Exemption from quota aggregation limits
April 2016
Introduction
On an unknown date the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) received an application from the Fiordland Lobster Company Limited (FLC) to hold rock lobster (crayfish) quota in excess of aggregation limits in the CRA 4, 7 and 8 fish stocks. The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and supporters strongly objected to the application and has asked the Minister to deny the application.
Under the Fisheries Act 1996 no person or entity is entitled to own more than 10,000,000 quota shares (10%) for any one rock lobster quota management area. This is known as an aggregation limit.
The Fiordland Lobster Company Ltd has applied to hold up to 20,000,000 quota shares (20%) in perpetuity and without condition in CRA 4 (Wellington/Hawkes Bay), CRA 7 (Otago) and CRA 8 (Southern).
NZSFC response
The NZSFC has opposed the application for exemption from the aggregation limit, and with no conditions attached, and in perpetuity.
Process documents
This is a collection of documents relevant to aggregation limits and this process.
Click on the right-hand image to download the document or follow the link to read more detail
NZSFC Submission. Exemption from aggregation limits. 13 May 2016
The NZSFC and its supporters oppose the application by the Fiordland Lobster Company Ltd for exemption from the aggregation limit of 10% applying to all rock lobster fish stocks. The Council also opposes the application for quota in excess of aggregation limits to be issued without condition and in perpetuity. Perpetual quota enables private, commercial interests to weild an unreasonable level of power over the management of fish stocks.
MPI letter. FLC Exemption application. 15 April 2016
The Ministry for Primary Industries advise they have received an application from the Fiordland Lobster Company Ltd for exemption from the aggregation limit of 10% applying to all rock lobster fish stocks. The Minister is required under law to consult with “such persons or organisations the Minister considers are representative of those classes of persons having an interest in the applicaiton for exemption from aggregation limits”.
Applicaiton. FLC exemption from aggregation limits. undated
The Fiordland Lobster Company Ltd has applied for consent to hold quota in excess of the aggregation limit, of 10%, that applies to all rock lobster fish stocks. This FLC application applies to CRA 4 (Wellington/Hawkes Bay), CRA 7 (Otago) and CRA 8 (Southern). The FLC also requests the exemption to be issued without condtion and in perpetuity.