PRO20-0075 B20-0606
The 2019 CRA 1 stock assessment showed increasing fishing mortality in the late 1960s resulting in a biomass decline. Since the 1990s size-limited catch has remained relatively stable; non-size-limited catch increased. Spawning stock biomass estimates remained above the soft limit with stable spawning biomass and vulnerable biomass from the mid-to-late 1990s. Projections predict that continued harvest at constant current catch levels would likely lead to vulnerable and spawning biomass declines.
Electronic monitoring (EM) for seabird capture data for the 2017/18 fishing year was compared with a NIWA audit of the footage and observer data. For the 26 trips in common, the audit recorded 5 seabird captures, as did the EM data reviewed by Trident Systems. However, both missed a seabird capture that was recorded by the other. For the observer data on trips with reviewed EM, 5 seabird captures were recorded, the same number as EM for these trips.
A fishery characterisation and stock assessment have been undertaken and accepted for SCI 6A, using data to the end of the 2018–19 fishing year. A single area model was developed, based on previous studies. Survey catchability priors were updated. A range of sensitivities were examined, with all models suggesting SSB2019 is above 40% SSB0 (47–66% SSB0). Projections through to 2025 suggested that SSB would remain well above 40% SSB0 with future catches up to the TACC.
This document reviews the biosecurity risks associated with species of non-viable frozen, whole (uneviscerated) wild-caught marine finfish (Class Actinopterygii) and molluscs (Subclass Coloidea, Class Cephalopoda - cuttlefish, octopus and squid) imported for use as fish bait in commercial and recreational fishing. It supplements an earlier risk analysis completed for eviscerated and trunked fin fish for human consumption. This SRA is restricted to the finfish and coleoid cephalopod mollusc species imported as bait during 2018.
It identifies 14 risk organisms (6 viruses, 3 bacteria and 5 myxozoan pathogens). It proposes several general and specificrisk management options to address these identified risks.
Keywords: Marine fish, Fish bait, Risk analysis