Fisheries New Zealand is inviting feedback on proposed changes to catch limits and other settings across a range of
Aotearoa’s fisheries as part of its regular sustainability reviews.
Director Fisheries Management, Emma Taylor, says every six months we review a range of fish stocks around the country
and develop proposals focussed on their long-term sustainability.
“Our fisheries management system provides for the utilisation of fishery resources while ensuring sustainability. This
means when information suggests that more fish can be harvested sustainably, we look to increase catch limits.
“On the other hand, if the information suggests a stock isn’t as healthy, we propose reducing catch limits or other
changes to help the fishery recover.
“In this review, options include increases to catch allowances for twelve fish stocks where information suggests more
fish can be sustainably harvested. We’ve also proposed reducing catch limits for five fish stocks to support their
ongoing sustainability.”
Proposals are based on the best available information about the fishery, including scientific assessments and feedback
from local fishers, iwi, and other stakeholders.
Stocks included in this review are:Blue Cod (BCO 5) – Southland and Sub-AntarcticThe jack mackerel trawl fishery - jack mackerel (JMA 7), kingfish (KIN 7 & 8), pilchard (PIL 7 & 8) – West coast North and South IslandsKingfish (KIN 3) - East Coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-AntarcticKina (SUR 3) – East coast South IslandLeatherjacket (LEA 3) – East coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-AntarcticOrange roughy (ORH 7A) – Southwest Challenger PlateauPāua (PAU 3A) – KaikōuraSnapper (SNA 8) – West Coast North IslandThe FMA 2 mixed trawl fishery - snapper (SNA 2), rig (SPO 2), John dory (JDO 2) – Gisborne, Wairarapa, Wellington, and TaranakiThe FMA 7 mixed trawl fishery – snapper (SNA 7), elephantfish (ELE 7), flatfish (FLA 7) - West Coast and top of the South IslandSilver warehou (SWA 3 & 4) (Deemed value rate review) – East coast South Island, Chatham Rise, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
Once consultation closes, Fisheries New Zealand will analyse the submissions and provide advice to the Minister for
Oceans and Fisheries for consideration. Any changes will be announced by the start of the fishing year on 1 October
2024.
Pacific bluefin tuna (TOR 1) may also be included in this review depending on the outcome of a meeting of regional
fisheries management organisations. Should a review proceed, consultation will begin in July.
"Consultation begins today, and we encourage everyone who has an interest in these fisheries to have their say,” says
Emma Taylor.
Submissions can be made online until 5pm on Friday 26 July 2024. More information including how to make a submission can
be found here: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-fisheries-october-2024-round/
For more information please email: FisheriesNZ_media@mpi.govt.nz