Learn about snappers, fishing rules, their status and how we manage their populations for future generations. The annual harvest of snapper for Maori purposes is not known. The development of the commercial snapper fishery began in the 1800s and expanded in the 1970s with the increase in catches by Danish trawlers and seiners. In the 1980s, an increasing proportion of SCN 1 catches were captured by longlines as the Japanese iki jime market grew. Keep in mind that there may be other specific rules in certain areas. For example, a port may have different size restrictions for certain species. For more information, please visit the “Closed Areas and Special Restrictions” section of this website. The QMS sets an annual catch limit (total allowable catch) for snapper in each area. The total allowable catch (in tonnes) takes into account recreational and usual fishing and other fishing-related deaths. The remaining number of tonnes is what commercial fishermen can catch. Snapper fishing is the largest recreational fishery in New Zealand.
It is the main target species on the north-east and north-west coasts of the North Island and is seasonally aligned around the rest of the North Island and the tip of the South Island. There are a few people who don`t care about the rules. People who catch far too many fish without thinking about anyone else or the future. It`s called poaching and it`s illegal. It is also illegal to sell or trade the fish you catch. We take the monitoring of our fishing rules very seriously. If you are found with too many fish or too many small fish, you can expect hefty fines and even jail. You can also take your boat or car with you. “Moms and dads will be very happy to know that they can still catch seven snapper a day.” Snapper from Tasman Bay/Golden Bay and the west coast of the North Island grow faster and reach a larger average size than elsewhere. Trawled surveys of Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty in 2019 and 2020 to estimate the frequency of young snappers. Fishing NZ. March 2021.
NZSFC – The graphs on pages 70 and 76 are useful. The resumption of the series of trawl surveys in the Gulf of Hauraki and Comblent Bay could make it possible to monitor the relative frequency of age classes over 2 years, including snapper recruited, with reasonable accuracy. In the Gulf of Hauraki, the estimated snapper biomass was 20,618 tons (CV 13.6%), while in Plenty Bay it was 2824 tons (CV 8.9%), an increase of 139% and 139% respectively. 87% since the last survey in each region. For the easiest way to stay up to date on fish size and daily limits, download Fisheries NZ`s NZ Fishing Rules app for Apple and Android devices. “I landed a package that allows kiwis to come out and catch seven snappers. We will deal with the illegal dumping of the commercial fleet, we have a number of measures to know where they are fishing and it will be clearer to report the small fish that are in the commercial fleet. “Remember, if you`re a recreational fisherman, selling fish or shellfish you catch is illegal. Water temperature appears to play an important role in the success of spawning and subsequent recruitment of legally sized fish. In general, strong vintage classes correspond to warm years and weak classes to cold years.
Age composition of commercial snapper landings in Snapper 1, 2017-18. September 2019. NZSFC – The age distribution of catches for SNA 1 bottom longline fisheries in 2017-18 has remained wide since the last sampling year 2012-13, with good representation in almost all age groups up to 20 years, resulting in high estimates of average age: East Northland (9.9 years), Hauraki Gulf (10 years), Bay of Plenty (8.7 years). East Northland remains the only stock with a high percentage of snapper aged 20 years or older. If you catch a fish that is too small, remember to release it carefully so that it survives to reach a larger size. Do not continue fishing in an area where most fish are small or try to use a larger hook. The first commercial total allowable catch (TACC) for snapper was established in 1986 when they were introduced into the QMS. TACs and value adjustments for stocks have been made in recent years and have varied according to the sector of management. From Te Arai Point (Auckland) to Cape Runaway, Telson mowing is necessary for any crayfish you take with you.
