Spatially explicit set net fishing effort back to 1931 was predicted by combining data on current and historical set net fishing. The results reflect that up to 1960, set netting was restricted the west coast of the North Island, Hauraki Gulf, Marlborough Sounds, and Banks Peninsula. The use of nylon monofilament nets, other gear improvements, and incentives to fish for species such as rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) resulted in the expansion of set netting across New Zealand and further offshore.

This report summarises the Chatham Rise ling stock (LIN 3&4) and fishery. It describes the spatial structure of the stock, biological parameters, and longline standardised catch per unit effort (CPUE). The longline fishery CPUE showed a decline between 1990 and 1997, followed by a flat trend. In contrast, the survey biomass trend presented a flat and variable trend from 1992 onwards. Because of this conflict, it was uncertain if the longline CPUE was an index of the biomass of ling.