Industry Led Fisheries Research - SEAFIC

Media Release
30/8/2000

INDUSTRY LED FISHERIES RESEARCH – NO REASON TO QUESTION ITS INTEGRITY

General Manager of Policy and Science for the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Dr Michael Harte, welcomed the Minister of Fisheries challenge to prove the credibility of fishing industry purchased research.

“This is a no-brainer as it is not the credibility of our research that is being questioned” he said.

“The fishing industry has a long history of purchasing and delivering internationally recognised fisheries research, and by implication the Minister is impugning the fisheries scientists employed by the industry.”

“It also appears that the Minister has not been advised that these same scientists are also often employed by the government to carry out fisheries research.”

“Continuing research on hoki and rock lobster fish stocks are two examples of successful and credible research contributing to the sustainable management of fish stocks. Industry has no interest in putting at risk a resource that creates 26,000 jobs, generates economic activity worth $4 billion and adds $1.76 billion of wealth to the New Zealanders pockets every year,” Dr Harte said.

“The fishing industry employs leading New Zealand and international research institutions to carry out research for it. These are the very same institutions used by the Government for its fisheries research and include Crown Research Institutes owned by the New Zealand taxpayer.”

“It’s ironic that one of Europe’s leading fisheries scientists is about to join the Seafood Industry Council as its Chief Scientist because of the Industry’s reputation for innovative and credible fisheries research.”

“If any other sector of the economy employed the world’s best researchers the government would be applauding and rewarding it with research funds, instead of questioning the integrity of any scientist working with the seafood industry.”

“However the industry will endeavour to work with the Minister to persuade him that it is well prepared for direct purchase of research,” Dr Harte said

For further information contact SeaFIC Communications Manager Tina Nixon 025 2232789

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