New Zealand High Court has granted interim relief from new fishing restrictions to protect the livelihoods of fishermen whose businesses will otherwise be destroyed. The President of the NZFCF (New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen), Doug Saunders-Loder, told that they’ve been deliberately very conservative in our application. He added that they have applied mainly for seasonal relief in those fishing grounds where jobs are at immediate risk. We’re absolutely not asking for interim orders that will threaten our Maui’s and Hector’s dolphin populations.
The NZFCF, in conjunction with other commercial inshore stakeholders, is asking the High Court to review recent decisions by Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton to close around two thirds of New Zealand’s coastline to fishing in response to concerns about Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins. It is said that the interim orders have been applied for on behalf of the inshore fishermen and Quota owners most acutely affected by the decision.
The NZFCF said that these are the most extensive changes to commercial and recreational access to inshore fisheries in two decades. According to them they are unnecessarily onerous and will drive people out of business even in areas where dolphins are not at risk.
