Sustainable fisheries an absolute necessity - Greens

The Green Party today confirmed its support for the Fisheries Amendment Bill which will give the Minister of Fisheries a clear power to make fisheries decisions in favour of sustainability.

The Independent newspaper today reported that the Labour Maori MPs were opposed to the legislation because of the potential impact sustainability decisions might have on the value of the 1992 fisheries settlement.

"I think the Minister was obliged to consult with Maori over any law change that would affect that settlement. Consultation over these matters is not optional. But the purpose of the legislation is sound and will lead to greater protection of Maori fisheries assets long term, not their degradation," Green Party Maori Affairs and Fisheries Spokesperson Metiria Turei says.

"Our fisheries assets arose out of a settlement of our treaty rights. We Maori must do everything we can to protect them long term. But those assets are dependent on the health of the oceans. If there are no fish, there are no assets - it's as simple as that.

"Sustainability of fisheries is absolutely necessary to obtain that long term protection. We must be prepared to make short term sacrifices for the long term benefit. Otherwise we risk the collapse of fisheries and therefore the permanent loss of these assets.

"The fisheries industry, regardless of ownership, tends to get what it wants. In this one case, it is the oceans which will benefit and Maori, as a whole, also," Mrs Turei says.

ends

© Scoop Media