New research on snapper, kahawai and kingfish catch

New research is being carried out into how many snapper, kahawai and kingfish are caught by recreational fishers, Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope said today.

He said the research was focused off the north and east coasts, and the ministry was using spotter planes and conducting boat ramp surveys in Northland, Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty this summer.

"Snapper are one of our icon fish species and are hugely important to the recreational fisher," Mr Benson-Pope said in a statement.

"We already know that around 80 per cent of the nation's recreational fishing occurs in the Northland/Bay of Plenty area and that over 50 per cent of that catch is snapper.

"With such a significant level of recreational catch we would like a better idea of the actual tonnages being caught there."

Mr Benson-Pope did not mention quota reductions, but he said the results of the research would be useful in assessing "recreational interests in fishery management decisions".

He encouraged people to participate in the survey, because it would lead to important information for the sustainable management of valuable fish stocks.

The research is being carried out by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Sciences, under contract to the Ministry of Fisheries.

Interviewers will be at the major boat ramps, including: Mangonui, Mangawai, Opito Bay, Parua Bay, One Tree Point, Tutukaka, Waitangi, the main ramps in the Hauraki Gulf, and Bowentown, Maketu, Motu River, Ohope, Sulphur Point, Tairua, Waihau Bay, Whakatane and Whitianga.

- NZPA