7 December 2006 - Wellington
Forest & Bird media release for immediate use
Government moves on fisheries sustainability welcomed
Forest & Bird welcomed today’s announcement by the Minister of Fisheries Jim Anderton to strengthen the Fisheries Act to provide
a more precautionary approach to ensure real sustainability of fisheries management in New Zealand.
The minister’s announcement fits well with the government’s stated intention of leading New Zealand towards a
sustainable future. The proposed changes to the Fisheries Act will apply to an area of ocean which is 17 times larger
than New Zealand’s land area.
“Many New Zealand fisheries are in serious trouble because the Fisheries Act has not delivered real sustainability” says
Forest & Bird Conservation Advocate Kirstie Knowles. “The collapse of the orange roughy and west coast hoki fisheries are prime
examples of what can happen when environmental sustainability measures are sacrificed for immediate short-term economic
gain”.
The minister’s announcement today proposes a strengthening of the Fisheries Act so that in situations of uncertain or
limited information and situations compromising the marine environment, decisions can be made that favour sustainable
management of fish species and minimise the environmental effects of fishing on seabirds, marine mammals, and other
non-target species.
Kirstie Knowles says “today’s announcement is a recognition that the precautionary approach to fisheries management is
the only way we can ensure sustainability of our fisheries for future generations without compromising our unique
natural heritage and species.”
ENDS