Hands Off Our Marlin campaign
Since 1991 commercial longliners have been banned from taking and selling striped marlin from New Zealand waters.
There have been periodic attempts by commercial interests to change the regulations to allow them to keep and sell marlin, all unsuccessful due to effective advocacy by the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council.
The NZSFC team were taken aback in May 2013 when the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) suggested that marlin could be introduced into the Quota Management System (QMS).
Naturally, industry were all for it. Likewise, the NZSFC were totally opposed.
The NZSFC continues to oppose any rule change, as marlin are a valuable national marine resource generating income for the country through inbound and domestic tourists chasing their fishing dreams.
After reiterating recreational fishers’ objections to any change through the official channels, there was only one option remaining – public outcry.
Campaign launch
LegaSea swung into action to support the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council.
On 22 May 2013 we launched the Hands Off Our Marlin campaign.
We engaged with media to drive people to an online submission tool, and encouraged people to stand up for themselves and their kid’s fishing interests.
Campaign success
Within three days over 3,000 passionate responses had been sent to the Minister Nathan Guy, and Ministry for Primary Industries. Those submitters also chose to copy their email to other politicians. That occurred over 20,000 times.
On 24 May the Ministry announced there would be no management changes.
This was a fantastic outcome – your voice was heard loud and clear.
What’s next
While the Hands Off Our Marlin campaign was successful in record time, there’s no room for complacency.
If anything, the process demonstrates how quickly, and how quietly, rules can change, altering public access to our fisheries.
Message from LegaSea
LegaSea is pleased to be supporting the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s Fisheries Management Standing Committee. A dedicated team keeping a close eye on any proposed management changes that could impact on recreational fishing interests.
During the Hands Off Our Marlin campaign we were blessed to enjoy the support of many people volunteering their time, expertise and resources, to make a difference.
Many thanks to all the team including LegaSea Ambassador Matt Watson and the ITM Fishing Show crew, Adam El Agez, Tim Taylor, Joe Dennehy and Ian Wills.
Process timeline
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council website captures the formal process leading up to the Hands Off Our Marlin campaign. If you want more details, please follow the detailed timeline to learn more.
1987 – The NZSFC successfully negotiate a moratorium to prohibit commercial fishers taking striped marlin for sale.
23 Nov 2012 – Commercial interests advocate for changes to allow them to land dead marlin.
Dec 2012 – The NZSFC push back against any regulation change to allow commercial landings of marlin.
1 May 2013 – A photo of three dead marlin dumped by a commercial fishing boat off the Manukau Harbour sparked outrage and rigorous discussion because it was such a sad sight. LegaSea Update.
10 May 2013 – Officials issue proposals with possible options for alternative management rules for marlin. These will be discussed at a meeting on 21 May 2013.
21 May 2013 – Meeting with officials, commercial and recreational fishers to discuss potential changes to the rules that prevent commercial fishers landing striped marlin for sale.
22 May 2013 – Hands Off Our Marlin campaign launched. Email template developed so people could send a message directly to the Minister and other politicians advocating for no change to marlin regulations. LegaSea media release here – Marlin are not for sale.
22 May 2013 – Article by NZSFC Fisheries team, worth reading the background material on striped marlin and yellowfin tuna. NZSFC. Marlin are ours but for how much longer?
23 May 2013 – Day two of the campaign. Over 2,200 emails against the proposed changes sent to the Minister.
24 May 2013 – Day three of the campaign. Over 3,200 emails sent to the Minister, and 20,204 emails copied to other politicians.
24 May 2013 – MPI advise there will be no changes to the management of striped marlin. A WIN for all involved in the campaign. MPI media statement.
24 May 2013 – Matt Watson, LegaSea Ambassador, issues a video thanking everyone who supported the Hands Off Our Marlin campaign and sent emails to the Minister and politicians.
25 May 2013 – NZ First says it will vigorously oppose any attempts to reclassify the game fish marlin under the Quota Management System. NZ First statement.
28 May 2013 – Congratulations New Zealand – marlin are officially not for sale. Email sent to supporters and submitters thanking all those who joined together to save our marlin from commercial exploitation. LegaSea Update.
29 May 2013 – National Government MP confirms there will be no change to the management of striped marlin. National recognise the high value of recreational game fishing for striped marlin. Scott Simpson email.
15 June 2013 – NZSFC article. Striped marlin has been a recreational-only species since 1987 yet commercial fishers continue to argue for a regulation change so they can take and sell marlin. New Zealanders love their marlin.
25 June 2013 – LegaSea Update. Marlin saved, now snapper changes are on the horizon. We could have another fight on our hands. Marlin saved, now snapper under review.
28 July 2013 – LegaSea Update. Within three days of launching the Hands Off Our Marlin campaign over 3000 letters were sent to the Minister. United we protected marlin.
10 Jan 2014 – LegaSea Update. Hard work by passionate advocates turned the tide on four iconic species in 2013. Striped marlin, yellowfin tuna, snapper and sharks. Turning the tide.