Amateur fishers, customary fishing interests and environmentalists are concern about the fate of sustainable fisheries in New Zealand. The undemocratic collusion used by fishing industry representatives and Ministry of Fisheries officials to force proposals through parliament probably next week that will continue to deplete New Zealand’s fisheries. The changes in the fisheries laws without wider public consultation were slammed by the non-commercial groups. They also criticize the unhealthy focus by the Minister and Ministry on the fishing industry’s needs and opinions to the detriment of the people.
It is said that the proposals to amend section 13 of the Fisheries Act 1996 have been rushed through the parliamentary process allowing only a handful of interest groups to comment on the amendment, which is unfair. The Primary Production Committee is due to make its recommendations next week prior to any new legislation being passed by mid-September.
The fishing groups have serious concerns that a ‘quick-fix’ solution is being applied to the primary sustainability measure available under the Fisheries Act 1996, section 13. Under the joint banner of the Hokianga Accord, these non-commercial groups advised the Select Committee that the Minister of Fisheries would no longer be entitled to take a precautionary approach if fisheries information is unreliable or uncertain, if the proposed amendment is enacted.
Richard Baker, President of the New Zealand Big Game Fishing Council, explained that current fisheries management practices promoted by the Ministry of Fisheries and the Minister were unlawful. He added that the proposed amendment will legalise future Ministers making decisions focused on maximum harvest strategies in fish stocks where there is inadequate information, rather than promoting the current purpose of the Act, which is to provide for the wellbeing of the people.
