Download FAR 2026/20 Characterisation of recreational fishing activity for snapper and estimating release mortality for SNA 1

Snapper catch data were collected from the private and charter boat recreational fishing sectors in the SNA 1 Quota Management Area, which includes East Northland, the Hauraki Gulf and the Bay of Plenty.

From January 2024 to January 2025, 1746 private boat outings were sampled with records of 16 912 captured snapper. At the same time, 240 charter boat fishing events were sampled with records of 7092 captured snapper.

More than 60% of snapper were released after capture in both the private (62%) and charter boat (69%) sectors.

This data was combined with results of other fisheries research, including experimental results on the survival of snapper after release as well as estimates of the annual snapper harvest.

The combined results provided estimates of the weight and numbers of snapper that are expected to die after release, known as release mortality.

The annual release mortality for SNA 1 was estimated at 200 t (477 000 fish) in the private boat fishery and 48 t (105 000 fish) in the charter boat fishery.

These estimates help describe the selectivity of recreational fishing methods and allow for a more informed allowance for snapper release mortality.