Brill

Brill are a shallow water flatfish similar to Turbot.

Mainly caught as by-catch of trawlers off the West Coast of New Zealand's South Island at depths between 30-100 metres.

All commercially caught New Zealand Flatfish species are available year round and are managed together (in 5 stocks) with a combined Total Allowable Commercial Catch of 5,419 tonne.

Family

Brill belong to the Pleuronectidae family (right eye flounders).

Physical attributes

Brill have a green-ish-brown upper side and a white underside. It has an oval shaped body, with the widest part well forward of the centre.

Brill have a moist flesh with a delicate flavour and texture.

Sustainability

Flatfish are managed by the Quota Management System (QMS). The annual catch limit for Flatfish has varied from 5,409 to 6,670 tonnes since 1986. Stock abundance of Flatfish can vary considerably in response to environmental variation. Accordingly, catch limits may be changed frequently to respond to these fluctuations.

Geographical location

Brill are caught mainly as by-catch off New Zealand's West Coast in the South Island at depths between 30-100 metres.

• New Zealand: Brill
• Australia: New Zealand Brill
• Canada: Plie-Barbue
• Japan: Karei
• Germany: Glattbutt
• Commonwealth: Kambala