This work explored agri-voltaics (combined solar electricity generation and agriculture) as a means of renewable energy production and improved pasture productivity, animal welfare and resilience in a changing climate. The study used pasture modelling tools combined with on-farm measurements to assess the impact of solar arrays on pasture and identify those regions for which agri-voltaics would be most beneficial. Understanding how large-scale solar electricity generation on pasture can deliver improved productivity and livestock welfare in a changing climate.
• Albacore are mostly caught by trolling on the west coast of New Zealand. Albacore catch is composed of three distinct sizes in most years, probably reflecting one- to three-year-old fish.
• Albacore caught by trolling during the 202122, 202223, and 202324 fishing seasons were sampled onshore to determine the length frequency composition and length-weight relationship.
• Albacore were sampled from two ports, in Greymouth and for the first time, in Nelson, New Zealand. The numbers targeted for sampling were based on the commercial catch each month during recent years. Fish were sampled between January and March / April each year.
• Each year roughly 3700 – 4500 fish had their length measured, and approximately 400 fish were weighed.
• We investigated patterns over space and time of catch and effort. These were different for the three fishing seasons. Sampling captured the patterns of the commercial fishery well.
• The length distribution showed three peaks visible in most samples during 202122 and 202223. In 2023−24 there was only one peak around 62 cm, with few small or large fish.
This report outlines the findings of the New Zealand Gamefish Tagging Programme (NZGTP) for the 2022–23 and 2023–24 fishing years. The NZGTP is a cooperative project between Fisheries New Zealand, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC), its affiliated clubs, and other recreational and commercial fishers.
The programme collects data on the tagging and recapture of key gamefish species, including marlin, swordfish, kingfish, and some shark and tuna species, within New Zealand's waters and surrounding areas. Over the last two years, 2049 fish were tagged in New Zealand waters, with an additional 35 tagged internationally.
Information collected in this project are used to describe:
• When each species of fish is available in New Zealand;
• Seasonal migrations;
• Stock boundaries or management regions
• Growth rates;
• Changes in distribution over time.
Striped marlin, one of the main species, was tagged and released in significant numbers, especially in early 2024. Yellowtail kingfish is another important species in the programme and the number tagged and released from commercial vessels has increased. The catch rates for other species, like blue marlin and yellowfin tuna, have varied. The number of tagged sharks has declined, particularly for mako and blue sharks, while bronze whaler shark tagging has increased.
Anglers are encouraged to record capture details, including latitude and longitude on tag report cards or the fishtagnz website. This data is summarised and included in New Zealand fisheries reports and New Zealand country reports to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.