The New Zealand longfin eel is an iconic species and is highly valued for recreational and cultural purposes. There is also a commercial fishery for these eels. Maori hold a significant interest in both commercial and non-commercial uses of the species.
The Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) is committed to ensuring that our use of this fishery by any sector is sustainable over the longer term.
Fishery interests and the Government have been concerned that the fishing levels experienced in the 1970s and 1980s were not sustainable. Progressive action has been taken since to improve the overall status of longfin stocks.
Commercial catch limits for longfin eels in the North Island have been reduced and are now set at a similar level to the non-commercial catch allowances for this fishery.
