New Zealand's share of the southern bluefin tuna catch may increase this year. (Photo: FIS)

Tuna quota may increase

New Zealand is mulling an increase in its southern bluefin tuna catch despite international concerns over the decline of the species.

The NZD 1.3 billion (USD 914 million) fishery is shared by eight countries and managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna (CCSBT).

Last September, scientists said there was no sign of spawning stock increasing, and the commission agreed to reduce the catch by 20 per cent for the next two years.

However, under a commission agreement confirmed in 2006, it is proposed that New Zealand's share of the global catch increase this year.

The agreement means that New Zealand's share would increase from 420 tonnes to 532 tonnes, The Press reports.

The Ministry of Fisheries is considering 1,640 submissions to the proposal, most of which were generated by a Greenpeace web campaign and are in opposition.

Fisheries Minister David Carter is expected to decide on the proposed increase in two weeks.

Greenpeace said increasing the catch would take southern bluefin tuna closer to extinction. It calls for the closure of the domestic fishery.

Charles Hufflett, director of the Solander Group, which holds the largest domestic quota for southern bluefin tuna, said New Zealand had voluntarily restricted its domestic catch for more than 20 years.

He said the fishery was under extreme pressure from overfishing, and the 20 per cent global cut affected New Zealand's proposed catch increase.

Global cuts of as much as 50 per cent would probably follow, he said.

New Zealand Sport Fishing Council adviser John Holdsworth said New Zealand should not increase its catch.

The ministry's fisheries management deputy chief executive, Gavin Lockwood, said closing New Zealand's domestic fishery would have little effect on global stock recovery.

"The best thing we can do is participate in the international process."

Related articles:

- EU warns failure to protect bluefin tuna could see extinction
- Backup plan for bluefin tuna proposed
- US bemoans 'setback' for tuna
- France opposes immediate tuna ban: Kouchner

By Denise Recalde
editorial@seafood.media
www.seafood.media
 

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