Consultation Underway On Fish Stocks

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is releasing Initial Position Papers for a range of fish stocks including: Bluenose, Kingfish, Snapper, Leatherjacket, Oyster, Sea Perch, Scampi, Hoki, Ling and Orange Roughy. The position papers outline proposed changes to sustainability measures and management controls for the 1 October 2013 fishing year.

MPI invites feedback from stakeholders and tangata whenua on the proposed changes. The consultation periods for fish stocks, excluding Snapper and BlueNose will start Friday 12 July and close at 4pm on Friday 9 August. Snapper and BlueNose fish stocks have slightly longer consultation periods and will close at 4pm on 23 August 2013.

James Stevenson-Wallace, Director Fisheries Management, MPI says the Ministry recognises that New Zealand’s fish stocks are a valuable resource and is committed to sustainable fisheries.

”The review of fish stocks is an important annual process that considers catch limits and other management controls. The review is all about both increasing the productivity of the fisheries and ensuring their long-term sustainability. A range of management options are presented for each fish stock and MPI is interested to hear public views on these proposals. I encourage stakeholders and tangata whenua to engage in the consultation process.”

A series of public information sessions on Snapper One (Hauraki Gulf, East Northland and the Bay of Plenty) will be held in Auckland, Tauranga and Whangarei. Information on the snapper fishery and the Initial Position Papers will be available, and staff will be on hand to answer questions. Timing and more detail on the locations of the meetings will be advertised on the MPI website soon.

Copies of the Initial Position Papers (IPPs) and information on the process for consultation can be found on MPI’s website at http://www.fish.govt.nz/en-nz/Consultations/default.htm

ENDS

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