The following can be attributed to Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek.
Seafood New Zealand is extremely disappointed to hear the Waikato Regional Council officially notified yesterday it will be prohibiting certain commercial fishing methods in parts of its coastal waters. We disagree with the decision for a number of reasons, including, but not limited to:
There being inadequate information to inform the decision and justify the implementation of the proposed rules.
The lack of information provided to support a genuine consultation, including with those affected, on the fishing controls to be implemented.
That the Council has strayed beyond its jurisdiction by making fisheries management decisions that fall under the Fisheries Act and not the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Seafood New Zealand stands by the sector’s commitment to responsible fisheries stewardship and sustainable management, and the importance the industry places on healthy fisheries and marine ecosystems. However, decisions related to fisheries management, such as this, should be decided according to the Fisheries Act 1996 and its robust requirements for science-based management and consultation with all affected parties. The management of fisheries does not fall within local Council remits and the RMA needs to be amended to support appropriate management.
We now need to get a better understanding of this decision and its implications, which risk undermining science-based fisheries management and endangering livelihoods.