Red Gurnard

You are here:

1. Home
2. What We Do
3. Publications
4. The Best Fish Guide
5. Fish Species
6. Red Gurnard

Best Fish Guide: Red Gurnard

 Ranking: D (Amber - Concerns)

What's this?

 Description: This distinctive fish is widespread around New Zealand on sand and sandy shell seabeds. It is a major bycatch in inshore trawl fisheries for red cod, flatfish and jack mackerel, and is directly targeted in some areas including by longline and set net.

Ecological concerns: Globally threatened Hector’s dolphins have been caught in the associated red cod 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 seabed habitats and ecosystems. Also of concern is the absence of recent directed research on red gurnard and lack of current stock assessments, the inclusion of several stocks in one quota management area and the lack of a management plan.

Economic value: Export value of about $1 million mainly to Japan.

Best option: Red gurnard caught by longline or by trawling in areas where there is minimal risk to Hector’s dolphins (e.g. east coast North Island).

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 E and C)
Management and management unit (score D and B)

For a full ecological assessment, click here