Collated analyses for 10 trawl survey series were assessed to judge which provided sufficiently reliable relative abundance time series for partial quantitative assessment of rough skate (Zearaja nasuta, RSK) and/or smooth skate (Dipturus innominatus, SSK). Putative assessments were conducted using six survey series. Two assessments were accepted as the basis for forming advice, for RSK in quota management area 3 (RSK 3), and SSK in quota management area 7 (SSK 7).

This project sought to understand and model the effects of environmental variability on the function of the marine ecosystems of the Subantarctic region of New Zealand and adjacent waters, focusing on key megafauna and fished species using this region. We found evidence for long-term changes in atmospheric/oceanic climate, with differential effects on productivity comparing regions, and with associated effects on the productivity and distribution of some of the study species.