Biology of the Blue Cod (Parapercis colias Forster) of New Zealand

Abstract

Blue cod is the most important species in the New Zealand frozen fish trade and in recent years nearly half the total catch has been exported. The 1950 export value reached £N.Z.105,000. Since 1946 landings of blue cod increased despite disruption in the Chatham Island fishery, as good seasons have prevailed. The Cook Strait fishery suffered a sharp fall in production in 1936 and although the catch has since improved slowly, the 1935 yield has not again been reached. Prior to 1940 when greatest production was achieved, the main grounds in order of importance were:- Chatham Islands, Foveaux Strait, French Pass and Moeraki. The average annual catch for the years 1932 to 1941 was 30,000 cwt., the fourth in importance among New Zealand commercial fish. The Chatham Islands were the most successfully fished by the Trawler "South Sea" acting as mother-ship to the local fishing fleet. She was sunk in 1942, and there was little opportunity to export fish until 1946. Any great increase in the yield will be achieved only by prospecting new reefs offshore, which will require larger vessels than the present class of motor boat used. The bank 100 miles south east of Cape Campbell has large cod on it, and good stocks, scarcely touched by the Foveaux fishermen, are to be found off the west coast sounds.