Besides being found around the southern tip of South America, Southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) is found on the southern shelf of New Zealand  There is occasionally reference to two distinct subspecies – Micromesistius australis pallidus and Micromesistius australis australis.

Hanchet (1999) found significant differences in growth rates and morphometric characteristics among that groups 4 stocks; Auckland Islands (SBW 6A), Bounty Platform stock (SBW 6B), Campbell Island (SBW 6I) and Pukaki Rise (SBW 6R).  He further indicated that these distinct groups, which are also separated by their use of distinct spawning grounds, should be treated as four biological stocks for assessment and management purposes (Fisheries New Zealand 2020).