Articles tagged with Fisheries
Public Consultation on Reopening Limited Scallop Fishing in Whangārei Harbour
1 day ago | 59 viewsFisheries New Zealand is consulting the public on proposals to reopen limited recreational scallop fishing in Whangārei Harbour after a four-year closure, following surveys indicating sustainable scallop levels. The proposals include maintaining the current closure until broader management plans are finalized, allowing a limited seasonal scallop fishing starting this spring or summer, and establishing ongoing seasonal fishing from 2027 or 2028 with new fishing rules. Commercial scallop fishing will remain prohibited, and feedback is sought by 18 September to balance community benefits with sustainability.
Tags: Shane Jones Whangārei Harbour Fisheries New Zealand scallop fishing Northland scallop fishery SCA 1 recreational fishing kaimoana MPI Hauraki GulfNew Zealand Unifies Fisheries Management to Boost Aquaculture Growth by 2035
6 days ago | 137 viewsLegislation changes will centralize fishing and fishery resource management under the Fisheries Act, removing councils' authority to regulate these activities to reduce confusion and streamline oversight. The new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act aims to support primary sector growth, simplify aquaculture consent processes, and enable ministerial decisions on aquaculture space to boost sustainable industry expansion. These reforms intend to enhance fishery sustainability, increase seafood availability, and create economic opportunities while maintaining local community involvement and transitioning existing council rules until 2030.
Tags: Shane Jones Fisheries Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill Resource Management Act aquaculture New Zealand fishery resources councils kaimoanaNew Zealand Launches Revised National Plan to Protect and Sustain Sharks
1 week ago | 177 viewsThe New Zealand Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to enhance shark conservation and sustainable management, addressing threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change while integrating tangata whenua perspectives. The plan emphasizes protecting vulnerable shark species, minimizing bycatch through best-practice handling, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems where at least 113 shark species reside. Developed collaboratively by multiple agencies and stakeholders, this updated plan builds on previous efforts, including the 2014 shark finning ban, and sets clear goals and measurable objectives for 2026.
Tags: Tama Potaka New Zealand National Plan of Action sharks conservation Department of Conservation Fisheries New Zealand shark finning ban tangata whenua marine ecosystemsProposed Rock Lobster Fishing Rules for Aotea-Great Barrier: Have Your Say
2 weeks ago | 184 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposals to manage rock lobster fishing around Aotea-Great Barrier Island, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability as requested by local boards and iwi trusts. Proposed measures include establishing recreational-only zones, reducing daily catch limits, introducing closed seasons during breeding, setting maximum legal sizes, and limiting accumulation of catch to protect lobster populations. These efforts, supported by community groups and Fisheries New Zealand, are part of broader protections to rebuild lobster stocks and address local concerns, with consultation open until 4 September 2026.
Tags: Shane Jones Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Aotea Ahu Moana Project Fisheries New Zealand rock lobster Hauraki Gulf Northland MPI Great Barrier localsPermanent Fishing Ban and New Limits to Protect Endangered Hoiho from Bycatch
4 weeks ago | 284 viewsLong-term protections to reduce fishing risks to the endangered northern hoiho population will become permanent from 16 September 2026, including a ban on set-net fishing around the Otago Peninsula. A new Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) framework, setting an annual bycatch limit of four hoiho, will enable swift action if limits are exceeded, aiming to halve hoiho deaths from fisheries bycatch. While fisheries bycatch is not the primary threat, with disease, predation, and starvation being greater risks, these measures will contribute to stabilizing the population.
Tags: hoiho Shane Jones Otago Peninsula Fishing Related Mortality Limit FRML fisheries bycatch endangered speciesGovernment Funds $4.5M Mussel Spat Nursery to Boost NZ Greenshell Industry
1 month ago | 468 viewsThe New Zealand government is funding a $4.5 million loan to establish a mussel spat nursery in Houhora Bay, Northland, aiming to stabilize and increase spat supply for the Greenshell mussel industry. The Te Hiku Aquaculture Mussel Spat Project, led by four iwi groups and co-funded with $1.3 million, will develop up to 150 mussel lines to improve spat survival and support nationwide mussel farming. This initiative aligns with the government’s Aquaculture Development Plan to grow the industry to $3 billion annually by 2035 and is progressing through the Fast-track consent process before funding is released.
Tags: Mark Patterson Te Aupōuri Te Rarawa Ngāi Takoto Ngāti Kahu Akau Associate Regional Development Minister Te Aupōuri Fisheries Management Limited Muriwhenua GovernmentNew Zealand Boosts Funding to Support Pacific Fisheries and Tuna Innovation
1 month ago | 488 viewsNew Zealand is increasing funding and support to Pacific nations to enhance innovation, combat illegal fishing, and improve returns from tuna fisheries through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures programme (PITVP). The PITVP focuses on value-added opportunities, turning tuna by-products into high-value goods, thereby helping coastal communities benefit more fairly from their resources. Hosting the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting for the first time in 18 years, New Zealand emphasizes regional cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries management and food security.
Tags: New Zealand Winston Peters Shane Jones Pacific nations Forum Fisheries Agency Forum Fisheries Committee Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures tuna fisheries illegal fishing fisheries sustainabilityPacific Fisheries Ministers Meet in Wellington to Boost Sustainable Tuna Management
1 month ago | 420 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is hosting the annual Forum Fisheries Ministerial Committee in Wellington, bringing together 16 Pacific Island fisheries ministers to focus on sustainable management of shared tuna resources in the Pacific region. The Western and Central Pacific Ocean supplies over 50% of the world’s tuna, with around 80% caught within Pacific Island Exclusive Economic Zones, making fisheries vital for regional economies and food security. The meeting aims to strengthen collaborative efforts on sustainable fishing limits, governance, and increasing the economic value of fisheries, with New Zealand playing a key role alongside Pacific Island partners and the Forum Fisheries Agency.
Tags: Shane Jones Forum Fisheries Agency Pacific Island fisheries ministers New Zealand Pacific Island Forum Forum Fisheries Ministerial Committee Regional Fisheries Ministers meeting Australia Pacific Ocean tuna fisheriesPublic Consultation Open on NZ Fishery Catch Limits and Sustainability Measures 2026
2 months ago | 431 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced a public consultation on proposed changes to catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, emphasizing the use of scientific data and stakeholder input to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Significant catch reductions are proposed for tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock influenced by warming waters, while catch increases are suggested for snapper and trevally in certain areas where populations are thriving. The review also includes adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with decisions to be finalized before the 2026 fishing year, and submissions open until July 24, 2026.
Tags: Shane Jones tarakihi snapper trevally fisheries sustainability catch limits New Zealand deemed value rates MPIPublic Consultation Opens on NZ Fishery Catch Limits and Sustainability Measures 2026
2 months ago | 409 viewsOceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposed catch limit and sustainability changes for 22 fish stocks, including significant reductions for New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock levels affected by warming waters. While tarakihi stocks continue to decline despite previous catch reductions, catch limits for snapper and trevally are proposed to increase in certain areas reflecting their growing abundance. The review also considers adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with submissions open until July 24, 2026, and final decisions expected before the 2026 fishing year begins.
Tags: Shane Jones tarakihi snapper trevally fisheries sustainability catch limits New Zealand deemed value rates MPIKaikoura Rock Lobster Fishery Closed for 3 Months to Protect Sustainability
2 months ago | 420 viewsA three-month closure of the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area, starting 1 July, aims to sustain the fishery by protecting egg-carrying females and allowing smaller lobsters to grow. This closure, supported by local guardians and rūnanga, includes recreational, commercial, and customary fishing restrictions to enhance resilience ahead of the peak season. Fisheries New Zealand will conduct a stock assessment later this year, which may lead to adjustments in catch settings, following strong public support for the closure.
Tags: rock lobster Kaikoura Marine Area Shane Jones Kaikōura Marine Guardians Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura Fisheries New Zealand rāhui fishery closure stock assessment fishing seasonSeasonal Closure Protects Orange Roughy Spawning to Aid Fishery Recovery
2 months ago | 529 viewsA seasonal closure of 4,983 square kilometres in the East and South Chatham Rise fishery will protect spawning orange roughy from early June to mid-July annually to aid stock recovery. This measure, alongside reduced commercial catch limits, responds to assessments showing the fishery is under pressure and aims to ensure the species' sustainability and ongoing economic benefits. The decision followed public consultation, balancing scientific advice and stakeholder feedback, while allowing commercial fishing in other areas and times.
Tags: Shane Jones orange roughy East and South Chatham Rise ESCR fishery deepwater fishery spawning closure commercial catch limit New Zealand fisheries management stock recoveryNew Zealand’s Bottom Trawl Fishing Footprint Remains Minimal and Stable in 2024
2 months ago | 541 viewsNew Zealand’s bottom trawl fishing footprint covers only 1.7% of its waters, concentrated in specific areas and remaining stable for decades, minimizing environmental impact. The industry is vital to the economy, contributing $1.57 billion in exports and employing around 9,000 people, with about 70% of commercial fish caught by bottom trawling. Fisheries officials monitor and work with the industry to reduce impacts through innovation, gear modifications, and alternative methods, aligning with global practices and consumer expectations.
Tags: New Zealand Shane Jones bottom trawling Ministry for Primary Industries fishing industry trawl footprint fisheries trawl gear bycatch fishing methodsHave Your Say on Protecting Auckland and Coromandel Shellfish Sustainability
3 months ago | 647 viewsProposals to protect shellfish and marine species in Auckland and Coromandel intertidal zones are open for public consultation, aiming to address concerns about over-harvesting and ecosystem sustainability. Officials, supported by local communities and tangata whenua, seek feedback on potential area closures and restrictions to help shellfish beds recover while managing pollution and runoff. These measures follow a successful two-year ban on gathering sea life in parts of the northern Hauraki Gulf, with the goal of balancing conservation and continued public enjoyment of coastal resources.
Tags: Shane Jones Jenny Marcroft Simon Watts Auckland Coromandel shellfish intertidal zones marine species fisheries management Hauraki GulfNew Zealand Boosts Funding to Support Sustainable Fisheries in Tuvalu
5 months ago | 802 viewsNew Zealand has announced additional funding for the Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme to strengthen Tuvalu’s fisheries sector and support community resilience amid climate challenges. This funding reflects New Zealand’s long-term commitment to partnership, sustainable development, and economic security for Tuvalu. The support, provided through the International Development Cooperation programme, aims to enhance local capacity and promote Pacific resilience and security.
Tags: New Zealand Tuvalu Winston Peters Feleti Teo Tuvalu Fisheries Support Programme fisheries sector Pacific resilience climate challenges sustainable development International Development Cooperation