Grey Mullet

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Best Fish Guide: Grey Mullet

 Ranking: D (Amber - Concerns)

What's this? 

 Description: Grey mullet is a surface dwelling, coastal species that is widespread throughout tropical and sub-tropical seas. In New Zealand it is most commonly found in northern bays, harbours, mangrove swamps and estuaries. They are caught year round in set nets and beach seines, but mainly from November to March when they gather to spawn offshore.

Ecological concerns: That the current commercial catch limit in the main fishery is 100 tonnes above the maximum current yield estimate, that landings have fluctuated during the last four years raising doubts about the status of this stock, the lack of yield or biomass estimates for nearly all areas, the lack of a management plan and the apparent disparity between quota areas and likely stock boundaries. Set net fisheries can have considerable non-target fish bycatch. In the past this fishery has posed a serious threat to critically endangered Maui’s dolphins. Restrictions on set netting introduced in May 2008 have reduced this risk, however, a pending court ruling may reopen some fishing areas and continue the pose an undue threat to these dolphins.

Economic value: Main market is in New Zealand, with some exports to Asia of less than $100,000 in 2008.

Best option: Mullet caught by beach seining.

ASSESSMENT OUTPUT

Biology and risk of overfishing (score B)
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 C and D)

For a full ecological assessment click here