Marlborough Sounds Blue Cod Research Starts

4 September 2001 Research surveys aimed at assessing the status of the blue cod fishery in the Marlborough Sounds start tomorrow.

Blue cod is the third most frequently landed species by recreational fishers nationally (behind snapper and kahawai), and the most frequently landed species in the South Island and Marlborough Sounds.

Surveys, conducted by NIWA on behalf of the Ministry of Fisheries, will take place from 5 to 23 September 2001 in Queen Charlotte Sound, Pelorus Sound and the east coast of D'Urville Island, using the commercial fishing vessel Lady H.R. Blue Cod will be caught and counted using cod pots and line fishing.

The surveys will continue and update a series of blue cod abundance surveys carried out in 1995 and 1996. The Ministry of Fisheries will use the information to assess the health of the blue cod fishery in the Marlborough Sounds, and the effectiveness of current management tools.