AEBAR informs our decision-making
The 'Aquatic environment and biodiversity annual review' (AEBAR) represents the best scientific information on:
- the effects of fishing on the environment
- marine biodiversity
- aquatic environments.
The information in the review helps us when we make decisions around managing New Zealand's fisheries.
Introduction and research themes
- Introduction [PDF, 248 KB] (Last updated 2021)
- Research themes [PDF, 109 KB] (Last updated 2021)
Protected species
- Spatially explicit fisheries risk assessment (SEFRA) [PDF, 3 MB] (Last updated 2019-20)
- Marine mammals overview [PDF, 2 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- New Zealand sea lion (Phocarctos hookeri) [PDF, 2 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- New Zealand fur seal (Arctocephalus forsteri) [PDF, 2 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- Hector's and Māui dolphins [PDF, 5 MB] (Last updated 2019-20)
- Common dolphins (Delphinus delphi delphi) [PDF, 2.5 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- Seabirds overview [PDF, 1.8 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- Wandering and Royal Albatrosses [PDF, 1.4 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- Mollymawks [PDF, 2.8 MB](Last updated 2025)
- Petrels [PDF, 1.7 MB] (Last updated 2025)
Non-target fish and invertebrate catch
- Non-target fish and invertebrate catch [PDF, 8.4 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- Chondrichthyans (sharks, rays and chimaeras) [PDF, 7.7 MB] (Last updated 2024)
Benthic impacts
- Benthic (seabed) impacts [PDF, 3.3 MB] (Last updated 2021)
Ecosystem effects
- New Zealand climate and ocean setting [PDF, 3.8 MB] (Last updated 2021)
- Trophic and ecosystem-level effects [PDF, 1.5 MB] (Last updated 2025)
- Habitats of particular significance for fisheries management (HPSFM) [PDF, 587 KB] (Last updated 2012)
- Land-based effects on the coastal environment [PDF, 545 KB] (Last updated 2014)
- Ecological effects of marine aquaculture [PDF, 1.5 MB] (Last updated 2021)
- Antarctic science [PDF, 3.3 MB] (Last updated 2021)
Biodiversity
- Biodiversity [PDF, 1.9 MB] (Last updated 2021)
Appendices
- Appendices [PDF, 2.2 MB] (Last updated 2025)
Note: The AEBAR is supported by more detailed reports and scientific papers published online each year.