Media release from the Ministerial Panel inquiring into Foreign Charter Vessels for immediate release

14 October 2011

Submissions received by Inquiry into Foreign Charter Fishing Vessels

The Ministerial Panel inquiring into Foreign Charter Vessels fishing in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone has received 70 responses to its invitation for submissions.

Panel Chair Paul Swain said he was encouraged by the number and quality of submissions. “We have received a wide range of views that will help us address the broad terms of reference the Government has set for this important inquiry,” Mr Swain said.

All submitters were given an option of appearing in person in front of the Panel. Of the 70 submitters, about half took this option.

Public hearings are being held in Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch this month. A schedule of submission hearings, including dates and venues, appears at www.fish.govt.nz. Written submissions will also be posted on this website.

“While most submissions will be released to the public, some material will be confidential to the Panel because it contains sensitive, personal or commercial information. A couple of submitters have requested to be heard in private,” Mr Swain said.

The Panel is due to report its findings and recommendations to the Ministers of Fisheries and Aquaculture and Labour on 24 February 2012.

ends