Scientists believe marine heatwave behind Northland fishing clubs marlin catches

Scientists believe marine heatwave behind Northland fishing clubs marlin catches

Source: nzherald

2/9/2024

A Northland fishing club is reeling with excitement after a record number of marlin were tagged off the east coast of Whangārei.

While not conclusive, scientists believe a significant marine heatwave combined with the nature of marlin may be playing a role.

More than 300 marlin have been tagged by the Whangārei Deep Sea Anglers Club, and 32 landed since the season kicked off in December. The prized game fish were caught roughly an hour off the Tūtūkākā Coast.

The numbers were even more impressive given 79 of those marlin were tagged or landed in two days followed by another 62 the next weekend.