11 May 2007

Fish For All Kiwis

New Zealand First fisheries spokesperson Pita Paraone says a long term approach to maintaining a sustainable level of fish stocks and the recognition of the right of all New Zealanders to fish must take precedence over excessive money grabbing by the commercial fishing industry.

Mr Paraone's comments follow an appeal by three large commercial fishing companies of a High Court ruling requiring the review of the kahawai allowance made to recreational and customary fishers in 2004 and 2005.

"More than a million New Zealanders fish for fun and food every year – a right that needs to be clearly established for all New Zealanders, and responsibilities that need to be similarly clear," said Mr Paraone.

"Sustainability is the key issue for New Zealand fisheries. Just as we can't continue to deplete our farm land neither can we plunder our fisheries.

"We need to foster shared management arrangements with recreational, customary and commercial fishers to ensure that sustainability, as well as recreational and customary fishing rights are protected and enhanced," concluded Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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