Three of New Zealand’s largest tackle companies have joined forces with LegaSea, and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council signalling a united commitment to restoring abundance to the country’s coastal fisheries.
Alongside LegaSea’s long standing partner Okuma (CDNZ), tackle brands Daiwa and Shimano have stepped up as Platinum Partners.
For LegaSea the support couldn’t come at a more critical time.
“As our fisheries become more depleted, our workload and advocacy grows,” says LegaSea Lead Sam Woolford. “Having the backing of some of the biggest tackle companies in the world strengthens our ability to stand up for the public interest and prepares us to launch a campaign against some of the most serious threats facing our inshore fisheries.”
For the companies involved, the decision to support LegaSea’s work goes well beyond commercial interest.
Tom Johanson of Okuma, says the company has backed LegaSea from the very beginning, a commitment that reflects their long-term commitment to New Zealand’s marine environment.
“Our partnership with LegaSea is about a shared and deep-rooted love for our waters. We are committed to ensuring that the abundance we have been able to enjoy remains for generations of Kiwis yet to come.”
Johanson says collaboration across the industry was essential.
“Seeing the industry working together sends a powerful message. While we are all trying to make a living, there comes a point when you need to put competitive differences aside. Afterall, declining fish populations don’t just have environmental and social consequences. The entire marine industry will suffer..”
Steve Corfield, Managing Director at Shimano New Zealand, says the decision reflects a responsibility to future generations of fishers.
“Our industry depends on healthy fish stocks, but this is about more than business. Backing LegaSea and Sport Fishing Council’s mission is simply the right thing to do. More fish in the water benefits everyone.”
Scott Malcon of Daiwa says recent years have highlighted the real-world consequences of declining fish stocks and subsequent fishery closures.
“The past couple of years have been a wake-up call for our Industry. If there’s not enough fish in the water, Kiwis won’t be able to go fishing. That impacts our well-being and way of life – and it affects businesses like ours that rely on people being able to cast a line.”
Recreational fishers also have a stake in the partnership.
When fishers choose to purchase Okuma, Daiwa or Shimano products, they are supporting companies investing in the future of New Zealand’s fisheries.
“Having the backing of these companies shows this isn’t just a community concern – it’s an industry-wide one” says Woolford. “There is growing recognition that the government is putting short term returns of the seafood industry ahead of long-term abundance. This current trajectory will not just have an environmental impact, it will also hinder high value regional development opportunities in the tourism and marine industries.
The united front comes as LegaSea and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council prepare to challenge the Government’s proposed Amendments to the Fisheries Act, which risk weakening transparency and reducing safeguards for our inshore fisheries.
“Our fish are a public resource,” Woolford says. “They belong to all New Zealanders. If this Amendment Bill passes, these changes will have lasting consequences for non-commercial fishing, the overall health of our marine environment and these industries reliant on healthy coastal fisheries..”
