Standardised CPUE analysis of the target rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) setnet fishery in northern New Zealand (SPO 1 and 8).

This report examines changes in the SPO 1 and 8 fisheries for rig between 1989-90 and 2003-04, using target set net catch per unit effort (CPUE) data from the commercial fishery, and available data from trawl surveys. It fulfils the requirements of Objective 1 of the Ministry of Fisheries project SP02003/01.'To monitor the SP~ 1 and SP~ 8 fisheries using: a. standardised set net catch per unit effort (CPUE) updated to 2003/04 b. trawl survey data. Rig (Mustelus lenticulatus) is a small shark that aggregates in near inshore waters to breed during spring and summer. It supports several locally important target set net fisheries. As rig is routinely processed at sea to the "trunked" processed state, reported greenweight is calculated by fishers using a conversion factor. Separate substocks have been identified within SPO 1 (Thames, east coast Nonh Island, Manukau. Kaipara. west coast North Island), and separate standardised CPUE models were completed for these areas, and for SP~ 8. As many vessels fished for only a brief tIme in these fisheries, a group of core vessels was also identified and separately analysed for each area.