19 September 2007
Hoki Company Congratulated For Sustainability Certificate
The renewed sustainability tick for the important hoki fishery provides excellent news for New Zealand and the fishing
industry, Aotearoa Fisheries Limited said today.
The New Zealand hoki fishery has been re-certified as a sustainable fishery by the internationally-recognised Marine
Stewardship Council.
“We congratulate the Deepwater Group, which manages the hoki fishery, for having the foresight over the last five years
to ensure this important species was fished sustainably through sound management and innovation,” Executive Chairman
Robin Hapi said.
“Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd has worked within the Deepwater Group focussing on long-term sustainability. As an industry, we
welcome the opportunity to be scrutinised. It should please all New Zealanders that the highest independent conservation
organisation is satisfied the fishery is sustainable,” Mr Hapi said.
“We have made very tough decisions over the last few years. We’ve cut our catches, we’ve closed large tracts of the EEZ
to bottom trawl fishing, we’re working to reduce seabird mortality – all of these things have been done to make sure the
hoki fishery is sustainable in every way for us, our children and our mokopuna.”
“Re-certifying the fishery is great news for New Zealand. We can confidently market our hoki products to the world
knowing the fishery is in good hands,” Mr Hapi said. “There may be some individuals who want to rubbish this decision
because they are anti-fishing, but I think all reasonable thinking Kiwis will welcome the achievements of the industry.”
ENDS