Packhorse Lobster/Crayfish

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Best Fish Guide: Packhorse Lobster/Crayfish

 Ranking: D (Amber - Concerns) 

What's this? 

 Description: Found in the north and east of the North Island, Packhorse rock lobster live around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m. They are larger and have a slightly greener colour than rock lobster (crayfish) and are mainly caught in the far north waters of New Zealand.

Ecological concerns: Concerns include the lack of basic biological data about the species, the absence of any stock assessment or directed research on this species, the unknown causes of the decline in reported catch since 1998-99, the apparent decline within diving depth and the lack of a management plan. Catching packhorse lobster with cray pots may have impacts on some sensitive seabed habitats.

Economic value: The market for Packhorse lobster includes Japan.

Best option: Whilst assessed as a species of concern, Packhorse lobster is one of the better seafood choices in 2009.

ASSESSMENT OUTPUT

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

For a full ecological assessment, click here