No problems with snapper here

An issue that involves “mushy” looking snapper flesh (pictured right) seen in fish caught in some parts of the country and perhaps linked to starvation, has not been seen in snapper caught in Tairāwhiti, according to Roger Faber from the Gisborne Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club. Picture supplied

Reports of skinny, pale, and what experts describe as “mushy” snapper in some areas of the country, have not been seen with snapper caught in Tairāwhiti waters, according to a local fishing expert.

A New Zealand Herald story yesterday said increasing numbers of snapper caught along the east coast of the North Island had  unhealthy-looking flesh.

The report quoted experts who said it was due to their main food sources being depleted.

“The usually hardy fish species is struggling for survival,” the story claimed.

It quoted analysis by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) which revealed a cause of the ailing snapper in some areas was due to prolonged periods of starvation.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) was contacted earlier this year by both recreational and commercial fishers reporting white, soft, and “mushy” flesh occurring in 10 to 50 percent of wild-caught snapper in some areas of the country.

Roger Faber from the Gisborne-Tatapouri Sports Fishing Club said he had heard of the problem in the Hauraki Gulf area, but not in this region.

“Our snapper stocks have gone from strength to strength and improved a lot over the past few years,” he said.

“I’ve not heard of anything like a ‘mushy’ flesh issue here.

“The snapper we have been getting are in good condition  and not at all mushy.”