Fishing FAQs

All FAQs | Customary Fisheries | Fisheries Management | maximum sustainable yield | QMS | Economics | Fishing | Rescue Fish | Environment | Fishing methods | Recreational Fishing | Fishcare | customary | Kahawai | Reform scam

Should we put our snapper breeders back?

January 11, 2021 A common thread over summer is that recreational fishers ought to release big snapper during spawning season because big fish are the best breeders. The ‘Put our breeders back’ argument is partially true – Bigger snapper can produce more eggs in a season, but it doesn’t mean all big snapper need to be released. If ... Read more.
Fishing | Fishcare

What are the alternatives to trawling?

November 2, 2020 Alternatives to trawling include long lining and trapping. While these alternative methods may be more time consuming they generally deliver better quality fish which ought to attract a higher value return.
Fishing | Fishing methods

Why don’t we know recovery rates after no trawling?

November 2, 2020 It is unknown how long it would take for an area to recover from trawling because no one in New Zealand has deliberately stopped trawling and supported a research project on recovery rates.
Fishing | Fishing methods

Why do you say that Māori only own around 10.7% of the total quota share value when they actually own more than 40% of all quota?

May 29, 2020 Independent analysis by the NZ Institute of Economic Research shows that on the information available Māori own around 40% of quota shares (by volume) but only 10.7% of the total quota share value. This is a conservative estimate of iwi ownership and value because not all the relevant details are available; that is understandable given ... Read more.
Fisheries Management | QMS | Economics | Fishing | Rescue Fish | Customary Fisheries

How many Māori customary fishing areas are there?

May 22, 2020 There are 11 Mātaitai in the North Island and 35 in the South Island. 10 Taiāpure have been established nationally.
Customary Fisheries | Fishing

How much fish does the commercial sector take each year?

May 22, 2020 Commercial fishers land around 400,000 tonnes of fish per annum. In the fishing year from October 1st 2017 to 31st September 2018 commercial fishers landed just over 405,000 tonnes of fish.
Fisheries Management | Fishing

How much fish do Maori customary fishers take each year ?

May 22, 2020 The total amount of fish harvested by Māori customary fishers is unknown. The Minister of Fisheries has a legal obligation to make provision for Māori customary catch and traditional practices. The total amount of fish set aside to enable Māori fishers to fulfil their customary needs is around 4000 tonnes per annum, nationwide.
Customary Fisheries | Fisheries Management | Fishing

How much fish do recreational fishers take each year?

May 22, 2020 Recreational fishers harvest around 10,000 tonnes of finfish and shellfish nationwide every year. In shared fisheries targeted by commercial and non-commercial fishers, recreational harvest is estimated to be around 19% of all catch. Shared fisheries tend to be inshore species that more accessible to the public.
Fisheries Management | Fishing | Recreational Fishing

Why is recreational fishing important to New Zealanders?

May 22, 2020 Fishing is a way of life for many Kiwis. It contributes to the mental well-being of individuals, families and communities. It provides for social occasions that enhance the bonds between individuals, their families and community. Recreational fishing also provides educational opportunities as a teaching space for safety on the water, weather awareness, food gathering, cooking, ... Read more.
Fishing | Recreational Fishing

Will commercial fishers benefit from Rescue Fish?

May 21, 2020 Yes. Rescue Fish is designed to make commercial fishing profitable for the fishermen and women. New legislation will require commercial fishing to operate in a more environmentally conscious way. Innovation will be encouraged as fishers earn higher returns for their efforts. The principles outlined in the Rescue Fish policy will increase abundance, improve efficiency, reduce ... Read more.
Fishing