Information briefs and risk analyses for species under consideration ...

11 The percentage of reported landed catch for each fishing year landed as dressed,
green, or meal is shown in the following table (assuming discarded catch is reported
as green).
2002/03 2003/04 2004/05 2005/06 2006/07
Dressed 0% 0% 1% 2% 2%
Green 0% 0% 0% 0% 0%
Meal 100% 100% 99% 98% 98%
12 Although over 30 target fisheries report javelinfish as bycatch, the hoki fishery reports
by far the most javelinfish bycatch with 85% of the estimated javelinfish catch over
the last 5 years reported as a bycatch of the hoki fishery. The only other fishery
reporting significant quantities of javelinfish bycatch is scampi, which accounts for
10% of the javelinfish catch over the same time period. The smaller mesh size used in
the scampi fishery may explain the relatively high javelinfish catch in this fishery.
13 Analysis of fish discards from observer data in the hoki and scampi trawl fisheries
showed that the percentage of javelinfish catch discarded was 34% 4 and 100% 5
respectively. These figures suggest that discards of this species may be underreported.
14 Anecdotal information suggests that javelin fish has limited potential commercially,
other than as a source of meal, as its tough skin makes it difficult to process.
Recreational fishery characteristics
15 MFish has no information on recreational catch of javelinfish. Due to the offshore
location and depth distribution of this species, recreational catch is unlikely.
Customary fishery characteristics
16 MFish has no information on customary catch of javelinfish. Due to the offshore
location and depth distribution of this species, customary catch is unlikely.
Management
Existing management information
17 Javelinfish is currently managed as an open access, non-QMS fishery.
Provisional catch history implications
18 Javelinfish is a Schedule 4D species. If introduced into the QMS before 1 October
2009 quota allocation will be by way of provisional catch history.
International obligations
19 There are no international obligations specific to javelinfish.
4 Anderson, O.F.; Smith, M.H. (2004). Fish discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl
fishery, 1999-2000 to 2002-03. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2005/03. 37 p.
5 Anderson, O.F. (2004). Fish discards and non-target fish catch in the trawl fisheries for arrow squid, jack
mackerel, and scampi in New Zealand waters. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2004/10. 61 p.
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