Distribution and growth of snapper Chrysophrys auratus in the North Taranaki Bight, and management implications of these data

Abstract

A bottom trawl survey was used to determine the position of a nursery ground for snapper, Chrysophrys auratus, in the North Taranaki Bight, New Zealand, and so indicate what area should be protected from potentially harmful fishing techniques. A nursery ground for trevally, Caranx georgianus, was also identified. The growth rate of snapper from the North Taranaki Bight is shown to be much faster than Hauraki Gulf and East Cape stocks, but quite similar to Tasman Bay fish. The onset of sexual maturity appears to be related to fish size rather than age, with about 80% of snapper being mature at a fork length of 25 cm. Recruitment success varies greatly between years, and successful recruitment may be related to warm spring temperatures.

Keywords:

• snapper
• Chrysophrys auratus
• trevally
• Caranx georgianus
• trawl survey
• fisheries management
• nursery ground
• growth
• distribution
• Taranaki