A study on the tarakihi (Nemadactylus macropterus): economic importance, taxonomy, growth rate, size and age distribution in the trawl catches landed at Wellington

Abstract

The marine fisheries of New Zealand is a potentially valuable industry (Ayson, 1924). The sound development of this industry rests on the acquirement of a thorough knowledge of the intrinsic nature of the several economically important species. Only such knowledge can form the basis of an efficient fishery administration. The peculiar difficulties of marine research limit the approaches to the study of life-histories and habits of many species. Direct observation is seldom possible and recourse must be made accordingly to such techniques as length measurements, correlated with scale readings or similar indicators, for the determination of growth rates and population studies. The combination of the two techniques is suited to the solution of many significant problems. The present study on Nemadactylus macropterus (Forster, 1801) is directed to establishing the constitution of trawler catches made during the years 1941 and 1942. The data presented were obtained from fish taken by trawl from Cape Campbell and Castle Point, these two areas at present supplying the greater quantity of this species for the Wellington market. The information obtained is of value as a comparative check on the state of the fishery in future years. It enables comparison to be made with the population of this species as represented in the catches at the present time — provided fishing techniques remain the same, or due allowance is made for variations arising from changes of fishing technique.