Minister Shane Jones when he presented the consultation on the proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act.

Seafood Industry Supports Proposed Fisheries Rule Changes

NEW ZEALAND
Friday, February 14, 2025, 19:00 (GMT + 9)

Seafood New Zealand has expressed strong support for proposed changes to commercial fishing regulations, citing benefits for consumers, common sense, and sustainability.

The proposals, released by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), aim to enhance the certainty, efficiency, and responsiveness of New Zealand's fisheries management system.

Seafood New Zealand CEO Lisa Futschek believes these changes are positive for all stakeholders. "The goal is to make our industry more sustainable in every sense," she stated. "The health of our oceans is a top priority, equal to the sustainability of our businesses and communities. These proposals have the potential to modernize outdated regulations that are hindering innovation and growth."

Futschek highlighted an example of how the changes could improve both environmental and economic outcomes. "With new camera technology on vessels confirming catches, it makes sense to adjust the rules regarding landings and discards," she explained. "This would allow fishers to return unwanted fish, like rough skate, to the sea rather than bringing them back to land for disposal. While the catch would still count against their Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE), this system is more sustainable as the fish remains in the ocean food web instead of becoming waste." This practice would only be permitted on vessels equipped with cameras or observers, further leveraging the benefits of this technology.

The proposals are the result of a collaborative process led by MPI, which included input from fishing industry experts through a Seafood Industry Forum held throughout 2024. This forum aimed to identify opportunities to improve fisheries management. Commercial fishing is a vital part of New Zealand's economy, contributing approximately $1.6 billion in annual export earnings and employing around 16,500 people directly and indirectly.

<-- Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones released a consultation document on New Zealand's fisheries reforms

Futschek encouraged the public to review the proposals and provide feedback. The consultation document and submission details are available on the MPI website. "We strongly encourage everyone to get involved and understand these proposals," she urged. "There's been a lot of misinformation about commercial fishing, often based on outdated practices. The MPI document will help clarify the common sense behind these necessary changes."

New Zealand's Quota Management System (QMS) is a globally recognized and innovative approach to managing commercial fisheries.

She emphasized the success of New Zealand's Quota Management System, which contributes to the healthy status of 97% of commercially landed fish stocks (source: Summary overview of 2023 fish stock status). However, she acknowledged the need for periodic updates, especially with the advent of new technologies.

Futschek thanked Minister Shane Jones and the MPI experts involved in the process, which she believes will lead to improved fisheries management benefiting all stakeholders. "These changes will help our fishers continue providing healthy New Zealand seafood to consumers in a more efficient and sustainable way."

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