Make a Submission!
The Government is proposing to amend regulations to allow the commercial exploitation of highly-valued non-commercial marine species, including our marlin and some protected reef fish species.
While the rest of the world is putting in place more protections for at-risk species, our government seems determined to prioritise commercial fishing over the environment and non-commercial interests.
On 20 October 2025, Fisheries New Zealand proposed a package of 19 changes that seek to “remove redundant regulations”. Two of the proposals are of most concern.
- Proposal to allow commercial fishers to keep and sell any marlin that are dead when caught. Currently these fish must be released, even if dead, because they are a non-commercial species.
- Proposal to permit commercial fishers to land and sell 19 reef fish species when caught as “by-catch” by bottom longline, trawl and Danish seine. For decades,these species have been protected from commercial exploitation. They include red moki, red pigfish and boarfish. All are vulnerable to depletion and highly valued by recreational fishers and coastal communities.
Please use the easy online form below to make a submission and tell the Minister you oppose these changes. These fish belong to all New Zealanders, not just the few who profit from selling them.
Together we can send a clear message. Submissions close 28 November 2025.
Please note this submission form is only for two of the 19 proposed regulation changes. Follow this link to make a submission on any of the other proposed changes.
For more information, check out our FAQs.