Profile updated on 30 July 2024
SUMMARY
SUMMARY
IDENTIFICATION
SCIENTIFIC NAME(s)
Micromesistius australis
SPECIES NAME(s)
Southern blue whiting, New Zealand southern blue whiting
Besides being found around the southern tip of South America, southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) is found on the southern shelf of New Zealand. There is occasional reference to two distinct subspecies – Micromesistius australis pallidus and Micromesistius australis australis.
Hanchet (1999) found significant differences in growth rates as well as in morphometric characteristics suggesting that the four New Zealand stocks, which have distinct spawning grounds, should be assessed and managed separately: Auckland Islands (SBW 6A), Bounty Platform stock (SBW 6B), Campbell Island Rise (SBW 6I) and Pukaki Rise stock (SBW 6R). These 4 biological stocks are used by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for assessment and management purposes (Fisheries New Zealand 2023).
ANALYSIS
- Models indicate that stock size is above the target range, and is currently estimated at 64% of B0. The risk of biomass being below both the soft and the hard limits (10% and 20% of B0 respectively) is “Exceptionally Unlikely" (<1%) (Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) 2024). Biomass has been decreasing since 2013 (ap. 11%), albeit generally stable in the past decade, so this stock is not being overfished.
SCORES
Management Quality:
≥ 8
10.0
10.0
