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.

Standardised CPUE analyses have been prepared for five mixed target species bottom trawl (BT) fisheries and one target setnet fishery that take tarakihi (TAR). These analyses are used to monitor TAR stock abundances off the West Coast of the North Island (TAR 1), the East Coasts of the North Island and the Bay of Plenty (TAR 1 and TAR 2), as well as the East Coast of the South Island (TAR 3).

The report contains supplementary material on the details of the statistical analyses conducted to estimate Hector's dolphin abundance during the summer and winter of 2013, for a study area that extended along the east coast of the South Island (Farewell Spit to Nugget Point) out to 20 nmi, excluding harbours and sounds. Comments and responses to two independent reviewers of the project are also included along with other miscellaneous material.

Aerial surveys were conducted during the summer and winter of 2013 to estimate Hector's dolphin abundance. The study area extended along the east coast of the South Island (Farewell Spit to Nugget Point) out to 20 nmi, excluding harbours and sounds. After applying statistical methods to account for imperfect detection of dolphins and fraction of study area surveyed, an estimated 9130 (95% CI: 6342–13 144) dolphins were in the study area during the summer and 7456 (5224–10 641) in winter.

Results of the eleventh inshore trawl survey along the west coast of the South Island from Farewell Spit to the Haast River mouth and within Tasman and Golden Bays at depths from 20 to 400m using RV Kaharoa in March-April 2013. Data presented include relative biomass estimates, length frequencies, catch rates, and tag and release data. Target species of the survey are giant stargazer, red cod, red gurnard, spiny dogfish, and tarakihi. Summaries for other selected species are also presented.

This review of information on New Zealand’s Southern scallop fishery (SCA 7: Golden Bay, Tasman Bay, and the Marlborough Sounds) was conducted to investigate factors affecting its performance. It describes the management history from 1959 to 2013, characterises commercial catch and effort, examines enhancement and rotational fishing activities, investigates scallop population distribution, biomass, and size structure, and compares landings with estimated yields (CAY).

This annual report summarises data from the New Zealand Gamefish Tagging Programme for the 2012–13 year, including the 2263 fish released and 58 recaptures. Long distance recaptures are plotted and trends over recent years described. Four striped marlin were recaptured in 2012–13, three in northern New Zealand waters 25 to 104 days after release, and one in January 2013 by a longliner in the Coral Sea after 328 days. The number of pelagic sharks tagged and released has increased in recent years.

Vulnerable marine ecosystems are deep-sea ecosystems that are highly vulnerable to fishing activity. There are few data available on the distribution of VMEs to use for planning spatial protection measures. Therefore it is important to develop predictions of where VMEs are likely to occur. Data for VME indicator taxa were compiled, and habitat suitability modelling approaches evaluated, to determine their usefulness for predicting the distribution of VMEs in the South Pacific Ocean region.

This report describes results from the combined trawl and acoustic survey of the west coast South Island (WCSI), carried out from 20 July to 19 August 2012. The acoustic abundance index for spawning hoki in 2012 was 4% higher than the equivalent index from 2000 and slightly above the long-term average of the time-series. This survey was also the second in a new time series of trawl estimates for middle depth species from the WCSI, and trawl abundance indices are presented for 28 species.

We attempted to define the location of the first annual growth zone in kingfish otoliths in order to accurately age kingfish. Length data and otolith increment counts from juvenile kingfish sampled from the wild, and from known-age, hatchery-reared kingfish, were analysed. Results were inconclusive but we suggest that kingfish ageing studies assume that the first growth zone is formed during autumn–winter of the second year, at an age of approximately 18 months.