A new report issued by the government of New Zealand is proposing strategic and regulatory changes to improve the country’s management of its fisheries.
The report, Our Marine Environment, was issued 27 October by New Zealand's Minister for Primary Industries. It includes proposals to mandate electronic catch reporting by commercial fishermen, and the implementation of electronic monitoring of fishing using onboard cameras, with a focus on catch verification.
Seafood New Zealand, the trade board representing that country’s seafood industry, issued a press release stating its support of modernizing the regulatory structure governing fishing in New Zealand but said the industry needed to study the report’s proposals further before deciding its position on them.
“Proposals for measures to improve monitoring of fishing activities at sea are supported in principle, providing policies and settings, particularly for TACCs and deemed values are addressed at the same time,” Seafood New Zealand Chairman George Clement said. “We welcome discussion on furthering efficient and effective practices to ensure the management of New Zealand’s fisheries continue to be sustainable.”
Clement said his organization has supported the embrace of technological innovation to improve fishing practices and management.
“The world is a very different place from when the Quota Management System and the Fisheries Act were implemented. The focus to further modernize our fishery management systems is another positive for all,” Clement said. “New Zealand is a world leader in innovation and harvesting efficiencies, but we can always do better and we believe the proposals in this report will lead to further improvements.”
The industry will continue to attempt to work with New Zealand’s government to improve its processes and reduce its impact on the marine environment, Clement said.
“The report brings a renewed focus…to work together to further improve New Zealand’s fisheries,” Seafood New Zealand Chairman George Clement said. “This report offers more avenues for everyone who fishes our waters to make further improvements.”
