Richard Prosser MP

Spokesperson for Fisheries
13 OCTOBER 2015

Blue Cod Management Must Be Shared by All

Changes to the blue cod rules for recreational fishers in Marlborough should also be applied to commercial fishers, says New Zealand First.

“It’s a matter of equality, fairness and principle that fisheries management measures should be shared, for example, a reduction in recreational bag limits should be matched by a reduction in commercial quotas,” says Fisheries Spokesperson Richard Prosser.

“Despite the welcome news that the slot and transit rules have gone, much more needs to be done to ensure the same rules apply to everyone.

“The government needs to address the anomaly, that the new minimum legal size of 33 cms being implemented on 20 December this year was mandatory for recreational fishers but voluntary for the commercial fleet.

“The fishery management imposed by the government in the Challenger zone does not take into account the spawning patterns of blue cod nor the effect of size limits because neither have been studied.

“The government has to carry out appropriate research to ensure credible and informed management plans were put in place for the Challenger zone to ensure that the management of this blue cod fishery was being equally shared.

“New Zealand First believes that before a fishery management plan is put in place, sound research based on science and consultation with the community that uses the resource should be undertaken.

“It’s common sense and fair that fisheries management is equally shared by all users,” says Mr Prosser.

ENDS

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