Fisheries New Zealand undertakes scientific stock assessments throughout the year for selected fish stocks. Fisheries NZ prioritises what fish stocks need to be reviewed then propose various actions the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries may want to take to ensure sustainability.

For example, if the assessment shows that abundance is looking good, Fisheries NZ may recommend that the Minister increase commercial catch limits. I populations aren’t doing well, they could recommend that catch limits are decreased.