Kingfish 7
Introduction
On 12 July 2013 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advised they were consulting on future management options for Kingfish 7, Snapper 7 and a variety of other inshore and deepwater fish stocks. Submissions were due by 9 August 2013.
Yellowtail kingfish are highly prized by non-commercial interests. NZSFC representatives have engaged in the Inshore Working Group meetings that have reviewed research projects on Jack mackerel sampling on the west coast and kingfish age and growth.
MPI propose a 114% increase, from 7 to 15 tonnes, to the total allowable commercial catch (TACC), to cover the overcatch from the last complete fishing year 2011-12. They also propose a 100% increase, from 10 to 20 tonnes, in the recreational allowance based on an estimate from the national recreational fishing survey 2011-12.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) supports an alternative management option based on average catch, to provide incentives for commercial fishers to avoid kingfish, release them alive, and to better cover expected bycatch of dead fish.
There must be 100% observer coverage on chartered factory trawlers while in New Zealand waters. There is potential for significant under reporting of commercial kingfish catch in KIN7 as part of the 32,000 tonne Jack mackerel fishery.
Action must be taken to monitor kingfish abundance in Area 7. MPI must identify kingfish "hot spots" to provide vessels with information on how to avoid excessive kingfish catch.
Decision
On 24 September 2013 the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, announced that the Kingfish 7 TAC will increase from 21 to 41 tonnes, a 95% increase. The TACC will increase by 114%, from 7 to 15 tonnes. The recreational allowance has been adjusted to account for existing catch, from 10 to 20 tonnes. The decision will apply from 1 October 2013.
Relevant information
Click on the right hand image to download the relevant document, if available. Latest documents are at the top of the list.
Minister's decision. TAC, TACC and recreational allowance increase. 24 September 2013
Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, has announced a 114% increase to the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for Kingfish 7. The recreational allowance has been doubled, from 10 to 20 tonnes to reflect existing catch. There is no change to the recreational daily bag limits. This decision will apply from 1 October 2013. See details on page 6.
Ministry FInal Advice Paper. 24 September 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries recommend the Minister increases the total allowable catch (TAC) from 21 to 41 tonnes, increases the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) from 7 to 15 tonnes and doubles the recreational allowance from 10 to 20 tonnes to reflect existing estimated catch.
Submission. NZSFC submit on MPI's Kingfish 7 proposals. 9 August 2013
The NZ Sport Fishing Council submit that recreational fishers have strived for many years to conserve yellowtail kingfish. It is highly objectionable that after 20 years we still have a commercial industry overcatching kingfish without demonstrating any effort to modify their behaviour or gear to avoid unintentional captures.
The NZSFC is committed to ensuring that sustainability measures and management controls in Kingfish 7 are designed and implemented to achieve the purpose and principles of the Fisheries Act 1996.
Ministry Letter. MPI decline NZSFC submission extension request. 7 August 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries decline the request from the NZ Sport Fishing Council for MPI to extend the submission deadline for a variety of species, including Kingfish 7, Sea perch 1 and Snapper 7.
NZSFC letter. NZSFC request a submission deadline extension. 7 August 2013
The NZ Sport Fishing Council ask MPI to extend the submission deadline for a variety of species, including Kingfish 7, Sea perch 1 and Snapper 7. NZSFC resources were stretched as attention was focused on these fish stocks and the Snapper 1 proposals.
Ministry IPP. MPI management proposals for Kingfish 7. 12 July 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries propose to increase the total allowable catch (TAC) and total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for Kingfish 7. The current TACC has been exceeded for 3 of the last 9 years. MPI considers there is an opportunity to increase the benefits to commercial fishers by increasing the TAC to cover current catch.
Ministry Letter. MPI advice of potential management options for Kingfish 7. 12 July 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries propose to increase the total allowable catch (TAC) and total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for Kingfish 7. MPI is seeking feedback on their proposals. They suggest the proposed TAC is cautious because of the strong recreational interest in the fishery. Any new decision will apply from 1 October 2013.