This report presents the results of a Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) project looking at a small number of red rock lobster (Jasus edwardsii) that were either affected or unaffected by Tail Fan Necrosis (TFN).
The primary objective of this study was the use of NGS to screen for potential infectious aetiological agents of TFN. Several species of bacteria appeared to be statistically significant when examining the NGS results and comparing affected to unaffected rock lobster. However, based on a review of the literature, none of the bacterial species identified were considered likely to be a primary cause of TFN.
Additionally, catch data collected by observers were examined to generate an epidemiological picture of the distribution of TFN. Since not much data specific to occurrence of TFN exists, a data proxy was used, as discussed with members of the rock lobster industry. This data proxy was not found to sufficiently explain the epidemiology of TFN, indicating that more comprehensive and specific data needs to be collected.
Based on these results, we propose avenues for further research.

The objective of this independent report is to provide an independent evaluation of the
Primary Growth Partnership (PGP), now known as the Sustainable Food and Fibre
Futures Programme, SPATnz Programme. The Programme is a partnership between
Shellfish Production and Technology New Zealand Limited (SPATnz) and the Ministry
for Primary Industries (MPI).

Aquaculture contributes to the economic well-being of towns and communities throughout New Zealand, through farming, processing and support industries. Over the next 5 years, consents for up to 689 existing marine farms (60% of the total current marine farms) will expire, with consents for 602 of those farms (52%) expiring at the end of 2024.1

Surveillance is published as the Ministry for Primary Industries’ authoritative source
of information on the ongoing biosecurity surveillance activity and the health status of
New Zealand’s animal and plant populations in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
It reports information of interest both locally and internationally and complements
New Zealand’s international reporting.

Under normal circumstances, MPI would have released a new edition of the situation and outlook for primary industries (SOPI) report in June 2020. However, the COVID-19 pandemic means the situation changes on an almost daily basis. The outlook for our sectors is more uncertain than ever before so we decided to delay the release of our usual forecasting document. Instead, MPI has prepared a report on how COVID-19 has disrupted New Zealand's primary industry exports. This shows that, in general, primary sector exports are holding up well. This is primarily due to the New Zealand dollar weakening against the United States dollar.

The cod database contains data collected by Ministry for Primary Industries Observers on commercial fishing vessels. cod contains the catch and effort information for observed vessels, length frequency, biological and ageing materials data for commercial species as recorded by the observers, as well as relevant trip and tow information. Cod replaces the earlier observer databases obs, obs_lfs and l_line .

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is responsible for establishing and administering the standards and regulations for New Zealand’s food safety, biosecurity, primary production and animal welfare systems.
International standards, risk-management and science provide the framework for MPI’s regulatory systems and are guiding principles for setting standards.
The standards as applied by MPI are largely outcome-based, providing a high level of reliability and control across all players in New Zealand’s primary production and processing sectors. MPI and approved organisations (referred to as ‘recognised agencies’) routinely audit and monitor aspects of these systems to ensure that standards continue to be met.
MPI employs more than 3000 staff and has strong relationships with other New Zealand government agencies.

Surveillance is published as the Ministry for Primary Industries’ authoritative source
of information on the ongoing biosecuritysurveillance activity and the health status of
New Zealand’s animal and plant populations in both terrestrial and aquatic environments.
It reports information of interest both locally and internationally and complements
New Zealand’s international reporting.