According to the latest ‘Status of New Zealand Fisheries 2012’ report released by the Ministry for Primary Industries, New Zealand fisheries are showing improvements.
The report shows that 83.2% of fish stocks of known status are healthy – a significant progression during the past year. For the minority of stocks, there has been concern about overfishing, but only 0.5% of fish stocks (by tonnage of landings) are below the ‘hard limit’ line. These have now either been closed or have had reductions in total allowable catches.
Pamela Mace, principal adviser for fisheries science, Ministry of Fisheries, said: “Simply because a stock is below the management target does not mean it is ‘overfished’ or ‘in danger’, as has been repeatedly reported by the media and some environmental organisations.”
James Stevenson-Wallace, director of fisheries management, the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), added: “The overall trend is now showing steady improvement in these fisheries. It has gone from one in four to less than one in five over three years.”
New total allowable catch reductions and voluntary catch limits have been imposed this year to rebuild five stocks of bluenose and one stock each of rock lobster and paua.
Significant improvements have also been made this year for hoki, Chatham Rise orange roughy, Campbell Island southern blue whiting and several South Island stocks of gurnard, elephantfish and John dory.
Despite this, more research is needed for stocks of unknown status.
