Latest updates


Now we know what fishing is worth

April 25, 2016 After two years of planning and research we now know what recreational fishing is worth to the New Zealand economy. Kiwis spend a billion dollars a year on recreational fishing but the benefits don’t stop at the fish on the end of the line. This expenditure ripples through the economy generating 1.7 billion dollars in […]

Curious proposals to protect marine areas

March 20, 2016 Recent government proposals to create recreational fishing parks in the Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds as a solution to enhancing recreational fishing are curious given that none of the measures will restore fish abundance or catchability. These recreational fishing parks have drawn attention away from the three other types of Marine Protected Areas proposed for […]

Are recreational fishing parks affordable?

February 12, 2016 A recreational fishing park has been proposed for both the Hauraki Gulf and Marlborough Sounds. It is important to examine this proposition to test if it is affordable and if it sets a precedent for the future. The Government has signaled it has around $20 million to pay compensation claims from displaced commercial fishing interests. […]

Are recreational fishing parks the answer?

February 11, 2016 A document discussing four types of Marine Protected Areas, including recreational fishing parks, has been released for consultation. This consultation process is a joint effort between the Ministers for Primary Industries, Conservation and Environment. Deadline for submission is March 11th, 2016. The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council team is working through the discussion document and […]

What is the value of recreational fishing?

September 24, 2015 In Australia, a recent study found recreational fishers contribute an estimated $2.56 billion to the nation’s economy. But what’s fishing worth in New Zealand? The truth is, no one knows. So the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation has commissioned a full-scale research project to find out. They want to know how much recreational fishers contribute […]

Doing our homework

September 1, 2015 Before we embark on a high value project to determine the significance of recreational fishing in New Zealand it’s important to do our homework. Similar overseas research by Southwick Associates has produced some positive outcomes for recreational fishing interests and their national economies. Southwick Associates has over 25 years international experience in examining the value […]

All hands to the pump

August 29, 2015 The “What’s Fishing Worth?” fundraising campaign is looking to produce more abundant fisheries, a thriving marine environment, and a robust recreational fishing industry. The campaign is raising funds for the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation’s recreational fishing research project. This project seeks to quantify the economic contributions per kilo of fish harvested by recreational fishers. […]

What’s fishing worth?

August 29, 2015 In Australia, a recent study found recreational fishers contribute an estimated $2.56 billion to the nation’s economy. But what’s fishing worth in New Zealand? The truth is, no one knows. So the New Zealand Marine Research Foundation has commissioned a full-scale research project to find out. They want to know how much recreational fishers contribute […]

LegaSea backs review of Fisheries Act but focus has to include recreational fishing

August 27, 2015 Recreational fishing advocacy group LegaSea is pleased to hear the Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy announce a major review of the Fisheries Act, but spokesman Scott Macindoe says the government needs to broaden its focus to take into account the value of recreational fishing. “We congratulate Minister Nathan Guy for having the courage and clarity […]