Tarakihi on verge of extinction exposing major fisheries management failings - Environmental Defence Society

Fisheries NZ is consulting on new sustainability measures for the country’s two tarakihi stocks.

The eastern stock has fallen to an estimated 7.7% of its virgin biomass. While the western stock is healthier at 29%, it is declining rapidly. Recruitment is low and both stocks are being overfished.

Environmental Defence Society Policy Director Raewyn Peart says after 40 years of what we’ve repeatedly been told is a world-class fisheries management system, New Zealand’s third most valuable inshore finfish fishery is on the brink.

Submissions on the Fisheries NZ tarakihi proposals close on 24 July 2026.