Bluenose
Bluenose
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Location
They are found in the temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere. They like rough ground on the outer shelf and upper slope, especially from 100 to 500 metres.
Attributes
Dark metallic blue-black to grey on the back of the body, shading to silver on the sides and belly. Bluenose is distinguished from Hapuku/Groper by a blunt snout and laterally compressed body with large eyes set low in the head. Bluenose have larger mouths and more prominent dorsal fins than (closely related) Warehou.
Family
Bluenose belong to the Centrolophidae family (raftfish, medusafish).
Spawning
They grow quickly for the first two years, the females faster than the males, with adults first spawning at four to five years.
Sustainability
Bluenose have been landed from New Zealand waters since the 1930s, although the bluenose target line fishery only developed in the late 1970s. Bluenose was introduced to the Quota Management System in 1986; the first fully quantitative stock assessment modelling was carried out in 2011 and assumed a single New Zealand wide biological stock. The assessment indicated that the stock abundance dropped below the management target level in the early 2000s, and a series of catch reductions was implemented to rebuild the stock.
Fishing methods
Bluenose are caught year round, by trawl and longlining, mainly around or on offshore reefs or drop-off areas. Many are caught in association with seamounts.
Nutrition
To quality for a 'good source' claim the food must contain at least 25% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Selenium is necessary for normal immune system function and for the production of thyroid hormones and it contributes to the maintenance of hair and nails
Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal neurological function and it contributes to blood formation, energy metabolism and to the growth and development in children
To quality for a 'source' claim the food must contain at least 10% of the RDI.
The Recommended Dietary Intake (RDI) is considered to be the average daily dietary intake level that is sufficient to meet the nutrient requirements of nearly all (97–98 per cent) healthy individuals in a particular life stage and gender group.
Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, for normal neurological function and for normal energy metabolism, and it contributes to the growth and development in children
Phosphorus is necessary for normal teeth, bone and cell membrane structure and for energy metabolism
Potassium is necessary for water and electrolyte balance, it contributes to the functioning of the nervous system and normal muscle function; and to the normal growth and development of children
Niacin (vitamin B3) is necessary for the release of energy from food and for the normal structure and function of skin and mucous membranes, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue
Seafood is a highly nutritious food and is a great source of protein
Protein is necessary for tissue building and repair, normal growth and development of bone in children and adolescents aged 4 years and over, and contributes to growth and maintenance of muscle mass
Omega 3 is a group of fatty acids that contribute to heart health
Tips
Bluenose flesh has medium to thick moist flakes and can be cooked using most methods - try it: baked; on the bbq; marinated; poached; in soup/chowder; or fried.
Buying & Storage Tips
When buying whole bluenose, always check the...
EYES: Bright and clear cornea, shiny black pupil
GILLS: Rosy pink pastel coloured gills
SKIN: Bright, with a luminous sheen
When buying bluenose fillets, always check the...
FLESH: semi-transparent and glossy
If the fish looks sticky or mushy then it is not fresh.
