The New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries has released the results from its annual stock assessment that show the western hoki stock has rebuilt to a healthy level.
Over recent years, the re-building strategy – developed in partnership by the Ministry and the fishing industry – has seen the catch limit for hoki reduced which, together with improved recruitment into the fishery, has led to a significant increase in stock size, which is now assessed to be 38% of the population of adult fish that would exist if the stock was unfished.
The western stock was at relatively low levels when the fishery was re-certified in 2007. Following the development of a successful rebuilding strategy – a condition of the Marine Stewardship Council re-certification – it has recovered to above the level that will provide the maximum sustainable yield over the long term.
Throughout this time, the eastern stock has been managed above target levels. The eastern stock has also seen an increase in stock size, which is currently estimated to be 48% of the population of adult fish that would exist if the stock was unfished.
“The latest stock assessment is very promising, it shows that our management strategy is working and that both of New Zealand’s hoki stocks are increasing in size and are at healthy levels” said Ministry of Fisheries Chief Executive, Wayne McNee.
