The south coast cod stock is not doing so well. Despite a rebuilding plan adopted in 2022, it is still in the critical zone.

The stock size is smaller than scientists previously thought. The ecosystem in 3PS continues to change as ocean conditions warm. The fish are smaller, and warmer water species are more abundant than they have been in the past.

The amount of cod in the inshore area of the survey accounted for 10 per cent or less of the biomass five or six years ago, but that has increased to roughly 40 per cent in the last three surveys.

Fish caught in inshore areas of the survey are smaller than those caught offshore and now make up a larger portion of the stock.

The biomass in 2026 is expected to be around 27,000 tonnes.

Based on the current rebuilding plan, the maximum total a

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