No, it merely reduces costs for quota owners while the public bears the cost of environmental degradation. 

The majority of our seafood in New Zealand is exported overseas on average for less than $6 a kilo (excluding shellfish & crayfish). There are few, if any, fish available to Kiwis at this price. (Source – Seafood NZ, Export statistics. 2025)

The proposed reforms do not include any measures to prioritise domestic supply and improve affordability for local families.