Seafood industry committed to ongoing monitoring trials

Friday, 10 May 2013, 6:17 pm
Press Release: Seafood New Zealand

10 May 2013

New Zealand seafood industry committed to ongoing monitoring trials in partnership with Government

The New Zealand seafood industry says it is committed to continuing its work with Government in developing innovative approaches to fisheries data collection, following the recent completion of an electronic monitoring trial alongside traditional observers in the Timaru set net fishery.

“As an industry we are committed to sustainable fishing and a key part of that is effective monitoring that provides robust information, especially in relation to protected species,” says Tim Pankhurst, Chief Executive of Seafood New Zealand.

The trial took place over five months and recorded two incidental captures of Hector’s dolphins, one live release and one mortality.

“While any fishing-related death of marine mammals is deeply regrettable, the trials should give the public confidence that fishers take their environmental responsibilities seriously.”

Mr Pankhurst said the trials, combined with the additional research on the abundance of Hector’s dolphins, will lead to better data on this protected species and ensure any decisions are evidence-based.

The seafood industry, along with the Ministry for Primary Industries, has invested approximately $300,000 into the electronic monitoring programme with further electronic observations expected later this year. The fishers in Timaru have also invested in pingers which emit sounds intended to warn dolphins about nets.

ENDS

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