Olivia Brandt
14 June 2022, 4:08 AM
Proposed changes to catch limits across a range of fisheries are now out for public consultation.
The changes have been recommended as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s twice-yearly sustainability review.
Emma Taylor, Fisheries New Zealand's director of fisheries management says the changes are part of a regular review cycle for the fishing year beginning 1 October, to ensure the sustainability of New Zealand’s fisheries.
"Every six months we review catch limits and settings across a range of fish stocks to ensure their long-term sustainability so that they can continue to be enjoyed by all kiwis, now and into the future.”
“There are 20 stocks around the country that we’ve selected in this review, including 4 tarakihi stocks in a separate consultation that started last week. Our proposals look at either reducing or increasing catch limits for the various stocks under review.”
Taylor says science and information are at the heart of fisheries management.
“We have developed our proposals using the best available information, which tells us what's happening in our fisheries and helps identify what course of action to take.”
“Where information suggests more fish can be harvested sustainably, we look to increase catch limits. On the other hand, if stocks aren't as healthy, catch limits are reduced to help the fishery recover.”
Some of the proposed changes also set out precautionary measures, recognising the importance of species in the marine ecosystem and ensuring they are managed sustainably.
One of these is reduction in the harvesting of bladder kelp, which is not widely taken but is also affected by factors such as climate change and sedimentation.
“Bladder kelp plays a key role in health ecosystems and a reduction to the allowance would support the sustainability of this important marine species,” says Taylor.
Once consultation closes, Fisheries New Zealand will analyse the submissions and make recommendations to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to make a decision.
Any changes to catch limits will come into effect from the new fishing year, beginning on 1 October 2022.
Fisheries New Zealand is also proposing standalone adjustments to deemed values for 5 fisheries.
These are the rates fishers must pay if they catch fish outside their quota.
Consultation begins today and, and submissions can be made online by 5pm on 22 July.
A separate consultation started last week on proposed changes to east coast Tarakihi catch limits.
For more information, visit https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-october-2022-round/