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Rock Lobster/Crayfish
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Rock Lobster: Quick Facts
Scientific name: Jasus edwardsii
Other names: koura, matapara, matapuku (Maori), crayfish, red crayfish, red rock lobster, spiny rock lobster, southern rock lobster (Australia / US), langouste (France), ise-ebi (Japan).
Ranking: D (Amber - Concerns)
Best Fish Guide: Rock Lobster/Crayfish
Ranking: D (Amber - Concerns)
Description: Rock lobster is found throughout New Zealand coastal waters living in and around rocky reefs at depths of 5 to 275m. Rock lobster are caught year round and the fishery is New Zealand’s third largest seafood export earner. In addition to an annual quota, there are size restrictions in place to protect juveniles and egg carrying females.
Ecological concerns: The depleted state of some stocks, the Gisborne stock in particular, which is half of the legally required population size, and the unknown status of some other stocks. While some stocks are recovering, they are still well below original levels. Also of concern is the increasing uncertainty of annual catch levels in the medium-term and the lack of a management plan. Cray potting is a relatively harmless fishing method, but it can have impacts on marine mammals, seabirds and sensitive seabed habitats.
Economic value: Over 90% is exported "live" to Asian markets (Japan, Taiwan and Hong Kong). Exports were worth $127 million in 2006.
Best option: The best option is to buy rock lobster that have not been caught from the Gisborne area or from the southern South Island region.
ASSESSMENT OUTPUT
Biology and risk of overfishing (score D)
Status and sustainability of fish catches (score E)
Impact of fishing method and protected, threatened and endangered species captures (score B and C)
Management and management unit (score B and A)
For a full ecological assessment, click here