This report presents available New Zealand commercial fishery catch-at-age data for hake (Merluccius australis) caught by trawl, and ling (Genypterus blacodes) caught by trawl and longline, up to the 2020–21 fishing year, and bottom trawl survey catch-at-age data sets for both species from 2021-22.

Catch statistics and length and age data of hoki taken from the 2020–21 commercial fisheries are summarised and compared with data from previous years. Biomass indices from research surveys and results from other research on hoki in the last year are also briefly described. These data were used in the hoki stock assessment carried out in 2022 (published separately).

This report describes the 2021 assessment of the KAH 1 stock. A fleets-as-areas configuration was used for this model because consistent regional differences were evident in recreational age composition data. The key source of uncertainty explored in this assessment was the assumed rate of natural mortality, but, regardless, all models indicated a current stock status that was close to or above the target level of 52% B0.

The sixth trawl survey off the west coast South Island (WCSI) was completed August 2021. Species monitored by the trawl survey include hake, ling, and a range of other species. Ling biomass declined to the lowest of the series, while hake increased. As well as supporting the stock assessments for hake and ling, the trawl survey provides information on a number of bycatch species. A total of 208 species or species groups were caught and 25 845 fish or squid of 64 different species were measured.