The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council sees the commercial catch limit (TACC) changes as responsible fisheries management in practice says New Zealand Seafood Industry Council chief executive Owen Symmans. This was in response to Acting Fisheries Minister David Carter’s sustainability measures announced today.
“We’re pleased to see that the Minister’s decisions reflect the scientific research that shows these fisheries are doing well, although he has still taken a very cautious approach in some areas,” Mr Symmans said.
The increase in New Zealand’s share in the southern bluefin tuna catch is significant for New Zealand fishing companies. They have been restricted for many years to a share of the total global catch which was less than New Zealand’s original historical interest. Meanwhile new member countries have joined the convention for the conservation of southern bluefin tuna (CCSBT) management agreement without those restrictions. The Minister’s decision reflects the CCSBT members’ agreement to restore the balance while at the same time reducing the overall global catch limit.
“Although there is an increase in our national allowance, there is an overall decrease of 20% to the total global catch limit for southern bluefin tuna. We support this decrease. New Zealand will still be catching a very conservative amount in terms of the global fishery.”
Changes in catch limits, either up or down, should be the result of applying global best practice of a precautionary approach, Mr Symmans said.
“The Minister bases his decision on good science. The better and more robust the information, the more confident he can be in his decisions. We look forward to a time when more people understand the effectiveness of New Zealand’s quota management system and can appreciate just how well our country is doing with its fisheries science and sustainable management.”
