjack tuna garfish cockles and
kina
Improvements3
A number of commercially caught species have moved up the Best Fish Guide rankings
including hoki blue cod trevally packhorse lobster and red gurnard
The worst-ranking fisheries are orange roughy and porbeagle shark followed by
oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna mako shark snapper blue shark and black
cardinalfish These fish represent a poor seafood choice and should be avoided
Degraded3
Quite a few commercially caught species have moved down the Best Fish Guide rankings
These include skates or rays bluenose rock lobster scallops eels and both bigeye and
yellowfin tuna
Below is a table illustrating some of New Zealandrsquos fisheries with the greatest
environmental impact (unless otherwise stated these numbers are based on a 3 year
average of the latest information)
Ecological impact Worst offending fisheries (in order of impact) Numbers killed per year
Marine Mammals
- Hectors dolphins4 Riglemonfish school shark elephantfish butterfish 110-150
- NZ sea lions5 Southern squid trawl fishery scampi southern blue
whiting 54
- NZ fur seals5
Hoki southern blue whiting ling 800
- Dolphins (common porpoise bottlenose)
5 Jack mackerel blue mackerel 55
Seabirds (2006-07)5
- Albatrosses Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline swordfish longline
1060
- Petrels Squid trawl hoki trawl tuna longline 1900
- Fishing methods Longline fisheries 1500
3 Change in status relative to the Best Fish Guide 2007-08 assessment 4 Davies N Bian R Starr P Lallemand P Gilbert D and McKenzie J (2008) Risk analysis of Hectorrsquos dolphins
and Mauirsquos dolphin subpopulations to commercial set net fishing using a temporal-spatial age-structured model NIWA Wellington
5 Abraham E R and Thompson F N (2009) Capture of protected species in New Zealand trawl and longline fisheries1998-99 to 2006-07 Dragonfly Wellington
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 8
eg Tuna longline fisheries (southern bluefin tuna big-eye tuna etc)
500
eg Bottom longline fisheries ndash snapper ling bluenose
990
Trawl fisheries (eg squid hoki scampi) 1680
Turtles5
Tuna longline fisheries 12
Sharks
- Basking sharks6 Hoki squid barracouta 50
- Blue sharks7 Tuna longline fishery 76000
Finned sharks (proportion of sharks finned between 2002 and 2007)
6
eg blue shark 87
eg porbeagle shark 85
eg mako shark 47
Seafloor species8
Bottom trawl fisheries (eg orange roughy and oreo) 30+ tonnes
Incidental (non-target) bycatch
Scampi fishery9 54 x total scampi
catch
Southern bluefin tuna10
20 x total southern bluefin
tuna catch
Trawl fisheries11
10-25 of total target catch
Dredge fisheries (eg oysters and scallops)12
1 - 25 x total target catch
New Zealand sea lion bycatch has been estimated to range from 45 to 115 sea lions over the last five years
A summary of the ecological assessment scores for each New Zealand seafood species is
presented in Appendix II (page130)
6 Ministry of Fisheries (2008) New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks
Ministry of Fisheries Wellington 7 Science Group Ministry of Fisheries (2008) Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008
stock assessments and yield estimates 157p 8 Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-
2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p 9 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02
to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
Ballara SL and Anderson OF (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the trawl fisheries for arrow squid and scampi in New Zealand waters New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 38 102p
Anderson O F (2009) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand orange roughy trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 39 40p
Anderson O F and Smith M H (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl fishery 1999-2000 to 2002-03 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 20053 37p
10 Griggs LH Baird S J and Francis MP (2007) Fish bycatch in New Zealand tuna longline fisheries 2002-03 to 2004-05 New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200718 58p
11 Anderson O F (2007) Fish Discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand jack mackerel trawl fishery 2001-02 to 2004-05 New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No 8 36p
12 Beentjes MP and Baird SJ (2004) Review of dredge fishing technologies and practice for application in New Zealand New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 200437 40p
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 9
Seafood assessment results
The following pages detail the ecological assessments of each commercially caught New
Zealand seafood species (An index is presented at the front of this report)
To aid the reader a quick reference to the key ecological concerns are illustrated with one
of the following icons
Fish stock(s) increasing after period of substantial decline
Fish stock(s) over-fished or have substantially declined
Fishery causes habitat damage
Fishery has a seabird bycatch problem
Fishery has a marine mammal bycatch problem
Fishery has a non-target fish bycatch problem
Fishery causes adverse ecological effects
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 10
Albacore tuna
Scientific name Thunnus alalunga
Other names White tuna (canned) albacore longfinned albacore thon blanc (France) tunny (UK) binnaga bincho tombo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna that is mainly caught by troll and longline fisheries (30-50 of the catch) off the west coast of New Zealand‟s North and South Islands The albacore catch steadily increased following the start of commercial fishing in the 1960s and fluctuated (between 2200 and 6600 tonnes) in the last ten years (Lewis and Williams 2001 p29) The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals declining stock trends and the absence of catch limits a management plan and an updated stock assessment Removal of this large predatory species from the ocean‟s food web has wide ecological implications Economic value The main market is for canned albacore with the canning process done outside New Zealand Canned albacore tuna is sold as ldquowhite tunardquo mainly in the USA The export value is over $10 million per year Best option Troll caught tuna (eg West Coast of the South Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology amp risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Albacore tuna are a highly migratory species found on the west coast of the North and South Islands between New Plymouth and Fiordland It is also found on the East Coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit There are no catch limits set for New Zealand (it is not on the QMS) and there is no global catch limit Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 2251 tonnes in 2008 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown - Likely to be above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe current assessment indicates lower levels of stock size and maximum sustainable yield which appear to be more realistic than previous assessments There is uncertainty regarding the sustainability of the south Pacific albacore stock and the WCPFC [Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission] Scientific committee recommended that catches of south Pacific albacore remain at current levels considering the current rates of fishing mortality on adult albacorerdquo (MFish 2008 p31) Impact of fishing method and Protected threatened or endangered species bycatch (score D and C) Fishing Method(s) Trolling on the West Coast of the South Island and longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery and sharks are caught in the troll fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and Management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there an Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ) Management plan No The albacore troll fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 11
Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the WCPFC is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries (2000) A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report (2001) New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) stock assessments and yield estimates Ministry of Fisheries Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 12
Alfonsino
Scientific name Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Other names Splendid alfonsino sudlicher kaiserbarsch (Germany) roodbars (Netherlands) beryx (France) kinmedai kinme (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Alfonsino is actually the name used for two deepwater species related to the red snapper They are both widely dispersed in New Zealand waters and are particularly found around seamounts and deepwater reefs in waters 200 to 800m deep Ecological concerns Management of two species as one damage by fishing gear to seamounts ecological impacts of bottom trawling shark bycatch limited research lack of a management plan unknown stock status and unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and current catch limits in all of the fishstocks Economic value Main market is Japan with exports of about $7 million per year ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (Score C) Distribution Widely dispersed in New Zealand waters but mainly found near seamounts off the east coast of the North Island and the Chatham Rise at depths of 300-600m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 4-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3000 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2748 tonnes in 2007-08 Catch limits have been exceeded in BYX 2 for seven of the last ten years Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For BYX 1 ldquois likely to be lightly fishedhellip no stock assessment has been conducted and the state of the stock in relation to BMSY is not knownrdquo For BYX 2 current catches ldquoappears to be sustainable in the short to medium termrdquo For BYX 3 ldquoIt is not known if the recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p43) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing Method(s) Mainly bottom trawling and some mid-water trawling over hills and seamounts around the Chatham Rise Habitat damage Trawling damages fragile underwater seamounts altering unique community complexes Bycatch Sharks and a range of non-target species including sponges and corals Ecological effects Destruction to seafloor habitats and seamount ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No assessments for any area except BYX 2 which has had no quantitative assessment since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 13
Anchovy
Scientific name Engraulis australis
Other names kokowhaawhaa korowhaawhaa (Maori) Southern anchovy
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This small fast growing but short-lived schooling fish is common in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays It is often found in mixed schools with pilchards and sprats and occurs around the world Jointly with pilchards and sprats anchovy has the best ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns There are no estimates of the size of its sustainable yield a lack of basic biological information on natural mortality growth or stock structure limited research and lack of a management plan There is also concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species Economic value New Zealand and exports of under $100000 per year Best option Anchovy are one of the best New Zealand seafood choices ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Commonly found in inshore waters around the North Island and upper South Island Maximum age (years) 6 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 560 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1 tonne in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status This species has been very lightly fished so it is thought to be at or close to its natural level The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for anchovyrdquo (MFish 2009 p46) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species capture (score B and B) Fishing Method(s) Lampara nets and purse seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch Some bycatch of other pelagic fish Ecological effects Reducing the anchovy population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other species including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals as has happened with anchovy fisheries elsewhere Sometimes anchovy are discarded when there are no markets making this effect unnecessary Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 14
Arrow Squid
Scientific name Nototodarus gouldi and Nototodarus Sloanii
Other names wheketere (Maori) short-finned squid calamari (Australia) kalamari teftis (Greece) kalmar (Germany) pota (Spain)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two species of squid are very short lived (1 year) and range from surface depths down to 500 metres in coastal waters around New Zealand Arrow squid are mainly caught off the South Island and the Auckland Islands with most taken by mid-water trawling with the rest caught by bottom trawling and jigging Ecological concerns Trawl caught squid where there is a high number of threatened NZ sea lions NZ fur seals seabirds and non-target fish killed as bycatch plus damage done to the seabed and associated species by bottom trawling The Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery is of particular concern killing hundreds of seabirds and up to 150 sea lions per year (72 in 2009) from the main breeding colony which is in decline The state of stocks absence of research and lack of a management plan are also concerns In addition two species are managed as one and there is an absence of basic biological information on squid and no research programme focussed on squid Economic value Most arrow squid are exported frozen to Greece (17) Spain (15) and Australia (12) Exports vary considerably between years and were worth about $70 million in 2008 which was well below 2004 exports ($172m) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Nototodarus sloanii is found off the East Coast of the South Island and the Southern Plateau while N gouldi occurs in warmer waters off the East and West coasts of the North Island south of the sub-tropical convergence Maximum age (years) 1 Size at sexual maturity 22-30 cm (mantle length) Growth rate High Reproductive output Very high Size exploited Approximately 20cm (mantle length) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 127332 tonnes every year since 1997-98 but there has been additional in-season adjustments in Squid 1T of an additional catch of 10 to 30 Recorded catch Reported landings of 56035 tonnes in 2007-08 was about two-thirds of the TACC set in all years since 1997-98 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquohellip it is not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for squid nor determine if recent catch levels or the current TACC [total allowable commercial catch] will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p54) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing Method(s) Approximately 30 are caught by bottom trawling with the rest coming from mid-water trawling and a small amount by squid jigging a more environmentally friendly method which uses bright lights to attract squid to the jiggers Habitat damage Bottom trawling and mid-water trawl gear fished near the seafloor damages the seabed Bycatch Globally threatened NZ sea lions which have been in decline for the last 10 years NZ fur seals albatross and petrels drown in trawl nets The fishery also catches globally threatened basking sharks Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of these important prey species can affect populations of larger fish seabirds and marine mammals including the threatened NZ sea lion Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1988 Catch limits Yes Management plan No
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 15
Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd NZ SeaFIC website 2005
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 16
Barracouta
Scientific name Thyrsites atun
Other names maka makaa mangaa (Maori) couta snoek
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Barracouta is a relatively short-lived species that is related to gemfish It is widely distributed in the Southern oceans and whilst abundant in New Zealand‟s cooler waters south of Cook Strait they also occur in our northern waters ranging from shallow inshore areas to depths of 200m Once an undesirable bycatch species barracouta are now an important part of trawl fishery catches Ecological concerns The damage done to large areas of the seabed by bottom trawling poor knowledge of stock boundaries limited research lack of a management plan and uncertainty over the sustainability of the current catch limit and recent catches Bycatch of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels non-target fish plus removal of this important predator species on food webs are also of concern Economic value Main markets include Japan China Papua New Guinea and South Africa Total exports worth $28 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Mainly found off the South Chatham Stewart and Snares Islands to depths of 200m Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate to fast Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 32662 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 27968 tonnes in 2007-08 were well under the peak landings of 47000 tonnes reported in 1977 The catch for BAR 5 has exceeded the TACC by up to 25 in three of the last four years Stock trends Unknown A decline in Southland was indicated from trawl surveys in the 1990‟s but surveys have since been cancelled MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available for any barracouta stocks and therefore it is not known if current TACCs and recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p62) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing Method Bottom trawling Habitat damage Large areas of benthic communities are damaged by bottom trawling including bryozoans and crabs Bycatch Non-target fish species such as silver warehou and spiny dogfish and a significant bycatch in Southland of NZ fur seals white-capped (shy) albatrosses and sooty shearwaters Ecological effects Fishing for barracouta removes an important predator from food webs Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment Yield estimates based on average catch have not been reviewed since 1992 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 17
Bigeye tuna
Scientific name Thunnus obesus
Other names Ahi Bigeye thon obese (France) mabachi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bigeye tuna is a highly migratory species that is deeper swimming than other tuna found off the coast of the North Island for much of the year Longline fisheries for this tuna occur mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north New Zealand represents only 35 percent of the Pacific catch which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks declining stock trend lack of a management plan plus the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals Bigeye is internationally listed as a threatened species (vulnerable) Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value in 2008 was $17 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Big eye tuna are caught mainly on the east and west coast of the North Island mainly in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 11+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 714 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 201 tonnes in 2006-07 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Likely to be currently above BMSY but thought to be unsustainable - effort 30 higher than sustainable levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Recent [Pacific wide] catches are high relative to the estimated MSY both because of high recent fishing mortality and because the stock has benefited from above-average recruitment over the past 15 years The WCPFC Scientific Committee recommended a minimum 30 reduction in fishing mortality from the average levels for 2003ndash2006 with the goal of returning the fishing mortality rate to FMSY The SC acknowledged that projections indicate that the bigeye tuna stock may become overfished (biomass lt BMSY spawning biomass lt SBMSY) in the future with regard to both total biomass and spawning biomass even with a 30 reduction in fishing mortality Therefore it may be necessary to recommend additional reductions in fishing mortality in the future if assessments indicate that fishing mortality is greater than FMSY (MFish 2008 p39)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing Method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No New Zealand quantitative assessment but a 2008 assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Convention is used References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 18
Black cardinalfish
Scientific name Epigonus telescopus
Other names akiwa (Maori) big-eye cardinalfish cardinalfish apogon (France) tenjikudai yesemutsu (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing long-lived (over 100 years) deepwater species is the only cardinalfish that reaches a marketable size It is common off the east coast of the North Island at depths of 300 to 800m and is caught in association with alfonsino around seamounts and orange roughy which has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns The damage done to seamounts by bottom trawling the bycatch of deepwater sharks declining catch rates in the main fisher the unknown state of many stocks and the unsustainability of East Coast North Island and Chatham Rise fisheries where stocks have been estimated to be just 12 of the original unfished population size Limited research lack of a management plan and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit or recent catches are also of concern Economic value The main market is New Zealand with some exports to Japan and China Total exports of $15million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Most abundant off the east coast of the North Island in very mobile schools up to 150m off the bottom over hills and rough ground and at depths of 300-800m Maximum age (years) 100+ Age at sexual maturity 35-45 Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 50-60cm 35 years
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown but thought to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 3751 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1134 tonnes in 2007-08 represents the lowest catch since the fishery was developed in the mid-1980s Stock trends Declining catch rates in the main fishery (CDL2) to a level well below a quarter of that in the early 1990s MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For CDL2 3 and 4 ldquoB2009 was estimated to be 12 B0rdquo and ldquoModel projections indicate that the biomass will increase at catch levels near or below the 2007-08 level but will decline sharply at catch levels equal to the TACCrdquo For other stocks ldquothere is no informationrdquo (MFish 2009 p72-73)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing Method Bottom and mid-water trawling north of Chatham Rise where it is caught in association with Orange Roughy Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates sea floor benthic species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats bulldozing the sea floor destroying black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Deepwater sharks and a range of deepwater species including Orange Roughy Ecological effects Impact on seamount communities and deepwater fish populations
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 for CDL 2 to 8 and 1999 for CDL 1 and 9 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The first accepted quantitative stock assessment was completed for CDL 2 3 and 4 in 2009 An assessment of CDL 2 was previously attempted in 1997 and 2001 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 19
Blue cod
Scientific name Parapercis colias
Other names kopukopu paakirikiri paatutuki raawaru (Maori) New Zealand cod sand perch taragisu (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue cod is an endemic bottom dwelling species that is relatively common throughout New Zealand but is most abundant south of Cook Strait Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch limits which are significantly greater than yield estimates based on past average catches the combined commercial and recreational catches plus limited research The impact of trawling on long-lived slow-growing fragile corals and sponges is also of major concern Large and heavily baited pots can also damage seafloor species when dropped in deeper waters Other concerns include shags being caught in pots and the lack of a management plan Economic value New Zealand markets plus exports to Australia Malaysia China and Taiwan of less than $1 million in 2008 Best option Blue cod caught by hand line ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Blue cod is a bottom dwelling species found mainly inshore off southern New Zealand and the Chatham Islands to depths of 150m The main fisheries occur off Southland and the Chatham Islands with smaller but significant fisheries off Otago Marlborough Sounds and Wanganui Maximum age (years) 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-6 years - all blue cod start life as females with some changing into males when older Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited Enter commercial fishery at 6-12 years Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2680 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2316 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However a decline of over 40 in 6 years is indicated in the Marlborough Sounds from pot surveys and recreational fishers have suggested local depletion in parts of BCO3 BCO5 and BCO7 BCO5 productivity appears to be affected by dredging for oysters (Cranfield et al 2001) MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor BCO 12345 and 8 recent commercial catch levels and current TACCs are considered sustainablerdquo But ldquoFor [Marlborough Sounds] (in BCO 7) it is not known if the combined recreational and commercial catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p88) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mostly target caught in pots but some are caught on hand lines and some as bycatch by the inshore trawl fleet in BCO3 and BCO7 Apart from area BCO5 there are no limits on the size of mesh used in pots ndash this increases the chance of small fish being caught Habitat damage Long-lived slow growing soft corals sponges and bryozoans are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped on them Trawlers also scrape and damage the seabed and associated species Bycatch Shags may drown in pots and small fish may be caught Ecological effects The combined effects of a loss of large blue cod which are easily caught in fisheries the bycatch caught in trawl fisheries and the serial depletion of blue cod may all be having a degree of adverse impacts on the wider marine ecosystem
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 20
Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cranfield H J G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ J of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 21
Blue mackerel
Scientific name Scomber australasicus
Other names tawatawa tewetewe (Maori) pacific mackerel southern mackerel maquereau (France) saba (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue mackerel is a relative of tuna and is similarly widely distributed around the Pacific including New Zealand It is often found below schools of jack mackerel and kahawai and is caught year round off the North Island and northern South Island primarily by purse seine fishing Ecological concerns The little known state of fishstocks the unknown sustainability of catch levels declining catch rates on the West Coast limited research and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the bycatch of dolphins and other fish species plus the ecological impact of blue mackerel removal from food webs Economic value Exports worth about $10 million in 2008 Main markets are Australia Philippines and Eastern Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Pelagic species widespread around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 24+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but thought to be of a moderate population size Annual catch limit Set at 11550 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8982 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown However large decline in catch rates in EMA7 (West Coast of both Islands) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the status of blue mackerel stocks and no estimates of current and reference biomass or yield are available for any blue mackerel area It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p96) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score C and D) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse-seining but also bottom longline bottom pair-trawl beach-seine bottom trawl driftnet (in international waters) dip net Danish seine hand line lampara midwater trawl lobster pot ring net surface longline set net and troll Habitat damage Low for purse-seine caught fish high for bottom trawl and bottom pair-trawl caught fish Bycatch Caught in association with other pelagic species including jack mackerel kahawai skipjack tuna and trevally When caught with the jack mackerel fishery there is a dolphin bycatch problem on the West Coast of the North Island Ecological effects This fishery has an impact on a range of pelagic fish species which play an important role in driving smaller baitfish species close to the sea surface where a variety of seabird species are able to feed on them Reducing these pelagic fish species can in turn reduce the amount of baitfish available at the sea surface for seabirds to feed on Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Management plan No Management component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 22
Blue moki
Scientific name Latridopsis ciliaris
Other names moki moki trumpeter isuzumi isaki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Blue moki is a comparatively long-lived species found in shallow waters Landings have declined since the mid-1990s when it was introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS) This species spawns between East Cape and Mahia and is culturally important for East CapeCape Runaway Iwi (Maori tribes) It is caught by trawl or set net Ecological concerns The reduction in landings since it was introduced to the QMS limited research the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock structure and the unknown status of stocks and population size Use of set nets and trawlers have impacts on seabed communities and non-target fish species The fishing methods may also have impacts on marine mammals Economic value The main market for blue moki is within New Zealand with exports of under $100000 in 2008 Best option Blue moki caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly found around the South Island and the entire east coast of the North Island south of Cape Runaway down to depths of 100m Blue moki spawns near Cape Runaway East Cape Maximum age (years) 43+ Age at sexual maturity 5-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 608 tonnes in 2001-2002 Recorded catch Reported total landings of 533 tonnes in 2007-2008 below reported annual peak landings in 1970 and 1979 of approximately 960 tonnes Stock trends Rebuilding MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available The current TACCs and recent catch levels are below the estimated MCY are considered sustainablehellip at least in the short to medium term TACs were originally set at low levels to promote stock rebuildingrdquo (MFish 2009 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Trawling and set nets Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on sensitive seafloor species Bycatch Range of non-target fish species caught in set nets and trawl nets plus potential impacts on marine mammals and seabirds including threatened Hector‟s dolphins Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 23
Blue shark
Scientific name Prionace glauca
Other names mango-pounamu poutini (Maori) blue whaler blue pointer peau bleue requin bleu (France) yoshikirizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing A highly migratory species Blue sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north Most of the blue sharks (around 87) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals limited research and the lack of a quantitative stock assessment or a management plan Removal of this predatory species may also have considerable negative ecological implications Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning which is legal in New Zealand is also enormously wasteful Whilst there is no management plan for blue sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for blue sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tail) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Blue sharks range and are caught in longline fisheries all around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 8 for males and 7 to 9 for females Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 1860 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Landings of 835 tonnes total reported catch Stock trends Uncertain estimates of reference and current biomass are not available At a CSIRO scientific meeting in 2007 blue sharks were estimated to have declined by 40 in the Tasman Sea over the last 10 years MSY Status Uncertain Listed on IUCN red list as a near threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics blue shark is possibly less vulnerable to overexploitation than mako or porbeagle sharksrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining around the North Island Habitat damage Low Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline fishery The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries figures show that from 2002-2007 more than 80 of blue sharks caught in New Zealand were taken just for their fins
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 24
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 25
Blue warehou
Scientific name Seriolella brama
Other names common warehou warehou okihirasu media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Blue warehou is a coastal species unlike other warehou (silver and white warehou) common in depths of 20 to 200m in cooler southern waters south of Cook Strait It is popular in fish and chip shops The main fishing grounds for include Cook Strait and the West Coast of the South Island Ecological concerns Limited research the unknown size of fishstocks the lack of a management plan the habitat damage caused by bottom trawling non-target fish bycatch and the associated ecological impacts caused by the fishing methods Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $1 million in 2008 mainly to Japan and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Mainly found in coastal waters around the South Island at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 22 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate until maturity Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown in all areas and poorly estimated for WAR3 Annual catch limit Set at 4513 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1530 tonnes in 2007-08 which is a large decline compared to previous catches In past years catches in WAR3 have exceeded the TACC by up to 40 Stock trends Probably declining in WAR 3 fishery and unknown in other areas MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of reference and current biomass are not available For all Fishstocks it is not known if recent landings or TACC‟s are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p109) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing Method(s) Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (eg squid) including bottom trawling for hoki Some are caught in coastal set nets Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans Bycatch A range of non-target fish species are caught as bycatch in set nets and trawl nets Ecological effects Damage to seafloor and associated species due to trawling plus removal of large fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - an uncertain assessment was carried out in WAR3 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 26
Bluenose
Scientific name Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Other names matiri (Maori) bonita blue bream deepsea trevalla blue eye trevella (Australia) stone eye Griffin‟s silver fish minami media (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Bluenose is a long-lived slow growing relative of warehou found in the temperate waters of the southern Hemisphere They are caught year round by trawl and longline mainly around offshore reefs or drop off areas
Ecological concerns The damage caused to underwater banks and canyons north of the Cook Strait by trawling the bycatch of non-target fish species such as sharks and seabirds limited research the lack of a management plan and the uncertainty over stock boundaries Also of concern is the large decline in catch rates (64 in 5 years) throughout the zone the unknown state of stocks and the likelihood the stock will continue to decline at the current catch limits
Economic value Exports of about $14 million in 2008 with main markets in United States (about 50) and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand mainly around rocky areas at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 10+ Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited lt10
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2305 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2498 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining throughout the zone MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoStandardised catch per unit of effort (CPUE) series based on data from six fisheries which span most of major fisheries taking bluenose in the NZ EEZ have declined an average of 64 over the period 2001ndash02 to 2006ndash07 If this decline is indicative of the overall abundance of bluenose in these areas then BNS abundance could have declined by more than 50 across all areas over these six years If there has been replenishment of the features being fished in the period prior to the decline the overall decline in abundance could be even larger Although factors other than abundance may have contributed to the declines in CPUE and catches current BNS catches and TACCs do not appear to be sustainable hellip It is likely that the stock will continue to decline at the current TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p123-125)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Caught by bottom longline in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland and as a bycatch in the alfonsino midwater trawl fishery off the Wairarapa coast Habitat damage Trawling and associated seafloor scraping causes damage to underwater banks canyons and seamounts north of the Cook Strait Bycatch Other non-target fish species in the alfonsino fishery Longlining and trawling also catch a range of bycatch species including sharks Seabirds are also caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects The combined impacts of trawling and longlining on the structure of marine communities
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock estimates for all areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group MFish The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 27
Butterfish Scientific name Odax pullus
Other names marari matohe tarao kooaea (Maori) greenbone Bera-rui (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Butterfish is an endemic species of kelpfish found in shallow waters around the New Zealand coast They are more abundant south of East Cape especially around Cook Strait where they are caught year round in set nets Ecological concerns The unknown status of stocks and population size unknown sustainability of catch levels absence of research the lack of a management plan and the bycatch of non-target fish species Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However a pending court ruling may grant the fishery an exemption and raise the risk to these dolphins Economic value Butterfish is sold in New Zealand Best option Butterfish caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east and north coast of the North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in shallow waters in rocky coastal areas of New Zealand and the Chatham Islands It is most common in areas around Cook Strait Maximum age (years) 11-15 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 ndash larger fish are males that started life as females Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - there are no estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit Set at 162 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 114 tonnes in 2007-08 mainly in the Cook Strait and around Stewart Island Recreational catch is estimated to be of a similar size Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known whether recent catch levels will allow the stock to move towards BMSY Butterfish populations are susceptible to localised depletionrdquo (MFish 2009 p131) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Method Targeted set nets Habitat damage Low for set netting Bycatch Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where butterfish fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Ecological effects Butterfish are important kelp eating fish so their depletion could have wider impacts on kelp forest ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative estimates References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 28
Cockles
Scientific name Austrovenus stutchburyi
Other names hinangi huangi huuai huangiangi tuangi (Maori) NZ littleneck clam (USA) clam venus-shells coque (Canada)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description A relatively short-lived but widespread shellfish species found in soft mud to silty sand habitats in harbours and estuaries The main commercial harvesting areas are at Whangarei NelsonMarlborough and the Otago Peninsula Ecological concerns The impacts of mechanical harvesting and digging at Tasman and Golden Bay Also the past depletion of stocks in Whangarei harbour gaps between surveys the lack of a management plan the uncertainty over stock size in relation to virgin biomass and BMSY in other areas The ecological effects of removing or killing this shellfish on wading birds that feed on cockles is also of concern Economic value Sold in New Zealand and exported (under $1 million in 2008) to United States and Europe (France) Best option Cockles collected by hand (eg Whangarei and Otago) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand including Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands in harbours and estuaries from mean high tide level down to low tide Maximum age (years) 8+ Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Biomass was estimated to be about 35 of virgin biomass in COC1A (Whangarei) In COC3A (Otago) adult cockles are just below or well below 1992 levels in Waitati and Papanui Inlet In COC7A+B (Top of South Island ndash Golden Bay - Marlborough) two of the three commercially fished areas have declined Annual catch limit Total catch limit was set at 3206 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported commercial harvest of approximately 1148 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends In Whangarei (COC1) large cockles (greater than 35mm) have declined to about 5 percent of 1982 levels In Whangarei harbour cockles have declined to well below 1980s levels For Otago areas the biomass is under 30 and 55 of 1992 levels for juvenile cockles and 65-90 of adult numbers In Tasman Bay-Golden Bay the Pakawau Beach population does not appear to have declined (and may have increased) whereas Ferry Point and Riwaka-Tapu Bay cockle size and abundance has declined to 20 and 50 respectively MSY Status Depleted in Whangarei harbour Fishery Assessment plenary report states For Whangarei harbour (COC1) that ldquoThis current TACC is higher than the estimated CAY (239 t) unless a smaller size (28 mm SL or shorter) at recruitment is assumed suggesting that fishing at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be sustainable in the long termrdquo For NelsonMarlborough (COC7A and B) ldquoAt Pakawau Beach the biomass of cockles does not appear to have declined since the start of the commercial fishery in 1983 and has probably increased owing to exceptional recruitment in 2000 At Ferry Point the size and abundance of cockles has declined markedly since 1996 At Riwaka-Tapu Bay size and abundance has also declined Because of the uncertainty over the relationsip between Bcurrent and BMSY it is not known if recent catches and current catch limits will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo For Otago ldquoIn Waitati Inlet the estimates of CAY hellipare above current catch levels and recent reported landings Furthermore CAY estimates for the area of the inlet where commercial fishing currently occurs are also above current catch levels and recent reported landingsrdquo (MFish 2009 p142 148 and 185)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 29
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and A) Fishing method(s) Mechanical digging and raking of mudflats in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and hand harvesting in Whangarei harbour and Otago Peninsula Habitat damage Mechanical digging and raking kills small cockles and impacts other species living within the sediment Minimal impact from hand harvesting Bycatch Impact of mechanical dredging on small shellfish and other sub-surface organisms Ecological effects Small cockles are an important part of the diet of some wading bird species Removing or killing small cockles reduces the amount of food available to wading birds including South Island and variable oystercatchers bar-tailed godwits and Caspian and white-fronted terns Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 for four areas Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Surveys for stock assessments were carried out in Whangarei 2007 Otago 2007 and Pakawau (Golden Bay) Riwaka and Ferry Point in 2008 Quantitative assessments for most areas using 1991-93 information Annual surveys are required for CAY assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 30
Dark ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Other names Chimaera pearl pearl fish chimeacutere (France) ginbuka ginzame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This slow growing deepwater shark species is only found in New Zealand and is most abundant in waters 150 to 500m deep off the West Coast of the South Island and the Chatham Rise It is caught almost entirely as bycatch in other target trawl fisheries notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological data the uncertain long-term sustainability of catch levels the unknown status of the fishstocks and the impact of trawling on benthic species As a bycatch species it has associated seabird and marine mammal bycatch and disrupted ecosystem concerns Whilst there is no management plan for dark ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo
Economic value Ghost shark exports of around $2 million to Australia and shark fins are exported to Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly off central and southern New Zealand at depths of 200-400m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown ndash 52-53cm for males and 62-63 cm for females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3012 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 1911 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquo[F]or all stocks it is not known if recent catch levels or current TACCs are sustainable in the long term or whether they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p289)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling (mixture of mid-water and bottom trawling) caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries plus by deepwater longlining Habitat damage Destruction of deepwater habitats by bottom trawling Bycatch Wide range of bycatch species (see hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) including seabirds marine mammals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target fish (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta)
Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available for dark ghost shark References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 31
Eels
Scientific name Anguilla australis (short-finned) A dieffenbachii
(long-finned) A reinhardtii (Australian long-finned)
Other names tuna hao tuna heke papakura (Maori short-finned) kuuwharuwharu reherehe (Maori long-finned) short-finned eel long-finned eel yellow eel silver eel (NZ) anguile australe (France)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Eels are important freshwater predators There are two main species of New Zealand eel ndash the endemic long-finned and native short-finned eels They are caught in baited fyke nets or traditional hinaki Both species are long-lived spending part of their life-cycle at sea and part in freshwater environments The long-finned eel is listed as a threatened species by the Department of Conservation (Hitchmough (comp) 2002) A third species - the Australian long-finned eel - is primarily found in Northland Ecological concerns The severely overfished status of the endemic long-finned eel declining catch rates and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels managing two species (short-finned and Australian long-finned) as one species in the South Island the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the lack of a management plan Bycatch of seabirds is also of concern Economic value New Zealand and exports of about $6 million in 2008 to markets including Germany Belgium Netherlands and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Eels are found throughout freshwater lakes rivers and streams plus some estuarine and coastal waters in New Zealand including the Chatham Islands Long-finned Short-finned Maximum age (years) 106 60 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity (migration) 11-56+ 5-41+ (uncertain) Growth rate variable unknown Reproductive output Low Low Sizeage exploited 8-17 6-13 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 872 in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 660 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 35 years Stock trends Declining catch rates in all areas for longfin eels and declines in many areas for shortfin eels Long-finned eel now classified as a threatened species ldquoModelling suggests longfin eels may be severely recruitment overfishedrdquo (MFish 2007 p 254) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Longfin ldquoThis species is more susceptible to overexploitation than shortfins because of their limited geographical distribution (confined to New Zealand and offshore islands) and longevityhellip A key component to ensuring the sustainability of eels is to maintain spawner escapement and to that end approximately 30 of available longfin habitat in the North Island and 34 in the South Island is either in reserves or in rarelynon-fished areas If hydro development and habitat loss are included and based on biomass estimates from several South Island rivers it is estimated that the biomass of longfin eels above the minimum weight at migration is less than 20 of historical valuesrdquo Shortfin ldquoThe catch per unit effort (CPUE) indices for the main commercial shortfin fisheries in the South Island generally increased from 2001-02 to 2005-06 By contrast the North Island [areas] with the largest commercial catches showed less consistent trendshellip Caution is therefore required in managing shortfin stocks given the nature of their biology and the fact that they are harvested before they can spawnrdquo (MFish 2009 p248-249) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Fyke nets or hinaki
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 32
Habitat damage Impact of fyke net placement only Bycatch Seabirds (shags) caught in fyke nets Ecological effects The ecological effects of fishing are uncertain but likely to be much less than the impact of land drainage and dams on eel habitat Cumulatively overfishing and habitat loss are removing this important predatory species from New Zealand‟s increasingly degraded freshwater systems Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes - South Island since 2000 Chatham Island since 2003 and North Island since 2004
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Short-finned and bdquoother‟ (Australian long-finned) eels managed as one component Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Hitchmough (comp) 2002 NZ Threat Classification System Lists Department of Conservation
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 33
Elephant fish
Scientific name Callorhinchus milli
Other names repe reperepe makorepe (Maori) silver trumpeter white fillets elephant shark (Australia) zoginzame zoginbuku (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small shark species which is only found in New Zealand has biological characteristics that make it relatively less prone to overfishing than most shark species It is most common on the east coast of the South Island to depths of 200m where it is caught mainly as bycatch off the Banks Peninsula in trawl fisheries and as a target species in set nets Ecological concerns The lack of a management plan the unknown sustainability of some recent catch levels and catch limits and the failure to carry out a full stock assessment Also of concern is the impact of trawling on the seabed and associated communities plus non-target fish bycatch of set netting Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk to these dolphins Whilst there is no management plan for elephant fish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for elephant fish nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Market in New Zealand and exports of about $1m in 2008 to Australia and North America ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around the South Island but most common near Banks Peninsula at depths of 20-200m Maximum age (years) 9-15 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to medium Age exploited 3+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Current catches in ELE 3 and 7 well exceed the MCY estimates Annual catch limit Set at 1214 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Total landings of 1436 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but maybe increasing in ELE 3 and 5 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are availablerdquo For ELE 2 and 7 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo For ELE3 ldquoA mixed species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance peaked in 2000ndash01 then dropped by about 40 to 2004ndash05 but has since recovered to near the 2000ndash01 peakrdquo For ELE5 ldquoA mixed target species bottom trawl CPUE series which is considered to be an index of stock abundance has shown a steady increasing trend since the early 1990s Present CPUE is more than double the lowest level observed in the early 1990srdquo For ELE 3 and 5 ldquoThe state of stock in relation to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p214-220) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and set nets Most are caught as bycatch in one of the red cod trawl fisheries as well as other trawl fisheries The proportion caught by set nets has declined Habitat damage Removal of benthic species and change in biodiversity from trawling Bycatch Hector‟s dolphins caught in set nets and some trawl fisheries (eg the red cod trawl fishery off Canterbury coast where elephant fish is a bycatch species) Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Elephant fish fisheries also have non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts of marine food webs
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 34
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 35
Flatfish Black flounder yellow-belly flounder dabsand flounder greenback flounder brill turbot lemon sole and NZ sole
Scientific name rhomosolea retiaria (black flounder) R leporine
(yellowbelly flounder) R plebeian (dabsand flounder) R tairina (greenback flounder) Colistium guntheri (brill) C nudipinnis (turbot) Pelotretis flaviatus (lemon sole) Peltorhamphus novaezealandiae (NZ sole)
Other names Paatikitotara (Maori yellow-belly flounder) paatiki (Maori sand flounder greenback flounder NZ sole) paatikimohoao (Maori black flounder) kutuhori paatiki rore pakeke (Maori NZ sole) patikinui (Maori brill) paatiki nui (Maori turbot)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These eight flatfish species grow rapidly and are caught mainly by inshore bottom trawling with smaller amounts in set nets and smaller beach drag nets Sand flounder is the most abundant species and is found only in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of eight species as one fishstock uncertain stock structures and sustainability of catch limits plus limited research (uncertain age of the fish when caught lack of basic biological data for some of the species and absence of yield estimates) and the lack of a management plan Bottom trawling causes serious damage to benthic species and communities whilst set netting is associated with bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds sharks and other non-target fish Flatfish fishing was made exempt from the May 2008 set net restrictions as the fishery is thought to pose a lower risk than other set net fisheries due to low net height However it is unclear whether this is the case given the absence of observers on vessels using this gear Economic value New Zealand market plus exports of $8 million mainly to Australia China and Spain ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (8 species) (score B) Distribution Flatfish are found throughout New Zealand Maximum age (years) 6-21 depending on species ndash brill and turbot live significantly longer than other species reaching a maximum age of 21 and 16 years respectively Age at sexual maturity 2+ depending on species Growth rate Rapid Reproductive output Ranging from medium to very high Age exploited 2+ depending on species Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown for all areas and species but can be highly variable Annual catch limit Set at 5409 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3629 tonnes in 2007-08 down from previous peaks of 5160 tonnes in 1983-84 (of which 16 was NZ sole) and 5086 tonnes in 1992-93 Stock trends Unknown for all areas and species MSY Status Unknown for all areas and species Eight species are managed as one fishery The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Flatfish populations typically consist of only one or two year classes at any time The sizes of the populations depend heavily on the strength of the recruiting year classes and are therefore expected to be highly variable For this reason TACCs were set high to allow fishers to take advantage of times of high abundance Recent CPUE analyses revealed that although yellow belly flounder are short lived inter-annual abundance in FLA 1 was surprisingly stable These results suggest that a more conservative approach is possiblerdquo (MFish 2009 p235) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Inshore bottom trawling set nets and drag nets
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 36
Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of non-target fish species including red cod and red gurnard plus possible bycatch of endangered Hector‟s dolphins other dolphins NZ fur seals and seabirds by set nets Ecological effects Direct adverse impacts of bottom trawling on seafloor communities and removal of these bottom-dwelling species (especially the removal of large fish) may cause wide disruption to marine ecosystems Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Eight different species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments for any species or areas but current catch limits are nearly three times estimated yield (MCY) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 37
Frostfish
Scientific name Lepidopus caudatus
Other names tiikati paara hikau para-taharangi (Maori) Cutlassfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively short-lived species is widely distributed around the world In New Zealand it is normally found over the outer shelf in waters 200 ndash 500m deep It is mainly caught as bycatch (more than 90) in trawl fisheries for jack mackerel and hoki and to a lesser extent in the arrow squid barracouta and gemfish fisheries Half are caught off the West Coast of the South Island and Taranaki Bight in mid-water trawl fisheries Ecological concerns Lack of research (including the absence of some basic biological information) the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the uncertainty about stock structure plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species of other fisheries marine mammals non-target fish and impacts on seabed communities are also serious concerns Economic value Export markets include Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely dispersed around New Zealand but mainly caught off the west coasts of both main islands Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3858 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1392 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available The stock structure is uncertain the fishery is variable and almost entirely a bycatch of other target fisheries No age data or estimates of abundance available It is therefore not possible to estimate yields It is not known if recent catches are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p261) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method A mixture of mid-water trawl and bottom trawl fishing Habitat damage Damage to seafloor communities when caught by bottom trawl in the hoki gemfish and other trawl fisheries Bycatch Caught as bycatch in the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries which include fur seal and common dolphin captures Less than 10 is target fished Ecological effects The effect of this fishery combined with the hoki and jack mackerel fisheries contribute towards multiple seafloor and water column community impacts Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 38
Garfish
Scientific name Hyporhamphus ihi
Other names hangenge ihe wariwari takeke (Maori) piper half-beak NZ garfish (US) demi-bec neozelandias (France) sayori (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Garfish are relatively short-lived and whilst similar species occur around the world this species is found only in New Zealand They are common in shallow coastal waters such as bays and harbours when they school at the surface Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information information on stock size and yield estimates the uncertainty of some biological information limited research huge uncertainty about stock boundaries and absence of a management plan Economic value Export markets include Asia Best option Garfish is one of the best New Zealand seafood choices as the fishing methods have minimal ecological impact ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Inshore waters around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 10 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Moderate (uncertain) Reproductive output High Age exploited 2-3 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit TACC of 50 tonnes set in 2002-2003 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available A fishery has existed for several decades but it is not known how heavily this has exploited the stock It is not possible to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p265) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Beach seine and lampara net (Garfish are sometimes also taken as a non-target catch in the pilchard fishery) Habitat damage Low due to most fish being caught by beach seine and lampara nets Bycatch Relatively low bycatch but small fish can be caught by both methods Ecological effects Low although depletion of garfish may have impacts on associated species by altering food web dynamics Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 39
Gemfish
Scientific name Rexea solandri
Other names maha-taharaki maka-tikati tiikati (Maori) silver kingfish southern kingfish silver gemfish (US) kagokamasu ginsawara shirosawara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This relatively long-lived slender fish is found within a wide depth range of between 50 and 550m but is sometimes found as deep as 800m They are usually caught in inshore to middle-depth waters by trawling
Ecological concerns A significant level of habitat and therefore ecological damage is caused by bottom trawling and a range of fish are caught as bycatch New Zealand fur seal and sea bird bycatch is also associated with fisheries in which gemfish is caught as bycatch Annual catches and catch rates have declined dramatically since peaking at over 8000 tonnes in 1985ndash86 due to over-fishing combined with low recruitment poor state of the stocks (about 22 of the original unfished stock size) and annual landings being in the hundreds of tonnes during the last two years There is also no management plan for this species
Economic value Exports of $2 million in 2008 mainly to Japan
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Gemfish is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters but is more common in the south at depths of 150-200m Maximum age (years) 17 Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 3-5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size All populations are about 22 of the unfished biomass which is well below BMAY (34) Annual catch limit Set at 1060 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings were 662 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Low recruitment since the early 1990s has resulted in depleted populations could decline further if low recruitment continues MSY Status Populations depleted well below Fisheries Act requirement (MSY) and there is no rebuilding plan in place The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states The assessment of the southern gemfish stock has not been updated since 1997 Landings from SKI 7 increased from 2000 to be a level over twice the TACC in 2004ndash05 but have decreased since then Northern [gemfish] For all three models projections at the current TACC levels suggest the stock may increase with average recruitment (long term mean from 1978 to 2000) but is likely to decline if recruitment remains at the levels seen in more recent years (from 1992 to 2000) (MFish 2009 p280)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Target trawling off the east and north coasts of the North Island Catches off the west and southern coasts of the South Island are now primarily bycatch of hoki and squid fisheries Habitat damage After scampi gemfish trawling had the highest impact of target fisheries in the Bay of Plenty (Cryer et al 2002) Bottom trawling within hoki and squid fisheries results in significant damage to seafloor communities and associated species Bycatch A range of fish and invertebrate species are caught in the targeted fishery When caught in the hoki and arrow squid fisheries seabird fur seal and deepwater shark bycatch problems are also prevalent Ecological effects Bottom trawling disturbs the seabed and changes the abundance and community structure of many bottom dwelling fish species and benthic species (Cryer et al 2002)
Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for QMA1 and 2 in 2007 and QMA3 and 7 in 1997 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer M Hartill B and O‟Shea S (2002) Modification of marine benthos by trawling toward a generalization for the deep ocean Ecological Applications 12(6) 2002 pp1824-1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 40
Grey mullet
Scientific name Mugil cephalus
Other names hopu hohopu kanae kopuwai (Maori) mullet striped mullet sea mullet (Australia) mule muge cabot (France) bora (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Grey mullet is a surface dwelling coastal species that is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical seas In New Zealand it is most commonly found in northern bays harbours mangrove swamps and estuaries They are caught year round in set nets and beach seines but mainly from November to March when they gather to spawn offshore Ecological concerns That the current commercial catch limit in the main fishery is 100 tonnes above the maximum current yield estimate that landings have fluctuated during the last four years raising doubts about the status of this stock the lack of yield or biomass estimates for nearly all areas the lack of a management plan and the apparent disparity between quota areas and likely stock boundaries Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced this risk however a pending court ruling may reopen some fishing areas and continue the pose an undue threat to these dolphins Economic value Main market is in New Zealand with some exports to Asia of less than $100000 in 2008 Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution A surface dwelling species mostly found in sheltered bays and harbours off northern New Zealand Maximum age (years) 15+ Age at sexual maturity 3 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1005 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 849 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reports of serial depletion and declines in catch rates in some areas since 1990 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoGMU 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 using data up to 2005ndash06 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 The status of GMU1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p313) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Set nets and beach seining Habitat damage Low Bycatch A range of species are caught by set nets including marine mammals and non-target fish species Range of non-target fish caught in set nets Set nets pose a significant risk to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins However restrictions on set netting in areas where the dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects Possible ecosystem impacts of removing larger fish from the population Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 41
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Inconclusive quantitative stock assessment for West GMU1 in 1998 There is no assessment for other areas References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 42
Groper Hapuku amp Bass
Scientific name Polyprion oxygeneios (groper) and Polyprion
americanus (Bass)
Other names hakuraa kapua kauaeroa kawerai kuparu moeone whaapuku toti (Maori) sea bass wrackbarsch (Germany) wreckfish (USA) hata ara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These two long-lived slow growing species of sea bass are found around New Zealand though Bass is also found in many temperate oceans around the world Bass is more common in the north and ranges into deeper water (up to 800m) than grouper (up to 400m) They are mainly caught in deep underwater canyons off the East Coast of the North Island Cook Strait Kaikoura and the West Coast of the South Island Once commonly caught inshore and an important coastal predator groper have now almost disappeared from diving depths Ecological concerns The management of two species as one quota species the uncertainty and conflict over stock boundaries limited research (including a lack of information on sustainable yields and uncertainty over basic biological information for bass) Other concerns include the lack of a management plan the decline in reported landings in recent years and the unknown sustainability of the current catch limit Bycatch of other fish species is also of concern as is the loss of these ecologically important species particularly hapuku which is a prey species for sperm whales Economic value Export value of about $4million in 2008 mainly to Australia Japan and United States ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found around New Zealand including the Chatham Rise but most common in deep underwater canyons over or near rocky areas down to 250m GroperHapuku Bass Maximum age (years) 60+ 40+ Age at sexual maturity 10-13 10 Growth rate Slow Slow Reproductive output Low Low Age exploited 5 5
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but large hapuku have almost disappeared from diving depths Annual catch limit Set at 2181 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1651 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Reported landings have declined from a peak of 2698 tonnes in 1983-84 to around 1600 tonnes in recent years MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches are less than the MCY estimates are considered sustainable and are probably at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yield Current TACCs are larger than the MCY estimates and it is not known if they are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p322) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly longline and hand line but also caught using trawl and set net Habitat damage Low for line caught fish but trawling catches and damages bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch A range of bycatch fish species including tarakihi and blue cod Deepwater sharks are also occasionally caught (eg seal shark) Ecological effects Serial depletion of these species can occur with line fishing removing large individuals Hapuku or groper is a known prey species for sperm whale so depletion may reduce the whale‟s food availability The effects of trawling include reducing the diversity of fragile invertebrate species including cold water corals sponges and bryozoans
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 43
Management and management unit (score E and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative assessments or yields References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 44
Hake
Scientific name Merluccius australis
Other names kehe tiikati (Maori) whiting merluza (Spain) merlu (France) heiku (Japan) seehecht (Germany)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hake is a relative of the hoki found only in New Zealand It is targeted on the Chatham Rise and in the sub-Antarctics but is usually caught as bycatch by mid-water hoki trawling Most hake is caught off the West Coast of the South Island with some taken from the south of the South Island and around the Chatham Islands The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Seabirds and marine mammals are commonly caught as bycatch in the associated hoki fishery (NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels) Other concerns include inconsistencies between quota boundaries and stock boundaries the uncertainty of stock size and trends for West Coast and Sub-Antarctic populations the lack of a management plan illegal mis-reporting of catches and the rapid decline in Chatham Rise hake Economic value The main export markets are Japan Spain Australia and Portugal which were worth $27 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in waters around the South Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size In 2004 about 35 of unfished population size (B0) on Chatham Rise and could be between 30 and 70 on the West Coast of the South Island Annual catch limit Set at 13211 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Recorded landings of 5930 tonnes in 2007-08 which is the lowest level in 20 years Stock trends Declining on Chatham Rise slow decline or stable in Sub-Antarctic unknown on West Coast MSY Status Over-fished and declining on the Chatham Rise uncertain in the sub-Antarctics and appears to be sustainable on West Coast of the South Island The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Rise ldquoThe 2004 model results suggested a decline in biomass with biomass in 2004 at about 35 B0 Year class strengths from 1995 to 2000 are estimated to be weaker than average In the projections the model assumes average year class strength since 2001 although more small hake have been caught in the most recent trawl surveys suggesting that the 2002 year class may be above average Projections for the Chatham Rise stock estimated the risk of reducing the stock below 20 B0 in 2009 to be 88 with catches of 3616 t and 28 with catches of 1800 t The higher assumed catch of 3616 t represents the current [Chatham Rise TACC] HAK 4 plus half the HAK 1 while the lower catch level of 1800 t represents the HAK 4 TACC onlyrdquo West coast South Island ldquoThe assessment [2004] suffers from a lack of an independent abundance index for the stock Hence these results should be treated with caution This run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0 The other runs gave similar estimates of biomass and stock status All the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo For the sub-Antarctic stock ldquoAn attempt was made in 2004 to determine the stock status of this stock [but] results should be treated with caution [One] run suggested current biomass was between 30 and 70 B0hellipAll the model results indicated that current catches appear to be sustainable in the short termrdquo (MFish 2009 p343-344) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling Hake are targeted around the Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Islands and caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery elsewhere particularly the West Coast of the South Island
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 45
Habitat damage Bottom trawling reduces species diversity and transforms community structure and composition Bycatch As a bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery the hake fishery is associated with killing hundreds of NZ fur seals and hundreds of albatrosses and petrels each year The seabirds killed include nine species of which several are globally threatened including black-browed albatross Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Ecological effects There is a loss of bottom-dwelling invertebrate diversity due to bottom trawl fishing Also the dumping of offal and other fish waste during fish processing at sea is likely to have a broad range of ecological impacts on marine species and food webs (eg it attracts seabirds some of which are subsequently killed of trawl lineswarps) Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The hake trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for Chatham Rise and West Coast stocks in 2004 and for sub-Antarctic stocks in 2007
References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 46
Hoki
Scientific name Macruronus novaezelandiae
Other names whiptail blue hake blue grenadier (NZ) langschwanz-seehecht (Germany) merluse (France) merluza azul (Spain) nasello azzurro (Italy) hoki de nouvelle-zelande
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Hoki is a relatively fast growing deepwater species related to cod and hake It generally lives beyond the shelf edge from 50 to 900m but is most abundant between 300 and 600m There are two intermixing biological stocks generally referred to as the eastern and western stocks Trawling occurs year round making hoki one of New Zealand‟s largest fisheries Hoki are targeted and caught in their spawning grounds on the West Coast of the South Island and the Cook Strait plus some smaller spawning areas on the east coast of the South Island and Pusegar Banks When not spawning hoki are caught in the sub-Antarctics and on the Chatham Rise where juveniles of both stocks are found Despite being certified as sustainable under the international Marine Stewardship Council scheme it still has significant ecological impacts Ecological concerns The bycatch of hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels each year plus bycatch of globally threatened basking sharks When bottom trawling the fishery has significant impacts on the seafloor altering seabed communities Also of concern is the management of two stocks as one quota management area the slow response to past stock declines so that large quota cuts were needed and the failure to take precautionary action in the face of potential stock recovery (Quotas are this year being increased back to 110000 tonnes - just over the level set following initial cuts in 2004 This increase is based on estimated of the west coast hoki stock being just within target levels for the first time in many years Additional concerns include illegal mis-reporting of catches the significant catches of small fish (over 40) on the Chatham Rise and on the West Coast plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Most hoki is exported to the USA Europe - including the UK and Belgium ndash Japan and Australia Hoki exports were worth $103 million in 2008 down from $346 million in 2001 The Fillet ‟o‟ Fish sold at McDonalds in New Zealand is hoki ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution The main areas where hoki are caught are off the West Coast of the South Island the Cook Strait Chatham Rise to the east of the South Island and Sub-Antarctic waters at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) 20-25 Age at sexual maturity 3-5 years Growth rate Relatively fast Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Following many years of poor recruitment of juvenile fish to the adult population and depletion of stocks particularly on the West Coast hoki have recently been estimated to be within or above 35-50 of their original unfished population size (B0) However the western stock could be as low as 27 of that size Annual catch limit From 250000 tonnes in 2001-02 catch limits were dramatically reduced to 100000 tonnes in 2004-05 and to 90000 tonnes in 2007-08 The catch limit has just been increased this year (2009) by over 20 to 110000 tonnes The hoki fishery has recently identified an Interim Management Target of 35 ndash 50 B0 Recorded catch Estimated catch of 89300 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in over 20 years Stock trends Rebuilding The stocks have been serially depleted particularly the Western stock and are now dominated by small fish and young ages classes In 2008 around 50 of the catch on the Chatham Rise was made up of juvenile fish smaller than 65 cm The Chatham Rise made up about 40 of the total hoki catch in 2008 Overall in the hoki fishery around 40 of the fish caught were less than 65cm MSY Status 2009 is the first year of suspected recovery to a level at or above MSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Western Stock ldquoModel run 11 B2009 was estimated to be 36 B0 About as likely as not (40-60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target [35 ndash 50 B0] Model run
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 47
12 B2009 very likely to be 39 B0 Likely (60 probability) to be above the lower end of the Interim Management Target The biomass of the western hoki stock is expected to increase over the next 5 years at 2007-08 western fishery catch levelsrdquo Eastern stock ldquoBiomass in 2009 was estimated to be about 48 B0 The biomass of the eastern hoki stock is expected to increase slightly over the next 5 years at 2007-08 eastern fishery catch levelsrdquo ldquoBoth stocks are projected to be within or above the 35-50 B0 target range by the end of the projection periodrdquo (MFish 2009 p 367-371) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawling targets non-spawning aggregations (Chatham Rise and Sub-Antarctic Plateau) and mid-water trawling targets spawning aggregations on West Coast and Cook Strait Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges and long-lived bryozoans The expanding use of twin rigs and double linked nets (and some triple linked nets) with a large heavy roller in between has increased the impact of this fishery on fragile deepwater habitats Bycatch Hundreds of NZ fur seals albatrosses and petrels are drowned in the hoki fishery each year The affected albatrosses and petrels include several globally threatened species such as black-browed and Bullers albatross and white-chinned petrel Non-target fish species bycatch is also a problem and includes quota species hake ling and silver warehou which are caught in West Coast hoki fisheries Other bycatch species include vulnerable deepwater sharks (eg shovelnose dogfish seal shark and Baxter‟s dogfish) Globally threatened basking sharks are also caught There is also incidental mortality of young hoki passing through the net meshes Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but draft prepared Management component Single species however two stocks managed as one quota area Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment for East and West stocks in 2009 References European marketing and the MSC SEAFOOD magazine May 2004 Vol 12 no 4 p8 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 48
Jack mackerel
Scientific name Trachurus declivis (Jack Mackerel) T
novaezelandiae (New Zealand Jack Mackerel) T symmetricus murphyi (Peruvian Jack Mackerel)
Other names haature hauture (Maori) horse mackerel horse jack mackerel slender jack mackerel chinchard neozelandias (Canada) Chilean jack mackerel saurel (France) maaji (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description These three species of jack mackerels are managed as one species and are mainly caught in the purse-seine targetbycatch fishery in the Bay of Plenty and off Northland‟s east coast Trawl fisheries catch jack mackerel in other areas including the Taranaki Bight and Chatham Rise Peruvian jack mackerel are a southern ranging species found in deepwater whereas jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species forming schools in midwater and ranging from shallow bays and harbours to oceanic islands and reefs Ecological concerns The management of three species as one fishery limited research the lack of some basic biological data for Peruvian jack mackerel the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels especially for western New Zealand (JMA7) Of significant concern is the bycatch of dolphins in the fishery west of the North Island and fur seals in fishery east and south of the South Island (JMA 3) Non-target fish bycatch seabird bycatch bottom trawl impacts on the seabed and ecological implications of jack mackerel removal from the food web Other concerns include the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of $51 million in 2008 with main markets in Japan Eastern Europe and Fiji ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Jack mackerel and NZ jack mackerel are northern species above 450S and 420S respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is a more southerly species from around the Stewart-Snares Shelf and the Chatham Rise The two northern species are found lt150-300m respectively while Peruvian jack mackerel is found to a depth of gt500m Jack mackerel NZ mackerel Peruvian mackerel Maximum age (years) 25+ 25+ 32 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 3-4 4 Growth rate Moderate Moderate Moderate Reproductive output Medium-high Medium-high Medium Age exploited 2-3 Unknown 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown (Biomass estimates for JMA7 are uncertain) Annual catch limit Set at 60546 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 47855 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest reported Stock trends Decline in T declivis in JMA7 Landings have consistently been lower than the total allowable commercial catch since the mid-1990s MSY Status Unknown Only a preliminary assessment for jack mackerel (T declivis) in JMA7 in 2007 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoLittle is known about the resource in JMA 3 though estimated species proportions indicate a catch dominated by T murphyi For JMA 1 and 3 it is not known whether catches at the level of the current TACCs or recent catch levels are sustainable in the long-term The status of JMA3 relative to BMSY [the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield] is unknownrdquo For JMA7 ldquoOverall it cannot be determined if the TAC or current removals are sustainable for JMA 7 but it is likely that the removals from one component of the fishery (T declivis) are sustainable at this time Given increased catches in recent years continued monitoring of the catch composition is strongly recommended as is further work on potential abundance indicesrdquo (MFish 2009 p389) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom and mid-water trawling and purse seining
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 49
Habitat damage Low for purse seining bottom trawling in effect bulldozes the seabed and can kill or damage bottom dwelling species and alter seafloor communities Bycatch Trawl fishing around Taranaki off Waikato and Auckland catches common dolphins dusky dolphins and pilot whales The fishing area may also overlap with the range of Maui‟s dolphins posing a possible risk to this critically endangered species Trawling on the Snares shelf catches fur seals Blue mackerel is also a bycatch species in this fishery Ecological effects Ecological implications associated with bottom trawling plus as an important predator and prey species reducing jack mackerel numbers can in turn have impacts on associated food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes but only in all areas since 1995 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component All three species managed together as one Stock assessment A preliminary stock assessment for T declivis in JMA7 in 2007 No new quantitative assessment for T novaezelandiae since 1993 in JMA7 No yield estimates in JMA 1 or 3 or for T murphyi in any stock References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Information describing Chilean jack mackerel (Trchurus murphyi) fisheries relating to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation Doc SPRFMO-III-SWG-16 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 50
John dory
Scientific name Zeus faber
Other names kuparu pukeru (Maori) saint-pierre zeacutee (France) pez de san pedro (Spain) buckler dory (Canada) matocircdai (Japan) European john dory (US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description John Dory are mid-water to seafloor dwelling and whilst found throughout New Zealand they are most common north of the Cook Strait They are caught in mixed species trawl catches where the main target species are snapper and tarakihi with some also caught by Danish seine Ecological concerns The damage done by bottom-trawling the unknown long-term sustainability of the catch limits the unknown status of stocks population size and stock trends (uncertainty around possible declines off the West Coast South Island) and the uncertainty about stock boundaries in relation to quota boundaries Limited research and the lack of a management plan are also of concern
Economic value New Zealand market plus exports to Australia United States and Germany with a value of about $5 million in 2008
Best option John dory caught by Danish seine rather than by trawl Avoid fish caught using bottom trawl gear
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Relatively common in coastal waters off northern New Zealand especially from the Bay of Plenty northwards Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively rapid Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2-3
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but likely to be relatively small Annual catch limit Set at 1129 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 725 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown maybe declining off the West Coast of the South Island (JDO7) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For JDO 1 recent catch levels and the current TACC are likely to be sustainable at least in the short-term It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term For all other JDO stocks it is not known if the recent catch levels and current TACCs are sustainable For all fishstocks it is unknown if recent catches or the current TACCs are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo ldquoThe JDO 7 point estimate of biomass in 2007 had declined by 40 from the long-term high in 2003 however the 2007 point estimate still lies within the range of uncertainty around the previous point estimatesrdquo (MFish 2009 p398-400)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) John dory is caught as bycatch in trawl and Danish seine fisheries (eg snapper and Tarakihi) Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed and kills or damages bottom dwelling species Bycatch Fish bycatch associated with its capture in the snapper fisheries in the Hauraki Gulf Ecological effects Trawling reduces species diversity and abundance plus catches large individuals
Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments completed for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 51
Kahawai
Scientific name Arripis trutta
Other names koopuuhuri kooukauka (Maori) Australian salmon (Australia) Saumon Australien (France) bangeo (Korea) oki susuki (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kahawai are found throughout New Zealand but are most common north of Kaikoura They form schools of similar-sized fish with juveniles found in shallow coastal waters and adults in open water often in large schools from seafloor to surface waters Most kahawai are caught in purse seine fisheries that also target skipjack tuna jack mackerel and blue mackerel A lesser proportion is caught seasonally in set net and mixed species trawl fisheries Kahawai is a particularly important species for recreational and customary fisheries
Ecological concerns The uncertain maximum sustainable yield unknown status of stocks stock structure and stock trends the bycatch of non-target fish and the lack of a management plan Limited past research and the ecological effects of removing this important prey species is also of concern
Economic value Exports of $15m mainly to Australia
Best option Fish caught using purse seine ndash avoid Kahawai caught using set net or trawl ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Found in inshore waters around New Zealand but most common from Kaikoura northwards Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size The KAH1 assessment shows that the stock has declined to a mid-range of 27-62 B0 (the estimated unfished population size) depending on assumptions including level of non-commercial catch Annual catch limit Set at 2728 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2288 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status While the assessment is uncertain the stock is most likely above BMSY ndash between 27 and 69 B0 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For KAH1 ldquoCurrent assumed removals are lower than almost all estimates of deterministic MSY Combining this with the result that most estimates of current biomass are well above BMSY it is unlikely that the stock will decline below BMSY at current assumed catch levels given the model recruitment assumptionsrdquo For all other KAH areas ldquoNo accepted assessment is available that covers these regions It is not known if the current catches allowances or TACCs are sustainable The status of KAH 2 3 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p 416)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most are caught by purse seiners with less taken seasonally in set-net and some in trawl fisheries Habitat damage Low impact from purse seiners and set netting high impact from trawl fisheries on bottom dwelling species Bycatch Range of other pelagic species including skipjack tuna kingfish blue mackerel and jack mackerel Ecological effects Loss of large older fish impact of bottom trawling bulldozing the seabed and ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes from 1 October 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A new quantitative assessment in 2007 for KAH1 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 52
Kina
Scientific name Evechinus chloroticus
Other names kina ariki kin koorako puurau (Maori) sea urchin sea egg Oursin de Nouvelle-Zelande (France)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Kina are an important grazing species found throughout New Zealand Most are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by targeted dredging Ecological concerns The unknown sustainability of current catch levels or limits the risk a serial depletion of stocks and impacts on reef communities from changes in grazing levels the lack of stock assessments limited research and the lack of a management plan When dredged considerable habitat damage can occur Economic value Kina are sold in New Zealand Best option Kina collected by hand (breath-hold diving) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Throughout New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 8-9 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1147 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Reported catch of 7629 tonnes for all fishstocks in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoFor all Fishstocks it is not known if current catch levels or TACCs are sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support sustainable yieldsrdquo (MFish 2009 p424) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and A) Fishing method(s) Most kina are harvested by breath-hold diving with a smaller proportion being caught by target dredging Habitat damage Minimal damage from diving dredging scrapes the seafloor killing or damaging bottom dwelling species Bycatch None from diving dredging has a high bycatch including a range of bottom dwelling species Ecological effects Changes in kina numbers have effects on algal community assemblages Impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Dredging for kina has considerable ecological implications as it destroys seafloor communities which affects associated mid-water species Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 (South Island) and 2003 (North Island) Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No stock assessments Biomass estimates have been made for Arapawa Island (1997) and Dusky Sound and Chalky Inlet (1995) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 53
Kingfish
Scientific name Seriola lalandi
Other names haku kahu makumaku warehenga (Maori) yellowtail kingfish northern kingfish
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively large fish is an important predatory fish rarely found south of Cook Strait preferring the warmer waters of the north It can form schools of up to several hundred but is mainly caught as a non-target catch of inshore set net trawl and longline fisheries Kingfish is a commonly sought after recreational fish Ecological concerns The loss of large individual fish the unknown sustainability of the combined commercial and recreational catch limits uncertainty about the stock structure the absence of biomass and yield estimates the absence of a quantitative stock assessment limited research and the lack of a management plan Some fishing methods cause damage to the seabed and have high fish bycatch Economic value About 25 of kingfish is exported (under $05m) to the USA and Australia with the rest going to the domestic New Zealand market Best option Line caught kingfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Common in coastal waters around the North Island Maximum age (years) 16+ Age at sexual maturity 4-7 (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown but stock relatively small Annual catch limit The maximum current yield (MCY) was set at 200 tonnes in 2007-08 the second lowest catch in over 20 years Recorded catch Reported landings of 159 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but there is concern from recreational fishers about current catch rates MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Although commercial catches are near or below MCY levels it is not known if recent combined commercial and recreational catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p436) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly taken as a non-target catch of inshore set net and longline fisheries with some trawl bycatch Habitat damage Minimal damage from lines or set nets Trawling causes damage to seafloor habitats contacting the seabed Bycatch Range of species caught as bycatch in set net and trawl fisheries which are often highly unselective techniques Ecological effects Removal of large fish may alter food web dynamics whilst bottom contact trawling bulldozes the seabed reducing biodiversity of bottom dwelling communities Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment for any area References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Francis M (2001) Coastal fishes of New Zealand An identification Guide 3rd Edition Reed Publishing (NZ) Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 54
Leatherjacket Creamfish
Scientific name Parika scaber
Other names kokiri kiririi (Maori) trigger fish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Leatherjacket or creamfish is a relatively small coastal species found throughout New Zealand but largely caught off the South Island Most of the catch is taken as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries mainly targeting trevally red gurnard and snapper but in recent years it has also been caught in some fisheries targeting squid Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the lack of a stock assessment limited research and no management plan Bycatch of sharks and seabirds in associated fisheries is also of concern as are impacts on seafloor habitats when caught with bottom trawl gear Economic value The main market is domestic and Australia with exports of $660000 in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Leatherjacket is distributed throughout New Zealand including the Chatham Islands It is caught on the East Coast between Otago and East Cape in Southland and between Cape Farewell and Cape Foulwind on the West Coast Maximum age (years) 7+ Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2+ Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit 1431 tonnes in 2003 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 467 tonnes in 2007-08 well below the 1300 tonnes caught in 1999-2000 fishing year Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass It is not known whether the leatherjacket stocks are at above or below a level that can produce MSY (MFish 2009 p450) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Method Bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including those targeting trevally red gurnard snapper and squid Habitat damage Trawl fishing with bottom gear scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself this fishery is associated with the bycatch problems of other fisheries including sharks and seabirds Ecological effects Damage to seafloor habitats and removal of this coastal species has knock on impacts on associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management composition Single species Stock assessment No completed quantitative stock assessment References Final Advice Paper Setting of Sustainability and Other Management Controls for Stocks to be Introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2003 18 July 2003 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science GroupMinistry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 55
Ling
Scientific name Genypterus blacodes
Other names hoka hokarari rari (Maori) ashiro kingu (Japan) kingklip (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Ling is a bottom dwelling species of the eel family which lives at depths of 300-700m throughout New Zealand It is often caught as bycatch in hoki and hake trawl fisheries though it is also targeted with bottom longline and bottom trawl methods The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Damage to fragile deepwater species and habitats caused by bottom trawling and the high level of globally threatened seabird species and NZ fur seals caught as bycatch Also of concern is the unknown long-term sustainability of some current catch limits and landings the uncertainty of stock boundaries tthe lack of a management plan for the fishery and the loss of ling from diving depths Economic value The main export markets are in Asia particularly Hong Kong and Japan plus Australia and Spain Exports were worth $40 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Ling is widespread in water off the south of the North Island and off the South Island but is mainly caught south of the South Island and over the Campbell Rise at 200-700m Maximum age (years) 30 Age at sexual maturity 5-9 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (most of the North Island) and uncertain for LIN 7 (West Coast South Island) Other areas (LIN 3 4 5 and 6) are likely above BMAY Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 21977 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16264 tonnes in 2007-08 the third lowest catch in 15 years Stock trends Unknown for LIN 1 and LIN2 (non-Cook Strait) declining for LIN2 (Cook Strait) uncertain for LIN 7 declining slowly LIN 5 and 6 and increasing for LIN 3 and 4 MSY Status Unknown for LIN 1 and 2 described as sustainable for LIN 3 and 4 and LIN 5 6 and 7 The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For LIN1 ldquoIn the absence of a representative index of abundance it is not known whether current LIN 1 catches or the TACC are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown The biological stock affinities of ling in LIN 1 are unknownrdquo For LIN 2 (Cook Strait ndash 40 of catch) ldquoThe model results hellip suggest that the stock has declined particularly since the late 1980s Based on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be above BMAY but is likely to continue to decline at current catch levels It is not known if recent landings and the current TACCs are sustainable or are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield] For LIN3 and LIN4 ldquoBased on the 2007 stock assessment current stock size is estimated to be well above BMAY and building Catches at the level of the current TACC are likely to be sustainablerdquo For LIN 5 and 6 (but not Bounty Plateau) ldquoBased on the 2007 assessment ling stocks are probably only lightly fished and current stock sizes are estimated to be well above BMAY Estimates of absolute current and reference biomass are unreliable It is likely that the current TACC is sustainable as current catches appear to be having only a small impact on biomass levelsrdquo For LIN7 (West Coast) ldquoBased on the 2008 assessment the status of the LIN 7WC stock is highly uncertain The stock assessment model results did not provide reliable estimates of current biomass as a percentage of B0 but it is unlikely that this value is less than 40 and it could be much higher The relatively constant catch history since 1989 and the relative constancy of the trawl catch-at-age distributions since 1991 suggest that future catches at the current level are sustainable at least in the medium termrdquo (MFish 2009 p466-467) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Ling is mainly caught in targeted bottom longline and bottom trawling operations
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 56
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage to seamounts sea floor species and fragile deep-sea ecosystems Bycatch Several thousand seabirds are drowned on the longlines used in the ling fishery every year This includes the critically endangered Chatham‟s albatross and other threatened species (eg white-chinned petrels grey petrels Salvin‟s albatross flesh-footed shearwaters and sooty shearwaters) In September 2007 12 critically endangered Chatham albatrosses and 22 Salvin‟s albatrosses were caught by a single long-line vessel on the Chatham Rise New Zealand fur seals are also killed in the trawl fishery as are a range of deepwater sharks including seal sharks Ling is itself a non-target bycatch in the West Coast hoki fishery which also has serious bycatch problems Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch protected and threatened species bycatch and practices such as the dumping of offal and other fish waste during processing at sea has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No The ling trawl and longline fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for LIN 3 and 4 (2004) 5 and 6 (2003) 7 (2009) and 6 Bounty (2006) and an initial assessment for LIN2 (Cook Strait) (2007) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries
Guidebook The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd SeaFIC website 2004
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 57
Lookdown dory
Scientific name Cyttus traversi
Other names king dory
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description An offshore deepwater species that is widely distributed around New Zealand and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries particularly the hoki fishery Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and the absence of a management plan The fishery also has direct impacts on seafloor communities as a result of trawl fishing As lookdown dory is a bycatch of other fisheries it is also associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Lookdown dory are caught all around New Zealand with the largest catches on the East Coast of the South Island the Chatham Rise and the West Coast of the South Island Maximum age (years) 30+ Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 783 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 430 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Uncertain but annual trawl survey on the Chatham Rise ldquoshow no decline in recent yearsrdquo MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are no known sustainability concerns in the lookdown dory fishery Trawl surveys indicate stable abundance in the main fishery However it is not known whether recent catches will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p 473) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - lookdown dory is caught as bycatch in the hoki fishery and to a much smaller extent in the barracouta hake ling and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawl fishing scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species of other fisheries lookdown dory is associated with seabird and marine mammal bycatch problems It is also associated with high non-target fish bycatch Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration high non-target fish bycatch plus seabird and marine mammal bycatch has considerable ecological implications Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 58
Mako shark
Scientific name Isurus oxyrinchus
Other names mako (Maori) mackerel shark shortfin mako
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Mako sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to porbeagle sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species A highly migratory species Mako sharks are taken in large numbers in New Zealand‟s tuna longline fisheries mainly in the West and East Coast of the North Island from the Bay of Plenty north About 75 of mako sharks caught are processed and the rest are dumped at sea Mako shark are the third most common species of shark that are targeted for their highly priced fins with about 47 of the reported catch recorded as finned Jointly with snapper oreodeepwater dory and southern bluefin tuna mako shark has the second worst ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Limited research on mako sharks lack of a stock assessment and uncertainty about the state of the stocks The high number of juveniles in the catch is also of concern as is the bycatch of other sharks seabirds and fur seals Where mako sharks are caught using bottom fishing methods impacts on the seafloor and associated communities are also of concern Whilst there is no management plan for mako sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for makos nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning makos and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asian markets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mako sharks are highly migratory oceanic fish that often visit coastal areas around northern New Zealand They are caught by longline vessels on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast Maximum age (years) 29 males and 28 females Age at sexual maturity 7-9 years males and 19-21 years females Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 2 (Much of the catch is immature) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 406 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 73 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest landings in seven years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain but reported as bdquovulnerable to overexploitation‟ The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield Due to its biological characteristics mako shark is vulnerable to overexploitation (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p50) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Primarily pelagic longlining around the North Island with a smaller catch caught by bottom longliners and trawlers Habitat damage Low except when caught by bottom trawling which alters seafloor community structure and function Bycatch Other sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of a large predatory species has wide implications for oceanic food webs The practise of shark finning ndash cutting off the high-priced fins of sharks and dumping the rest of the body at sea ndash is contributing to the decline of shark species worldwide Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 59
Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary (November 2008) Stock assessments and yield estimatesScience Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Bishop SD Francis MP Duffy C (2006) Age growth maturity longevity and natural mortality of the shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus) in New Zealand waters Marine and Freshwater Research 57 143-154 New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 60
Moonfish
Scientific name Lampris guttatus
Other names opah spotted moonfish nandai akamanbo (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Moonfish are a bycatch in tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main islands Ecological concerns the uncertainty of some basic biological information uncertainty about the state of the stocks basic biology the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals and the lack of a stock assessment or a management plan There are also ecological concerns given removal of this large predator species from the food web Economic value Lookdown dory is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Moonfish are a widely distributed pelagic species found in both temperate and tropical waters of the Worlds oceans Maximum age (years) 14-20 Age at sexual maturity 4-5 Growth rate Medium-high Reproductive output Medium-high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size There is no information on stock structure but Moonfish is known to have a South Pacific wide distribution Annual catch limit Set at 527 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in over 10 years About 70 of moonfish caught are mature Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoWhile moonfish appear to have moderately productive life history characteristics the stock status is unknown It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or whether they are at levels that will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p53) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Moonfish are caught mainly by pelagic longline vessels targeting tuna on the west coast of the North Island and East Coast with pelagic trawling for southern blue whiting and hoki being the second main method Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of moonfish and non-target species from marine systems Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 61
Orange Roughy
Scientific name Hoplostethus atlanticus
Other names Deepsea perch sea perch slimehead (NZ) red roughy (Australia) hoplostete orange granatbarsch (Germany) pesce arancio (Italy) beryx de nouvelle-zelande (France) rosy soldierfish (Canada)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Orange Roughy is a very slow growing and long-lived (120 ndash 130 years) deepwater fish making it highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing It does not breed until 23-31 years old and does so once a year in large spawning aggregations often around deepwater seamounts pinnacles and canyons around New Zealand There are nine distinct orange roughy fisheries within the New Zealand EEZ each managed independently The East and South Chatham Rise fishery is the largest and oldest orange roughy fishery in the world Jointly with porbeagle shark orange roughy has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide Ecological concerns New Zealand‟s orange roughy have suffered from years of over-fishing on the spawning grounds which has decimated populations Although quotas have been reduced in recent years serious concerns remain as they may not be enough Nothing is known about roughy recruitment and there is a mismatch between model projections and catch information Most populations are now below 20 of their original unfished size with one reduced to just 3 As well as stock concerns orange roughy is caught by bottom trawling which destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It effectively bulldozes the sea floor demolishing black corals lace corals coral trees colourful sponge fields and long-lived bryozoans some aged at over 500 years old Deepwater sharks and other non-target fish species are also caught which alters marine food web dynamics As a prey species for sperm whales and giant squid orange roughy depletion has a direct impact on these deepwater species Some orange roughy fisheries have also caught seabirds and marine mammals Economic value Orange Roughy is one of the most valuable export fish species worth $57 million in 20086 Previously this was $200 million Most is exported to the USA and Australia with some to the UK where it is reportedly used by some fast food chains as fish fillet burgers Orange roughy is also sold in New Zealand for example as frozen fish fillets ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution The main spawning grounds around New Zealand are the Challenger Plateau Cook Canyon Puysegur Bank North Chatham Rise Ritchie Bank and East Cape at depths of between 700 metres and at least 1500 metres Most are caught on the Chatham Rise where the underwater terrain is rugged and consists of hill pinnacle and canyon seascapes Maximum age (years) 120-130 Age at sexual maturity 23-315 years Growth rate Very slow Reproductive output Low Females carry 40000 to 60000 eggs per kilogram of body weight which is less than 10 of the average for other fish species Age exploited From about 20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Most stocks are below 20 of their unfished population size (B0) The Challenger population is down to 3 B0 Annual catch limit Set at 13612 tonnes in 2007-08 with areas ORH7A and 7B closed Recorded catch Reported landings of 13110 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 54000 tonnes in 1988-89 Stock trends Long-term decline MSY Status Most stocks are depleted well below BMSY and with minimal chance of recovery in the near future Uncertain status for both Southern ORH 3B and exploratory ORH 1 Rebuilding of stocks indicated in models is not supported by catch rate information (eg ORH3B and ORH7B) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For ORH 1 ldquoAn assessment of the Mercury-Colville box in 2001 indicated that biomass had been reduced to 10-15 B0 (compared to an assumed BMSY of 30 B0)hellip In other areas of ORH 1 the
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 62
status of the constituent stocks is unknownhellip without any indication of current abundance there is no way to determine if this level of fishing is in fact sustainable or if current feature limits will avoid overexploitation of localised areasrdquo For ORH 3B NW and South Chatham Rise ndash ldquohellipthe 2006 biomass was estimated to be below BMSY at 11 (8-16) B0 and recent exploitation rates were estimated to be about four times that under a CAY policyhellip the probability that the stock would rebuild to 30 B0 or even 20 B0 within 5 years was close to zerordquo NE Chatham Rise ndash ldquoNo quantitative stock assessment model B2008 was estimated to be 13-30 B0 Likely to be below the Management Target [30]rdquo Puysegur ndash ldquothe point estimate of biomass from this assessment [1998] is probably below BMSY [7] but it is uncertainrdquo Other areas ndash ldquoThe status of orange roughy in these areas is unknown It is also not known whether recent catch levels or the current catch limit are sustainable or whether they will allow the stock(s) to move towards BMSYrdquo ORH2A 2B and 3A East Cape ndash the 2003 assessment indicated that the stock was then about 24B0 [It] suggests that the current catch limit should allow the stock to rebuildrdquo East Coast North Island - ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available[but] biomass was likely to have reached a minimum in the mid 1990s [less than 20B0] [Currently] the stock was likely to be increasing under recent catch levels but was unable to determine whether the current TACC would result in a continued rebuild of the stockrdquo West Coast (ORH7B) ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available The current stock size is most likely below BMSY as catch rates have not increased over the last 5 years despite a large reduction in annual removals from the stockrdquo Challenger (ORH7A) ldquoThe 2000 assessment of this stock indicates that it is currently about one tenth of BMSY (range 7 to 14 of BMSY and 3 of B0rdquo (MFish 2009 p486 498-499 521-524 530 534-535) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling between 750 and 1200m Habitat Damage Bottom trawling destroys sea floor species assemblages and fragile seamount habitats It decimates black coral lace corals colourful sponge fields long-lived bryozoans and many other invertebrate species Bycatch Includes coral trees sponges and gorgonians which have been aged at over 500 years old A range of non-target fish species are also caught including deepwater dory or oreo Baxter‟s dogfish and basket-work eels There is a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds in some fisheries Ecological effects In addition to the ecological effects of habitat damage Orange Roughy is a prey species of sperm whale and giant squid so the commercial catch also reduces the amount of available food for species further up deep sea food chains Fishing for Orange Roughy and oreos also removes a large proportion of deep sea benthic biomass significantly altering these unique communities Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments have been carried out for most areas apart from exploratory ORH 1 and Southern ORH 3B Latest assessments at ORH1 (Mercury-Colville) 2001 East Cape 2003 East Coast North Island 2005 NW Chatham Rise 2006 East and South Chatham Rise 2009 review of previous assessments Puysegur 1998 Challenger 2000 West Coast South Island 2007 References Clark M (2001) Are deepwater fisheries sustainable ndash the example of Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in New Zealand Fisheries research 51123-135 Clark MR Anderson OF Francis RICC Tracey OM (2000) The effects of commercial exploitation on Orange Roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) from the continental slope of the Chatham Rise NZ from 1979 to 1997 Fisheries Research 45217-238 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 63
Oreo
Scientific name Allocyttus niger (black oreo) Neocyttus
rhomboidalis (spiky oreo) Pseudocyttus maculatus (smooth oreo)
Other names NZ dory black dory smooth dory spotted oreo brown oreo NZ smooth dory deepwater dory deepsea dory (Australia) teifsee-petersfisch (Germany) peterfisch (Switzerland) dore austral (France Switzerland)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Oreos are deepwater fish that are long-lived (up to 150 years) and slow growing making them highly vulnerable to fishing pressure and overfishing There are three species in New Zealand but they are all managed as one quota management species They are predominantly found in deep waters off the east and south of the South Island and off the Chatham Islands Jointly with snapper mako shark and southern bluefin tuna oreos have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Management of the three oreo species as one a declining stock trend uncertainty over stock boundaries lack of stock assessments in some areas unknown sustainability of catch limits and lack of a management plan Attempts to improve research in the oreo fishery have been hampered by the seafood industry challenging and preventing the Ministry of Fisheries from commissioning research surveys Also of great concern is the destructive impact of deep sea trawling on seamount habitats and high levels of non target fish bycatch There is also a bycatch of marine mammals and seabirds Economic value Key markets are the USA Australia Germany and Switzerland with smooth oreo being the main market species Exports were worth $747 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Oreos occur around the south of New Zealand at depths of 600m to over 1000m Black Spiky Smooth Maximum age (years) 153 100+ 86 Age at sexual maturity 27 Unknown 31 Growth rate Slow Slow Slow Reproductive output Low-medium Low Low-medium Age exploited 27 Unknown 21 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Estimates are uncertain Annual catch limit Set at 18600 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 16979 tonnes in 2007-08 down from a peak of 26514 tonnes in 1981-82 and 21755 in 1996-97 Stock trends Declining MSY Status Unknown for all areas except OEO 3A (black and smooth) OEO 4 (smooth) southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) Estimates are uncertain and there are conflicts between sub-areas (OEO3A) declines in CPUE inconsistent with stock sizes and unsustainable catches in Southland (OEO13A) and Pukaki (OEO6) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states OEO 3A Black oreos ndash ldquoModel biomass levels are uncertainrdquo The ldquototal mature biomass for 2002-2003 was estimated to be 52 of initial biomass (B0) [but] is not equal across the three sub-areas with area 2 and 3 being 29 and 7 of their respective mature equilibrium virgin biomass levels [There is] a 0 probability that [vulnerable biomass] would be greater than 27 B0 (BMSY)rdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquoTotal mature biomass for 2008-09 was estimated to be 36 of the initial biomass (B0) The projections showed that biomass should increase at catch levels of 1400 t over the next 5 yearsrdquo OEO 4 Black oreos ndash ldquoThe 2009 stock assessment of OEO 4 black oreo was considered unreliablerdquo Smooth oreos ndash ldquothe mid-year mature biomass in 2007-08 was 57 of mature B0 [But] there are considerable uncertainties associated with this assessment [as a]
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 64
substantial proportions of the abundance in each acoustic survey are attributed to layer marks which are generally not fished [and] standardised CPUE in the larger east fishery has declined in recent yearsrdquo OEO13A Southland Smooth oreo ndash The [2004] ldquobiomass estimates are uncertain [but] the analysis suggested that the mature virgin biomass was probably small less than 21000t and the stock is unlikely to be able to support a large fisheryrdquo OEO6 Pukaki Rise Smooth Oreo - ldquolarge stock sizes were unlikely Particularly because the standardised CPUE has declined rapidly under catch levels that have been small relative to other smooth oreo fisheries[and] median long term yield of about 550t which is lower than the current catch of 1300t Black oreos - These biomass estimates are uncertainhellip The basecase results suggesthellip the stock is currently estimated to be at 44 B0 but with high uncertainty (19-80 B0) Projections suggest that mature biomass is as likely as not to fall below 20 B0 within the next five years if catches are maintained at the 2007-08 level OEO6 Bounty Plateau Smooth Oreo ndash ldquoBiomass estimates are uncertain hellipthe basecase model [estimated] current mature biomass was estimated to be 33 of a virgin biomass For black oreo and smooth oreo in other parts of OEO1 - ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels or the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p563-564 576 588-589) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Deepwater trawling mainly on the south Chatham Rise eastern Southland and Sub-Antarctic Plateau Habitat damage Bottom trawling decimates seabed habitats and fragile seamount species assemblages Bycatch A range of non-target species are caught including deepwater sharks such as seal shark Baxter‟s dogfish and shovel-nosed dogfish Deepwater invertebrates such as soft corals tall sponges bryozoans gorgonian corals and other corals are also caught some of which have been aged at over 500 years There is also a bycatch of seabirds and marine mammals Ecological effects Combined with the ecological effects of the closely associated orange roughy the oreo fishery is responsible for considerable damage to seamounts other special deepwater habitats and associated communities Management and management unit (score B and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Three different species managed together as one when they should be managed independently Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in OEO 3A (Black and Smooth) in 2009 OEO4 (Black -2009 and Smooth 2007) OEO1 Southland (Smooth 2004) OEO 6 -Pukaki Rise (Black 2009 and Smooth 2006) Bounty Plateau (Smooth 2008) only References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 65
Oysters
Scientific name Tiostrea chilensis
Other names tio tio para tio repe tio parupaur (Maori) Dredge oyster Bluff oyster Foveaux Strait oyster Stewart Island Oyster Nelson oyster flat oyster
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Wild caught oysters or dredge oysters are endemic to New Zealand and are found in coastal waters often in dense communities The fishery is seasonal (open from March to August) with the main commercial fishery operating in Foveaux Strait A small catch is also taken when harvesting scallops in Tasman and Golden bays and a new fishery has started in Clifford and Cloudy Bays Ecological concerns Wild oysters are collected by dredging ndash a highly destructive fishing method that digs into the seafloor destroying seafloor communities in it‟s path The use of heavy box dredgers is especially damaging Dredging creates considerable sedimentation which smothers seabed communities in the areas where the fishery operates In much of the Foveaux Strait dredging has removed bryozoan reef communities which has exposed some previously sheltered marine life to storm and tide action Some oyster beds have not recovered from dredging even after 50 years The oyster fishery also catches a range of non-target species and has impacts on a number of fish populations especially blue cod stocks In Tasman Bay and Golden Bay oysters have declined to low population levels and the fishery has been associated with a decline in fish stocks The lack of a management plan and inadequate consideration of the impact of dredging in new areas (eg Clifford and Cloudy Bay) is also of concern The presence of a disease in Foveaux Strait oysters in recent years which has killed over 60 of the population has made it difficult to estimate the current status of the population there Economic value Foveaux Strait oysters are sold in New Zealand while some NelsonMarlborough oysters are exported (up to a value of $10 million per year) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand Maximum age (years) 36+ Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 4-8 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size In 2006 the recruited stock size in Foveaux Strait was estimated at about 28 B0 which is up from 10 in 1992 The biomass in Tasman Bay and Golden Bay continues to decline and is now at 32 of 1998 levels with only 3 of 1998 levels in Golden Bay Annual catch limit Set at 2094 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 826 tonnes in 2007-08 from Foveaux Strait Tasman Bay and Golden Bay and Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Foveaux Strait current catches are less than 10 of catches in the 1980s Stock trends Uncertain in Foveaux Strait with biomass projected to be decreasing or slowly increasing depending on level of Bonamia infection Trends are also uncertain in Clifford and Cloudy Bays In Tasman and Golden bays the stock has decreased MSY Status The Golden Bay population is well below BMSY and other stocks are either below target levels or uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Foveaux Strait ldquoDepending on the level of assumed [Bonamia] disease mortality the 2009 stock assessment shows the median projected status in 2012 ranges from 30 more than the current level (with nil disease mortality) to 23 below the current level (assuming disease mortality of 02 y-1) For the current estimates of disease mortality the model trajectories show the population size to remain about the same for a year and then continued but slow rebuilding of the fishery The decreased rate of projected rebuilding is due to relatively low numbers of pre-recruits and small oyster available to recruit to fishery in the short termrdquo For TasmanGolden Bays ldquoStock projections are unavailable Catches at the level of the TACC are also likely to cause the stock to drop below the Hard Limit [10B0] in the near termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 66
For Marlborough stocks ldquoQuantitative stock projections are unavailable Stocks are likely to be close to virgin biomass (B0) because the area has been commercially fished for only two seasons at the increased TACrdquo (MFish 2009 p 184-185 192-194 200-201) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Bottom dredging with a heavy metal dredger Habitat damage Dredging in effect bulldozes the sea floor causing extensive habitat destruction including the loss of bryozoan reefs from large areas of Foveaux Strait Bryozoan reefs are not only important habitat types for species diversity they are also important settlement areas for oysters and important for other commercial species (eg blue cod) Bycatch Dredging collects everything that is large enough to be retained by the mesh In an experiment bottom dredging killed 19ndash36 of small oysters (Cranfield et al 1999) Ecological effects Dredging causes considerable ecological damage both directly to seafloor communities and indirectly by increasing sedimentation and smothering and by altering food web dynamics A disease (Bonamia) has repeatedly infected oysters in the Foveaux Strait fishery in recent years causing large-scale mortality This is likely to have been exacerbated by the impacts of dredging which has highly modified the seabed and stressed oysters In areas where dredging stopped blue cod and dredge oyster numbers increased and seafloor habitats have started to regenerate (Cranfield et al 2001) Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 1996 for NelsonMarlborough and 1998 for Foveaux Strait Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on 2008 survey in Foveaux Strait and 2008 in Nelson-Marlborough and 2007 survey in Marlborough References Cranfield H J Michael K P and Doonan I J 1999 Changes in the distribution of epifaunal reefs and oysters during 130 years of dredging for oysters in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand Aquatic Conservation Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 9 461-483 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 2007 The New Zealand Seafood Industry council Ltd Ministry of Fisheries 2004 H J Cranfield G Carbines K P Michael A Dunn D R Stotter D J Smith (2001) Promising signs of regeneration of blue cod and oyster habitat changed by dredging in Foveaux Strait southern New Zealand NZ Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 2001 Vol 35
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 67
Pacific bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus orientalis
Other names Bluefin Northern bluefin tuna (Australia) thon rouge de sud (Canada France) minamimaguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pacific bluefin tuna is a very large highly migratory species that can move thousands of kilometres in a year It was previously known as Northern bluefin tuna in the Pacific but the northern bluefin is actually a different species (T thynnus) that grows much bigger and is a rare visitor to New Zealand Pacific bluefin tuna are occasionally caught in New Zealand in association with southern bluefin tuna (T maccoyii) in longline fisheries off the West Coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty
Ecological concerns Limited research uncertainty about stock assessments and the state of stocks (including the potential that they are overfished) unclear international management across different Pacific tuna management agreements and the lack of a management plan The bycatch of seabirds a range of shark species and NZ fur seals is also of concern as is the removal of this important predatory species from oceanic food webs
Economic value Pacific bluefin tuna are sold in Japan USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Pacific bluefin tuna are caught on the west coast of the South Island around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 20+ Age at sexual maturity 3-6 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 3+
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown - North and Central Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit 116 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 13 tonnes in 2007-08 compared to 9000 tonnes taken in the North Pacific Stock trends Uncertain but past decline in the size of the spawning population MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not availablehellip Given the conclusions of the May-June 2008 stock assessment with regard to the current level of [fishing mortality] (F) relative to potential target and limit reference points and residual uncertainties associated with key model parameters it is important that the current level of [fishing mortality] is not increasedrdquo (MFish 2008 p59)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Longlining on the West Coast of the South Island and around Northland and Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment An assessment by the International Scientific Committee for tuna and tuna-like species (ISC) in 2008 References The distribution of Pacific bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis) in the south east Pacific Ocean with emphasis on New Zealand waters T Murray NIWA Aug 2005 NZFAR 200542 Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 68
Packhorse lobster
Scientific name Sagmariasus verreauxi
Other names koura papatia pawharu (Maori) packhorse crayfish crayfish green rock lobster Eastern rock lobster (Australia US)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Found in the north and east of the North Island Packhorse rock lobster live around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m They are larger and have a slightly greener colour than rock lobster (crayfish) and are mainly caught in the far north waters of New Zealand Ecological concerns Concerns include the lack of basic biological data about the species the absence of any stock assessment or directed research on this species the unknown causes of the decline in reported catch since 1998-99 the apparent decline within diving depth and the lack of a management plan Catching packhorse lobster with cray pots may have impacts on some sensitive seabed habitats Economic value The market for Packhorse lobster includes Japan Best option Whilst assessed as a species of concern Packhorse lobster is one of the better seafood choices in 2009 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found mainly in the north of the North Island Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 403 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings are usually less than 25 tonnes each season but was 34 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but abundance has declined at diving depths MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoThe status of this stock is unknownrdquo (MFish 2008 p94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species such as soft corals Bycatch Minimal but some octopus and shag species may be caught Ecological effects Unknown Packhorse lobster are important generalist predators of a range of species including kina so their depletion from an area may cause wider ecological impacts Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative assessment and no proposed future research References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand commercial fisheries The atlas of area codes and TACCs 20082009 Clement and Associates Limited Nelson (2008)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 69
Paddle crab
Scientific name Ovalipes catharus
Other names paumlpaka (Maori) swimming crab south pacific crab NZ sea crab eacutetrille (France) Gazami menagazami (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paddle crabs are found around New Zealand and southern Australia where it is widely distributed in sandy shallow waters In New Zealand they are mainly caught off the east coast of the North Island from the eastern Bay of Plenty northwards Ecological concerns There is limited research on paddle crabs resulting in the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels uncertainty over stock status and basic biological information There is also no management plan and some concern about habitat damage caused by the fishing methods particularly when caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Economic value Paddle crabs are sold in New Zealand and Japan Best option Paddle crabs caught using cray pots Avoid crabs caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widely distributed around New Zealand on sandy seabeds in shallow waters Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 3-4 years (uncertain) Growth rate Moderate to high Reproductive output High (uncertain) Age exploited 3-4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 765 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Total landings of 168 tonnes reported in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states For all QMAs [quota management areas] ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available Landings have fluctuated significantly in most QMAs mainly due to market variations Paddle crabs are abundant throughout most of their range and the fishery is probably only lightly exploitedrdquo (MFish 2009 p602) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Baited traps and pots but also caught as bycatch in trawl and dredge fisheries Habitat damage Low for trapping and potting except in sensitive habitats Trawling and particularly dredging can have significant habitat impacts altering seafloor communities Bycatch Minor for baited traps or pots apart from some octopus and hagfish Trawling however catches a range of seabed dwellers and fish species that live on or close to the seafloor Ecological effects Paddle crabs are a food source for other marine species such as octopus Their depletion may alter food web dynamics and any damage caused to seafloor habitats may impact associated communities Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 70
Pale ghost shark
Scientific name Hydrolagus bemisi
Other names Chimaera ratfish pearl
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description As with the dark ghost shark this species is a slow growing deepwater shark that is found throughout New Zealand‟s offshore waters It has soft skin that is easily damaged It is caught almost entirely as a bycatch of other target trawl fisheries operating around the Chatham Rise and in southern waters most notably the hoki fishery but also the silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Ecological concerns There is a lack of some basic biological data on pale ghost sharks little directed research and no quantitative stock assessment (resulting in unknown sustainability of current catch limits) Also of concern is the possible dumping of catches in past years Habitat damage is caused by trawling and as a bycatch species of other fisheries it is associated with seabird marine mammal and other non-target fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for pale ghost sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for ghost sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Ghost sharks are exported to Australia with the shark fins being exported to Asia at a value of around $2 million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution A deepwater species found throughout New Zealand waters but mostly on the Chatham Rise and SouthlandSub-Antarctic at depths of 400-800m Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Low Reproductive output Likely to be low Age exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash estimates of current and reference biomass are not available Annual catch limit Set at 1780 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 818 tonnes in 2007-08 ndash it is likely that ghost sharks have been dumped and not reported in past years Stock trends Uncertain Chatham Rise trawl survey indicates a decline of 80 between 1984 and 1994 (Clark et al 2000) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available for pale ghost shark For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [Maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2009 p296) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling - caught as bycatch in hoki silver warehou arrow squid and barracouta fisheries Habitat damage Trawling especially bottom trawling for hoki which bulldozes the sea floor destroying soft corals sponges long-lived bryozoans and other associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch species pale ghost shark associated with the capture of a range of other species including seabirds fur seals and non-target fish Ecological effects Broad ecological impacts as a result of seafloor damage and removal of a wide variety of non-target catch (See hoki silver warehou arrow squid barracouta) Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 71
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment for any area and little directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 1 Alfonsino to Hake Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 72
Paua
Scientific name Haliotis iris (black-footed paua) and Haliotis australis (yellow-footed paua)
Other names kararuri hihiwa karahiwa karariwha koeo korohiwa kororiwha marariwha marari hauwai inaka wharangi (Maori) abalone black-foot paua (H iris) yellow-foot paua queen paua (H australis)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Paua is a large sea-snail that lives in shallow coastal waters usually in large groups on rocky reefs and feeds of algae There are two species in New Zealand (black-footed and yellow-footed paua) but it is black-footed paua that is most abundant with virtually the entire commercial fishery targeting it Paua is taken by hand mainly by commercial fishers The attractive shell also has some commercial value Most wild paua are taken from the South Island Chatham Islands Stewart Island and the southern coast of the North Island Ecological concerns The depleted state and unsustainable current catch levels in a number of areas for example declining stocks around Stewart Island (area 5B) and parts of Southland (area 5A) the potential for serial depletion and small-scale recruitment failure and the lack of a management plan As paua is a highly sought after resource a black market for paua has led to widespread illegal harvesting Paua is an important algal grazer within marine ecosystems so depletion raises wider ecological concerns Economic value 80 is exported to the western Pacific Rim including Singapore Hong Kong and Australia Total exports were worth $46 million in 2008 Best option Make sure you only buy paua from a reputable retailer to avoid eating illegal caught fish Paua caught off the West Coast of the South Island are currently the most sustainable ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Paua is found around the whole coastline Most of the commercial catch is from the Wairarapa coast southwards with most of the catch from waters around the South Island Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity 4-6 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow but variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Size exploited Minimum shell length of 125mm for black-footed paua and 80mm for the smaller species yellow-footed paua Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Paua populations around Stewart Island (area 5B) the Otago coast (area 5D) and the top of the South Island (area 7) are below the reference biomass levels Population size is unknown or uncertain in other areas Annual catch limit Set at 105850 tonnes in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported catch was 104569 tonnes in 2007-08 (There is thought to be considerable (up to 1000 tonnes) illegal and non-reported paua harvesting) Stock trends Probably rebuilding in area 7 declining or unknown in all other areas MSY Status Declining or slowly rebuilding The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states PAU4 ldquothe results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable but with considerable uncertainty [and] require this assessment to be treated with great cautionrdquo PAU5A At face value these results suggest that the current TACC and recent catches are not sustainable However the results suggest that catches at current levels within Dusky Chalky and South coast areas will result in further depletion within these areasrdquo PAU 5B ldquoThe assessment suggests that both spawning and recruited biomass are below the target levels[Future projections of] recruited biomass shows a tendency to decreaserdquo PAU5D ldquoThe stock assessment results were equivocalhellipthe future direction of recruited biomass was uncertainhellipIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] is sustainable or if they are at levels which will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 73
PAU 7 ldquoThe assessment shows a depleted stock Assessment results suggest that the current catch level is sustainable and the stock is likely to increase over three years The list of cautions discussed above under ldquoother factorsrdquo should be read in conjunction with this statement Potential problems with the model are likely to cause model results to be optimisticrdquo PAU 2 and 3 ldquoThere are no estimates of reference or current biomass for PAU 2 and 3 ldquo For PAU6 ldquoThe current TACC of 1 tonne is sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 611 622 633-634 644 657-658 and 670) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score A and A) Fishing method Paua is collected by hand by free divers using a knife Underwater breathing apparatus is not allowed Habitat damage Minimal Other marine species may be damaged when paua are cut from rocks Ecological effects Removal of this important algal grazer from sub-tidal communities may alter algal community structure and modify food web dynamics However impacts will depend on scale and intensity of harvesting Management and management unit (score C and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one However most commercial fisheries target one species only Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in PAU 4 (2004) 5A (2006) 5B (2007) 5D (2006) and 7 (2008) Uncertainties in models are likely to cause the model results to be optimistic The assessments do not estimate unfished stock size (B0) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 74
Pilchard
Scientific name Sardinops sagax
Other names mohimohi (Maori) sardine pillie Australian sardine (Australia) maiwashi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Only recently identified as a separate species the NZ pilchard is a small (up to 25cm) short-lived but relatively fast growing fish found in mid to surface coastal waters It is widely distributed around New Zealand but found in heavy concentrations in sheltered bays such as the Hauraki Gulf and Tasman Bay sometimes in mixed schools with sprat and anchovy Pilchards are mainly targeted throughout the year by purse seiners but also beach seine and lampara nets In 1995 some populations were severely impacted by a natural mass mortality thought to have been caused by a virus Jointly with anchovy and sprats pilchard has the highest ecological ranking of any New Zealand commercial fishery and is therefore one of the best fish choices Ecological concerns There is an absence of research on pilchards and the lack of a stock assessment meaning that the sustainability of the current catch levels is unknown There is also no management plan and concern that reducing their population could disrupt marine food chains as it is a prey item for many other fish species seabirds and some marine mammals Economic value Exports of $140000 to Asia with some locally available pilchards in New Zealand Best option Try to choose pilchards caught by purse seine rather than beach seine as this fishing method is a more selective and does not contact the seafloor ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Widespread in inshore waters around the North Island and northern South Island Maximum age (years) 9 Age at sexual maturity 2 years Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A catch limit was introduced at 2485 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 716 tonnes in 2007-08 less than half the previous year‟s landings Stock trends Annual landings have fluctuated from between 25 tonnes to 1491 tonnes in the last 16 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current biomass are available Recent catches from northeast North Island and the TACC for PIL1 [northern North Island] are higher than the 660t MCY [maximum current yield] estimate However the MCY estimate is considered unreliable It is not known if the current catches or TACCs are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p675) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly purse seine but also beach seine and lampara nets Habitat damage Low impact from fishing methods especially when caught by purse seine Bycatch Sometimes catches other pelagic fish such as anchovy jack mackerel (in north) and sprats (in south) Ecological effects Reducing the pilchard population disrupts marine food chains reducing a prey species for other marine life including larger fish seabirds and marine mammals This disruption to food webs has occurred in similar fisheries overseas Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 75
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and no current directed research References Pilchard biology and fisheries in New Zealand and a review of pilchard biology fisheries and research in the main world fisheries LJ Paul et al NZ Fisheries Assessment report 200137 NIWA July 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 2 Hoki to Pipi Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 76
Porbeagle shark
Scientific name Lamna nasus
Other names Porbeagle porpoise shark
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Pobeagle sharks like most shark species are slow growing and highly vulnerable to overfishing They are related to mako sharks and are listed as a vulnerable threatened species on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species Porbeagle sharks are highly migratory and are mainly caught as bycatch in a range of tuna longline fisheries on the west coast of both main Islands They are also caught as bycatch in some mid-water and bottom trawl fisheries Most of the porbeagle sharks landed (around 85) are caught just for their highly priced fins with the rest of the carcass dumped at sea Jointly with orange roughy porbeagle shark has the lowest ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide
Ecological concerns there is limited research on porbeagle sharks and no stock assessment As a result there is uncertainty about the state of the stocks and the sustainability of catch limits The fisheries associated with the porbeagle shark catches also catch other sharks seabirds and fur seals When caught as bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries seafloor habitats are also damaged Whilst there is no management plan for porbeagle sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for porbeagle sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo The practise of shark finning porbeagles and other sharks continues to be legal in New Zealand which is enormously wasteful
Economic value The primary value is in the highly priced fins (and tails) which are exported to East Asia
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Porbeagle sharks are a widespread oceanic species found around most of New Zealand Maximum age (years) 65 Age at sexual maturity Males mature at 8-11 years and females at 15-18 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited 1
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Set at 215 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 42 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest reported landings in nearly 10 years Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Unknown but numerous trends a bdquocause for concern‟ Listed as vulnerable on the IUCN-Red list of threatened species The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere is no assessment for this stock so it is not known if the stock is at or above a level capable of producing the maximum sustainable yield Furthermore it is not known whether current catches or the TAC are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards the biomass that would support the maximum sustainable yield However declining catches over a period when effort has increased rapidly low CPUE in recent years combined with the low productivity of the species and a history of fishery collapses in the North Atlantic are all cause for concernrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p64)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method longlining around the North Island and bottom trawling Habitat damage Low for longlining but high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks seabirds and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline and trawl fishery Ecological effects Removal of large predator species as bycatch in the longline and trawl fishery
Management and management unit (score E and D) Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment Management plan No Quota Management Species Yes added in 2004 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 77
Queen scallops
Scientific name Chlamys delicatula
Other names tipa (Maori) southern queen NZ gem scallop NZ gem shellfish
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the smaller of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found mainly in southern waters from South Canterbury and Stewart Island to the Sub-Antarctic Islands As with the more common scallops (Pecten novaezealandiae) they are found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats Queen scallops are a deeper species found in waters up to 400m They are harvested by dredging Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including invertebrates and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Also of concern is the absence of directed research unknown sustainability of current catch levels absence of population size or yield estimates and the lack of a management plan Economic value The market for queen scallops includes New Zealand and Europe ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution From South Canterbury to Stewart Island and around offshore islands from the Snares to as far south as Macquarie Island Australia Maximum age (years) 10+ Age at sexual maturity 4-5 years Growth rate Low Reproductive output High Age exploited 8 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Uncertain Annual catch limit The catch limit was set at 380 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch Reported landings of 95 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown and there are no yield estimates MSY Status Depleted in some areas uncertain in others The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoA relative biomass estimate for the areas fished within QSC 3 is available from a 2004 survey [But] this survey was not standardized and there are no previous estimates for relative biomass to provide comparisonrdquo (MFish 2009 p698) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method Dredging Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of fragile invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and invertebrate species including bryozoans and sponges Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 in FMA 3 and 5 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments A non-standardised relative biomass is available from a 2004 survey References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 78
Red cod
Scientific name Pseudophycis bachus
Other names hoka (Maori) NZ cod moride rouge julienette (Can France) akadara benidara (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This fast growing but short-lived species is found throughout New Zealand but is more common in southern waters at depths of 100 to 300m They are mainly targeted by trawlers at depths of 30-200m in the Canterbury Bight and off Westland but are also caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries off the south of the South Island Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to deepwater seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of directed research on red cod the unknown or uncertain sustainability of current catch limits and the lack of updated assessments and a red cod management plan Economic value Red cod is sold in New Zealand and is exported to Australia Canada Japan and United States with a value of over $9 million in 2008 Best option Red cod that are caught in areas other than the east coast South Island trawl fishery and fish that are not caught by bottom trawling ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand in shallow coastal water to waters over 700m depth They are most common in around the South Island at depths of 100-300m Maximum age (years) 7 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Relatively fast growing Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown ndash variable with good recruitment in colder El Nino climatic conditions Annual catch limit Set at 8270 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6457 tonnes in 2003-04 the second lowest catch in 6 years Stock trends Unknown as stock size undergoes high natural variability East Coast South Island (RCO3) biomass index was at its lowest recorded level West Coast South Island (RCO7) index was around its highest level but with high uncertainty For both RCO3 and RCO7 ldquothere is a strong correlation between recruitment and environmental variables with a periodic 14 month time lagrdquo However its predictive power of the environment-abundance model was more accurate for RCO7 (MFish 2007 p712-713) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states RCO 1 and RCO 2 ldquoit is not known if the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and recent catch levels are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo RCO3 hellip ldquoa constant catch at the level of the current TACC is unlikely to be attainable or sustainable in most years Catches and the winter East Coast South Island survey biomass index in 2006ndash07 were at their lowest recorded levels These low catch and biomass estimates are likely a function of a depressed population rather than from recruitment failurerdquo hellip RCO7 ldquoRecent quantitative stock projections are unavailable and the previous assessment is too outdated to be informative for such a short lived species The 2009 survey biomass estimate is the highest in the series but it also has the highest CVrdquo (MFish 2009 p700-711) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling mainly bottom trawling
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 79
Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater marine communities and species Bycatch Inshore trawling for red cod poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However the risk of dolphin captures may still exist where red cod fishing continues to overlap with dolphin areas outside these closures Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity and abundance Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative assessment for RCO 3 and 7 in 1999 but nothing for other areas These assessments are too old to be accepted No current directed research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 80
Red gurnard
Scientific name Chelidonichthys kumu
Other names kumukumu puuwhaiau (Maori) gurnard latchet (Asia) grondin rouge (France) houbou (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This distinctive fish is widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds It is a major bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries for red cod flatfish and jack mackerel and is directly targeted in some areas including by longline and set net Ecological concerns Globally threatened Hector‟s dolphins have been caught in the associated red cod east coast South Island trawl fishery Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling Trawling also catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear causes considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems Also of concern is the absence of recent directed research on red gurnard and lack of current stock assessments the inclusion of several stocks in one quota management area and the lack of a management plan Economic value Export value of about $1 million mainly to Japan Best option Red gurnard caught by longline or by trawling in areas where there is minimal risk to Hector‟s dolphins (eg east coast North Island) ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds to a depth of 150m Maximum age (years) 16 Age at sexual maturity 2-3 Growth rate Variable Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for all stocks Annual catch limit Set at 4993 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3344 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest in eight years Stock trends Unknown for most areas GUR3 likely to have increased since the mid-1990s Catches are well below the limits except GUR3 MSY Status Unknown apart from estimates for GUR 1 - in 1999 status was at 80B0 for GUR1W and 59 B0 for GUR1E The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference absolute biomass are not available for any gurnard stock The current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] were based on a period of highest ever catches and these levels have not been reached in recent yearsrdquo GUR1 Stable or increasing CPUE trends in conjunction with a 20 year period of reasonably constant annual landings suggest that recent catches in GUR 1 are sustainable As annual landings have remained at or a little over half the 2287t TACC it is not known whether the TACC is sustainablerdquo GUR2 CPUE analyses suggest that GUR2 abundance remained fairly stable between 198990 and 200405 Reported landings were also reasonably stable during this period These results suggest that catches in this time period and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-term GUR3 ldquoRecent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo [Stock was] ldquoat apparent low levels in the mid-1990s Stock size appears to have increased substantially since thenhellip Two independent CPUE series and the trawl survey corroborate that stock size for GUR 3 has increased since the late 1990‟srdquo GUR 7 ldquoThe West Coast South Island trawl survey relative biomass index declined from 1995 to 2000 and has increased steadily from 2003 to the highest level in the series in 2009 the 2009 estimate is preliminary Recent catches and the TACC are probably sustainable at least in the short-termrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 81
GUR 8 ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] are sustainableldquo (MFish 2009 p730-734) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly trawling but also longline and set net Habitat damage Trawling for red gurnard uses bottom trawl gear which damages seafloor habitats and communities Bycatch Trawling and set netting for gurnard poses a risk to threatened Hector‟s dolphins particularly in the east coast South Island trawl fishery where they have been killed Restrictions on trawling in areas where the dolphins are found introduced by the Ministry of Fisheries in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat However fishing in areas outside these colures still poses some risk of catching the dolphins Non-target fish species caught include stargazer red gurnard elephant fish rig and school shark Ecological effects Changes in seafloor communities from bottom trawling and possible impacts on marine food web dynamics due to impacts on ecosystems plus species diversity Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment The only quantitative stock assessment is in QMA 1 in 1999 This assessment is too old to be accepted by the MFish stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 82
Red snapper
Scientific name Centroberyx affinis
Other names kaorea (Maori) golden snapper red fish (Australia and US)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Red snapper is a schooling fish related to alfonsino found around the coast of northern New Zealand from depths of 10 to 400m It is mostly caught as a bycatch in the longline fishery for snapper (an unrelated species despite the name) off the East Coast of Northland in the tarakihi trawl fishery around Northland It is also caught in the set net fishery for snapper and trevally in the Bay of Plenty Ecological concerns Little is known about the biology of red snapper and there is considerable uncertainty about whether separate stocks exist stock boundaries and the state of the stocks due to the lack of a stock assessment Also of concern is the bycatch of sharks and seabirds in longline fisheries impacts on seabed ecology from trawling non target fish bycatch and the lack of a management plan Economic value Red snapper are mainly sold on the domestic market ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Red snapper are widespread around the coast northern of New Zealand and are found at depths of 10 to 400m Thy are caught mainly around Northland and in the Bay of Plenty Maximum age (years) 40 Age at sexual maturity Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown There is also no research to determine if there are separate biological stocks Annual catch limit Set at 145 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 87 tonnes in 2007-08 the highest catch in five years but well below the peak catch of 211 tonnes Stock trends Uncertain MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThe reference or current biomass is not known for any red snapper stock It is not known if the recent catch levels are sustainable The status of RSN 1 2 and 10 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p738) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method longline fishery off the East Coast of Northland trawl fishery around Northland and set net fishery in the Bay of Plenty Habitat damage Low for longline and set net fisheries high for bottom trawling Bycatch Sharks and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery and a variety of non-target fish are caught by trawl and set net fisheries Ecological effects Wasteful removal of non-target species from the marine ecosystem and damage to bottom dwelling species and habitats caused by trawling Management and management unit (score E and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 83
Ribaldo
Scientific name Mora moro
Other names Deepsea cod googly-eyed cod white cod mora
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deep-sea relative of red cod occurs around New Zealand and southern Australia at depths of 200 to 1300m It is most common between 500m and 1000m and is caught on bottom longlines and as a bycatch of deepwater trawling and longlining In recent years most of the catch comes from longlining for ling but historically from the late 1970s to 1990 it was a bycatch from target trawling for hoki orange roughy and ling Ecological concerns The bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery the bycatch of NZ fur seals and seabirds associated with trawl caught ribald and the impact of bottom trawling on seabed communities Also of concern is the absence of directed research and a quantitative stock assessment the lack of basic biological information on ribaldo the unknown sustainability of recent catches and the commercial catch limit plus the lack of a management plan Economic value Ribaldo are sold in New Zealand and Australia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand and is moderately common around the South Island at depths of 200ndash1300m It is most common between 500ndash1000m Maximum age (years) 60+ Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Unknown Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 1282 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 992 tonnes for 2007-08 which was the lowest in 14 years Stock trends Unknown - total reported landings have increased since 1982-83 but are now half the peak catch of 1996-97 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainable in the long term or whether catches at the level of the current TACCs will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p743) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Trawl and longline ndash most catch since 1990 is bycatch from ling longlining Habitat damage Minimal impact from longlining When caught by bottom trawl deepwater habitats and associated communities are damaged Bycatch Same bycatch as in the ling longline fishery - vulnerable seabirds and deepwater shark species (See ling for more information on bycatch species associated with ribaldo catches) When caught in the orange roughy and hoki fisheries a wider range of species are caught as bycatch including NZ fur seals and seafloor invertebrates Ecological effects As a bycatch species in the ling fishery this fish is associated with impacts on vulnerable seabird species and removal of a range of non-target fish from marine food webs When caught by trawling it is associated with significant alterations to deepwater ecosystem and species diversity Management and management unit (score E and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 84
Rig Lemonfish
Scientific name Mustelus lenticulatus
Other names Pioke Makoo (Maori) Lemonfish spotted dogfish smoothhound spotted estuary smooth-hound gummy shark hoshizame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This small species of shark is a popular ldquofish and chiprdquo fish which has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species Rig is found around New Zealand usually in waters no more than 200m deep It is caught in very long bottom set nets and in trawl nets with a proportion also caught as bycatch in other targeted trawl fisheries Ecological concerns The rig fishery is notorious for posing a significant threat to globally threatened Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins where they have been caught and killed in nets (especially set nets) Set nets and inshore trawling are also responsible for the bycatch of other dolphins fur seals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns with the rig fishery include the limited research on it the lack of quantitative stock assessments unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits (with declines in some stocks) and the lack of a comprehensive management plan There are also concerns about seabed damage caused by trawling Economic value Rig is sold in New Zealand and Australia with exports of about $25 m ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common in coastal waters especially shallow bays around New Zealand with adults out to 200m Maximum age (years) 20 (uncertain) Age at sexual maturity 5-8 Growth rate Moderately fast Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - no estimates of current and reference biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 1919 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1313 tonnes in 2007-08 are the second lowest in nearly 20 years and are well under half the annual landings reported in the early 1980s which peaked at 3826 tonnes in 1983 Stock trends Uncertain but declines in catches in SPO 1 West (north west North Island) SPO7 (West coast and top of the South Island) and SPO 8 (south west North Island) The SPO 7 (Tasman BayGolden Bay) catch rates have declined by over 70 in the last 15 years while a decline of over 50 was recorded in the West Coast South Island trawl survey between 1995 and 2005 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available SPO 1 ldquoreported landings have consistently declined since 1991ndash92 Patterns in relative abundance suggest that recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short termhellip However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable SPO2 Apart from ldquoa sharp drop [in the set net index] in the final one or two years indices are stable and have been for 14 years the current TACC is thought to be sustainable However it is unknown whether the current catch which is on average (past 4 years) 23 over the TACC is sustainablerdquo For SPO 3 ldquoRecent catch levels are thought to be sustainable in the short-term but it is not known if the TACC is sustainable because catches have averaged about 13 below the TACC since 2000ndash01rdquo For SPO7 [I]n 2006 based on a stock assessment that SPO 7 was below BMSY and that neither current catches nor the TACC were sustainable Based on this assessment the TACC was reduced for 2006ndash07 to 221 trdquo SPO8 All recorded landings have been less than the TACC Recent catch levels are probably sustainable in the short-term However it is unknown whether the current TACC is sustainable (MFish 2009 p759-760)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 85
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Trawling and bottom set nets as well as bycatch in other trawl fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and associated communities Bycatch Globally threatened Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are caught in set net fisheries which also catch other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling also poses a risk to these endangered dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist where fishing overlaps with dolphin areas outside these closures Juvenile rig are also caught in harbours Ecological effects Changes to species diversity and disruption of ecological systems Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment A preliminary assessment exists for SPO7 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 86
Rock lobster
Scientific name Jasus edwardsii
Other names koura matapara matapuku (Maori) crayfish red crayfish red rock lobster spiny rock lobster southern rock lobster (Australia US) langouste (France) ise-ebi (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Rock lobster is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters living in and around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m Rock lobster are caught year round and the fishery is New Zealand‟s third largest seafood export earner In addition to an annual quota there are size restrictions in place to protect juveniles and egg carrying females Ecological concerns The depleted state of some stocks the Gisborne stock in particular which is half of the legally required population size and the unknown status of some other stocks While some stocks are recovering they are still well below original levels Also of concern is the increasing uncertainty of annual catch levels in the medium-term and the lack of a management plan Cray potting is a relatively harmless fishing method but it can have impacts on marine mammals seabirds and sensitive seabed habitats Economic value Over 90 is exported live to Asian markets (Japan Taiwan and Hong Kong) Exports were worth $127 million in 2006 Best option The best option is to buy rock lobster that have not been caught from the Gisborne area or from the southern South Island region ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Rock lobster is found along most rocky coastlines in New Zealand but is more abundant around the south of the South Island and the Chatham Islands Maximum age (years) Thought to be long-lived (40+) Age at sexual maturity 3-12 Growth rate Thought to be slow growing Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 5-11 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Stocks are well below estimated 1950s population levels Several stocks have high exploitation rates which means they rely on few year classes and are susceptible to periods of low recruitment (possibly recruitment overfished) Annual catch limit Set at 27663 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2 9810tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends Variable ndash declines in northern and central New Zealand over the last 10 years but steady increases in southern South Island (CRA 7 and 8) over the last 10 years CRA 3 (Gisborne area) is estimated at half BMSY MSY Status Depleted stocks in most areas in particular CRA3 CRA 7 and 8 There is no reference to unfished stock size (B0) or sustainable yield (BMSY) in the assessments CRA 3 and 4 are below 30 of the 1950s stock size The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Northland (CRA1) ldquoThe 2002 model results suggest that hellip levels of catch appear to be sustainablehellip However the projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable much beyond two to three yearsrdquo Auckland-Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) ldquoThe 2002 model result suggested that 2001-02 stock abundance was higher than in the 1979ndash88 reference period The 2001-02 levels of catch hellipappeared to be sustainablehellip However in this stock the projections should be considered less reliable than for CRA 1 because the uncertainty of future recruitment has more short-term effect on projected biomassrdquo Gisborne (CRA 3) ldquoCurrent biomass was estimated to be roughly half BMSY suggested a depleted stock compared with the estimated Bmsy Current fishing mortality is approximately 27 higher than FMSY Projections made for five years with the 2007 levels of catchhellip produced a median 25 decrease in model biomassrdquo Wairarapa-Wellington (CRA 4) The 2005 model results suggest that stock abundance in 2005-06 was higher than the 1979-88 reference period 2006 levels of catch produced a median 6 reduction in model biomass over three years to a level that usually remained higher than the reference levels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 87
Marlborough-Canterbury (CRA5) ldquoThe 2003 model result suggest that 2002-03 vulnerable biomass is higher than in the 1979-88 reference periodhellip With the 2002-03 assumed levels of catch model projections at the end of the 5-year projection period showed a
median biomass smaller than the 2002 03 biomass but still well above the reference levels These projections showed increasing uncertainty on an annual basis and should not be considered reliable beyond two to three yearsrdquo Chatham Islands (CRA 6) stock assessment ldquohas not been updated since 1996 The status of the stock is uncertainrdquo CRA 7 and 8 The 2006 model results the ldquoCPUE was well above the target set for the rebuilt stock (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p92-94) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Cray pots (often large heavy and baited) which are dropped down to the seafloor to depths of 200m Habitat damage Minimal but when carried out over sensitive habitats may damage seafloor species Long-lived slow growing soft corals are broken when large heavy baited pots are dropped onto them in the deep waters of Fiordland Bycatch Globally threatened Chatham Island shags Hector‟s dolphins and sperm whales are known to drown when they get entangled on pot lines for instance near Kaikoura Ecological effects Rock lobster is a generalist predator so their depletion affects a range of species including kina Fishing in sensitive areas may also alter seafloor community composition and diversity Management and management unit (score B and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1990 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but since 1992 there has been very good management forums operating in different regions where the commercial and recreational fishers are working on the state of the fishery There is mixed success with some forums failing to protect stocks (eg Gisborne area) Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except CRA 9 with some assessments in other areas being 5 or more years old ndash CRA 1 and CRA 2 (2002) CRA 3 (2008) CRA 4 (2005) CRA 5 (2003) CRA 6 (1996) CRA 7 and 8 (2006) References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2008 stock assessments and yield estimates Sullivan (Comp) Science Group Ministry of Fisheries MFish Starfish web pages 2004 SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 88
Rubyfish
Scientific name Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Other names Rock salmon (South Africa)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This very long-lived (90 years or more) slow growing fish is found from mid-to-deepwater where they school over the seafloor and off deepwater banks and reefs Normally a southern ocean species in New Zealand rubyfish prefer the warmer northern and central waters and are most common at depths of 200 to 400m Rubyfish are caught throughout the year mainly as bycatch in trawl fisheries for alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel There is also a developing target trawl fishery At least a third of recent annual catches were from targeted mid-water trawling fished close to the bottom Ecological concerns The lack of some basic biological information about rubyfish the absence of directed research the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and as a result the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also of concern is the recent decline in landings off the east coast of the North Island and the lack of a management plan Non-target fish bycatch (including marine mammals and seabirds) and trawl impact on seabed communities are also of concern Economic value Rubyfish are exported to Europe and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score E) Distribution Rubyfish are found in the southern oceans from South Africa to Australasia Here they are found in sub-tropical waters around northern and central New Zealand at depths ranging from 50 to 800m but absent from the southern Chatham Rise and Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 90+ Age at sexual maturity 7 (uncertain) Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 7 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 800 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 564 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current or reference biomass are available RBY1 In 2002hellipthe stock [was assessed as] lightly fished [and] it seems likely that the stock is above BMSY Based on the low catches through to 2004ndash05 - RBY 1 was likely to remain near the unexploited level at that time RBY2 Most of the current RBY catch comes from QMA 2 It is not known whether the level of recent commercial catches in this QMA is sustainable The status of RBY 2 relative to BMSY is unknown RBY others For most other areas it is not known if recent catches are sustainable The status of other RBY stocks relative to BMSY is unknown (MFish 2009 p772) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Mainly caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries (alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel) and targeted by mid-water trawling where the gear is usually fished close to the bottom Habitat damage Trawling on seamount features close to or on the seabed can cause significant damage to habitats and associated communities Bycatch As a bycatch species rubyfish are associated with a range of non-target fish including quota management system species (eg tarakihi silver warehou gemfish and ling) and the captures of seabirds and marine mammals (See alfonsino gemfish barracouta hoki and jack mackerel fisheries for associated bycatch) Ecological effects Disruption to marine webs by the removal of a wide range of fish species and destruction of deep water ecosystems and species when fishing occurs on or close to the seafloor
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 89
Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 90
Scallops
Scientific name Pecten novaezealandiae
Other names kuakua pure tipai tupa (Maori) coquille saint-jacques de Nouvelle-Zealande (France) hotatega (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the larger and shallower distributed of two scallop species in New Zealand It is found on the seafloor in sandy or muddy habitats of sheltered bays from the low tide mark down to about 50m water depth The main commercial fisheries are in the Nelson-Marlborough region with other fisheries off Northland Coromandel Peninsula and around the Chatham Islands They are harvested before they spawn by dredging The scallop dredge fishery in the Nelson-Marlborough region is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns Dredging is a highly destructive fishing method that digs into and is dragged along the seafloor It results in a high bycatch of many non-target species including fish and invertebrates It causes incidental damage to scallops (as much as 50 of those not caught) and dramatically alters seabed ecology and associated species assemblages including high biodiversity habitat (eg Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay) Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits variations in stock sizes depending on survey timing and fishing season plus the absence of a management plan Economic value Most are exported to France with an export value of over $23 million in 2008 down from $146 million in 2001 Coromandel scallops are sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution These scallops are an endemic species found all around New Zealand but especially in bays 10ndash50 m deep Maximum age (years) 6-7 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Relatively high but variable between areas and years and generally decreasing with depth Reproductive output High to very high Age exploited 15-35 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Scallop populations sizes are naturally variable between areas and years Annual catch limit Annual catch limits are variable between areas and years with a minimum TACC set for Northland and Coromandel Total catch limit was 895 tonnes meat weight Recorded catch The total catch in 2007-08 was 196 tonnes meat weight with about 50 coming from top of the South Island Stock trends Recovering Coromandel and some Northland fisheries apart from the Far North and Bream Bay (which has declined 85 in one year) In the southern fisheries there has been little recovery with Tasman Bay reaching its lowest level in 10 years at 1 of 1998 levels MSY Status Latest published data suggest a recovery in the Northern fisheries after substantial declines in the late 1990‟s and early 2000‟s The southern fishery has shown variable changes with Tasman Bay reaching 3 of it 2002 levels The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states For the Chatham Islands (SCA4) ldquoIt is not known if current TACCs [total allowable commercial catches] and catch levels are sustainable or will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo For the NelsonMarlborough (SCA7) ldquoThere has been a substantial decline in the biomass of scallops in both Golden Bay and Tasman Bay since about 2002 current biomass is extremely low in Tasman Bayhellip In contrast biomass in the Marlborough Sounds has remained relatively stable over the same period Recent SCA 7 landings have been low and Tasman Bay has been completely closed to commercial harvesting since 2006hellip It is thought now that the current practise of bdquorotational‟ fishing on its own is probably not a sufficient strategy for the sustainable management of this fisheryrdquo For northern stocks Northland ndash ldquoA substantial increase in biomass was observed between 2003 and 2006 which resulted in the 2006 biomass estimate being the highest recorded for Northland However the 2007 survey results suggest the biomass in Bream Bay and MangawhaiPakiri has declined markedly since 2006 and consequently the overall fishery biomass is far lower in 2007 than in recent yearsrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 91
Coromandel ndash ldquobiomass estimates around the turn of the century (2000) were consistently at or near the lowest on record and it seems reasonable to conclude that the population was for unknown reasons at a very low ebb In contrast following reasonable increases in biomass catch rate and condition of scallops in 2003 and especially 2004 the biomass in 2005hellip was the highest on record The 2007 survey results show there has been a decline in the overall biomass since 2006 although the biomass estimate is still high compared with historical recordsrdquo (Brown and Horn 2007 Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p779-780 790-791 and 799) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Dredging at depths of 10ndash50 m (85 m at the Chatham Islands) Habitat damage Dredging bulldozes the seabed and removes a range of non-target species including horse mussels bryozoans and sponges It also kills up to 50 of the scallops that are not caught The sponge garden area of high biodiversity in Spirits Bay and Tom Bowling Bay was destroyed by scallop dredging in the 1990‟s Bycatch Non-target shellfish species and other invertebrates plus occasional benthic fish (eg stargazers) Ecological effects Dredging dramatically alters seabed ecology reduces habitat variability and species diversity and removes sensitive species such as horse mussels Management and management unit (score C and C) Quota Management Species Yes for all areas since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No but most stocks are supposed to be managed on a ldquocurrent annual yieldrdquo basis (ie catch limits are varied in accordance with survey results each year) however surveys are not always annual In 2009 the Southern Scallop Enhancement Company applied for environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment based on annual surveys for most areas apart from Chatham Islands (2005) References Survey of scallops and oysters in Golden Bay Tasman Bay and the Marlborough Sounds May 2007 Brown S and Horn P L June 2007 NIWA An appraisal of an in-season depletion method of estimating biomass and yield in the Coromandel scallop fishery M Cryer NZ Fisheries Assessment Report 20018 NIWA April 2001 Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 92
Scampi
Scientific name Metanephrops challengeri
Other names kourarangi (Maori) NZ scampi kaisersgranat (Germany) langoustine-de-NZ (France) akaza-ebi (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This is the largest prawn-like species found in New Zealand waters although it is actually a small lobster It is found all around New Zealand at depths of 200 to 750m The commercial fishery is now under the quota management system after some controversy over allocation of quota It is caught using specialised deepwater bottom trawls with fine mesh nets Ecological concerns due to the fishing method there is a high level of bycatch of fish invertebrates marine mammal and seabirds There is also considerable destruction to seabed habitats species and associated marine life Also of concern is the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels and limits in all of the larger quota management areas the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Economic value Export value of $11825 million in 2004 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Scampi are widely distributed around New Zealand at depths of 200-750m on the continental slope Maximum age (years) 15 (approx) Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to moderate (females carry only a few tens to a very few hundred eggs) Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown other than for areas subject to underwater photographic surveys in the Bay of Plenty Annual catch limit Total catch limit of 1291 tonnes set in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 669 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Declining catch rates in SCI1 SCI2 SCI3 SCI4A and SCI6A was substantially under-caught Scampi 1 2 and 3 had the lowest catches for over 15 years MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states There are no agreed biomass estimates ldquoThere are no stock assessments or yield estimates for any scampi stock It is not known if recent catches and current catch limits for any scampi stock are sustainable in the long term or will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p814) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method Bottom trawling with fine mesh gear Habitat damage Trawling for scampi has significant adverse impacts on seafloor habitats as it scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty over 1100 km2 is swept by trawlers each year which is one of the smaller scampi fisheries (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch There is a high level of a range of quota and non-quota species caught in scampi trawls (up to five times the target catch) Around the Auckland Islands threatened NZ sea lions are occasionally caught as well as observed captures of globally threatened black-browed Salvin‟s and white-capped (shy) albatrosses plus sooty and flesh-footed shearwaters Ecological effects Scampi trawling causes significant disruption to seabed species assemblages reduces deepwater biodiversity and modifies the structure of marine communities Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Introduced on 1 October in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 93
Stock assessment No completed quantitative assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 94
School shark
Scientific name Galeorhinus galeus
Other names makohuarau (Maori) grey shark greyboy tope flake milandre (France) eirakubuka mejirozame (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description School shark is a long-lived and slow growing species that is late to mature This means the fishery has low overall productivity and as with most other sharks the species is highly vulnerable to fishing pressure Like rig it is sold as a ldquofish and chiprdquo option It is widespread throughout the coastal waters of New Zealand but is particularly abundant in the north at depths of at least 200m It is caught throughout the year mainly by set netting Ecological concerns The school sharks fishery poses a threat to globally endangered Hector‟s and Maui‟s dolphins which may be caught and killed in nets (particularly set nets) and risks catching other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Trawling for schools shark may also impact seabed habitats Restrictions on set netting and trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered dolphins and other bycatch species However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a significant risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return if regulations are dropped Other concerns include the uncertainty about basic biological information on school sharks the absence of quantitative stock assessments and consequently the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits Lack of information on the size and sex composition of the catch and the lack of a management plan are additional concerns Whilst there is no management plan for school sharks in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for school sharks nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value School shark is sold for the New Zealand fish and chip market and is exported to main markets in Australia fetching $615m in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Found throughout New Zealand coastal waters although it is more common in the north Prefers the shallower waters of the continental shelf but is known to at least 200m Maximum age (years) 50+ Age at sexual maturity 12-17+ Growth rate Slow Reproductive output Low Age exploited 10 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3437 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3299 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown Catches have been steadily increasing following historical declines in catch However there is a lack of information on sex and size composition of catches MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current or reference biomass are not available School shark TACs were originally set at half the 1983 catch because of apparently declining catch rates and concern about the undoubtedly low productivity of the species However catches and actual TACCs have steadily increased since 1986ndash87 CPUE indices are characterised by high uncertainty but there are no indications that current catches are not sustainable in the short-term However it is not known whether recent catch levels or the current TACCs are sustainable in the long-term The status of SCH 1 2 3 4 5 7 and 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p832-0833) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Set netting trawling and lining with some also caught by tuna longliners well offshore Habitat damage Trawling damages seafloor habitats
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 95
Bycatch Juvenile school sharks are caught in harbour set nets and there is a risk of catching endangered Hector‟s dolphins other marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where Hector‟s dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 These have significantly reduced the threat to marine mammals and other wildlife however captures may still exist outside these closures Ecological effects Changes to bottom dwelling species diversity as a result of trawling and alteration of coastal food web dynamics due to removal of this predatory species from the population Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota management species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 96
Sea perch
Scientific name Helicolenus percoides
Other names matuawhapuku pohuikaroa puaihakua (Maori) jock stewart scarpee deepsea perch ocean perch
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Sea perch is a relatively slow growing long-lived fish (up to 45 years) that is related to scorpionfish It is widely distributed around New Zealand ranging from just a few metres water depth to very deep waters (1200m) It is mostly caught as bycatch in red cod and hoki trawl fisheries off the east coast of the South Island including the Chatham Rise A small targeted catch comes from some central and southern line fisheries including the groper fishery and a small bycatch comes from bottom longlining Ecological concerns The lack of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown sustainability of current catch levels (particularly given it is a long-lived species) and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the destructive impacts of bottom trawling on fragile deepwater habitats and species and the capture of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals associated with other fisheries Economic value Sea perch are sold in New Zealand and exported to Australia Japan and Korea at a value of $1million ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Sea perch occurs widely around New Zealand at depths of just a few metres to 1200m but is most common around the South Island Maximum age (years) 43 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Relatively slow Reproductive output Low Sizeage exploited 20-30cm or 5-20 years old Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 2170 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 12457 tonnes in 2007-08 around 75 as bycatch in trawl fisheries - the second lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown but between 19981999 and 200203 CPUE in SPE3 (off eastern South Island) declined in a range of fisheries MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are available For all fishstocks it is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p852) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Sea perch is caught as a bycatch species by trawl and line vessels (mainly in red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries) Habitat damage When caught as part of bottom trawling there are impacts on sea floor habitats and bottom dwelling species Bycatch Sea perch is associated with the bycatch of red cod hoki barracouta and flatfish fisheries The bycatch in these fisheries includes marine mammals seabirds and a wide range of non-target fish species (see bycatch report for these fisheries for more information) Ecological effects Due to the broad range of non-target bycatch associated with sea perch catches there is likely to be multiple disturbances to marine food web dynamics There is also disturbance to bottom dwelling species and diversity as a result of bottom trawling Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 97
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 98
Silver warehou
Scientific name Seriolella punctata
Other names warehou hiriwa (Maori) spotted warehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like the white warehou silver warehou are a deeper ranging warehou species than the blue warehou living off the continental shelf edge and its upper slope It is mostly caught from the Chatham Rise (their major spawning ground) Canterbury Bight southeast of Stewart Island and the west coast of the South Island at depths of 200-800m Ecological concerns The absence of a quantitative stock assessment resulting in the unknown sustainability of current catch levels and limits the lack of current or reference biomass estimates and the uncertainty about stock boundaries Also of concern is the overfishing of current catch limits problems associated with the past mis-reporting of silver warehou as white warehou and the lack of a management plan Trawling impacts on seabed habitats and communities is also of concern as is seabird marine mammal and non-target fish bycatch associated the fisheries in which this species is caught Economic value Export value of about $23 million with the main market being Japan ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score B) Distribution Found mainly on the Chatham Rise (with the major spawning are on the western Chatham Rise) outer Canterbury Bight South Island west coast and the shelf south east of Stewart Island at depths of 200-800m Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Relatively fast to mature Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown ndash no estimates of reference current absolute biomass are available Annual catch limit Set at 10380 tonnes in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 8107 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown ndash recent catch rates in SWA1 (all waters off the North Island West Coast and top of the South Island) is about half historic average levels MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo SWA1 ldquoCatch curve analyses indicate that the average exploitation rate on silver warehou in the WCSI hoki fishery is probably less than the natural mortality rate indicating that the stock is not being overfished Annual catches have averaged 1480 t hellipand catches at this level are likely sustainable in the short to medium term However it is not known whether catches at the level of the TACC (3000 tonnes) are sustainable The state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown SWA3 and 4 ldquoThe sustainability of current TACCs and recent catch levels for these Fishstocks is not known and it is not known if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2009 p860-861) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and D) Fishing method Trawling ndash caught as a bycatch in hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel fisheries Habitat damage Impact of trawling on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Bycatch As silver warehou is caught in other target fisheries it is associated with a wide range of non target catch including marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish (See hoki arrow squid barracouta and jack mackerel for more information) Ecological effects Alteration of seafloor species and associated diversity due to trawling plus removal of a range of fish from the system Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 99
Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 100
Skates
Scientific name Zearaja nasutus (Rough skate) Dipturus
innominatus (Smooth skate)
Other names manumanu pakaurua uku waewae whai (Maori) barndoor skate (NZ) suei gangiei (Japan) gaori (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Skates are very closely related to sharks and are members of the cartilaginous fishes group (they have no bones) They are very distinctive with flattened wing-like bodies and occur all around New Zealand from coastal waters to depths of about 200m There are two species of skate commonly caught in our commercial fisheries ndash rough skate and smooth skate the latter more common in deeper waters living longer and growing larger They are caught as a bycatch species in trawl nets and on lines across a number of fisheries in multiple management areas each as a separate quota management species The largest of these extending from the coast of Fiordland out and round to just north of Kaikoura and including the Chatham Islands (QMA 3) accounts for more landings than all others combined Ecological concerns The limited research on skates and absence of basic biological information on each skate species the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels in QMA 3 or the total quota area the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the lack of a management plan Also of concern are the impacts on deepwater habitats as a result of trawling and the bycatch of marine mammals seabirds and non-target fish in other fisheries where skates are caught as bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for skates in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for skates nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Skates are finned at sea Economic value Exports of around $06 m to Asia and Europe especially France and Italy ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Both of these endemic species occur all around New Zealand Rough skate is more common in coastal waters while smooth skate is usually found in deeper waters both extending to 200m water depth
Rough Smooth Maximum age (years) 9 28+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 8-13 Growth rate Unknown Unknown Reproductive output High Medium Sizeage exploited Unknown Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit A total quota of 1989 tonnes for rough skate and 867 tonnes for smooth skates in 2003-04 Recorded catch Reported landings of 1699 tonnes of rough skate and 715 tonnes of smooth skate in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but biomass indices declined significantly since 1991 on West Coast South Island for smooth skate MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available Relative biomass estimates from West Coast South Island trawl surveys 7 revealed strong decline for smooth skate It is not known if recent catch levels or the TACC are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p871) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method(s) Trawling and on lines Skates are caught as bycatch in a range of fisheries including hoki Habitat damage Trawling damages deepwater habitats and associated seafloor communities Bycatch As a bycatch of other fisheries skates are associated with the captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 101
Ecological effects The primary effects are those caused by trawling ndash damage to seabed species assemblages loss of large adult skates and disruption to deepwater food webs Management and management unit (score D and E) Quota Management Species Yes since 2003 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Whilst recognised as separate species these to skates (smooth and rough skate) are largely managed as a single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 1997 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 102
Skipjack tuna Scientific name Katsuwonus pelamis
Other names skipjack bonite (France) tunny (UK) katsuo (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This top predator is a highly migratory species of tuna found worldwide in tropical and subtropical waters usually preferring the warmer surface waters New Zealand is the southern limit of the skipjack tuna migration route (which is well known for being very long) where they visit the northeast from December to May or in later months from New Plymouth to Cape Farewell Skipjack are predominantly caught by purse seine vessels operating North of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay The New Zealand catch is a small part of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the state of the stocks the bycatch of sharks the bycatch of yellowfin and bigeye tuna in the Pacific fishery plus the lack of a stock assessment catch limits or a management plan Economic value The main market is for canning outside New Zealand primarily in Indonesia and Thailand The export value of skipjack tuna is about $10 million Best option Skipjack is the most ecologically sustainable tuna species on the Best Fish Guide If possible try to avoid skipjack caught in association with catches of yellowfin and bigeye tuna which are overfished ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Skipjack tuna are caught on the west and east coasts of the North Islands mainly north of New Plymouth and Hawkes Bay Maximum age (years) 12 Age at sexual maturity 1 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 1 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score B) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit It is not part of the quota management system (QMS) and no catch limits are set for New Zealand Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings in 2007-08 of 11834 tonnes inside the zone with another 15678 tonnes caught by New Zealand flagged vessels on the high seas Stock trends Uncertain but model results suggest that in recent years the skipjack population has been considerably higher (about 20) than the overall average level for the assessed period MSY Status Uncertain but likely to above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoThere are currently no concerns relating to the current status of this stock though there are concerns that any increases in fishing effort on this stock could adversely [effect] bigeye and yellowfin tuna New Zealand catches represent 15 of the total catch The stock is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are likely to be sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p102-103) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C) Fishing method Predominantly purse seine fishery around the North Island with some troll caught fish Habitat damage Low Bycatch Sometimes skipjack are caught with over-fished bigeye and yellowfin tuna which is a concern in the Pacific fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species (egtuna) has knock-on effects on the wider food web Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species No Catch limits No nor is there a catch limit or Individual Transferable Quota (ITQ)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 103
Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A South Pacific assessment in 2008 References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Langley A Hampton J and Ogura M 2005 Stock Assessment of skipjack tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean SC-1 SA-WP-4 First meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee Noumea New Caledonia Report from the Md-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 104
Snapper
Scientific name Pagrus auratus
Other names tamure kourea (Maori) sea bream bream schnapper NZ golden snapper brim porgy (US) dorade (France) madai goushyuumadai (Japan) cham dom (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description A slow growing long-lived (up to 60 years) member of the sea bream family snapper is one of largest and most valuable coastal fisheries in New Zealand It is common around the North Island and upper South Island and is mainly caught by bottom longlining or trawling operations generally at depths of 10-100 metres Jointly with oreosdeepwater dory mako shark and southern bluefin tuna snapper have the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns The depleted status of the stocks (primarily as a result of historical depletion) the management of two stocks as one the uncertainty in stock assessments for some areas and the lack of a management plan As snapper are also a common target for recreational fishing a sector in which there is limited to no assessment of catch the impacts of the combined recreational and commercial catches are also of concern The impacts of bottom trawling the bycatch of seabirds in the longline fishery (including the globally threatened black petrel) and the possible bycatch of the critically endangered Maui‟s dolphin in the trawl fishery are other concerns Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching Maui‟s dolphins However offshore fishing outside the closed areas still poses a risk plus pending the decision of a high court challenge the risk may return to inshore coastal waters if regulations are dropped Economic value Japan is the single largest export market (around 50) while Australia and Taiwan take some 30 between them The export value of snapper was about $32 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Mainly in the warmer coastal waters of the northern North Island and the Bay of Plenty but ranges to the north of the South Island Maximum age (years) 60 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-5 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Depleted in most areas Annual catch limit Set at 6357 tonnes in 2005-06 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6367 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends All stocks appear to be increasing However SNA8 (Kapiti coast to Cape Reinga in the North) projections assume a level of recruitment higher than that observed in recent years and may not reach the legally required BMSY level for up to 60 years The SNA1 stock (Northland to eastern Bay of Plenty) assessment has not been updated since 2000 MSY Status The maximum sustainable yield (MSY) for snapper is assumed to be 20 of the unfished stock size (B0) This is unrealistically low All stocks are likely below this legally required level SNA 1 was about 18 B0 in 2000 and SNA 8 was between 8 and 12 B0 SNA2 stock (east coast North Island from Kapiti to eastern Bay of Plenty) was probably below the recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield SNA7 (West Coast and top of the South Island) is thought to be rebuilding after being depleted to very low levels Fishery Assessment plenary report states SNA1 was last assessed in 2000 East Northland ndashthe base case indicates that recruited biomass is at about BMSY reference point and is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the twenty year projection period Hauraki GulfBay of Plenty ndash indicates that the current recruited biomass (2000) is less than the BMSY reference point but is expected to increase over the next twenty years under the current TACC and estimated levels of recreational and unreported catch It is expected to exceed BMSY at the end of the projection periodrdquo
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 105
SNA2 ldquoAs there are no indices of biomass model estimates [2002] must be treated with caution For almost all [model] runs the current biomass was estimated to be near to or somewhat below BMSY but was projected to increase towards BMSY by 2006 at the current catch level (436t)rdquo SNA 7 ldquoCurrent catch levels are below the expected level of productivity predicted by the assessment model which suggests that the stock should be rebuilding This prediction has not been corroborated by catches or other information external to the model hellip the model was depicting the 2001 SNA 7 biomass at an unrealistically high level (100-200 BMSY) and [the MFish Working Group] rejected the results of the assessmentrdquo SNA8 ldquoThe 2005 stock assessment indicated that current biomass (2004ndash05) was between 8 and 12 B0 and the biomass was predicted to slowly increase at the TACC level of 1500 t However from 1 October 2005 the TACC was reduced to 1300 t to ensure a faster rebuild of the stock At this TACC level the predicted rebuild to BMSY (20 B0) occurred after 2018 in all casesrdquo (MFish 2009 p904-905) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and E) Fishing method(s) Bottom longlining bottom trawling and some set netting Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages seafloor habitats and leads to a loss in biodiversity (Thrush et al 1998) Bycatch Seabirds are caught as by-kill on longlines including flesh-footed shearwaters and globally threatened black petrels while trawling and set netting catch a range of non target fish species Snapper fisheries may also risk possible bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Restrictions on set netting and trawling in areas where the dolphins are found were introduced in May 2008 which has significantly reduced the threat to these dolphins plus other marine mammals and wildlife However captures may still exist where trawl fishing overlaps with dolphins areas outside the closed areas Ecological effects Modification and damage to seafloor habitats associated species and food webs Management and management unit (score B and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Whilst most stocks are managed separately there are two distinct stocks managed as one Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments in all areas except QMA 2 and 3 However SNA1 was last carried out in 2000 SNA2 and 7 in 2002 and SNA8 in 2005 The results of SNA7 was rejected by the stock assessment working group References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd S F Thrush J E Hewitt V J Cummings P K Dayton M Cryer S J Turner G A Funnell R G Budd C J Milburn M R Wilkinson (1998) Disturbance of the marine benthic habitat by commercial fishing impacts at the scale of the fishery Ecological Applications Vol 8 No 3 pp 866-879
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 106
Southern blue whiting
Scientific name Micromesistius australis
Other names Southern poutassou merlan bleu austral (France Canada) merlu (Italy) blauer wittling (Germany) minamidara (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This deepwater cod species is only found in waters around the Sub-Antarctic Islands where it schools near the seabed at depths of 450 to 650m It is therefore targeted and caught as bycatch in trawl fisheries operating in this region particularly during its spawning season in August to early October The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under an international body - the Marine Stewardship Council Ecological concerns The recorded and projected declines in biomass for two stocks (Campbell and Bounty‟s) the unknown sustainability of current catch limits in the two other stocks and the lack of a management plan Of particular concern is the increasing trend of threatened NZ sea lion captures in this fishery which has relatively low observer coverage Also the impact of bottom trawling the very high bycatch of NZ fur seals (the highest of any NZ fishery) especially around the Bounty Islands and the deaths of seabirds are of serious concern Economic value The southern blue whiting fishery has an export value of about $227 million (2008) with the main markets in Japan Bulgaria Australia and China This fish is also used to make crabsticks or surimi ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Restricted to Sub-Antarctic waters This species is abundant south of New Zealand on the Campbell Plateau Pukaki Rise and Bounty Platform at depths of 300-650m Maximum age (years) 25 Age at sexual maturity 2-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to low Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Highly uncertain or unknown for the Pukaki and Auckland Island stocks depleted for the other two areas Annual catch limit Set at 36948 tonnes in 2008-09 Recorded catch Reported landings of 31866 tonnes in 2008-09 Stock trends The Bounty Platform stock and Campbell Island stocks have had good recruitment and are rebuilding The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown MSY Status Of the four stocks Bounty Platform and Campbell Island stocks are depleted with the Campbell Island stock estimated to be below BMAY in 2007 The biomass of the Pukaki Rise stock is thought to be stable while the sustainability of current catch limits in the Auckland Islands stock is unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states Campbell Islands stock ldquoFor the base case the B2006 was estimated to be 78000t corresponding to 30 B0 [BMAY is 34] The assessment is much more optimistic that the equivalent stock assessment presented in 2006 particularly in the projections as stock size is not predicted to decrease with future catches of 20000 tonnes (current TACC)rdquo Bounty Platform stock ldquoA survey carried out by the fishing industry in August 2007 indicated that there has been a very large increase in biomass in this stock since 2004hellip Without a formal stock assessment it is not possible to quantify the size of the stock and to determine a current annual yield (CAY) for the fisheryhellip Another survey in August 2008 confirmed that the 2002 year class is very strong and biomass was likely to be over 100000 t Using the results of the 2008 survey to estimate conservative estimates of CAYhellip gave estimates of CAY of 13500 t to 22000 t The TACC was increased from 1 April 2009 to 15000 trdquo Pukaki Stock ldquothis stock has only been lightly exploited since 1993 and likely to be above the level that will support the MAYrdquo Auckland Islands stock ldquoit is unknown if recent catches are sustainable or if they will allow the stocks to move towards a size that will support the MSY [maximum sustainable yield]rdquo (MFish 2007 p891) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Trawling mainly by foreign chartered vessels
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 107
Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seafloor and causes serious damage bottom dwelling species and fragile deepwater ecosystems Bycatch The southern blue whiting fishery has the highest captures of NZ fur seals of any fishery especially around the Bounty Islands It also captures seabirds other fish species and increasingly globally threatened NZ sea lions Ecological effects Trawling impacts on bottom dwelling species and associated communities Also the removal of young southern blue whiting which are an important food for globally threatened yellow-eyed penguin and forms the bulk of the food of globally threatened black-browed albatross (Diomedea melanophrys impavida) during the chick-rearing period (Cherel et al 1999) Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1999 (1 November) Catch limits Yes Management plan No The southern blue whiting trawl fishery is currently seeking environmental certification under the Marine Stewardship Council (and international body that assesses and awards sustainable fisheries certifications) This process may lead to the development of a formalised plan Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessments for all areas except Auckland Islands For example Campbell Islands (2008) Bounty Platform (2004) Pukaki Rise (2002) Industry surveys in 2007 and 2008 have yet to be fully assessed References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Albatross predation of juvenile southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) on the Campbell Plateau Cherel Waugh and Hanchet 1999 New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research 1999 Volume 33
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 108
Southern bluefin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus maccoyii
Other names Bluefin southern bluefin thon rouge de sud (Canada France) atun del sur (Spain) minamimaguro indo-maguro (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Southern bluefin tuna is a long-lived migratory species found throughout the Southern Hemisphere which can move thousands of kilometres in a year It is a highly sought after tuna species due to its flesh being of high oil and low moisture content Iin 1996 it‟s depleted status resulted in it being ranked by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as critically endangered Southern bluefin tuna breed in the Indian Ocean off western Australia arriving in New Zealand in prime condition at around the age of 5 years old where they are caught off the east coast by longlining and trolling Jointly with mako shark snapper and oreodeepwater dory southern bluefin tuna has the second worst ecological ranking on the Best Fish Guide of any commercial fishery in New Zealand Ecological concerns Southern bluefin stocks are severely over-fished ndash the breeding population is severely depleted and there is a high level of unreported and illegal catch (up to 30 of the reported catch) The lack of a management plan and the bycatch of seabirds NZ fur seals a range of shark species and the huge non-target fish bycatch are also of concern Economic value Southern bluefin tuna are exported to Japan the USA and Canada where it is highly prized for sashimi and sushi Almost all large bluefins are shipped to Japan where they can fetch very high prices An individual 444 pound bluefin sold for a record US$173000 in Tokyo in 2001 The export value of southern blue fin tuna was $7million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Breeds south of Java (Indonesia) on the west coast of Australia Distributed in the southern oceans between 10oS and 50oS including New Zealand waters Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 8-12 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to very high Age exploited 4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E) Population size Southern bluefin tuna are severely depleted - well under 10 of the 1960 population size and possibly as low as 3 In 1996 the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) listed this species as Critically Endangered the highest threat category Annual catch limit The annual New Zealand catch limit has been set at 413 tonnes in 2004-05 out of a global ldquolimitrdquo of 11620 tonnes set by the Convention on the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT) This includes voluntary commitments from Korea and Taiwan to reduces catches by a combined 280 tonnes Recorded catch Reported landings of 378 tonnes in 2008 Estimated global catches reported in 2007 (11 540 t) were the lowest for over 50 years In 2005 a high level of unreported or illegal catch was identified principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years There is also concerns about the reporting of aquaculture farming by Australian fishers Stock trends Declined to historically low size and it is unclear whether the stock is now stable or declining (it is not rebuilding) MSY Status Well below the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield and expected to suffer from further declines in spawning stock biomass in the coming years The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAt the 2008 CCSBT-SAG meeting the operating model was run under a number of scenarios that are generally similar to those evaluated in 2006 The scenarios indicate that spawning stock biomass is still at a very low level (generally below 10 of pre-exploitation spawning stock biomass a level at which recruitment may be at risk of further decline) This is well below the 1980 level and below the level that could produce maximum sustainable yield Rebuilding the spawning stock biomass would almost certainly increase sustainable yield and provide security against unforeseen environmental events Presently however there is no sign of spawning stock biomass rebuilding Consistent with the poor recruitment from 1999 to 2002 a gap in the size (and presumably age) composition is apparent By inference this gap will lead to a further decline in spawning stock biomass in coming yearsrdquo (MFish 2009 p114)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 109
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method(s) Pelagic longlining with approximately 500000 baited hooks set in New Zealand per year The small number of Japanese chartered vessels and New Zealand vessels are required to use some seabird bycatch mitigation measures Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds including globally threatened species of albatross and petrel are killed as well as non-target fish (including blue sharks) and some marine turtles Albatross species recorded killed in the fishery include Antipodean Buller‟s Salvin‟s Gibson‟s Campbell Chatham black-browed and white-capped Grey petrels are also caught The numbers of fish bycatch species can be up to 20 times the target tuna catch Ecological effects This fishery is directly responsible for driving both the target tuna species and some species of albatross towards extinction Due to the excess removal of this species and the removal of other large predatory species the fishery has knock-on effects on food web dynamics Management and management unit (score B and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes as a proportion of the bdquoglobal limit‟ set by the CCSBT Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment Quantitative stock assessment in 2008 and 2009 by CCSBT Assessments have been affected by the high level of unreported or illegal catch identified in 2005 principally by Japanese fishers which went back over 20 years References Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries SeaFIC website 2004 The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 110
Spiny dogfish
Scientific name Squalus acanthias
Other names koinga kaaraerae mako-huarau mangoo-hapuu mango-pekepeke (Maori) spurdog spineback spiky dog fish spiky southern spiny dogfish spotted spiny dogfish rock salmon (UK) gob sang eo (Korea)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Like rig this small shark species has moderately fast growth and reproductive rates that make it less prone to overfishing than most shark species It lives near the seafloor in deeper waters than rig (100 ndash 700m) occuring almost worldwide in cool temperate waters In New Zealand they are most commonly found off the south and east coasts of the South Island It is mainly caught as bycatch in several deepwater trawl fisheries plus by inshore trawlers set netters and longliners Ecological concerns The limited research on this species the absence of a quantitative stock assessment which results in the unknown sustainability of current catch limits the uncertainty about stock boundaries and the absence of a management plan Also of concern is the impact of trawling on seabed habitats and due to the association with other fisheries where it is caught seabird marine mammal and other fish bycatch Whilst there is no management plan for spiny dogfish in 2008 a New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks was developed However there are no specific conservation actions for spiny dogfsh nor is there any difference in its management from the status quo Economic value Spiny dogfish is sold in New Zealand and is exported mainly to Western Europe and China with a value of $24 million in 2008 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Most common off the south and east coasts of the South Island at depths of 100-700m but also occurs on the Chatham Rise and northern Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 21-26 Age at sexual maturity 6-10 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium ndash female fish produce 1 to 19 live young per litter with a gestation period of 24 months Age exploited 4 (uncertain) Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size No estimates of current or reference biomass Annual catch limit A catch limit was set at 12660 in 2004-05 Recorded catch Reported landings of 6293 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest since being under quota management Stock trends There was an upward trend in reported catches between 1980-81 and 2001-02 MSY Status Uncertain The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoAlthough reported commercial catches of spiny dogfish were observed to increase in all major FMAs during the 1990s the extent to which these increases can be attributed to changes in reporting practice (ie more accurate reporting of discards in recent times) is uncertain Trawl surveys on the other hand indicate that there was a general increase in the abundance of spiny dogfish particularly around the South Island in the mid 1990s It is unknown whether current catch limits are sustainablerdquo (MFish 2009 p937) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling set netting and longlining It is mainly caught as bycatch in a range of trawl fisheries including hoki barracouta and red cod Habitat damage When caught by bottom trawl or from mid-water trawls close to the seafloor bottom dwelling species and habitats are damaged Bycatch Spiny dogfish is caught in association with other fisheries where there seabirds marine mammals and a range of non-target fish are caught as bycatch (See hoki barracouta and red cod for more information)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 111
Ecological effects As with most sharks spiny dogfish is an important predator so excess removal from marine systems is likely to alter food web dynamics (In conjunction with the removal of other non-target fish this is almost certainly the case) Up to 80 of spiny dogfish have been discarded in some areas making its removal utterly wasteful Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes from 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment and limited research References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd New Zealand National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of sharks (October 2008) Ministry of Fisheries
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 112
Sprats
Scientific name Sprattus antipodum (sprat) S muelleri (stout sprat)
Other names kupae marakuha patete (Maori) New Zealand herring sardine sprotte (Germany) espadin (Spain) iwashi supuratto (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Sprats also commonly referred to as sardines or New Zealand herring actually incorporate two different species of sprat They are a small fast growing schooling fish found in coastal waters particularly in sheltered bays They are often used (long with anchovy and pilchards) by recreational fishers as baitfish and are caught commercially in a minor and intermittent fishery They are a schooling fish most commonly found around the South Island sometimes in mixed schools with anchovy and pilchards Jointly with anchovy and pilchard sprats have the highest ecological ranking of any commercial fishery in New Zealand
Ecological concerns The lack of basic biological information on both species the lack of a quantitative stock assessment the impact of trawling on seafloor species and the lack of a management plan There is also some concern about the impact of fishing this species on predatory species further up the food chain such as marine mammals seabirds and larger fish However these concerns have not yet been assessed
Economic value The market for sprats includes New Zealand
Best option Try to choose sprats caught by purse seine or beach seine
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (both species) (score A) Distribution Open water and common in inshore waters around the South Island and in localized shoals around the North Island Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate High Reproductive output High Sizeage exploited Unknown
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 450 tonnes in 2002 Recorded catch 1 tonne in 2007-08 During the 1990s reported catches ranged from less than 1 tonne to 7 tonnes Stock trends Unknown MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states No estimates of current biomass are available At the present level of minimal catches stocks are at or close to their natural level This is nominally a virgin biomass but not necessarily a stable one It is probably not possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for spratsrdquo (MFish 2009 p940)
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score B and B) Method Mainly purse seine but also set net and beach seine Habitat damage Impact of bottom trawling on seafloor habitats and species diversity Bycatch Associated with pilchard in the south and purse seine bycatch species Ecological effects This is an important food species for larger fish seabirds and marine mammals ldquoExcessive localised harvesting may disrupt ecosystemsrdquo (MFish 2009 p 940)
Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 2002 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Two species managed as one Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 113
Stargazer monkfish
Scientific name Kathetostoma giganteum
Other names kourepoua moamoa ngu (Maori) giant stargazer bulldog sterngucker (Germany) miishimaokoze (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Stargazer or monkfish is actually one of a few species of stargazer in New Zealand It (the giant stargazer) is widespread in New Zealand coastal waters between 50 and 500m living on or partially buried in soft sediments on the seabed It is caught year round mainly around the South Island where it is most common as a bycatch in domestic trawl fisheries targeting red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi It is also caught as bycatch in some deepwater fisheries Ecological concerns The absence of quantitative stock assessments for any areas uncertainty over stock boundaries unknown sustainability of some catch levels and limits and the lack of a management plan Also of concern is the habitat destruction caused by bottom trawling plus the non-target fish seabirds and marine mammal bycatch associated with other fisheries in which it is caught Economic value Stargazer is sold in New Zealand and had an export value of about $4 million in 2008 mainly sold to Japan Latvia and Germany ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Moderately common in shelf waters around southern New Zealand at depths of 50 to 500m Maximum age (years) 26 Age at sexual maturity 5-7 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Medium to high Age exploited 2-3 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Largely unknown There has been a preliminary estimate off the West Coast and top of the South Island (STA7) which gave a spawning stock estimate of 29 to 51 B0 for the base case assessment and within the East Coast North Island area (STA 2) the exploitation rate was estimated to be very high with ldquolong term yieldshellipof the order of 50-60 tonnesrdquo Annual catch limit Set at 5412 tonnes in 2002-03 Recorded catch Reported landings of 3258 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown but STA 7 stock has declined by around 29 to 51 since 1990 MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current or reference biomass are availablerdquo STA1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches have exceeded [the TACC] It is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 1 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA2 (East coast North Island) ldquoRecent relative abundance indices from both the ECNI inshore trawl survey and the ECNI scampi trawl survey are lower than those in 1993 The 1997 assessment suggested that the exploitation rate was very high but [a]n upper bound of 80 for the catchbiomass ratiohellipwas considered unrealistically highhellip Landings have been slightly above the TACC in recent years It is not known whether recent catches and the current TACC are sustainable The status helliprelative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe reinstated ECSI trawl survey returned a biomass estimate that was slightly above the 5 indices observed in the early 1990s This biomass estimate was also consistent with the CPUE series developed for the bottom trawl fishery targeted at red cod stargazer and Barracoutahellip On this basis [it was] concluded that current catches have been sustainable over the 18 years of the CPUE series although it is not known if the TACC is sustainable given that the average catches over this period have been about 15 below the TACC Relative biomass indices for stargazer from the annual trawl survey of the western end of the Chatham Rise have remained stable It is not known if recent catch levels and the current TACC are sustainable in the long-term The status of STA 3 relative to BMSY is unknown STA 4 (Chatham Rise) ldquoif fishing is overly concentrated in those areas where stargazer can be targeted such as close to the Chatham Islands there are concerns that local depletion may occur Recent catches have been substantially less than the TACC
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 114
the stock appears to have been lightly fished and is still likely to be in the fishing down phase It is not known if catches at the level of the current TACC would be sustainable The status of STA 4 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA 5 (Southern waters including Subantarctic Islands and Fiordland) The current ldquoTAC is at the level of recent catches and is probably sustainable The status of STA 5 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo STA7 (West Coast amp top of the South Island) The WCSI trawl survey indices have increased from a low observed in 2003 to the highest in the series in 2009 (preliminary estimate) The results of the quantitative stock assessment suggested that stock biomass during the 2004ndash05 fishing year was unlikely to be below the biomass required to support the maximum sustainable yield The range of model results for STA 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is likely to be above BMSYrdquo STA 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoIt is not known if recent catch levels and current TACC are sustainable The status of STA 8 relative to BMSY is unknownrdquo (MFish 2009 p963-964) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C) Fishing method Trawling Stargazer is a bycatch in red cod tarakihi flatfish barracouta and scampi fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling bulldozes the seabed destroying and altering bottom habitats and species assemblages Bycatch Stargazer is associated with the bycatch problems of the fisheries in which it is caught which includes captures of non-target fish seabirds and marine mammals (See red cod flatfish barracouta and scampi for more information) Ecological effects The combined effects of seafloor damage and alteration (especially for the scampi fishery) plus non-target bycatch has considerable ecological implications on seabed and wider marine systems Management and management unit (score D and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment except for a preliminary assessments in STA2 (1997) and STA7 (2008) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 115
Striped marlin
Scientific name Tetrapturus audax
Other names takaketonga (Maori) marlin
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Striped marlin is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters Between 1987 and 1991 there was a moratorium on landing any broadbill species (marlin and swordfish) in the area between Mokau and East Cape (Auckland Fisheries Management Area) due to concerns about depleted stocks In 1991 the moratorium was replaced with a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between recreational and commercial fishers to allow for the commercial take of swordbill Since 1995 there is a requirement to report all catches of billfish The MOU was last singed in 1996 As a result of the agreement on billfish striped marlin is principally a recreational only fish (about 65 tagged and released to aid research) with any commercial captures the result of accidental capture in the tuna surface longline fishery in northern waters Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessment plus the state of the stocks and catch limits Commercial captures of marlin are associated with the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals One of the key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Marlin is sold in East Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Striped marlin are caught mainly around the North Islands north of 42oS Maximum age (years) 12+ Age at sexual maturity 1-2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit None set Recorded catch Latest reported annual commercial catch of 17 tonnes in 2007 most of which was discarded and 2 tonnes taken by New Zealand vessels outside the zone Stock trends Uncertain but likely declining MSY Status Uncertain but may be below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSeveral of the plausible model scenarios investigated indicate that current levels of fishing mortality may approximate or exceed the reference level FMSY and current spawning biomass levels may approximate or be below the biomass based reference point BMSY On the basis of this preliminary assessment it is recommended as a precautionary measure that there should be no increase in fishing mortality (ie fishing effort) on striped marlin in the southwestern Pacific particularly hellipthe Tasman Seardquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2008 p120-121) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic Surface longlining for tuna around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Sharks New Zealand fur seals and seabirds are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Removal of some of these important large predators may impact oceanic food web dynamics including other species caught as bycatch in the longline fishery Management and management unit (score D and D) Quota Management Species No ndash due to an MOU with recreational fishers marlin cannot be targeted by commercial fishers
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 116
Management plan No However a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Stock assessment A stock assessment in 2006 by the WCPFC Scientific Committee with collaboration by Australia and the Secretariat of the Pacific Community (SPC) References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2005 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species Revised Edition 1990 NZ Fishing Industry Board
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 117
Swordfish
Scientific name Xiphias gladius
Other names broadbill broadbill swordfish paea espadon (France) mekajiki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Swordfish is a highly migratory species (HMS) of broadbill fish and an important oceanic predator found worldwide in temperate tropical and subtropical seas The management responsibility for this species as with other Western Pacific HMS lies with an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries commission (WCPFC) However the Ministry of Fisheries is responsible for upholding WCPFC rules in New Zealand waters with catch limits set under the quota management system They are targeted and caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries Ecological concerns Uncertainty about the stock assessments catch limits and state of the stocks plus the potential for serial depletion of large swordfish There is also concern about the bycatch of sharks seabirds fur seals and sea turtles In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Another key concerns is the ecological impacts of removing this key predator species from oceanic food webs Economic value Main markets are Japan Australia and USA The export value of all tuna species combined was $42 million in 2002 ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Swordfish are found worldwide in temperate subtropical and tropical waters They are present in New Zealand year round from the Kermadecs to Foveaux Strait Maximum age (years) 20 Age at sexual maturity 9-10 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 885 tonnes in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 402 tonnes in 2006-07 The average sex ratio of swordfish caught in the longline fishery over the last 20 years was 3 times as many females compared to males Stock trends Uncertain There was a decline in CPUE from 2000 to 2004 which is consistent with the decline in Australia but the recent assessment suggests an increase in the stock MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoSwordfish taken in New Zealand are part of a larger regional stockrdquo The [2008 WCPFC] assessment undertaken for swordfish in the southwestern Pacific region indicated an increase in stock abundance in recent years and the model projections predict further increases at current levels of fishing mortality Plausible assessment results indicate that overfishing is not occurring and that the stock is not in an overfished state However due to the uncertainty in the assessment the SC recommended that there be no further increase in catch or effort in order to keep the stock above its associated reference pointshellip It is not currently possible to estimate a long-term sustainable yield for swordfish or to determine if recent catch levels will allow the stock(s) to move towards a size that would support a MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p128) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Method Pelagic surface longlining - they are caught on the west and east coast of the North Island plus around the Kermadecs Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks New Zealand fur seals and turtles are caught in the longline fishery In November 2006 a single surface longline vessel targeting swordfish around the Kermadec Islands caught 51 threatened antipodean albatrosses 7 white-chinned petrels and 2 sea turtles Ecological effects Removal of these important large predators (Southern bluefin and sharks) impacts oceanic food web dynamics
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 118
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes in 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A preliminary assessment in 2008 by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) (Kolody et al 2008) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Kolody D Campbell R Davies N (2008) A Multifan-CL Stock Assessment of South-Western-Central Pacific Swordfish 1952-2007 Working Paper SA-WP-6 to WCPFC SC4 held 11-22 August 2008 Port Moresby PNG 89 p Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 119
Tarakihi
Scientific name Nemadactylus macropterus
Other names Ocean bream silver bream morwong (Australia) shimakurodai tarakii (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Tarakihi is a long-lived relative of red moki that is common around New Zealand but mostly found south of East Cape and around the South Island They are associated with shallow reefs as juveniles but then school over open seafloors as adults from 50 to 250m water depth Ecological concerns Tarakihi is caught by trawling so there is some concern about habitat damage if trawl gear touches the seafloor Trawling also catches a range of other fish Other concerns include the limited amount of some basic biological information the absence of quantitative stock assessments the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the lack of a management plan for Tarakihi Economic value Tarakihi are sold in New Zealand Japan and Australia and had an export value of $05 million in 2008 Best option Try to avoid Tarakihi caught in association with red cod off the East coast of the South Island or caught in association with gemfish ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs around New Zealand but mostly in the cooler waters south of East Cape and around the South Island Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 4-6 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) For TAR7 an assessment in 2008 had a base case estimate of 42-68 unfished stock size Annual catch limit Set at 6438 tonnes in 2007-08 Recorded catch Reported landings of 5429 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in 10 years Stock trends Unknown for eastern New Zealand stocks (TAR 2 3 and 4) Unchanged stable for all other areas MSY Status Unknown Western New Zealand stocks are thought to be close to or above BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TAR1 (Raglan to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoThe [CPUE] indices remain stable suggesting that current catches and the TACC for TAR 1 are sustainable In 2002 the Inshore WG concluded that TAR 1 was likely to be above BMSY There is no evidence from the CPUE analyses to suggest any major changes in abundance since this timerdquo TAR2 (East coast North Island) ldquoThe state of the TAR 2 stock in relation to BMSY is not known Long periods of sustained catches around 1 600t to 1 700t indicate a flat yield curve for the stock and suggest that the stock is probably close to BMSYrdquo TAR3 (East coast South Island) ldquoThe state of the stock in relation to BMSY is unknown Abundance appeared to reach its lowest historical level over 2003-04 to 2005-06 at about 70 of the long-term average having declined steadily from a peak in 1999-00 Abundance may be increasing back to average levels again although a decline was again noted in 2007-08 ldquo TAR4 (Chatham Rise) ldquothe fishery around the Chatham Islands has generally been lightly fished and the stock can probably support higher catch levels for the next few yearsldquo TAR 7 (West coast South Island) ldquoThe range of model results for TAR 7 west coast stock assessment suggests that given the assumptions about recruitment the stock size on average should increase under current catch levels and suggests that the stock size is Likely to be above BMSYrdquo TAR 8 (Lower west coast North Island inc Taranaki) ldquoOverall landings from the North and South Islands have remained relatively stable since at least the late 1960s despite changes in effort and methods of fishing Given the long stable catch history of this fishery current catch levels and TACCs are thought to be sustainablerdquo (MFish 2007 p966)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 120
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Bottom trawling Tarakihi is also a bycatch in the red cod and barracouta trawl fisheries around the South Island Habitat damage Trawling for tarakihi scrapes the seabed impacting a range of non-target species In the Bay of Plenty the impact of tarakhihi trawling was considered along with scampi hoki and gemfish trawling (Cryer et al 2002) Bycatch Other fish species Ecological effects Trawling alters species diversity and habitat composition and may disturb coastal food web dynamics Management and management unit (score C and B) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment apart from a preliminary assessment of TAR7 in 2008 References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd Cryer Hartill amp O‟Shea 2002 Ecological Applications 121824ndash1839
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 121
Trevally
Scientific name Pseudocaranx dentex
Other names araara kopapa komutumutu raumarie (Maori) blue gill jack fish silver trevally (Australia UK) carangue (France) Minamishimaaji (Japan)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description Trevally is a long-lived species (up to 45 years) that lives near the seabed when young but schools as adults in the open water where they feed on krill and other plankton It is common around many parts of the North Island and the top half of the south Island and most abundant at depths of around 80m It is caught year round mainly around the North Island in conjunction with the snapper trawl fishery It is also caught by purse seiners in the Bay of Plenty and in set nets Ecological concerns The over-catch of Trevally off the east coast of the North Island the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the uncertainty of the stock status and the lack of a management plan Trawling catches non-target fish and when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear may cause considerable damage to seabed habitats and ecosystems The fishery may also risk captures of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins off the west coast of the North Island Restrictions on trawling and set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins However dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling the risk of catching these dolphins may once again increase Economic value The main markets for Trevally are in New Zealand Japan UK and the Middle East It had an export value of $32 million in 2008 Best option Trevally caught of western New Zealand appear healthier but avoid fish caught using bottom trawl or set net Purse seine caught trevally is the best option ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D) Distribution Common around the North Island and northern South Island with most trevally found along the north east and north west coasts of the North Island at a depth of 80m Maximum age (years) 40+ Age at sexual maturity 3-5 Growth rate Moderate to low Reproductive output Low to high Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C) Population size Uncertain though the population off western New Zealand (TRE7) has been estimated to be relatively healthy Annual catch limit Set at 3933 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2875 tonnes in 2007-08 the lowest catch in nearly 20 years Stock trends Uncertain Although an assessment of TRE7 shows a fluctuating stock size since 1980 and there are concerns about declines in TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) catches MSY Status Uncertain apart from an assessment of TRE7 which indicates the current stock is just above BMSY (28 B0) The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states TRE1 (Cape Rienga to eastern Bay of Plenty) ldquoRecent catches reported for TRE 1 are less than the estimated MCY levels and below the TACC Reduced proportions of older age classes in the single bottom trawl catch between 1999-00 and 2006-07 combined with the strong drops in landings in 2006-07 and 2007-08 may indicate that stock abundance is declining at current catch levelsrdquo TRE 2 (Eastern North Island to Kapiti) ldquoIt is not known if recent catches are sustainablerdquo TRE 7 (Western New Zealand - North amp South Islands) ldquoRelatively large proportions of fish gt10 years including a healthy 20+ age group (as evidenced by the age structure of the commercial catch) suggest that TRE 7 have not been heavily exploitedhellipModel projections indicate that the biomass of TRE 7 stock is About as Likely as Not to remain stable over the next 5 years and the probability of the stock going below BMSY in 2013 is estimated at 0 (M=01) and 38 (M=0087)rdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p999 - 1002)
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 122
Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and B) Fishing method(s) Bottom trawl purse seine and set net Trevally is also caught as a bycatch in snapper red gurnard kahawai and john dory fisheries Habitat damage Bottom trawling damages the seabed reducing bottom dwelling species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species itself a range of other fish species are caught as bycatch including other commercial species (snapper red gurnard kahawai john dory) as well as non-target species There is also a risk of catching seabirds and marine mammals including potential bycatch of critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Ecological effects Impacts of bottom trawling on bottom dwelling species and habitats plus ecological implications of set netting which can kill unwanted fish seabirds and marine mammals Management and management unit (score C and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1986 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment A revised quantitative assessment in TRE7 in 2009 and a preliminary assessment for TRE 1 in 2006 which was not accepted References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 123
Trumpeter
Scientific name Latris lineata
Other names porae koekohe kohikohi (Maori) striped trumpeter okiisaki (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description This moki relative occurs in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere from the Indian Ocean to South America In New Zealand it is found from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is mainly caught on the east coast of both main islands ranging from 20 to 200m water depth There is little targeted fishing for trumpeter - it is mainly caught s a bycatch fish in line fisheries with some caught in trawl and set nets Ecological concerns The absence of basic biological information about Trumpeter the lack of a quantitative stock assessment and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels Also the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the potential for localised depletion of some populations plus the lack of a management plan As a bycatch species itself trumpeter fishing is also associated with other non-target fish bycatch Economic value Trumpeter is sold in New Zealand ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Occurs from the Bay of Plenty southwards to the Auckland Islands but is seldom common Maximum age (years) Unknown Age at sexual maturity Unknown Growth rate Likely to be moderate Reproductive output Unknown Sizeage exploited Unknown Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 144 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Estimated landings of 101 tonnes in 2007-08 Stock trends Unknown (There is a risk for localised population to be quickly fished out) MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoNo estimates of current and reference biomass are available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainablerdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1019) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and C) Fishing method(s) Mostly caught as bycatch in coastal line-fisheries with some caught in trawl nets and set nets Habitat damage Unknown Bycatch A range of fish species also caught as bycatch in fisheries where trumpeter is caught Ecological effects Unknown Management and management unit (score E and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd MFish Final Position Paper for the 1998-99 Sustainability Round
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 124
White warehou Scientific name Seriolella caerulea
Other names Deepsea wharehou
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description White warehou is the deepest ranging of the three warehou species in New Zealand and is common in southeastern waters and on the Campbell Plateau in the Subantarctics It is mostly taken as a bycatch in bottom trawl fisheries for hoki and silver warehou Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information about white warehou the absence of a quantitative stock assessment the unknown stock size the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the unknown sustainability of recent catch levels There are also concerns about past mis-reporting of white warehou as silver warehou catches plus there is no management plan Bottom trawling causes considerable damage to seafloor communities and due to white warehou being a bycatch species of other fisheries it is also associated with the bycatch of seabirds marine mammals and other non-target fish Economic value White warehou is sold in New Zealand and Asia ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Most common off south east New Zealand and on the Campbell Plateau Maximum age (years) 23 Age at sexual maturity 3-4 Growth rate Moderate Reproductive output Moderate Age exploited 3-4 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 3735 tonnes in 2006-07 Recorded catch Reported landings of 2116 tonnes in 2003-04 Stock trends Unknown Status Unknown Fishery Assessment plenary report states ldquoIt is not known whether recent catches are sustainable or if they are at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (Ministry of Fisheries 2009 p1030) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score E and D) Fishing method Trawling especially bottom trawling White warehou is caught as bycatch in the hoki and silver warehou fisheries and to a lesser extent the hake ling and scampi fisheries Only 8 of the catch is from targeted fishing Habitat damage Bottom trawling scrapes the seabed reducing species diversity and altering habitat composition Bycatch As a bycatch species in a range of middle-depth fisheries it is associated with non-target fish marine mammal and seabird captures (See hoki and silver warehou for more information) Ecological effects Trawling destroys bottom dwelling species assemblages and habitat composition Wider ecological effects on food webs are largely due to the captures of non-target wildlife in the fisheries it is associated with Management and management unit (score E and A) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998 Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species However there is a problem in that quota areas do not match possible spawning areas Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessment References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 125
Yellowfin tuna
Scientific name Thunnus albacares
Other names Yellowfin thon juane (France) Ahi Shibi kiwada (Japan)
Ranking E (Red - Avoid)
Description Yellowfin tuna is a migratory species found mainly in the warm ocean waters of northern New Zealand and moving south in summer to East Cape Like many tuna it is an important oceanic predator regulating the abundance of other marine species They are caught as a bycatch in the northern bigeye and southern bluefin tuna longline fisheries on the west and east coast of the North Island The New Zealand catch is a very small part (003) of the Pacific fishery which is now managed by an international body ndash the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) Ecological concerns The lack of a stock assessment catch limits and a management plan therefore the high uncertainty about the state of the stocks Other concerns include declining catch rates the bycatch of sharks seabirds and fur seals plus and ecological impact of removing this top predator species on wider oceanic food webs Economic value The export value of yellowfin tuna was $150000 in 2008 with the main markets in Japan Australia and the USA ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score C) Distribution Yellowfin tuna are caught on the west coast and east coast of the North Island Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate Medium Reproductive output Medium Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown - South Pacific migratory population Annual catch limit Catch limit of 263 tonnes set in 2004 Recorded catch Latest reported annual landings of 17 tonnes in 2006-07 within the EEZ which is minor compared to Western and Central Pacific catches of over 400000 tonnes Stock trends Declining stock size and catches which are unlikely to be sustainable MSY Status The yellowfin stock is likely to be above BMSY but are still considered to be fully exploited with a high possibility (47 ndash 73) of being overfished At current catch levels the stock is likely to move below BMSY The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states From the 2007 WCPO assessment ldquothe possibility of overfishing is still relatively high (47) The reference points that predict the status of the stock under equilibrium conditions are B BMSY (110) and SBSBMSY (112) which indicate that the long-term average biomass would remain slightly above the level capable of producing MSY at 2002minus2005 average fishing mortalityhellip The WCPO yellowfin tuna fishery can be considered to be fully exploited Both the 2006 and 2007 assessments indicate that there is a high probability that overfishing is occurring (73 for the base case 2006 assessment and 47 for the base case 2007 assessment) In order to reduce the likelihood of overfishing and if the Commission wishes to maintain average biomass at levels greater than 5 above BMSY reductions in the fishing mortality rate would be required The stock size is presently above the level necessary to produce the maximum sustainable yield Current catches from the stock are not sustainable Current catches will move the stock towards and then below a size that will support the maximum sustainable yieldrdquo (MFish 2008 p155-156) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and E) Fishing method Pelagic longlining around the North Island Habitat damage None Bycatch Seabirds sharks and New Zealand fur seals are caught in the longline fishery Ecological effects Excess removal of this and other large predatory species has knock-on effects on the wider food web
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 126
Management and management unit (score C and D) Quota Management Species Yes since 2004 Catch limits Yes Management plan No however a highly migratory species plan has been drafted by the Ministry of Fisheries Management component Single species Stock assessment A completed quantitative stock assessment for the Western and Central Pacific Conservation (WCPO) Fisheries Scientific Committee (2007) References Overview of the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Tuna Fisheries 2000 A Lewis and P Williams Oceanic Fisheries Programme Secretariat of the Pacific Community New Caledonia August 2001 National Tuna Fishery Report 2001 ndash New Zealand T Murray and L Griggs NIWA Hampton J Langley A and Kleiber P (2006) Stock assessment of yellowfin tuna in the western and central Pacific Ocean including an assessment of management options WCPFC-SC2-2006SA WP-1 Second meeting of the WCPFC-Scientific Committee 7-18 August 2006 Philippines (wwwwcpfcorg) Anon 2007 Commission or the Conservation and Management of Highly Migratory Fish Stocks in the Western and Central Pacific Ocean Scientific Committee Summary report Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission Pohnpei Federated States of Micronesia 244pp Report from the Mid-Year Fishery Assessment Plenary November 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 127
Yellow-eyed mullet
Scientific name Aldrichetta forsteri
Other names aua kaataha kataka makawhiti (Maori) herring yelloweye mullet (Australia)
Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)
Description This relatively short-lived surface dwelling coastal species is found throughout New Zealand but is most abundant in northern waters It is smaller and more slender than grey mullet forming schools in shallow coastal waters harbours and estuaries It is caught using set nets or by beach seining Ecological concerns The absence of some basic biological information on yellow-eyed mullet the absence of a quantitative stock assessment and so the unknown stock size and sustainability of recent catch levels (especially in combination with non-commercial take of this species) There is also concern about the uncertainty over stock boundaries and the likelihood of sub-stocks being managed together within quota areas plus the absence of a management plan Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui‟s dolphins Set netting also risks capture of other marine mammals and seabirds Restrictions on set netting off the west coast of the North Island introduced in 2003 and again in May 2008 have reduced this risk but set netting still poses a threat outside these areas Pending a high court ruling on a challenge to the restrictions the risk to Maui‟s dolphins may return Economic value Yellow-eyed mullet are sold in New Zealand and Australia Best option Mullet caught by beach seining ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score A) Distribution Most common in northern New Zealand waters in sheltered bays harbours and estuaries Maximum age (years) 8 Age at sexual maturity 2 Growth rate High Reproductive output High Age exploited 2 Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D) Population size Unknown Annual catch limit Set at 68 tonnes in 2001-02 Recorded catch Reported commercial landings of 17 tonnes in 2007-08 with a similar non-commercial catch Stock trends Unknown but may be subject to localised depletion MSY Status Unknown The Ministry of Fisheries assessment plenary report states ldquoEstimates of current and reference biomass are not available It is not known if recent catch levels are sustainable or at levels that will allow the stock to move towards a size which will support the MSYrdquo (MFish 2009 p1036) Impact of fishing method and protected threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B) Fishing method(s) Mainly set nets and beach seine nets Habitat damage Low Bycatch The small mesh nets used may increase fishing pressure on grey mullet and a range of other shallow water species There is also a potential bycatch of seabirds dolphins and other marine mammals in the set net fishery However restrictions on set netting in areas where the endangered Maui‟s and Hector‟s dolphins are found introduced in May 2008 have significantly reduced this threat (Depending on the results of legal action to reopen closed areas the dolphins may again be put at risk) Ecological effects The localised nature of the fishery in some harbours means there could be a risk of serial depletion in some places Management and management unit (score D and C) Quota Management Species Yes since 1998
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 128
Catch limits Yes Management plan No Management component Single species Stock assessment No quantitative stock assessments References Report from the Fishery Assessment Plenary May 2009 stock assessments and yield estimates Part 3 Porae to Yellow-eyed Mullet Science Group Ministry of Fisheries The Guidebook to New Zealand Commercial Fish Species 2007 Revised Edition The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Ltd
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 129
Appendix I Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Wallet Card Hard copies of the Best Fish Guide wallet card are available from Forest amp Bird and numerous nationwide outlets For example Kelly Tarltonrsquos Underwater Aquarium (Auckland) Portabello Marine Laboratory (Dunedin) Burger Wisconsin (nationwide) plus libraries health food shops cafes and other retail outlets It is also available to download as a pdf from our web site wwwbestfishguideorgnz
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 130
Appendix II Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological Assessment Scores Using the Best Fish Guide Assessment Methodology New Zealand fish are given an overall rank from A (highest ecological sustainability) to E (lowest ecological sustainability) This is derived by awarding a score of 1 to 5 (ranks A to E) to six different assessment criteria (some weighted more heavily than others) The sum of these scores provides the overall assessment score and rank For more information on the assessment methodology please download the Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 How it works (Assessment Methodology) from wwwbestfishguideorgnz Table Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological assessment scores for New Zealandrsquos wild caught seafood species showing individual scores for each criterion the multipliers applied ndash high importance (x3) to low importance (x1) ndash and the overall score and rank
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Albacore ALB 3 3 4 3 4 3 43 D
Alfonsino BYX 4 2 5 3 5 4 48 E
Anchovy ANC 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Arrow Squid SQU 4 5 5 1 5 5 54 E
Barracouta BAR 4 4 5 2 3 4 48 E
Bigeye Tuna BIG 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Black cardinal fish
CDL 5 4 4 5 3 4 55 E
Blue cod BCO 4 2 2 3 3 3 37 D
Blue mackerel EMA 4 4 3 3 3 3 45 E
Blue moki MOK 3 3 5 4 1 4 42 D
Blue shark BWS 4 5 4 4 4 4 55 E
Blue warehou WAR 4 3 5 3 3 4 47 E
Bluenose BNS 5 5 4 4 2 4 54 E
Butterfish BUT 4 2 4 3 4 4 44 D
Cockles COC 4 1 4 2 3 3 36 D
Dark ghost shark
GSH 4 3 5 4 2 5 48 E
Eels EEL 5 3 2 5 5 3 51 E
Elephantfish ELE 4 5 4 3 2 3 48 E
Flatfish FLA 4 4 5 2 5 4 52 E
Frostfish FRO 4 3 5 2 3 5 46 E
Garfish GAR 4 1 2 2 4 5 36 D
Gemfish SKI 5 3 5 4 2 3 49 E
Grey mullet GMU 4 2 4 2 4 3 41 D
Groper Hapuku HPB 4 2 4 4 5 5 49 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 131
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Hake HAK 3 4 5 3 3 3 46 E
Hoki HOK 3 5 5 3 3 2 48 E
Jack mackerel JMA 3 5 5 3 5 4 54 E
John dory JDO 4 2 5 2 2 4 40 D
Kahawai KAH 4 1 2 3 4 4 37 D
Kina SUR 4 1 2 3 3 5 36 D
Kingfish KIN 4 2 4 3 3 4 42 D
Leather jacket LEA 4 2 5 2 4 5 45 E
Ling LIN 3 5 5 3 3 3 49 E
Lookdown dory LDO 4 3 5 3 4 5 50 E
Mako shark MAK 4 5 4 4 4 5 56 E
Moonfish MOO
4 5 4 2 4 5 52 E
Orange roughy ORH 5 4 5 5 4 3 58 E
Oreos OEO 4 4 5 5 5 2 56 E
Oyster OYS 5 2 5 4 4 3 50 E
Pacific bluefin tuna
TOR 3 5 4 4 4 4 52 E
Packhorse lobster
PHC 4 2 2 4 2 5 39 D
Paddle crabs PAD 4 2 4 2 4 5 43 D
Pale ghost shark GSP 4 3 5 4 3 5 50 E
Paua PAU 5 1 1 5 5 3 43 D
Pilchards PIL 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Porbeagle shark POS 4 5 4 5 4 5 58 E
Queen scallops QSC
C 4 2 5 3 4 4 46 E
Red Cod RCO 3 4 5 2 2 4 43 D
Red Gurnard GUR 3 3 5 2 2 4 40 D
Red snapper RSN 4 3 4 4 4 5 50 E
Ribaldo RIB 4 3 4 4 2 5 46 E
Rig RIG 4 5 4 4 3 4 53 E
Rock lobster CRA 5 3 2 4 1 2 40 D
Rubyfish RBY 4 3 5 5 3 4 51 E
Scallops SCA 4 4 5 2 3 3 47 E
Scampi SCI 4 5 5 4 2 3 52 E
School shark SCH 4 5 4 4 2 4 51 E
Sea perch SPE 5 3 5 4 3 4 52 E
Silver warehou SWA 4 4 4 2 3 4 46 E
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 132
Criteria Scores
Overall score
Overall Rank
Criterion importance High Medium Low
Species
MF
ish
sp
ecie
s
co
de
Sta
tus amp
su
sta
inab
ilit
y o
f
catc
hes
Pro
tecte
d o
r
thre
ate
ned
sp
ecie
s b
ycatc
h
Fis
hin
g m
eth
od
Bio
log
y amp
ris
k o
f
overf
ish
ing
Man
ag
em
en
t U
nit
Man
ag
em
en
t amp
rese
arc
h
Skates SKA 4 3 5 4 5 4 53 E
Skipjack tuna SKJ 2 3 2 3 4 3 36 D
Snapper SNA 5 5 5 4 3 2 56 E
Southern blue whiting
SBW 3 5 4 4 1 3 45 E
Southern bluefin tuna
SBT 5 5 4 4 4 2 56 E
Spiny dogfish SPD 4 4 5 4 2 4 50 E
Sprats SPR 4 2 2 1 3 5 35 D
Stargazer STA 4 3 5 3 2 4 45 E
Striped marlin STM 4 5 4 3 4 4 53 E
Swordfish SWO
4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Tarakihi TAR 3 4 5 3 2 3 44 D
Trevally TRE 3 2 5 4 1 3 38 D
Trumpeter TRU 4 3 4 3 3 5 46 E
White warehou WW
A 4 4 5 3 1 5 47 E
Yellow fin tuna YFN 4 5 4 3 4 3 52 E
Yellow-eyed mullet
YEM 4 2 4 1 3 4 38 D
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 133
Acronyms
ACAP ndash Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels
B0 ndash The unfished initial or virgin recruited biomass for a stock
BMSY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum sustainable yield
BMAY ndash The recruited biomass that will support the maximum average yield
BMCY ndash The recruited biomass that supports the maximum constant yield
CAY ndash Current annual yield - this is the estimate of the maximum sustainable catch for the current year in reference to a level of fishing mortality which has an acceptable level of risk
CITES ndash Convention on Trade in Endangered Species
CMS ndash Convention on Migratory Species
DoC ndash Department of Conservation
ITQ ndash Individual Transferable Quota - quota share of the TACC ITQs are property rights to a fishery granted in perpetuity which can be traded
ESY ndash Ecologically sustainable yield ndash the yield an ecosystem can sustain without shifting to an undesirable state
F ndash Fishing mortality rate is that part of the total mortality rate applying to the fish population that is caused by fishing
M ndash Natural mortality on a fish stock
MAY ndash Maximum Average Yield - which is the long-term current annual yield and equivalent to MSY
MCY ndash Maximum constant yield - the maximum constant catch that is sustainable with acceptable levels of risk at probable levels of future biomass for a fish stock
MFish ndash Ministry of Fisheries
MEY ndash Maximum Economic Yield - the greatest difference between the costs of inputs and the values of outputs (catch) This is the sustained catch that produces the maximum economic value this is usually at a catch below MSY
MSY ndash Maximum sustainable yield in relation to any stock means the greatest yield that can be achieved over time while maintaining the stocks productive capacity having regard to the population dynamics of the stock and any environmental factors that influence the stock (section 2 Fisheries Act 1996)
OSY ndash Optimum sustainable yield is the yield which considers factors in addition to maximum sustainable yield for instance effects on other species in the ecosystem and of other human uses of the ecosystem
TACC ndash Total Allowable Commercial Catch - this is the TAC minus an allowance for customary Maori fisheries recreational fisheries and other mortality on a stock caused by fishing The TACC is established under section 20 of the Fisheries Act 1996
TAC ndash Total Allowable Catch of any fish stock this includes the TACC plus an allowance for non-commercial catches including customary Maori catch and other mortality caused by fishing The TAC is established under section 13 or 14 of the Fisheries Act 96
Von B k ndash This is the Brody growth co-efficient and defines the growth rate toward the maximum This is from the standard Von Bertalanffy model (1938) which describes the growth in fish length
Lt=l [1-e-k(t-to)
] where l is the maximum body size and to is the shift in the growth curve to allow for nonzero body length at age zero
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 134
Glossary of Terms
Aquaculture - Aquatic species such as fish and shellfish in salt brackish or freshwater Farming implies private ownership and enhancement of production by stocking feeding providing protection from predators and other management measures
Beach-seine - A large enclosing net brought out by boats and dragged to the (sandy) shore Also a net
used to encircle fish in shallow water usually operated by two people wading out from shore the net
has lead weights to keep the bottom on the sea floor and floats to keep the top of the net at or near
the surface The seine may be set from a boat but hauled in from the land Also called shore seine
drag seine draw net haul seine yard seine and sweep net
Benthic species or benthos ndash Animals or plants living on the bottom of the ocean or lake
Biological diversity - The variability among living organisms including diversity within species between
species and of ecosystems (Section 2 of the Fisheries Act 1996) The Convention on Biological
Diversity also defines this as the variability among living organisms from all sources including inter
alia terrestrial marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they
are part this includes diversity within species between species and of ecosystems
Biomass - An aggregate weight at a particular time of fish (or other organisms) in a stock or in a fishery
Bottom trawl net - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom such
as Orange Roughy and oreos
Bottom pair-trawl - A net designed to trawl along the seabed and catch fish found close to the bottom but
towed between two similar trawlers
Bycatch - Those species killed in a fishery targeted on other species or a different size range of the same
species and includes that part of the catch that has no commercial value and is discarded
Catch - The total number or weight of fish and other marine life including bycatch taken by fishing from an area over a period of time as opposed to landings which do not reflect the amount of discards
Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Living Marine Resources (CCAMLR) - Established by treaty in 1980 the CCAMLR is unique among fisheries agreements in that the conservation measures adopted by the Commission must include a fisherys impact on the entire ecosystem rather than on just the targeted species This ecosystem approach aims to prevent a decrease in the size of harvested populations to levels that threaten their stable recruitment and to minimize the risk of changes in the marine ecosystem that are not potentially reversible over two or three decades The meetings of the Commission are held annually in Hobart Australia with representatives of the 23 CCAMLR member states
Continental shelf - The continental shelf is a gradually sloping undersea shelf of land that extends beyond shore of the continent The nature of this geologic shelf is home to a great diversity of fish and shellfish species
Copepods - A large group (approximately 6000 species) of tiny shrimp-like crustaceans They are an important food source for many larger animals including fish seabirds and baleen whales
Coral reefs ndash Reefs built up over hundreds of years by colonies of small animals called coral polyps and their skeletons of calcium carbonate Coral reefs cover less than 1 of the ocean area but are home to one-third of all marine fish species
Crustacean - The aquatic equivalent of insects also from the phylum Arthropoda Found in both fresh and salt water crustaceans are invertebrates and characteristically have a segmented body and exoskeleton with limbs that are paired and jointed Lobsters crabs shrimp and barnacles are examples of crustaceans
Danish seine - A method of seining with a large net but the catch is landed on the vessel Can be a single or
two boats net where an area of water of about 2 square kilometres is swept as two encircling ropes
leading to a trawl-like net are retrieved by the vessel(s) Fish within the ropes are herded into the net
during hauling
Demersal species - Fish found on or near the bottom of the ocean for example Orange Roughy
Depleted fishery - A fishery where the population has been reduced to less than that which would support
the maximum sustainable yield
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 135
Developed fishery - A fishery operating at or near the level of the maximum sustainable yield subject to
other environmental constraints
Developing fishery - A fishery in which experimental or feasibility fishing is being undertaken to determine
whether the resource can support a viable fishery
Dip-net - A net used for transferring the catch of a deep-sea seine after it has been brought alongside It is
operated either entirely by hand or partly by hand and partly by mechanical power Other names are
scoop brailer spoon net brail net and hand brailer
Dragnet ndash a small net pulled by two or more people which is dragged along the bottom
Driftnet - A gillnet weighted at the bottom and supported by floats at the top which drifts with the tide or
current Large driftnets used to be in excess of 50 km on the high seas and in New Zealand EEZ
can be no longer than 1km
EEZ - Exclusive Economic Zone - the zone out to 200 nautical miles offshore established pursuant to
international agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
Fishing effort - The amount of fishing activity undertaken It is usually measured by the total time spent
fishing combined with the quantity of gear used for example the catch per thousand hooks or the
catch per trawl
Fecundity - The level or rate of egg or offspring production Fecundity may change with the size and age of a species
Finning - The practice of cutting off the fins of sharks and discarding the sharkrsquos body overboard Asia is the primary market for shark fins which are used to make shark fin soup The US Congress banned shark-finning in all US waters in 2000 Shark finning is legal in New Zealand
Fishery - Can be defined in many ways though in general terms it is the take or removal of a species from the aquatic environment using some type of fishing technology The emphasis is on the human aspects of fishing and all the activities it involves
Food chain - The sequence of organisms through which energy and materials are transferred (in the form of food) or the linear progression of feeding levels in which one organism is the food source for the next
Food web - The complex interlocking series of individual food chains in an ecosystem ie all the predator-prey relationships
Fyke net ndash A long bag net distended by hoops into which fish can pass easily without being able to return
Globally threatened species - A species that is globally threatened with biological extinction under the
International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List criteria
Growth over-fishing - When the losses due to natural and fishing mortality exceed the gains due to
recruitment and growth during the same period This is usually reflected by a reduction in the size of
the fish being harvested
High-grading - The practice of discarding at sea all or a portion of a vessels legal catch in order to obtain a higher or larger grade of fish that brings higher prices It may occur in both quota and nonquota fisheries
Hinaki ndash A traditional Maori woven eel net trap made from supplejack and flax
Invertebrate - Animals without a backbone (eg jellyfish octopus sponges bryozoans) In fishery management terms invertebrate usually refers to shellfish such as lobsters shrimp oysters and scallops
Jig - A multi-barbed hook used mainly to catch squid
Lampara net - Similar to but much smaller than a purse seine with no pursing action This net is generally
used for catching artificial light attracted schools of small fish such as anchovy and pilchard There is
a central spoon-shaped section and two lateral wings and the net is usually operated from a small
boat The rapid retrieval of the lead line does close the bottom of the net but it is not a true purse
Landings - Commercial landings are defined as the quantity of fish and shellfish brought ashore for sale The term also applies to the amount caught for personal use by recreational fishermen This measurement does not include the amount of bycatch incidentally caught and discarded dead at sea
Maximum sustainable yield - The maximum amount of a species that can be taken without diminishing the future take
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 136
Metric tonne - Often the unit of measurement for commercial and recreational landings a metric tonne is equal to 1000 kilograms 0984 long tons 11023 short tons or 22046 pounds
Mid-water trawl - A trawl designed catch species in mid-water eg hoki and southern blue whiting These
trawl nets can have 60 metre headline heights (top to bottom on net) and opening over 150m wide
Nautical mile - One nautical mile is the equivalent of 115 statute miles
Overcapitalization - This occurs when there is more fishing capacity (ie more boats gear or investment in equipment) than is needed to catch the available amount of fish in an economically efficient and sustainable manner Overcapitalization poses a threat to fish populations because it can easily lead to overfishing
Overfishing - Overfishing exists when the rate of fishing is greater than the level required to meet the management goal or maximum sustainable yield In other words overfishing occurs when a population of fish is caught faster than it can replenish itself through reproduction (Roberts et al)
Pelagic - An ancient Greek word for the open ocean or high seas the area comprising most of the Earths surface
Pelagic species - Species found near the surface of the sea and not on or near the seabed for example
tuna and kahawai
Plankton - Small plant and animal species that spend at least part of their time on the sea surface They rely in large part on ocean currents for distribution and transportation As eggs and larvae many marine species such as cod and Dungeness crabs are planktonic for part of their life cycle The plankton provide food for many commercially important fish and form the basis of ocean food webs Some of the largest marine creatures such as whale sharks and blue whales eat plankton Zooplankton are animals and phytoplankton are plants
Population - A group of interbreeding organisms that represents the level of organization at which speciation begins In other words a population is a group within a species that shares common ecological and genetic features compared to other individuals of that species
Precautionary principle - A proactive method of dealing with the environment that places the burden of proof on those whose activities could harm the environment rather than on the public It is the opposite of the wait-and-see principle acting before scientific proof of deleterious effects is applying a precautionary approach
Purse seine - A floating net designed to surround fish and can be closed at the bottom or ldquopursedrdquo by
means of a free-running line attached to the bottom of the net The net may be of up to 1 km length
and 300 m depth and is used to encircle surface schooling fish such as kahawai trevally and
skipjack tuna During retrieval the bottom of the net is closed or pursed by drawing a purse line
through a series of rings to prevent the fish escaping
Recruit - A fish entering the period in its life history when it is exposed to fishing Related phrases include
pre-recruits age or length at recruitment recruitment failure
Recruitment - Recruitment is the general replacement of fish to a stock or population In fisheries it is the
time when a fish grow to a size they become liable to be caught in fishing gear
Recruitment failure - The failure of the fish stock to be replaced by recruits
Recruitment over-fishing - Occurs when the spawning stock has been reduced to a level at which
recruitment of young fish entering the exploited component of the fishery is significantly reduced
Ring net - A modified lampara net with purse rings operated by two vessels
Seamount - Underwater volcanic mountain ridges and plateaus that rise up several kilometres from the sea
floor but do not reach the surface of the sea
Seine - A type of fishing net that encircles a school of fish
Set - To prepare and cast a net one ldquosetrdquo is typically defined as the interval from the time the net is cast to
the time the net is hauled in
Set net - A type of gill net that has been intentionally set staked or anchored or otherwise fixed in stationary
position as opposed to drift nets
Stock - The technical definition of a stock is an interbreeding sub-population of a species reproductively isolated to some extent from other populations Used as a unit for fishery management however stock refers to a specific population or group of populations of one or more species
Territorial Sea - This is sea within 12 nautical miles from low-water line along the coast
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 137
Trammel net - Type of gill net with three panels suspended from a common surface line and attached to a
single bottom line The two outside panels are of a larger mesh than the inside panel
Trawl - Net with a wide mouth tapering to a small pointed end usually called the cod end Trawls are towed
behind a vessel at any depth in the water column
Trolls - Lines with lures or baited hooks that are drawn through the water from a vessel while in motion
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 138
Glossary of Fish Names
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Abalone Paua Haliotis iris
Ahi Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Ahi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Akiwa Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Albacore Tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Anguile australe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Araara Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arāra Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Arrow Squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Ashiro Ling Genypterus blacodes
Aua Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Australian long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Australian salmon Kahawai Arripis trutta
Barndoor skate Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Barracouta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Beryx Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Beryx de nouvelle-zelande Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Big-eye cardinalfish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Bigeye Tuna Bigeye Tuna Thunnus obesus
Black cardinal fish Black cardinal fish Epigonus telescopus
Black dory Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 139
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Black Oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger
Black-footed paua Paua Haliotis iris
Blauer wittling Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Blue bream Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Blue cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Blue grenadier Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue hake Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Blue mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Blue moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Blue Pointer Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue shark Blue shark Prionace glauca
Blue warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Blue whaler Blue shark Prionace glauca
Bluefin Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Bluefin Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Bluenose Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bluff oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Bonita Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Brill Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Brim Snapper Pagrus auratus
Broadbill Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Broadbill swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Brown oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Bulldog Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Butterfish Butterfish Odax pullus
Calamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Chimera Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 140
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Chimera Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Chinchard neozelandias Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Cockles Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Common warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Coque Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Coquille saint-jacques de
Nouvelle-Zealande
Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Couta Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Crayfish Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Crayfish Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Creamfish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Cutlassfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Dab Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Dark ghost shark Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Deepsea cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Deepsea dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Deepsea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Deepsea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Deepsea trevalla Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Deepsea warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Demi-bec neozelandias Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Dore austral Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Eels Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Elephant shark Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Elephantfish Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 141
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Flake School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Flat oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Flatfish Flatfish
Foveaux Strait Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Frostfish Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Gangiei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Gaori Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Garfish Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Gemfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Giant stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Golden snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Googly-eyed cod Ribaldo Mora moro
Goushyuumadai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Granatbarsch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Green rock lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Greenback flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea tapirina
Greenbone Butterfish Odax pullus
Grey boy School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grey mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Grey shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Grondin rouget Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Groper Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Gummy shark Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Haature Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Haiku Hake Merluccius australis
Hake Hake Merluccius australis
Haku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 142
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Hakuraa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Half-beak Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hangenge Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Hapuka Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Hauture Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Hauwai Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Herring Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Hihiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Hikau Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Hinangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Hohopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Hoka Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoka Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Hokarari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Hoki Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Hoplostete orange Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Hopu Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Horse mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Huangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huangiangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Huuai Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Ihe Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Inaka Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Jack fish Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Jack mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 143
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Jock Stewart Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
John dory John dory Zeus faber
Julienette Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Kaaraerae Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kaataha Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kahawai Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kahu Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kaisersgranat Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Kalamari Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kalmar Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Kanae Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Kaorea Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Kapua Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Karahiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kararuri Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kataka Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Kauaeroa Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kawerai Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kehe Hake Merluccius australis
Kin koorako Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Kina ariki Kina Evechinus chloroticus
King dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Kingklip Ling Genypterus blacodes
Kingu Ling Genypterus blacodes
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 144
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Koekohe Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koeo Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kohikohi Trumpeter Latris lineata
Koinga Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Kokowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Komutumutu Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kooeaea Butterfish Odax pullus
Koopuuhuri Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kooukauka Kahawai Arripis trutta
Kopapa Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Kopukopu Blue cod Parapercis colias
Kopuwai Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Korohiwa Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Kororiwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Korowhaawhaa Anchovy Engraulis australis
Koura Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Koura Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Kourea Snapper Pagrus auratus
Kourepoua Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Kuakua Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Kumukumu Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Kupae Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Kuparu Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Kuparu John dory Zeus faber
Kutuhori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Kuuwharuwharu Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Langoustine-de-NZ Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 145
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Langschwanz-Seehecht Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Latchet Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Leather jacket Leather jacket Parika scaber
Lemonfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Ling Ling Genypterus blacodes
Longfinned albacore Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
Long-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachia +
Lookdown dory Lookdown dory Cyttus traversi
Mackerel shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Madai Snapper Pagrus auratus
Maha-taharaki Gemfish Rexea solandri
Maka Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Makaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Maka-tikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Makawhiti Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Mako shark Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Makohuarau School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Mako-huarau Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Makorepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Makumaku Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Mangaa Barracouta Thyrsites atun
Mangoo-hapuu Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pekepeke Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Mango-pounamu Blue shark Prionace glauca
Manumanu Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Marakuha Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Marare Butterfish Odax pullus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 146
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Marari Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Mararī Butterfish Odax pullus
Marariwha Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Matapara Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matapuku Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Matiri Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Matohe Butterfish Odax pullus
Matuawhapuku Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Merlan bleu austral Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Merluse Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Merluza Hake Merluccius australis
Merluza azul Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Minamimaguro Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Minamimaguro Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Moamoa Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moeone Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Mohimohi Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Moki Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Moki trumpeter Blue moki Latridopsis ciliaris
Monkfish Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Moonfish Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Mora Ribaldo Mora moro
Morwong Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Nasello azzurro Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
Nelson oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
New Zealand cod Blue cod Parapercis colias
Ngu Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 147
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Northern Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
NZ cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
NZ dory Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
NZ gem scallop Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ gem shellfish Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
NZ golden snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
NZ Herring Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
NZ Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae +
NZ littleneck clam Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
NZ sea crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
NZ smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
NZ sole Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Ocean bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Ocean perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Opah Moonfish Lampris guttatus
Orange roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Oreos Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Oursin de Nouvelle-
Zelande
Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Oyster Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Paakirikiri Blue cod Parapercis colias
Paara Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Paatiki Flatfish
Paatiki nui Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Paatiki rori Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Paatikimohoao Flatfish Rhombosolea retiaria
Paatikitotara Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Paatutuki Blue cod Parapercis colias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 148
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Pacific bluefin tuna Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Pacific mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Packhorse lobster Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Paddle crabs Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Paea Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Pakaurua Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Pakeke Flatfish Peltorhamphus novaezeelandiae
Pale ghost shark Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Paumlpaka Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Papakura Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Papatia Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Para-taharangi Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Patete Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Patikinui Flatfish Colistium guntheri
Paua Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Pawharu Packhorse lobster Sagmariasus verreauxi
Pearl Dark ghost shark Hydrolagus novaezealandiae
Pearl Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Peruvian Jack Mackerel Jack mackerel Trachurus declivis T novaezelandiae T
symmetricus murphyi
Pesce arancio Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Peterfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Pilchards Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Pillie Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Piper Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Pohuikaroa Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Porae Trumpeter Latris lineata
Porbeagle Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 149
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Porbeagle shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Porpoise shark Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus
Pota Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Poutini Blue shark Prionace glauca
Puaihakua Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Pukeru John dory Zeus faber
Pure Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Puurau Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Puuwhaiau Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Queen paua Paua Haliotis australis
Queen scallops Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Raawaru Blue cod Parapercis colias
Rari Ling Genypterus blacodes
Rattail Pale ghost shark Hydrolagus bemisi
Raumarie Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Red Cod Red Cod Pseudophycis bachus
Red Gurnard Red Gurnard Chelidonichthys kumu
Red rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Red roughy Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Red snapper Red snapper Centroberyx affinis
Reherehe Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Repe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Reperepe Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Ribaldo Ribaldo Mora moro
Rig Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Rock salmon Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Rock salmon Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 150
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Roodbars Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Rosy soldierfish Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Rough skate Skates Zearaja nasutus
Rubyfish Rubyfish Plagiogeneion rubiginosum
Saint-pierre John dory Zeus faber
Sand Flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea plebeia
Sand perch Blue cod Parapercis colias
Sardine Pilchards Sardinops sagax
Sardine Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Scallops Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Scampi Scampi Metanephrops challengeri
Scaree Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Schnapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
School shark School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Sea bass Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Sea bream Snapper Pagrus auratus
Sea egg Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Sea mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Sea perch Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Sea perch Sea perch Helicolenus percoides
Sea Urchin Kina Evechinus chloroticus
Seehecht Hake Merluccius australis
Shibi Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Shortfin mako Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus
Short-finned eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Short-finned squid Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Silver bream Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 151
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Silver eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Silver kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Silver trumpeter Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
Silver warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Skates Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Skipjack tuna Skipjack tuna Katsuwonus pelamis
Slimehead Orange roughy Hoplostethus atlanticus
Smooth dory Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Smooth Oreo Oreos Pseudocyttus maculatus
Smooth skate Skates Dipturus innominatus
Snapper Snapper Pagrus auratus
Snoek Barracouta Thyrsites atun
South pacific crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Southern anchovy Anchovy Engraulis australis
Southern blue whiting Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern bluefin tuna Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Southern kingfish Gemfish Rexea solandri
Southern mackerel Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Southern poutassou Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis
Southern queen Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Southern spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spikey Oreo Oreos Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Spineback Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spiny rock lobster Rock lobster Jasus edwardsii
Splendid alfonsino Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Spotted estuary smooth- Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 152
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
hound
Spotted oreo Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Spotted spiny dogfish Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Spotted warehou Silver warehou Seriolella punctata
Spotten dogfish Riglemonfish Mustelus lenticulatus
Sprats Sprats Sprattus antipodum Sprattus muelleri
Spurdog Spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias
Stargazer Stargazer Kathetostoma giganteum
Stone eye Bluenose Hyperoglyphe antarctica
Striped marlin Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Striped mullet Grey mullet Mugil cephalus
Striped trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Sudlicher kaiserbarsch Alfonsino Beryx splendens D decadactylus
Suei Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Swimming crab Paddle crabs Ovalipes catharus
Swordfish Swordfish Xiphias gladius
Takaketonga Striped marlin Tetrapturus audax
Takeke Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Tamure Snapper Pagrus auratus
Tarakihi Tarakihi Nemadactylus macropterus
Tarao Butterfish Odax pullus
Tawatawa Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Teifsee-petersfisch Oreos Allocyttus niger Neocyttus rhomboidalis
Pseudocyttus maculatus
Tewetewe Blue mackerel Scomber australasicus
Tftis Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Thon rouge de sud Pacific bluefin tuna Thunnus orientalis
Thon rouge de sud Southern bluefin tuna Thunnus maccoyii
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 153
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Tiikati Frostfish Lepidopus caudatus
Tiikati Gemfish Rexea solandri
Tiikati Hake Merluccius australis
Tio Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio para Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tio repe Oyster Ostrea chilensis
Tipa Queen scallops Chlamys delicatula
Tipai Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Tope School shark Galeorhinus galeus
Toti Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Trevally Trevally Pseudocaranx dentex
Trigger fish Leather jacket Parika scaber
Trumpeter Trumpeter Latris lineata
Tuangi Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Tuna hao Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tuna heke Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Tupa Scallops Pecten novaezealandiae
Turbot Flatfish Colistium nudipinnis
Uku Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Venus shells Cockles Austrovenus stutchburyi
Waewae Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Warehenga Kingfish Seriola lalandi
Warehou Blue warehou Seriolella brama
Wariwari Garfish Hyporhamphus ihi
Whaapuku Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Whai Skates Zearaja nasutus Dipturus innominatus
Forest amp Bird Best Fish Guide 2009-2010 Ecological rankings 154
Fish Name
BFG name
Scientific Name
Wharangi Paua Haliotis iris H australis
Wheketere Arrow Squid Nototodarus sloanii Nototodarus gouldi
Whiptail Hoki Macruronus novaezelandiae
White cod Ribaldo Mora moro
White fillets Elephantfish Callorhinchus milli
White tuna Albacore Tuna Thunnus alalunga
White warehou White warehou Seriolella caerulea
Whiting Hake Merluccius australis
Wrackbarsch Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Wreckfish Groper Polyprion oxygeneios Polyprion
americanus
Yellow eel Eels Anguilla australis A dieffenbachii
Areinhardtii
Yellow fin tuna Yellow fin tuna Thunnus albacares
Yellow-belly flounder Flatfish Rhombosolea leporina
Yelloweye mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-eyed mullet Yellow-eyed mullet Aldrichetta forsteri
Yellow-footed paua Paua Haliotis australis
Yellowtail Kingfish Kingfish Seriola lalandi
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