Snapper

Snapper is one of the largest and most valuable coastal fisheries. It is the largest recreational fishery in New Zealand, with recreational harvests accounting for over 40% of the total catch allowance.

Snapper are found in New Zealand's warmer coastal waters, commonly in the North Island and Upper South Island, especially Tasman Bay.

They are a long living species (up to 60 years), and migratory.

Family

Snapper belongs to the Sparidae family (Sea Breams, Snappers)

Physical attributes

Snapper are golden pink to tones of red, flecked with blue spots, the colour paling to white on the belly. They have a large head and moderately firm scales.

Snapper has a semi firm flesh with a low oil content and large flakes.

Sustainability

Snapper is managed by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) using the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). Snapper abundance is monitored using commercial catch rates, catch-at-age sampling, trawl survey information and abundance estimates from the recapture of tagged fish. Most of our Snapper stocks are stable or increasing.

Geographical location

Snapper are found in New Zealand's warmer coastal waters, particularly in the North Island and Upper South Island. The species extends over a wide variety of habitats, including reefs as well as sand and muddy sea beds.

• New Zealand: Snapper, Bream
• Australia: Snapper
• Japan: Madai, Goushyuumadai
• Germany: Goldbrasse
• France: Dorade
• USA: Porgy, Bream
• Korea: Cham dom
• Spain: Dorada