Seafood New Zealand is encouraging a balanced, evidence-based conversation around the Fisheries Amendment Bill which was released last week.
“We welcome healthy debate, but it needs to be informed by facts and evidence. Selective soundbites that only tell part of the story are counterproductive,” says Lisa Futschek CEO of Seafood New Zealand.
“There have been a lot of concerns raised about removing minimum size rules over the last few days. There have been statements claiming that these changes haven’t been consulted on – but in reality, these are the results of changes made to the system in 2022 and have been consulted on multiple times – including last year.
“What has also not been highlighted is the fact that commercial fishers will have to pay for catching smaller fish, which they didn’t need to do previously. This change is designed to reduce waste and strengthen incentives to avoid catching small fish. In addition, there is little to no market for smaller fish, which further discourages their capture.
“New Zealand has one of the most sustainable fisheries management systems in the world. The proposed changes build on that foundation, not weaken it.”
Seafood New Zealand says many of these claims misunderstand how the current framework operates, and how the proposed changes will function in practice.
“The reality is that fishers already operate under strict limits, monitoring, and accountability measures. The amendments are designed to improve efficiency and clarity within the system, while maintaining strong sustainability outcomes.
“A healthy ocean is in all of our interests and we hope that is kept front and centre of this debate,” says Ms Futschek.
ENDS
For more information or to arrange interviews please contact:
Nirupa George
Director, Communications and Engagement
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 021 051 2656
OR
Jen Vallance
Senior Communications Advisor
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 022 851 1144
