The only specialised marine publication in Oceania that focuses on the maritime industry, from super yachts to small craft to large commercial ships, including coastal shipping, tugs, tow boats, barges, ferries, tourist, sport-fishing craft
Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/48969
MINISTRY OF FISHERIES WEST COAST MATAITAI RESERVES ANNOUNCED Four mataitai reserves along the West Coast of the South Island totalling about 29,000ha were created from September 22. The four reserves are located at Mussel Point, Ship Creek (Tauperikaka Point), Bruce Bay and Hunts Beach. They range in size between 2000ha at Mussel Point and 14,000ha at Bruce Bay. A marine reserve prohibits all fishing, whereas a mataitai reserve provides for customary fishing and management practices, and recognises the relationship the applicants, Te Runanga o Makaawhio, have with the area. A mataitai reserve allows local Maori to recommend bylaws to the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture that restrict or prohibit fishing in the reserve. The bylaws apply to everyone fishing in the reserve and cannot exclude non-Maori.There are now 24 mataitai reserves of which 18 are in the South Island and six in the North Island. See www.fish.govt.nz BROAD SCOPE FOR MINISTERIAL INQUIRY The ministerial panel inquiring into foreign charter vessels fishing in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone is inviting written submissions. The chairman of the ministerial inquiry, Paul Swain, said it was important to get input from as many interested parties as possible. They would be given the option of appearing in person before the panel. "We will hear submitters in private if they so request," Swain said. Documents tabled with the panel will still be subject to the provisions of the Official Information Act. The inquiry will investigate New Zealand's current policy and legislation as well as the country's economic return from its fishing resources, he said. "Our principal focus will be on protecting New Zealand's international reputation and trade access, maximising the economic return from our fisheries and ensuring safe and equitable conditions on board all fishing vessels operating within our EEZ." Public hearings were planned for Auckland, Wellington, Nelson and Christchurch in October, and the trio also planned to visit fishing vessels. Submissions closed on October 7. Specifically, the inquiry is to consider • the application of New Zealand's legislative regime to the use and operation of fishing vessels, in particular FCVs, with respect to labour, immigration, maritime safety and fisheries management • any risks to New Zealand's international reputation and trade access from the use of FCVs • whether FCVs deliver the greatest overall benefit to New Zealand's economy and to quota owners, and • whether acceptable labour standards (including safe working environments) are, or can be, applied on all fishing vessels operating within the EEZ. A former Minister of Labour and Immigration, Paul Swain, will be supported by the chair of the Broadcasting Commission, Neil Walter and a director of KPMG, Sarah McGrath. The panel is expected to present its report to the ministers at the end of February. MORE TIME TO SAVOUR BLUFF OYSTERS Delectable Bluff oysters will be on the menu during the Rugby World Cup, thanks to a special extension of the commercial catch season. Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley says the extension to October 23 gives rugby supporters from around the world the chance to savour one of New Zealand's most treasured delicacies. The season was due to finish on August 31. The catch limit will still fall within the existing total allowable commercial catch for oysters. The recreational season wrapped up as usual on August 31. STAFF TO GO FOLLOWING MERGER More than 140 staff are expected to lose their jobs as a result of the merger of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry with the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture. The national secretary of the Public Service Association, Richard Wagstaff, said about 241 positions were being lost, but up to 97 of those were already vacant. That meant about 144 people would lose their jobs, mostly in corporate roles, including communications and policy, at the head office in Wellington. Wagstaff said he understood no frontline biosecurity roles were being cut, but the job losses would reduce the number of their support staff. COURT AGREES WITH POACHING SENTENCE The Court of Appeal has upheld a sentence of nine months' imprisonment imposed on a Taranaki paua poacher by the District Court. Jason Maihi Tonga was sentenced at New Plymouth earlier this year for his part in taking 701 paua with two other offenders. Both had abandoned their appeals and, like Tonga, were currently serving their sentences. In upholding the sentence, the Court of Appeal said on August 25 it reached its conclusion via a different route from the District Court, but made it clear deterrence was an important element of this type of serious fisheries offending. "We consider the Crown was right to pitch an appropriate starting point as somewhere in the range of nine to 12 months' imprisonment. In this case, there were … serious aggravating factors. "It is necessary to respond firmly to the offending, in order to deter the offenders and others from committing the same or similar offences." 62 Professional Skipper November/December 2011 VIP.S48