Red Cod

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Best Fish Guide: Red Cod

 Ranking: D (Amber - Concerns)

What's this? 

 Description: This fast growing, but short-lived species is found throughout New Zealand, but is more common in southern waters at depths of 100 to 300m. They are mainly targeted by trawlers at depths of 30-200m in the Canterbury Bight and off Westland, but are also caught as bycatch in deepwater fisheries off the south of the South Island.

Ecological concerns: Globally threatened Hector’s dolphins have been caught in the east coast South Island trawl fishery. Restrictions on trawling introduced in May 2008 have reduced the risk of catching these dolphins. However, dolphins outside closed areas are still at risk and a pending court ruling may reopen areas to trawling. Trawling also catches non-target fish and, when fished at the bottom or using bottom trawl gear, causes considerable damage to deepwater seabed habitats and ecosystems. Also of concern is the absence of directed research on red cod, the unknown or uncertain sustainability of current catch limits and the lack of updated assessments and a red cod management plan.

Economic value: Red cod is sold in New Zealand and is exported to Australia, Canada, Japan, and United States, with a value of over $9 million in 2008.

Best option: Red cod that are caught in areas other than the east coast South Island trawl fishery and fish that are not caught by bottom trawling.

ASSESSMENT OUTPUT

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

For a full ecological assessment, click here