Butterfish/Greenbone

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Best Fish Guide: Butterfish/Greenbone

 Ranking : D (Amber - Concerns)

What's this? 

 Description: Butterfish is an endemic species of kelpfish found in shallow waters around the New Zealand coast. They are more abundant south of East Cape, especially around Cook Strait, where they are caught year round in set nets.

Ecological concerns: The unknown status of stocks and population size, unknown sustainability of catch levels, absence of research, the lack of a management plan and the bycatch of non-target fish species. Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching endangered Hector’s dolphins. However, a pending court ruling may grant the fishery an exemption and raise the risk to these dolphins.

Economic value: Butterfish is sold in New Zealand.

Best option: Butterfish 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 C)
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score D)
Impact of fishing method and protected, threatened and endangered species captures (score D and B)
Management and management unit (score D and D)

For a full ecological assessment click here