Seafood industry still has concerns over revised MPA process
14 February 2008
The proposed process for establishing MPAs (marine protected areas) is of concern to the seafood industry, says New
Zealand Seafood Industry Council’s chief executive, Owen Symmans.
“Fishing is a legitimate and important activity – both commercially and recreationally – for New Zealand. We are
providing food, be it for our families or the world. We want to be very sure that the benefits of any bio-diversity
protection mechanism are not outweighed by the cost,” he said.
“We support and have a vested in interest in protecting New Zealand’s marine bio-diversity and ensuring long term
sustainability of our fisheries. However, it’s disappointing that the MPA process lacks any opportunity for national
co-ordination or for any national overview other than government’s.”
Mr Symmans said that the MPAs would have maximum impact on commercial, recreational and customary fishing and yet the
proposed process involving Marine Protection Planning Forums excludes national representative bodies from the process.
“Additionallly, the forums – and the existing West Coast forum is a good example – will need to have balanced
representation. The notable focus on marine reserves means that commercial, customary and recreational fishers are going
to be the most affected. We believe the process should reflect that more fairly.”
Mr Symmans also said that the industry is very committed to protecting bio-diversity and that was why it had initiated
the BPA (benthic protection areas) closures last year, which equate to a third of New Zealand’s EEZ.
“New Zealand seafood is harvested in an environmentally sound way, as required under existing legislation, and is the
fifth biggest export earner for New Zealand’s economy. Its reputation for well-managed, sustainable seafood contributes
to the premium prices that New Zealand seafood can expect overseas,” Mr Symmans said.
ENDS