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May 30, 2025
They could have a big impact on recreational fishing and access to our most popular species. The proposals mean that commercial fishers get to determine how much fish is caught, where and when. The Minister is the only person with a statutory duty to limit catches and make sure there is enough fish in the ... Read more.
May 30, 2025
Commercial fishing industry representatives spent a year developing a wishlist of changes. The Minister directed Fisheries New Zealand to work with the Seafood Industry Forum to develop a proposal package for public consultation. Recreational fishing and environmental representatives were deliberately not invited to participate in those discussions.
May 30, 2025
If successful some of the proposals will weaken environmental safeguards designed to protect the productivity and biodiversity of marine waters. These protection measures have been built up over many years after a lot of advocacy by recreational fishing organisations and other eNGOs. It will also mean less fish in the water. The proposals do not ... Read more.
May 30, 2025
Yes! Previous Ministers for Oceans and Fisheries have tried to introduce similar policies in the past but due to immense public backlash they have not succeeded.
May 30, 2025
More fish in the water. Real reform is only possible if adequate governance and management structures are put in place. To get there we need to reform the whole Quota Management System. It is nearly 40 years old and still permits destructive fishing methods and overfishing. The government must support commercial fishers to transition away ... Read more.
May 30, 2025
An Amendment Bill has been released. We expect the Bill will go before a Select Committee early this year. The public will only get to have a say at the Select Committee stage. Our reality – the proposed changes could be locked into legislation by the end of 2026.
May 30, 2025
LegaSea and our parent organisation the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council will be working hard to fight against any adverse amendments to the Fisheries Act. Money and widespread awareness are keys to our success. Here’s how you can help; Subscribe to receive LegaSea newsletters and stay updated on the Minister’s proposals. Commit $20 a month ... Read more.
May 29, 2025
Commercial/Total Allowable Commercial Catch limit (TACC) – 2,728,000 kilograms. (2728 tonnes). Recreational allowance – 2,293,000 kilograms. (2293 tonnes). Māori customary allowance – 617,000 kilograms. (617 tonnes). *Note – Recreational and customary fishing are not part of the Quota Management System. As per the 1996 Fisheries Act, the Minister sets aside allowances to provide for our ... Read more.
May 29, 2025
Below is the breakdown of kahawai catch in 2024; Commercial landings – 2,158,000 kilograms, for sale. Recreational landings – 370,600 kilograms, to feed our families. Māori customary – unknown, however, it is common for kahawai to be caught for customary purposes under the amateur fishing regulations, as part of a person’s recreational daily bag limit. ... Read more.
May 29, 2025
Around 55% of the commercial kahawai catch remains in New Zealand and sold locally. Sources – Seafood New Zealand, Export Statistics. January – December 2024. Page 41. Fisheries New Zealand, Fisheries Assessment Plenary. May 2024. Page 723
