The SNA 7 stock assessment was extended to the 2020/21 fishing year, incorporating recent CPUE indices, trawl survey abundance indices, and age composition data. The stock is estimated to be above the interim target biomass level. Recent (2019 and 2021) trawl surveys sampled two strong year classes (2017 and 2018) that will recruit into the SNA 7 fishery over the next few years.

The bluenose stock assessment conducted in 2021 is described. The assessment was accepted by the Fisheries New Zealand Inshore Working Group and Plenary. The data inputs and model assumptions are described. The stock in 2021 was estimated to be at about 25% of the virgin biomass, and would slowly rebuild at 2021 catch levels.

A new model-based approach to calculate New Zealand red rock lobster reference levels was developed, documented, and applied for five Quota Management Areas. Reference levels are based on intermediate-term projections of fixed catch and fishing mortality rates, designed to maximise catch while meeting the risk constraint of remaining above the soft limit and limiting catch variability over time.

The 2020 stock assessment model of New Zealand red rock lobsters in CRA 4 fit to length-frequency data, sex ratio data, tag-recapture data, and standardised catch-per-unit-effort indices. Variable fishing mortality coupled with at least two major recruitment events since the 1990s has led to oscillations in the estimated population biomass, which is estimated to be at a low point in the cycle. The population is predicted to decline when current catch is projected five years.

Summary of PGIC Board Meeting 22 November 2021