New Zealand Tops World in Fisheries Management

International scientists have once again ranked New Zealand best in the world at managing its marine and fisheries resources says Seafood Industry Council chief executive Owen Symmans.

The research, just published in Marine Policy, evaluated 53 countries and rated New Zealand best overall against 14 indicators of marine resource management. The countries in the study account for more than 95 per cent of the world’s fisheries catch.

Mr Symmans said the research underlined New Zealand’s position as leading the world in fisheries management.

“It offers further proof that fisheries can be managed to ensure long term sustainability. You can rest assured that if it’s New Zealand seafood it has been harvested sustainably,” Mr Symmans said.

The research comes after a major international study published in the journal Science this year which gave New Zealand the highest ‘green’ rating and ranked New Zealand’s fisheries management the best in the world.

But despite these latest findings, Mr Symmans said the work to improve New Zealand’s fisheries management never stops.

“This research is a great endorsement of our practices, but it doesn’t give us an excuse to rest on our laurels. We will continue to look for opportunities to enhance our current system.”

ENDS

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