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MPI – FISHERIES NEWS MPI ORDERS RE-FLAGGING OF FCV'S The government has made the surprise decision to ban foreign flagged fishing boats over labour, safety and fisheries concerns amid ongoing controversy over abuses on the boats. Primary Industries Minister David Carter and Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson said foreign-flagged fishing vessels would no longer be able to legally operate in New Zealand waters after a four-year transition period. Boats will have to transition to New Zealand flags, requiring them to meet New Zealand standards and requirements. Legislation will be introduced to amend the Fisheries Act by the end of the year and will effect the 12 out of 27 New Zealand fishing companies which use foreign chartered ships. A New Zealand joint ministerial inquiry earlier this year found Korean fishing charters were damaging New Zealand's international reputation. The Ministry of Primary Industries has laid eight charges against the Oyang 77 of illegally dumping fish overboard. Last year all 32 Indonesian crew on the Korean Oyang 75 walked off the fishing vessel alleging sexual and physical abuse. Oyang 77 and Oyang 75 are owned by Korea's largest fishing company, Sajo Oyang. Its sister ship Oyang 75 faces 26 charges of dumping fish. David Carter said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have briefed the Korean government on the changes. The Korean Embassy said that an inter-departmental delegation will soon arrive in New Zealand to investigate concerns with Korean-owned fishing ships. CHANGES TO RECREATIONAL FISHING CATCH LIMITS TO TAKE EFFECT Blue cod, bluenose and the portion of fish in your fish and chips should all benefit from changes to catch limits and other measures that come into effect on May 1. The changes, announced by government last September, are designed to support management of stocks of blue cod, bluenose, and rig. The changes to recreational catch limits taking effect from May 1 are: • A new recreational daily bag limit for blue cod in the Central (Egmont) Fishery Management Area from North Taranaki CONTINUED FROM PAGE 55 Zealand's largest pohutukawa forest on Rangitoto was devastated by pests but is now thriving following the eradication of possums, wallabies, hedgehogs, rats, mice and rabbits. Seabirds too are good indicators of pest-free success. The Hauraki Gulf has one of the most diverse seabird populations in the world, and islands free of pests provide secure breeding sites for birds like Cook's petrel, black petrel, and the white-fronted tern. As well as recreational boaties and island visitors, we're working a lot with operators like Fullers, Sealink and charter boat operators, who are also working hard to help look after the Hauraki Gulf. Many are also going through the Pest-Free Warrant certification process which is a joint Auckland Council-DOC biosecurity accreditation for vessels and premises. Many charter operations and other commercial businesses are hugely boosted by the beauty of these islands, as people want to visit them and it's in everyone's interest to protect the gulf and check their boats and gear for stowaways. 64 Professional Skipper July/August 2012 to Titahi Bay, of 10 blue cod, within the existing 20 mixed finfish bag limit • A new recreational daily bag limit for blue cod in the Southland and sub-Antarctic Fishery Management Area of 20 blue cod, within the existing 30 mixed finfish bag limit • A new recreational daily bag limit for bluenose of five bluenose, within the existing mixed finfish bag limit applicable in each area. It was also announced last September that rig will be listed on Schedule 6 of the Fisheries Act, allowing commercial fishers to return rig to sea when likely to survive. RECREATIONAL FISHERS CAUGHT ILLEGALLY SELLING FISH FROM CAR BOOT Northland fishery officers recently caught two recreational fishers making illegal roadside sales of their catch from the boots of their cars. The first incident involved a 50 year old Whangarei woman who was caught selling mullet from the boot of her car near the intersection of a state highway in Whangarei. The fish was being offered for sale at a price of $5-$9 per fish depending on the size and quantities purchased. In the second incident a middle aged Kerikeri man and woman were also caught selling mullet from the boot of their car on Kerikeri Road, Kerikeri. The mullet had been freshly caught and was offered for sale at $3-$5, again depending on the size and quantities purchased. Ministry for Primary Industries (formerly MAF and the Ministry of Fisheries), Northland district compliance manager, Darren Edwards says, "It is illegal both to purchase and sell recreationally caught fish, and those caught committing offences may face prosecution." In both incidents the fish being sold and the vehicles used have been seized. The individuals involved are likely to face prosecution under the Fisheries Act 1996 with penalties of a maximum fine of $250,000 and the forfeiture of any property used in the commission of the offence. The Ministry believes that the fish being sold on both occasions were excess to requirement after successful fishing trips earlier in the day. Legislation has provided underlying support for the good work going on. In 1998 the Auckland Regional Council declared the Hauraki Gulf, and all the gulf islands within the region, a 'Controlled Area' under the Biosecurity Act 1993. This means that it is an offence to take animal pests into the Hauraki Gulf or onto any of the islands and it gives the council power to inspect island- bound buildings for pests. In addition, the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park was established in 2000 to protect the area and its plant and animal life and other "natural and historic features". It is up to everyone to make sure the good work keeps going and we protect these islands for years to come. Always check your vessel and its gear for stowaways: rats, mice, Argentine ants, rainbow skinks, and clean your footwear and gear, removing soil and seeds. Commercial operators and recreational boaties should also keep traps or bait on board their vessels to control pests. Report any pest sightings to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). For more information visit www.treasureislands.co.nz