Media Release

26 September 2007

Quota Cuts - Kick Foreign Vessels Out Too

New Zealand First fisheries spokesperson Pita Paraone is backing calls for the Government to ban foreign fishing boats from catching New Zealand’s fish.

Mr Paraone’s comments follow the announcement yesterday by the Minister of Fisheries Jim Anderton of substantial cuts to quota for hoki and orange roughy.

“While action was needed to ensure the sustainability of fish stocks, the Minister’s announcement will have a major negative impact on our fisheries industry, resulting in job losses and company closures,” said Mr Paraone.

“Rather than simply cutting quota, the Minister should also have banned foreign vessels from catching the affected species in New Zealand waters.

“Complementing quota cuts with such a ban would ensure that less damage would be done to our fishing industry, and less Kiwi jobs would be lost.

“Unfortunately, the Minister’s actions may well increase the numbers of foreign boats in our waters. As New Zealand companies close due to the financial impact of the quota cuts, foreign fishing companies will move in to replace them.

“The Minister was right to act to protect the sustainability of our fisheries stocks, but it is a shame he did not take the opportunity to put New Zealand’s fishing industry and Kiwi jobs first,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

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