16 May 2014

UnitedFuture to Create ‘Recreational Only Species’ Of Fish

UnitedFuture Leader Peter Dunne outlined today a plan to return recreational fish to New Zealanders.

The plan creates a new category of fish named “Recreational Only Species” giving the people of New Zealand the first priority to fish these species.

“Kiwis around the country have seen our inshore fisheries pillaged by commercial interests. It is time for us to stand up and draw a line in the sand” said Mr Dunne.

Today’s policy announcement puts recreational fishers before the commercial fishing industry.

“It’s a fundamental change to the system. In UnitedFuture we say that fishing for recreation is important and loved by so many of us.”

“We want the law to change to reflect that” said Mr Dunne.

The policy will:
• Create “Recreational Only Species” where quotas for recreational fishers will come before commercial quotas;
• Introduce Recreational Reserves, a new type of marine reserve where commercial fishing will be banned;
• More funding for robust scientific monitoring that assesses the impact of catch limits and fishing methods on fish;
• Establish a new public consultation process to determine the future of inshore fisheries management;
• Educate our young people about our oceans and ocean management through changes to the school curriculum.

“I’m really happy with the policy we’ve created. It is our birth right to be able to head out on the water and catch a feed of fish.”

“This policy means that the commercial guys are no longer taking all our fish and leaving us with nothing!” Outdoors spokesperson Alan Simmons said.

ENDS

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