Profile updated on 2 August 2023

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

Strengths
  • Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) reviewed the sustainability measures for southern blue whiting (SBW) in Quota Management Area (QMA) SBW 6B (Bounty Platform) for the 2022 fishing year and the new advice quota (-20%) was officially adopted for the seasons 2022-23 and current 2023-24.

SCORES

Management Quality:

Management Strategy:

≥ 6

Managers Compliance:

10.0

Fishers Compliance:

10.0