Relative abundance of tarakihi in TAR 1

Project: Relative abundance of tarakihi in TAR 1
Project Code: TAR2004/02
Start Date: 1 October 2004
Completion Date: 30 September 2005
Vessel Use: Nil

Overall Objective:

1. To monitor the abundance of TAR 1 using Catch and Effort data.

Specific Objectives:

1. To update the standardised CPUE indices for TAR 1 using data up to the end of 2003/2004.

Rationale:

General

Tarakihi is an important inshore commercial species caught in coastal waters off the North and South Islands, Stewart Island and the Chatham Islands, down to depths of 250 m. The major fishing grounds are west and east Northland (TAR 1), the western Bay of Plenty to Cape Kidnappers (TAR 1 and 2), Cook Strait (TAR 2), Cape Campbell to the Canterbury Bight (TAR 3), and Jackson Head to Cape Foulwind (TAR 7). The main fishing method is trawling — typically in depths of 100 to 200 m. Set netting is most common near Kaikoura.

The mean landings over the last five years and TACC’s are as follows: TAR 1 (1435 t, 1398 t), TAR 2 (1607 t, 1633 t), TAR 3 (965 t, 1169 t), TAR 4 (140 t, 316 t), TAR 5(66 t, 154 t), TAR 7 (869 t, 1087 t), TAR 8 (151 t, 225 t). Recreational fishers using lines and set nets take Tarakihi. Results from two separate recreational fishing surveys in the early 1990s indicate that tarakihi is an important species for recreational fishers. The recreational catch from TAR 1 has been estimated to be between 200 and 400 t; over 50 t in TAR 2 and less than 30 t in both TAR 7 and 8 respectively. No quantitative information is available on the current level of Maori customary take.

The estimates of relative abundance from the standardised CPUE analyses are currently the principal means of monitoring the state of the tarakihi fisheries.

Project TAR1999-01 provided standardised CPUE analyses for TAR 1, 2, 3 and 7 (up to 1997/98). However, the Inshore Working Group rejected the relative abundance indices for TAR 3 and TAR 7. Project TAR2002-01 provides updated CPUE for TAR 2 and develops an index of relative abundance for the Pegasus Bay to Cook Strait fishery (which goes across several FMA's).

The latest TAR 1 CPUE analysis, undertaken as part of an Adaptive Management Programme application, contains data up to 1998/99. Because the application was unsuccessful, industry are no longer expected to undertake the CPUE analysis. The aim of this project is to up-date the standardised CPUE analyses with data to the end of 2003/04 and update the tarakihi working group report.

Strategic Relevance

The objective of this project is consistent with the Fisheries Resources goal and Strategic Objectives in the Ministry of Fisheries Strategic Research Directions document.

Cost Recovery Information:

The percentage allocation for this project will be attributed to the following Fishstock according to rule 9.1 of the Fisheries (Cost Recovery) Rules 2001:

• TAR 1

The project is estimated to cost between $0-$50,000.