23 August 2011

NZ seafood industry supports terms of reference for Ministerial inquiry into foreign-owned fishing vessels

The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council supports the Government’s terms of reference into the Ministerial inquiry monitoring labour conditions and general compliance of foreign-owned fishing vessels operating in New Zealand waters.

“The terms of reference announced by the Government are comprehensive and wide ranging,” says New Zealand Seafood Industry Council chief executive Peter Bodeker.

“The terms of reference set a clear path for examining all the issues and allegations about practices on board some foreign-owned vessels.”

Mr Bodeker said the industry would participate fully in the Ministerial inquiry and is keen to see the inquiry get underway.

“We look forward to the Government moving on the inquiry which will be critical in helping establish the facts in relation to general compliance and labour practices on board foreign vessels and credibly identify any need for change or improvement. It will also provide advice on the role of foreign charter vessels,” says Mr Bodeker.

ENDS

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