New Zealand seafood industry’s DeepWater Group chief executive George Clement, said that two species, black and smooth oreo, are harvested under separate catch limits within the OEO3A TACC. Quota owners carefully manage their catches of black and smooth oreo within the agreed limits. It is told that the rise in the smooth oreo catch limit from October 1 on the western Chatham Rise demonstrates effective management of the fishery for this long-lived species.
The stock of smooth oreo has been rebuilt over the past 10 years and is now estimated by scientists to be well above the management target. The Minister of Fisheries’ decision to increase the catch limit for smooth oreo from 4.5 percent to 5.3 percent of the current stock size is supported by industry. It is opined that smooth oreo is similar to orange roughy in that both are considered to be long-lived. Management changes are also being made to the orange roughy fishery on the eastern Chatham Rise to adjust catches to be 4.5 percent of stock size.
As per Clement’s version the rise in quota of smooth oreo means the orange roughy catch is being reduced, this adjustment is supported by quota owners, who are committed to long term sustainability.
