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EDS supports a better future for our fishing
Media Release: EDS supports a better future for
our fishing
The Ministry for Primary Industries has released a consultation document ‘The Future of Our Fishing’ as part of its ongoing review of the fisheries management system.
“It’s great to see MPI exploring ways to improve our fisheries management system,” said EDS Policy Director Raewyn Peart. “The Quota Management System has been in place for over 30 years and has long been overdue for an overhaul.
“The consultation document
covers a wide range of important issues including
discarding, shared fisheries, certification, information
gathering, ecosystem based management, commissioning of
research and delegation of decision making.
“MPI has
included specific options for the implementation of an
integrated electronic monitoring and reporting system on
fishing vessels and for changing regulations to enable new
trawl technology.
“MPI is also proposing the establishment of a National Fisheries Advisory Council to provide independent advice to the Minister and MPI.
“The
document acknowledges the Government’s commitment to
moving towards an ecosystem approach to fisheries management
by 2020, which is positive. However, we expected to see more
developed policy thinking on how this might be
achieved.
“We are also pleased to see that the
proposals support finer-grained spatial management and
devolved decision-making which potentially align with
processes such as Seachange Tai Timu Tai Pari in the
Hauraki Gulf.
“There are some notable gaps in the matters addressed by the consultation document.
“The lack of sufficient investment in good science to guide fisheries management remains unaddressed. For many stocks we still lack basic information on stock size, structure and recruitment dynamics, despite having a quota management system in place for 30 years.
“This means that we are flying half-blind in many cases.
“The document is also silent on habitat degradation which is likely having a significant impact on the health and productivity of many fish stocks.
“In many places, including the Hauraki Gulf, Kaipara Harbour and Marlborough Sounds there has been significant degradation of habitats of importance to fisheries from stressors such as accelerated sedimentation and/or use of seabed-damaging fishing gear.
“Of considerable concern is the failure of the consultation document to recognise that the environmental sector has an important role to play in the nation’s fisheries management system.
“Although the Fisheries Act
specifically recognises environmental interests alongside
Māori, commercial and recreational interests, we were
unable to find any reference to the environmental sector in
the consultation document.
“EDS is currently
undertaking independent research into the strengths and
weaknesses of the current fisheries management system and we
will be feeding the initial findings of our work into the
MPI review process.
“We look forward to working with MPI and the natural resources sector to further flesh out the proposals.
“How our fisheries are managed is of great national interest. We encourage all those with a stake in the future of our coastal and ocean areas to read the document and make a submission,” concluded Ms Peart.
Submissions on the consultation document close
on 23 December 2016. Further information is available at https://mpi.govt.nz/news-and-resources/consultations/future-of-our-fisheries#proposals-docs.
Environmental Defence Society
EDS speaks for the environment. It has influence.
Since 1971, EDS has been driving environmental protection in Aotearoa New Zealand
through law and policy change. That's why it's one of this country's most influential non-
profit organisations when it comes to achieving better environmental outcomes.
EDS has expertise in key disciplines including law, planning, landscape and science. It
operates as a policy think-tank, a litigation advocate, and a collaborator – bringing together
the private and public sectors for constructive engagement.
EDS runs conferences and seminars on topical issues, including an annual Environmental
Summit and the Climate Change and Business Conference.
EDS is a registered charity and donations to it are tax-deductible.
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