The New Zealand seafood industry congratulates the Minister of Fisheries on his decision to increase catch limits in the rock lobster and southern blue whiting fisheries.
“The decision to increase commercial catch limits when fisheries are doing well marks the Government’s commitment to a responsive management system,” says New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Chief Executive Owen Symmans.
In response to Government’s reduction of recreational red cod limits from 30 to 10 per fisher, Mr Symmans said: “We know what its like to have limits reduced – but we also know that the recreational fishing sector is keen to have sustainable fisheries, too.
“We are committed to being responsible and actively support and encourage fisheries management – all sectors have to realistic about what that means. It’s promising to see fisheries like rock lobster respond so quickly to sensible management decisions and there’s no reason to think that red cod will not be the same.”
The evidence of the increases in the rock lobster and southern blue whiting fisheries being faster than expected shows sustainability measures are working.
