Yellow-eyed mullet TAC review 2021
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
On 9 December 2020 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they were reviewing the TAC for yellow-eyed mullet with the intention of reducing the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) in YEM 9, on the northwest coast of the North Island. Any changes in catch limits would apply from 1 October 2021.
Submissions in response to the proposals were due by 5 February 2021. The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submitted in response, in conjunction with the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association and LegaSea.
The Minister’s decision was released by FNZ on 26 March 2021. David Parker has decided to reduce the TAC and TACC from 1 October. Details in the table below.
Proposal
Fisheries New Zealand has proposed three options for the future management of Yellow-eyed mullet 9 (YEM 9). All options include a reduction to the TACC and the addition of an allowance to account for fishing related mortality.
Table 1: Summary of current and proposed catch settings, in tonnes, for YEM 9 from 1 October 2021. Figures in brackets indicate the reduction from current settings.
Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea and the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association to submit a joint response to the FNZ proposals. The submission was sent to FNZ on 5 February 2021.
Relevant information
2021
Decision
Minister's decision for multiple stocks. 26 March 2021
Minister’s decision for multiple stocks. Decision for Yellow-eyed mullet 9 is on page 9. David Parker. 26 March 2021.
Final advice
Final advice to Minister 1 April stocks. FNZ. Feb 2021
Fisheries New Zealand’s Final Advice Paper and recommendations to the Minister on multiple stocks. Advice on Yellow eyed mullet 9 is on pages 90 to 102.
Submissions
Yellow-eyed mullet 9. Joint recreational. 5 Feb 2021.
Submission supporting the FNZ proposal to reduce the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) in Yellow-eyed mullet 9 (YEM 9) from 1 April 2021. Joint recreational interests. 5 February 2021.
Yellow-eyed mullet 9. WRMFA. 10 Jan 2021
Submission in support of alternative management settings to recognise that yellow-eyed mullet are an important food source for many marine species that are in decline, including Hector’s dolphins. Wellington Recreational Fishers’ Association. 10 January 2021.
Proposal
Proposal. Yellow-eyed mullet review. FNZ. 9 Dec 2020
Fisheries New Zealand proposal to decrease catch limits for yellow-eyed mullet in YEM 9, on the northwest coast of the North Island. FNZ. 9 December 2020.
Advice letter. Yellow-eyed mullet review. FNZ. 9 Dec 2020
Letter advising a review of management settings for yellow-eyed mullet 9, on the northwest coast of the North Island. Fisheries New Zealand. 9 December 2020.
Research
Plenary. Yellow-eyed mullet. FNZ. May 2020
Plenary report on the status and management of yellow-eyed mullet fish stocks in New Zealand. Fisheries New Zealand. May 2020.