Acoustic biomass surveys of orange roughy (Hoplostethus atlanticus) in ORH 3B North Chatham Rise spawning grounds, 4–8 July 2021, on FV Amaltal Apollo. Surveys were undertaken on Morgue and Graveyard hills in NWCR and on the Rekohu aggregation in ESCR. The survey was prematurely curtailed due to vessel engine failure. Ancillary biomass estimates for Rekohu and Spawn Plume aggregations were derived from hull-mounted echosounder snapshots undertaken by FV Amaltal Mariner and FV San Waitaki.

This report documents the 2022 stock assessment of red rock lobsters in CRA 2. The model was fitted to length frequency data, sex ratio data, tag-recapture growth increment data, and standardised catch-per-unit-effort indices using the lobster stock dynamics model. This stock assessment estimated generally increasing exploitation rates throughout the stock’s history. Catch cuts and a period of improved recruitment have helped the stock rebuild since the 2017 stock assessment.

Land-based effects on coastal fisheries, kaimoana, and their habitats occur through a diversity of mechanisms. This literature review explores those mechanisms, and likely impacts in New Zealand, with arguably the most important being sedimentation. Background into concerns and interests held by selected iwi and hapū is provided. A potential new emerging issue is Submarine Groundwater Discharge rate reductions to coastal zones. Fundamental knowledge gaps remain, with research suggestions made.

This updated stock assessment for pāua (Haliotis iris) in quota management area PAU 7 estimated that the 2020 status in the Cook Strait area was still below target. Nevertheless, projected biomass indicated strong signs of rebuilding in this area. In other areas, including the Northern Faces of Marlborough Sounds and D'Urville Island, biomass levels are likely to be low; however, no data are available to explain the lack of recovery. The models for these areas were, therefore, not accepted.

Recent trends in the BCO7 fishery are summarised with emphasis on the operation of the target potting fishery in the Marlborough Sounds. The small number of vessels in the fishery and the local scale operation of individual vessels meant that It was not feasible to develop CPUE indices for the fishery.