Fisheries Sciences Group Overview

The science group provides Government with the information and advice it needs to make appropriate decisions around fisheries and the marine environment. Within the group, there are two teams: the Stock Assessment Team, and the Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Team.

These teams develop and oversee monitoring and research programmes, and interact extensively with researchers, industry, recreational fishers, customary groups, environmental interests, and other government agencies.

Currently, the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) is our biggest research provider. However, many smaller research organisations are also involved, particularly in specialist areas.

The science group provides information and advice on:

• sustainable catch levels in NZ fisheries;
• the environmental effects of fishing;
• keeping our marine ecosystems in good health;
• the effects of fish or shellfish farming or enhancement on wild fisheries;
• customary fishing;
• International fisheries that New Zealand is involved in managing