Complex climate factors likely to blame for snapper with 'milky flesh' caught in Hauraki Gulf

A mix of "complex climate factors" likely caused fish caught in the Hauraki Gulf to have milky white flesh.   

Fisheries New Zealand commissioned research after reports over the past few years of snapper being caught with "Milky White Flesh Syndrome".   

Researchers tested the fish, environment and did interviews with fishers and found that there was no single factor that caused the issue.   

However, climate factors were likely to blame, including an extended La Niña weather pattern.   

"The evidence suggests a complex interplay between factors, including extended La Niña weather patterns and warmer waters causing lower production of the phytoplankton and zooplankton that provide important food sources at the bottom of the food chain," Simon Lawrence, Fisheries New Zealand Director Science and Information said.   

"This is a complex issue and is more likely to be due to the effect of recent weather patterns and natural changes in fish biology throughout the seasons. Prevalence of the syndrome appears to be declining which supports these theories.  

"Warmer ocean temperatures may also be affecting snapper metabolism, meaning they need to use more energy and require more food."  

Lawrence said the report found a lack of food was the likely cause of the syndrome, but there was no evidence to suggest that fishing was the cause of that.  

Watch Simon Lawrence's full interview with AM above.