Author(s): Jorge Hirt-Chabbert

NZ Natural History

After five years of working with people in the fishing industry, and as a researcher within commercial institutes representing the fishing industry, Jorge Hirt-Chabbert has recognised the need for a simple, highly visual guide to those fish species caught recreationally and commercially in New Zealand waters. The emphasis in this work is on visual recognition of species, and as such each entry is made up of a large image of the species, overlaid with the most obvious identifying features indicated. Other information includes at what depth a species will be found, its breeding and spawning patterns, and common, scientific and Maori names. There is also a map that indicates what areas around the New Zealand coastline the species will be found, and thumbnail images of species that might be confused with each entry. Jorge, who lives in Auckland, has produced a simple, user-friendly guide that will give assistance to those who fish, whether they do so from large fishing vessels, or off the local wharf.