Snapper, Chrysophrys auratus, is New Zealand’s most valuable commercial coastal marine species. The high abundance around the populous regions of northern New Zealand means it is also the nation’s most important recreational species.

The snapper fishery in New Zealand is therefore one of the largest and most valuable coastal fisheries to the country. Snapper are demersal fish, most abundant in depths of 15-60m but can be found down to depths of 200m. In northern inshore communities they are the dominant fish, occupying a wide range of habitats.

An important aspect to incorporate in to the management of this species is their dispersal throughout their lifecycle and their seasonality. Spawning grounds correspond closely with the nursery grounds of young snapper where they school in shallow water and sheltered areas. Large schools of mature snapper congregate before spawning, with spawning season extending from November through to January – March in some areas and years.

The fish then disperse, often to inshore feeding grounds then to deeper waters in winter where the fish become more widespread. These seasonal movements may be a contributing factor to the amount of recreational catch in certain areas throughout the year. The Hauraki Gulf’s ‘work-up’ season is a prime example.

Stock Assessment and Management

The snapper fishery is split in to six management areas around New Zealand and its offshore islands, with the species being a major target on both coasts of the North Island.

The SNA 1 stock extends over a large area of the north-eastern coast from North Cape to Cape Runaway in the Bay of Plenty. The largest volume of catch, both commercial and non-commercial, comes from this Quota Management Area (QMA). Most of the snapper stocks in New Zealand have been significantly exploited for over a century, with high fishing pressure causing concern that SNA 1 has been put under stress. In the past, snapper had been fished extensively without the restrictions of the Quota Management System (QMS) until 1986. Before this, the national commercial landings peaked in the 1970’s at approximately 18000t per annum. While commercial exploitation of snapper was constrained by quota, recreational exploitation is regulated by individual bag limits and minimum-legal sizes.

In recent years the total commercial catch of snapper has been 7000t with 70% of this catch coming from SNA 1. Recreational fishing is also an important component of the total catch in SNA 1. In recent years this was estimated to be approximately 30% of the total catch. The bag limit has been reduced and the minimum legal size has been increased for recreational fishers since the introduction of the QMS.

Nationally, the bag limit was originally set at 30 per person and a minimum legal size (MLS) of 25cm in 1985. The daily bag limit for SNA 1 now being seven per angler and a minimum size limit of 30cm. Bag limits have been reduced against the backdrop of sustainability measures required for the fishery in SNA 1. Combined with a TAC of 8050t and a recreational allowance of 3050t, fisheries management aims to move the population to a size that will support maximum sustainable yield (MSY). MSY is the maximum amount of fish that can be caught without causing any long-term depletion to the stock.

In New Zealand the main organisations which are responsible for applying stock assessment and implementing management strategies are the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) and Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). NIWA assesses many of the fish stocks around New Zealand as part of their work for the Ministry for Primary Industries.

They employ various sampling techniques to collect data on industry, recreational and customary catch, catch and effort data, scientific sample voyages and biological information. These stock assessments provide a scientific basis for the management options that are developed by MPI and other organisations.

One form of data collection which is used to gain information on recreational catch is boat ramp surveying. This sampling method is conducted at various boat ramps around New Zealand, gaining recreational catch information for specific stocks, often focusing on species under concern.

Stock assessments and reports are important for fishery managers as it provides useful stock status information and total catch estimates. These reports provide comparable data and give an indication for what management action is required in order to protect our snapper stocks for the future.

What Can WE Do?

As recreational fishers, we can have a large impact on species stock numbers and dynamics, especially snapper. In terms of commercial fishing, we don’t often have a lot of say when it comes to quota and stock management. So, what can we do to minimise long term effects on our snapper stocks/fish stocks in general?

Fish sustainably. Seven snapper per person is a lot of food, if they are decentsized fish. Only keep as many as you NEED, don’t always fish to the limits.

Utilise your catch. Fish can go a lot further than many people portray. Instead of throwing away those frames and heads, use them or give them away. Soup, stew, broth or smoked frames/ heads create another meal, other than just the fillets. Utilising your fish = potentially keeping less individual fish.

Release the breeders. There seems to be much controversy around this idea. But the fact is, bigger snapper produce many more eggs than smaller specimens and have the potential to pass on more favourable growth and survival genes/ traits. Sure, it can be great to keep your first 20 pounder, but it’s also great watching those beautiful big breeders swim away in good shape.

Fish smarter. Using appropriate tackle such as circle hooks and bigger hook sizes improves the chances of survival for those fish you do throw back. Releasing fish in a healthy state is vital to their survival; venting fish when necessary, reviving them correctly and minimal, gentle handling all increase their chances.