Acoustic surveys of Southern Blue Whiting (SBW) aggregations on Pukaki Rise and Campbell Island Plateau were conducted from FV San Waitaki in September 2012. The most defensible biomass estimates, (1602 t on Pukaki Rise and 14 006 on Campbell Plateau; CVs 14 and 12% respectively), both greatly underestimate total biomass due to incomplete cover and possibly, having missed the spawning peak. A new design for estimating total SBW biomass on Pukaki Rise from future such surveys is proposed.

The Kaipara Harbour supports important fisheries functions both locally and for the wider west coast North Island ecosystem. We explore its past environmental history, through semi-structured interviews of long-time local residents (to the 1930s), and historical material (to the 1800s). Current fish–habitat research is reviewed, including new data; and linked to other research on harbour threats and stressors. Subtidal seagrass meadows are mapped as important fish nurseries.

The 11th acoustic survey of southern blue whiting (SBW) on the Campbell Island Rise was carried out from 27 August to 23 September 2013 with two snapshots and 23 trawls. The average estimate of adult SBW biomass was 65 801 t (CV 25%) 23% higher than the equivalent estimate from 2011. Most of the adult biomass (62%) was from the northern aggregation, with the remaining contribution from the east. No spawning SBW were detected in the south. The estimate of immature SBW biomass was 8004 t (CV 55%).

A trawl and acoustic survey of orange roughy on the southwest Challenger Plateau from FV Thomas Harrison in June/July 2012 showed roughy to be concentrated northeast of the Pinnacles. The trawl estimate was 26 043 t (CV 27%) significantly higher than estimates from surveys in 2006, 2010 and 2011, but significantly lower than the estimate of 46 480 t in 2009. The acoustic estimate of aggregated roughy on flat ground was 3 439 t (CV 22%) somewhat lower than the mean from the previous 5 surveys.

Describes management procedure development for CRA 9 using estimated catch and standardised CPUE data from 1963. Simple models were fit, stabilised by a prior on intrinsic rate of increase developed from tag-recapture data and assumed mortality, then used as operating models with stochastic variation in production and observation error. More than 1100 harvest control rules were tested with the base case and robustness trials; one has now been accepted by the Minister for 2014-15.

Describes stock assessment of lobsters in CRA 2 and management procedure evaluations, using the length-based multi-stock model MSLM fitted to CPUE, size and tagging data. The work used McMC simulations. Current biomass is below Bref but well above Bmsy and Bmin. Management procedures were “plateau step” rules tested with seven alternative operating models; final candidates were presented to the National Rock Lobster Management Group. A technical glossary is provided.

Describes data for the 2013 stock assessment of CRA 2. Catch estimates for the commercial, recreational, customary and illegal fisheries were made by season and by size-limited and non-size-limited fisheries. CPUE was standardised by season using both estimated and landed catches. Length frequency data from observers and logbooks were collated by source and season. Analysis of logbooks showed no evidence of high-grading in CRA 2. Exploratory fits to tag-recapture data are described.

A review of fisheries and environmental indicators and methods that could be used to monitor and analyse environmental and ecosystem changes, for use in assessing the performance of deepwater fisheries and environments.

Eel populations were sampled from seven lakes along the Pouto Peninsula that were selected by Te Uri o Hau. Eel population structure was typical of the Northland region being dominated by shortfin eels (93%), and catch-per-unit-effort (CPUE) (5.08 kg/net/night) was similar to the mean commercial unstandardised CPUE of 4.2 kg/lift. Shortfin eels aged were 12 years old on average and displayed average annual length and weight increases of 42.42 mm/year and 30.07 g/year respectively.

Multibeam echosounder (MBES) data has potential for remote characterisation of seafloor habitats and fauna over large spatial scales. This study assesses the utility of MBES data for predicting benthic habitats and communities using MBES and benthic biological data from Ocean Survey 20/20 voyages to Chatham Rise and Challenger Plateau. We conclude that while MBES data can be useful for coarse level prediction, particularly at local scales, comparisons are not reliable across depths and regions.

A survey of relative abundance, size and age structure of blue cod in Paterson Inlet of BCO 5 in 2010 found a mean catch rate of 4.8 kg.pot-1, CV 9.3% at 28 fixed sites. This was a 38% increase in the marine reserve since 2006 but a 21% decline in the outermost strata. 36 random sites had a mean catch rate 1.1 kg.pot-1, CV 21%. Mean lengths were higher at the fixed sites. Video transects at 22 sites were compared to pot catches and the relationship with benthic habitat structure examined.

This report provides the provisional estimates of the sales of tree stocks and the areas of forest planted in 2013. The provisional estimates are based on returns from all 29 forestry nurseries covered by this annual survey. This information is then used in a model to generate estimates of planting by species or species groups, and a total area planted.

This AEBAR document summarises information and, where appropriate, assesses current status against any specified targets or limits, on a range of issues related to the interactions between the seafood sector and the marine environment. This edition features some chapters updated from 2012 as well as new chapters on Chondrichthyans (sharks, rays and chimaeras), the ecological impacts of aquaculture, and Hector’s / Maui’s dolphins.

This report reviews the development of the Hauraki Gulf fishery, Whangarei to Whitianga. Emphasis is placed on snapper, with fisheries for over 30 other species taken as bycatch or alternate targets also covered. Analysis of commercial landings or catch data, linked to research findings, is presented by fishing method, by port, by relative importance, and by ecological grouping. Each fishery is then described separately, with references. Appendices tabulate landings, and relevant legislation.

Most fished coastal finfish have life histories that can be divided up into spawning/reproduction, eggs and larval periods (not elasmobranches), a juvenile phase, and an adult reproductive phase. Here, we assess knowledge of 38 New Zealand species, w.r.t spawning, oceanographic transport, nursery habitats, adult habitats, adult migrations and movements, and population connectivity and stock structure. Fundamental knowledge gaps are identified, and suggestions for research investment made.