Download FAR 2023/20 Associations between environmental variables and flatfish catch rates in Manukau Harbour and Kaipara Harbour

We examined the influence of water quality at the time of juvenile settlement on subsequent adult flatfish abundance as indexed by commercial catches in the Manukau and Kaipara harbours. Generalised linear models including time-lagged water quality variables indicated an overall negative association between water clarity and flatfish catch, and overall positive association between total phosphorus and flatfish catch in both harbours, suggesting these variables may affect flatfish recruitment.