MPI – FISHERIES NEWS
and balance catch with Annual Catch Entitlement are required • Change to deemed values for snapper
The total allowable catch for the bluenose stocks around New Zealand (excluding the Kermadecs stock) is being set at 1194 tonnes, down from 1685. The catch limit changes take effect on October 1, 2012. Other changes will come into effect after this date.
MEASURES TO PROTECT OCEANIC WHITETIP SHARK
The Ministry for Primary Industries is using powers under the Fisheries Act 1996 to help protect the oceanic whitetip shark. This shark is a highly migratory species and is commonly caught by fishers targeting tropical tuna. There are only occasional captures in New Zealand waters and also by New Zealand vessels operating on the high seas in the Pacific around the Equator.
Concerns have been raised about its status and it is now classified by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature as "vulnerable". In March 2012 the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission adopted a measure requiring member nations, including New Zealand, to prohibit landings or sale of oceanic whitetip shark. This follows similar bans by other international fisheries organisations. These measures are aimed at ensuring the oceanic whitetip shark can recover to a healthy population level. MPI is working with the Department of Conservation which is applying powers under the Wildlife Act 1953. The two agencies ran a joint public consultation on the measures. MPI's measures relate to New Zealand-flagged vessels fishing on the high seas, while DOC's relate to captures in New Zealand waters.
DECISION ON ORANGE ROUGHY FISHERY WELCOME
Primary Industries Minister David Carter has welcomed a move by New Zealand fish quota owners to forego fishing an increased orange roughy stock in the interest of long-term sustainability.
"The fishing industry deserves a pat on the back for this responsible, precautionary management decision," says Mr Carter. "The industry has applied this approach in relation to other deepwater stocks and it is pleasing to see this continue." As part of the Ministry for Primary Industries' annual stock assessment and fishery management review process, an increase in the size of the orange roughy stock on the Chatham Rise, east of New Zealand was identified. The quota owners for this stock include New Zealand's largest deepwater fishing companies.
Phased catch limit reductions have been implemented for this orange roughy stock since 2008 to enable it to rebuild. There was an opportunity this year to increase the allowable catch for the first time in more than 10 years. "However, following discussions between MPI and quota owners, it was agreed to let the stock continue to rebuild, and allow more time for stock status information to be collected," says Mr Carter. "Quota owners also agreed to voluntarily reduce the catch limit for a second orange roughy stock on New Zealand's mid-East coast despite some uncertainty on whether this is needed. I welcome this responsible move by the fishing industry."
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