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Blue cod 3 TAC review 2021
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction

On 23 June 2021 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they were reviewing the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for Blue cod 3, and while doing so the Minister would set for the first time a Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and allowances for non-commercial fishing interests and other mortality.
The Blue cod 3 (BCO 3) fishery has not been formally reviewed since it was introduced into the Quota Management System (QMS) in 1986.
Submissions in response to the proposals were due by 27 July 2021. The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea, the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association and New Zealand Underwater Association to submit a response by 27 July.
On 24 September the Minister, David Parker, announced his approval for Option 2, a 20% reduction to the TACC, in alignment with Fisheries New Zealand’s recommendation.
Proposal
Fisheries New Zealand is proposing the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries sets a TAC for the first time, makes allowances for Māori customary and recreational fishing interests, and for fishing related mortality, then sets the TACC. Any changes will apply from 1 October 2021.
Table 1: Proposed Total Allowable Catches (TACs), Total Allowable Commercial Catches (TACCs), and allowances for Blue cod 3, in tonnes.

Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council will submit a response by 27 July. The Council has worked with LegaSea, other national representative organisations, and local fishing clubs to develop a response. An alternative TAC, TACC and allowances were proposed in the submission and we await the Minister’s response with interest.
We expect a Ministerial decision in mid-September in anticipation that any new catch limits will apply from 1 October 2021.
Relevant information
2021
Minister’s decision
Ministers decision for multiple stocks, for 1 October. 24 Sep 2021
Minister’s decisions for multiple stocks. Changes to apply from 1 October 2021. Letter. 24 September 2021.
Fisheries New Zealand
Final advice to Minister 1 Oct stocks. FNZ. September 2021
Fisheries New Zealand final advice paper and recommendations to the Minister on multiple stocks, for 1 October 2021. September 2021.
Submissions
Blue cod 3 review. Joint recreational. 27 July 2021
Submission advocating for a fair recreational allowance and a conservative TACC and TAC. Joint recreational interests. 27 July 2021.
Blue cod 3 review. Pegasus-Sumner fishing clubs. 26 July 2021
Submission in response to the review of Blue cod 3 and setting the initial TAC and allowances. Update to 13 July submission. Pegasus Bay Game Fishing Club & Sumner Boating & Fishing Club. 26 July 2021.
Submissions to October 2021 review, part 1. Sep 2021
Collation of submissions from organisations and representative groups on multiple stocks review for 1 Oct. Submissions dated July 2021. Collation by Fisheries NZ. Sep 2021. [18MB]
Submissions to October 2021 review, part 2. Sep 2021
Collation of submissions on multiple stocks review for 1 Oct 2021. Submissions dated July 2021. Part 2. Collation by Fisheries New Zealand. Sep 2021. [9MB]
Submissions to October 2021 review, part 3. Sep 2021
Collation of submissions on multiple stocks review for 1 October. Submissions dated July 2021. Collated by Fisheries NZ. Sep 2021.
Proposal
BCO 3 proposals. FNZ. 23 June 2021
Fisheries New Zealand proposals to review catches and set a TAC in Blue cod 3, on the east coast of the South Island. Submissions due by 27 July. FNZ. 23 June 2021.
Review, mixed species proposal letter. FNZ. 23 June 2021
Fisheries New Zealand advise they are reviewing a range of fish stocks and TACs for the next fishing season. Submissions are due by 27 July 2021. FNZ letter. 23 June 2021.
Management
BCO Traffic light rules for South Is. FNZ. 2020
Extract from FNZ document showing the final traffic light ratings for South Island areas. Controversial rating for Christchurch area, changed from ‘orange’ to ‘red’. Fisheries NZ. Rules apply from 1 July 2020.
BCO Proposed traffic light rules for South Is. FNZ. 2019
Extract from FNZ proposal showing the proposed traffic light rating for different areas around the South Island. Note the area around Christchurch classed as ‘orange’. Fisheries NZ. 2019.
National Blue Cod Strategy. FNZ. 2018
National Blue Cod Strategy to guide the future management of blue cod around New Zealand. Fisheries New Zealand. 2018.
Research
Blue cod plenary. FNZ. May 2021
Fisheries New Zealand plenary summarising the available data on the blue cod stocks in New Zealand waters. May 2021.
BCO landings versus catch. FNZ Plenary. May 2021
Extract from the Plenary report comparing catches to TACCs in all blue cod fish stocks, from 1983 to 2020. Fisheries NZ. May 2021