Research

Research is an important aspect of fisheries and environmental management, as it influences decision-makers.

After years of working within the official system it has become obvious that most of the research into inshore fisheries is directed towards stocks that are commercially important. There is a dire need for independent, robust science that is completed free from outside influence and the ongoing demands for more catching rights.

Having more independent and robust research means decision makers can make decisions in the interests of the public. Having science-based arguments also helps our representatives to be more effective when advocating for the public’s fishing interests.

LegaSea’s parent body, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, has the expertise to commission, monitor, and report on research outcomes. It is LegaSea’s task to take those reports and research outcomes and make them available to you in a reader-friendly manner. Where required, links have been provided to available documents on other websites.

Our goal of abundance

Robust research is essential if we are to achieve our goal of more fish in the water for future generations. There are a lot of gaps in fisheries research. By working together we can support a range of research projects that will deliver on goal of abundance.

Every cent of your donation to the LegaSea cause goes directly to funding work aimed at achieving our goal. The funds are carefully managed by our parent body, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. The Council’s Fisheries Management Committee decides on the priorities and channels the team’s efforts into the important projects.

Since 2012 donations to LegaSea have contributed to



150 Submissions


More than 500 science & research meetings


Thousands of hours dedicated to finding solutions to depletion

Fisheries research

Fish stocks and fisheries are notoriously difficult to quantify. Complex mathematical models are currently used to estimate stock levels. Most of these models are based on multiple assumptions and reported commercial catch data. The public, through Legasea, helps fund technical experts to engage in the fisheries science process to give a much needed reality check on the results.

To deliver credible research and scientific support we collaborate with a range of researchers, entities and organisations including:

Coastal Consultancy


A helpful guide to our research initiatives