Smooth Oreo increase a sign of good fisheries mana

Smooth Oreo increase a sign of good fisheries management

30 September 2009

Quota increases in smooth oreo on the South Island’s east coast is an example of good fisheries management, says New Zealand seafood industry’s DeepWater Group chief executive George Clement.

Two species, black and smooth oreo, are harvested under separate catch limits within the OEO3A TACC. Quota owners carefully manage their catches of black and smooth oreo within the agreed limits.

“The increase in the smooth oreo catch limit from October 1 on the western Chatham Rise demonstrates effective management of the fishery for this long-lived species. This stock has been rebuilt over the past 10 years and is now estimated by scientists to be well above the management target.”

The Minister of Fisheries’ decision to increase the catch limit for smooth oreo from 4.5% to 5.3% of the current stock size is supported by industry. Scientists estimate this catch will allow the smooth oreo stock here to continue to grow in size, said Mr Clement.

Smooth oreo is similar to orange roughy in that both are considered to be long-lived. Management changes are also being made to the orange roughy fishery on the eastern Chatham Rise to adjust catches to be 4.5% of stock size.

“Although this means the orange roughy catch is being reduced, this adjustment is supported by quota owners, who are committed to long term sustainability. We have seen successful management in the smooth oreo and with careful management we expect to see similar improvements in the future with orange roughy,” said Mr Clement

ENDS

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