Download AEBR 371/2026 Identification of benthic invertebrate samples from research trawls and observer trips 2021–24

This project provided expert identification of non-coral benthic invertebrate bycatch collected by observers on commercial fishing vessels and fisheries research staff during research trawl surveys. This expert identification improves our knowledge of our marine biodiversity research and can inform the assessment of impact and risk of fishing on benthic habitats.

A total of 1398 benthic invertebrate samples, collected since 1985, were identified in this reporting period (1 July 2021 – 30 June 2024) and their revised expert identifications were then updated in Fisheries New Zealand catch databases. Samples were collected from 25 commercial target fisheries and across 11 Fisheries Management Areas with 42 samples processed from four High Seas regions. The samples covered 570 unique taxa across all major invertebrate groups and identified at least 32 undescribed species, two possible undescribed genera and a further 28 species and genera that were identified with a level of uncertainty that warrants further investigation. A further 551 specimens were also identified from 99 digital images of bycatch fauna taken by observers.

The continued discovery of undescribed taxa in observer and research trawl material being returned underscores both the ability of the ship-board staff to identify unusual organisms, and the value of this material for ongoing biodiscovery research of the New Zealand deep-sea fauna.