HMS Fisheries Plan 2017

Introduction

On July 4th 2017 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) issued a discussion paper – National Fisheries Plan for Highly Migratory Species. MPI asked for submissions.

Submission deadline was 4 August, 2017. 

Submission

On August 4th the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submitted a response in support of the Fisheries Plan, some of its objectives and highlighting the need to keep the recreational-only status of marlin.

An issue that remains unresolved is the potential conflict between game fishers and purse seiners around access to schools of skipjack tuna. The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council urge MPI to work with everyone to try and find a solution. 

The Council is also concerned about the amount of small forage fish being removed by purse seine vessels in the Bay of Plenty and East Northland. There is not a good understanding of how purse fishing affects feeding patterns and distribution of Highly Migratory Species, and the unknown effects on seabirds, their young and survival rates. 

The Council submitted that important forage species must not be depleted by commercial fishing. 

Relevant information

2017

Submission

Proposal