Download AEBR 271 Spatial and temporal distribution of seven deepwater sharks in New Zealand waters

Vector Autoregressive Spatio-Temporal (VAST) models were applied to research trawl survey and environmental data to provide updated information on stock status for seven deepwater sharks. Deepwater sharks were found to be ubiquitous around New Zealand, with each species shown to have a unique distributional pattern. Deepwater shark “hotspots” in New Zealand waters were identified (e.g., Puysegur). There was little evidence to suggest any temporal or spatial changes in distribution or abundance.