[Sitting date: 03 December 2014. Volume:702;Page:9. Text is subject to correction.]

12. STUART SMITH (National—Kaikōura) to the Minister for Primary Industries : What recent reports has he received on the number of Honorary Fishery Officers leading into the summer fishing period?

Hon NATHAN GUY (Minister for Primary Industries): Honorary fisheries officers are volunteers who are warranted by the Ministry for Primary Industries. They have powers to monitor our amateur fishers, including seizing illegally taken seafood and equipment. I have recently been advised that the number of warranted honorary fisheries officers will increase to 225 as the Ministry for Primary Industries undergoes a new recruitment before the busy summer period. These will help bolster our resources to protect our fisheries and help educate all New Zealanders who continue to enjoy them.

Stuart Smith : What role do honorary fisheries officers play in the management of our fisheries?

Hon NATHAN GUY : New Zealand’s coastline is very long and remote in places, so the role these volunteers play by monitoring catch and educating fishers and the public is absolutely critical. Honorary fisheries officers account for around 75 percent—or over 17,000—of interactions with recreational fishers a year. These are knowledgable, professional volunteers who give up hours of their time, and I want to take a moment to thank them for what they do.

ENDS

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