According to the report there is reasonable precision regarding the status of fish stocks in the country. Ministry Chief Executive Wayne McNee informed that the ministry currently has enough information to report latest status of 101 stocks or sub-stocks managed under New Zealand’s Quota Management System (out of a total of 629 stocks).
McNee also added that this is up from 2006/07, when we only had reasonably precise information on the status of 85 stocks. Less-precise information is available on other stocks. McNee confirmed that out of these 101 stocks, 72 are considered near or above the target levels set out in the Fisheries Act.
The report says that in 2006/07, 72 (out of 85 stocks where we had reasonably precise information) were considered near or above these target levels. Of the 29 stocks known to be below target levels, three are highly migratory tuna species (which New Zealand has limited influence over). The report also revealed that others stocks currently below target levels include one of the two stocks of hoki, several orange roughy stocks or sub-stocks, one oreo sub-stock, gemfish, two paua stocks, west coast North Island snapper, all bluenose stocks, and longfin eels.
Ministry of Fisheries Chief Scientist Dr Pamela Mace explained that allowable catch levels have been reduced in all these fisheries to allow them to rebuild to target levels. In the case of west coast snapper and longfin eel stocks, issues relating to rivers and harbour environments may also be impacting on stocks.
