Celebrating National Kahawai Day
How well do you know your kahawai?
May 28th is National Kahawai Day in New Zealand. These unsung heroes of our oceans have their own day, which commemorates the historic 2009 Supreme Court decision of the Kahawai Legal Challenge, which regally recognised the public's right to healthy coastal fisheries, and mandated that non-commercial and Māori customary fish needs are prioritised.
To celebrate this special day, we've put together a few facts on the Arripis trutta (that's its official name) for you to share with your mates as you plan your next trip!
- The name 'kahawai' comes from the Māori for 'strong water' - a particularly fitting name, as anyone who's ever tried to catch one will know!
- Kahawai can live for over 20 years, although most of the ones we catch are usually a lot younger.
- According to the International Game Fish Association, the largest kahawai ever caught was hauled up in Australia. Under the common name 'Australian Salmon', the All-Tackle Record is for an 8.74kg kahawai caught in Currarong, Australia, on January 9th, 1994, by David Lugton. The largest New Zealand-caught kahawai recognised in the IGFA database is a tie for length in the All-Tackle Length category, measuring 53cm, caught in Omakiwi Cove by Scott Tindale and Sue Tindale on February 27, 2022.
It's worth noting that while the IGFA handles class lines and length records, specimens have been caught reaching 10kg, and scientists have recorded kahawai up to 79cm in length.
Have you caught a bigger kahawai? Send us your photo and details!
- Kahawai travel in large schools and undertake major migrations around New Zealand's coastline, which it's why it's always a good idea to ask a local dive or fishing club if you want to find them as they aren't always in the same spot.
- Kahawai are a crucial link in the ocean ecosystem. They feed on smaller fish and invertebrates, and are prey for predators like sharks, kingfish and dolphins, as well as gannets, who dive from dramatic heights to catch them.
- Despite some people believing they are only good for smoking, kahawai is a fantastic eating fish. It makes amazing sashimi when extremely fresh, and is great for using in all kinds of fish recipes, like this one! Try it in fish pies, curries, fishcakes or simply with hot chips.
- Kahawai contains unusually high levels of histidine, which is highly beneficial and one of the nine essential amino acids your body can't produce on its own. It builds protein, supports nerve function, produces blood cells and acts as an antioxidant. Other fish high in histidine include tuna, mackerel, sardines and anchovies. (It's worth noting that histidine can be dangerous if improperly handled - make sure your fish is always fresh and properly refrigerated or frozen.)
Do you have a fun, fascinating or simply very cool fact about kahawai? Email editor@divepacific.co.nz - we'd love to hear from you!