Squid Decision Reluctantly Accepted By Industry

Media Release
6/3/2000

SQUID FISHERY DECISION RELUCTANTLY ACCEPTED BY SEAFOOD INDUSTRY

The New Zealand squid industry has reluctantly accepted a decision by Fisheries Minister Peter Hodgson to close down a major squid fishery because of Sealion by-catch.

The Industry was notified that the Minister will close down the fishery in fisheries management area 6T at noon on Wednesday 8th March. The industry is only allowed to accidentally by-catch an estimated 65 sealions before the Minister is obliged to stop the industry from fishing. The Ministry of Fisheries calculated that that the MALFIRM (Maximum Allowable Level of Fisheries Related Mortality) will be reached by Wednesday.

Squid Fishery Management Company chief executive Andrew Branson said the industry had been actively trialing a device, known as a Sealion Escape Device, (SLED), which they were confident was reducing the sealion mortality.

“Sadly these trials will end on Wednesday. However the industry is committed to reducing the level of Sealion by-catch and will endeavour to work with both the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Fisheries in the future.”

Key Facts

 The Squid Industry is worth, on average, $60 million a year to the New Zealand economy.

 It is one of our top ten most valuable fisheries.

For further information

Contact Squid Fishery Management Company chief executive Andrew Branson 025 356 378 or Squid Company chairman Rob Grant 025 480 141.
Or Seafic Communications Manager Tina Nixon 025 2232789

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