Fishing skipper reports loss of snapper
Date: 01 Oct 2015
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is pleased with the actions of a commercial fishing skipper who reported a
large accidental loss of fish, southeast of Great Barrier Island while still at sea earlier in the week.
MPI District Compliance Manager North Harbour Mike Simmons says a vessel skipper reported losing 2 tonnes of snapper
between Great Barrier and Cuvier islands, as the result of a torn trawl net on Sunday night (27 September).
The 2 tonnes of snapper will be reported against the fishing company’s quota and will not be able to be fished this
season.
The crew worked for 3 hours to retrieve as much of the lost catch as possible.
Mr Simmons says commercial fishers reporting accidental losses of fish at sea is very important for managing New
Zealand’s fisheries sustainably.
“It’s important that all catch is recorded and reported, even if it isn’t successfully landed. It’s every fishers’
responsibility to value their catch and avoid potential waste. That’s commercial, recreational and customary fishers
alike.
“Two tonnes of snapper represents a substantial financial loss to the company involved. We are very pleased that they
have done the right thing by the fishery and the other fishers they share it with.
“It’s important information from a wider perspective, as MPI investigates complaints and sightings of patches of dead
fish floating at sea.”
Mr Simmons says MPI follows up all reports of accidental loss of fish by commercial fishers.