Barracouta are found throughout New Zealand, usually occurring in surface schools. The species spawns from August to September off the coasts of both of the main islands, and from November to December around Southland and the Chatham Islands. The Barracouta is most abundant around New Zealand’s South Island, where it is regarded as an important edible fish.

Sustainability of this New Zealand fish stock is ensured through the world-leading Fisheries Act and Quota Management System (QMS). The QMS guides the sustainable use of New Zealand fisheries. Find out what the QMS is and how it works.

Barracouta is mainly caught by the method of trawling