Blue Moki

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Best Fish Guide: Blue Moki

 Ranking D (Amber - Concerns)

What's this? 

Description: Blue moki is a comparatively long-lived species found in shallow waters. Landings have declined since the mid-1990s when it was introduced to the Quota Management System (QMS). This species spawns between East Cape and Mahia, and is culturally important for East Cape/Cape Runaway Iwi (Maori tribes). It is caught by trawl or set net.

Ecological concerns: The reduction in landings since it was introduced to the QMS, limited research, the lack of a management plan, the uncertainty over stock structure and the unknown status of stocks and population size. Use of set nets and trawlers have impacts on seabed communities and non-target fish species. The fishing methods may also have impacts on marine mammals.

Economic value: The main market for blue moki is within New Zealand, with exports of under $100,000 in 2008.

Best option: Blue moki caught in areas with minimal risk to Hector’s dolphins (e.g. east and north coast of the North Island).

ASSESSMENT OUTPUT

Biology and risk of overfishing (score D)
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score C)
Impact of fishing method and protected, threatened and endangered species captures (score E and C)
Management and management unit (score D and A)

For a full ecological assessment click here