Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
New Zealand fisheries sustainably managed
New Zealand fisheries sustainably managed
New Zealand fish stocks are in good heart, an independent environment stocktake has confirmed.
This is according to Environment Aotearoa 2015, a comprehensive, independent and nationwide set of statistics released yesterday by the Ministry for the Environment and Statistics New Zealand.
The report notes that commercial fisheries are sustainably managed and overfishing is decreasing. Between 2009 and 2014, the proportion of fish stocks subject to overfishing decreased from 25 per cent to 14 per cent and that in 2014, more than 95 per cent of fish caught were from stocks that are not overfished.
“This robust and independent report confirms the body of science that tells us that our fish stocks are in good heart and are improving,” Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Tim Pankhurst says.
The report also notes that seabed trawling is decreasing – from 1996 to 2014, the number of dredge tows reported in New Zealand waters decreased by 83 per cent. In 2010/11, deepwater fishing operators trawled just 1.3 per cent of the territorial sea and the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Trawling mainly occurs in the same areas each year, which limits the extent of newly affected habitat and species, the report says.
New Zealand has international recognition for its sustainable seafood industry, Tim Pankhurst says.
“Seventy four per cent of New Zealand’s deepwater seafood production is certified sustainable by the international body, Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), the gold-star for sustainable seafood.”
The performance of our three largest orange roughy fisheries are being assessed against the MSC standard with the aim to progress the other orange roughy fisheries through MSC as well, he says.
The report notes the pressure of fishing bycatch on seabirds and marine mammals.
These issues are of concern to the industry, which is working with Government agencies and the NGO sector to minimise the impact of bycatch, Tim Pankhurst says.
“For example we help fund and participate in the Southern Seabird Solutions Trust to reduce harm to seabirds through fishing. The trust is an alliance of industry, Government, WWF-New Zealand, Te Ohu Kaimoana and recreational anglers.
“And we have invested heavily in research and technologies to reduce the impact of fishing on marine mammals.”
ENDS
Seafood New Zealand
Seafood New Zealand’s primarily focus is deepwater and inshore wild capture fisheries, but works closely with other sectors to ensure a thriving and sustainable seafood sector that is valued by New Zealanders and our trading partners.
New Zealand's seafood industry plays a key role in the country's economy, contributing around $2 billion in export earnings and employing more than 16,500 people, who provide New Zealand and the world with high quality, nutritious and great tasting seafood.
The seafood industry is committed to providing high quality careers in local communities through our sustainable and innovative provision of safe seafood.
John Mazenier: Gaffer Tape And Glue Delivering New Zealand’s Mission Critical Services
Earthquake Commission: Ivan Skinner Award Winner Inspired By Real-life Earthquake Experience
Reserve Bank: Consultation Opens On A Digital Currency For New Zealand
NIWA: Ship Anchors May Cause Extensive And Long-lasting Damage To The Seafloor, According To New Research
New Zealand Customs Service: A Step Forward For Simpler Trade Between New Zealand And Singapore
Horizon Research: 68% Say Make Banks Offer Fraud Protection
