Besides being found around the southern tip of South America, Southern blue whiting Micromesistius australis is found on the southern shelf of New Zealand, but is ocasionally considered to be a distinct subspecies – Micromesistius australis pallidus as opposed to Micromesistius australis australis.

Hanchet (1999) found significant differences in growth rates as well as on morphometric characteristics considering that the 4 stocks, which present distinct spawning grounds, should be assessed and managed separately: Auckland Islands (SBW 6A), Bounty Platform (SBW 6B), Campbell Island Rise (SBW 6I) and Pukaki Rise (SBW 6R). These 4 biological stocks are used by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for assessment and management purposes (MPI, 2015).