Marine recreational fishing research programme

Over the 2011/2012 summer, NIWA and Blue Water Marine Research staff will be interviewing recreational marine fishers returning to commonly used boat ramps, collecting recreational catch information. Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), the marine boat ramp surveys are part of MAF’s overall marine recreational fishing research programme to better understand and manage our fisheries.

Other recreational fishing research projects commissioned by MAF and scheduled for 2012 include:

• Aerial surveys of recreational fishing vessels along the entire coast between North Cape and East Cape, to provide information on the spatial intensity and distribution of fishing effort. Aerial counts will be combined with fisher interview data to estimate recreational catch rates in this area.
• The National Research Bureau continues to conduct a recreational fishing diary survey with about 7000 fishers on when, where (the general area, not specific fishing spots), and how they fish, along with their total catch. This survey work follows a broader survey commissioned by MAF and conducted in 2011.

Once completed, these surveys will represent the largest marine recreational fishing research programme ever undertaken by MAF. The research programme will provide a better understanding of the state of our marine recreational fisheries.

The findings from the research programme are intended to improve recreational catch estimates. The full results of the research programme are expected to be released in June 2013.

To learn more about New Zealand’s marine recreational fisheries go here 

Frequently asked questions

What’s the purpose of the research programme?
The programme aims to estimate the recreational marine fish and shellfish harvest in New Zealand. To do this, we need to measure how many people do (and don’t) fish for recreation or food in the sea or saltwater estuaries, and what they catch.

What kind of fishing is being considered in the research programme?
Any saltwater (marine) fishing for finfish, shellfish, crayfish or any other marine species. It includes any method of fishing like rod, line, hand gathering, spearing, netting or diving. It is about recreational fishing only, not commercial.

Will my favourite fishing spots be revealed through the research programme?
No. We are interested in general trends in very big areas. For example, “Bay of Islands” or “Marlborough Sounds”.

Are surveys voluntary and will my privacy be protected?
Yes. Your name and contact details are used only for the survey. Your details will not be passed on to any other party or used for any other purpose. Our surveys conform to the 1993 New Zealand Privacy Act.