After advocating for years, WWF-New Zealand is thrilled we are able to celebrate the Government's announcement to put
cameras on over 300 commercial fishing boats. This long awaited announcement will improve the accountability and
transparency in nearly half of our inshore fisheries catch.
WWF’s recent Living Planet Report 2020 showed that nature is in freefall with a 68% decline in species population sizes since 1970, and unsustainable fishing
is impacting heavily on marine biodiversity. Fishing is the biggest threat to marine wildlife, due to the use of
unselective fishing gear such as set nets (gillnets), purse seine, trawl nets, and longlines. Thousands of fish,
seabirds, and mammals die unintentionally each year as bycatch. Conservation of our most vulnerable cetacean, shark and
turtle populations is only possible if effective ways to prevent and reduce bycatch are developed. Last year's "What's
in The Net" report shows how cameras on boats dramatically improves the accuracy of reported by-catch.
“Cameras on boats create certainty around the impact fishing has on fish stocks and protected species such as seabirds,
seals, dolphins, and whales. So to finally see, after years of advocating, the Government committing to better
transparency is important for New Zealanders and our marine environment, says Dr Aroha Spinks, WWF-New Zealand's
Kaihautū Taiao / Environmental Science Director.
WWF commends the focus placed on the vessels that are a high risk for our protected species. “We are particularly
pleased that there is a focus on the vessels that pose the highest risk to protected species. WWF looks forward to the
data this will generate. We will finally get a true picture of the impact fisheries has on our wildlife which can enable
better fisheries management, and help stop thousands of dolphins, seals, and seabirds from dying in our fisheries every
year. It will also provide greater transparency for policymakers,scientists, and consumers,” continues Dr Spinks.
Increasing transparency and accountability in our oceans is the very least we can do to begin to restore the health of
our moana. Over 80% of New Zealanders want better protection for our ocean. This is a great step towards making that
happen.