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

Fisheries New Zealand

Submissions

Proposal

Management

Research