Download FSR 2026/01 2025 Review of potential methods for estimating recreational harvest of rock lobster

Tuck, I.D.; Hartill, B.; Baird, C.; Breen, P.A.; Cryer, M.; Curtis, S.; Edwards, M.; Holdsworth, J.C.; Maggs, J.Q. (2026). 2025 Review of potential methods for estimating recreational harvest of rock lobster. New Zealand Fisheries Science Review 2026/01. 29 p.

The National Panel Survey (conducted every 5 or 6 years) is the main approach used to estimate recreational harvest nationally. However, only a small proportion of the fishers recruited for past National Panel Surveys have targeted rock lobster, so harvest estimates have been very uncertain.

In this study, a technical working group reviewed alternative approaches to get annual estimates of rock lobster recreational harvest. An improved National Panel Survey or a mandatory registry sample frame panel survey supported by creel surveys were ranked highest for CRA 1 and CRA 2. But the other CRA stocks have more pot fishing, which is poorly sampled by creel surveys. So for these stocks a mandatory registry sample frame panel survey was considered the most viable annual survey approach.

Self-directed (voluntary or mandatory) reporting via an app, mandatory horn tagging or a voluntary registry sample frame panel survey were also reviewed but considered less viable.