Progress report for
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries Stock Assessment Research
Achievement at a glance
This programme of research continues to be funded by Fisheries New Zealand (MPI). The status of a number of fish stocks is assessed each year using a variety of methods including:- scientific research (from contracted expert research providers);
-validated catch and fishing effort reports from commercial fisheries including electronic reporting;
- data from our camera and on-board observer programmes; and
- other relevant information.
Most of our fish stocks of known status are in good shape (above the soft limit):
- 87.7% or 128 stocks and sub-stocks are above the soft limit.
- this equates to 97.6% of the total landings of assessed stocks by weight.
- of the 128 fish stocks that were above the soft limit in 2024, 105 (82%) were also at or above their management targets.
Challenges faced in implementation
The stock assessment programme is finding innovative and efficient ways to use fisheries data to assess the status of stocks. There is a particular focus on developing new methods to assess the status of low and medium knowledge stocks.Next Steps
We are in the process of developing and testing a strategy for improving efficiency of stock assessments. Research and assessments of tier 1 stocks continue in line with fisheries research plans.Beneficiaries
This research will support the sustinable management of New Zealand's fisheries.