NZ: Healthy stocks, increased TACs

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Due to healthy stocks, catch levels have been increased for a range of New Zealand’s fisheries.

Total Allowable Catch (TAC) limits have been increased for Hoki 1, Ling 5, Ling 7, Orange Roughy 3B, Scampi 2, Kingfish 7, Leatherjacket 3, Oyster 4 and Sea Perch 1.

Primary Industries Minister, Nathan Guy attributed the TAC increases to the success of New Zealand’s “world leading” quota system.

For stocks such as Ling 6, Bluenose 1, 2, 3, 7 and 8 and Snapper 7, the current TAC has been maintained. Most of these fisheries are deep water and utilised mainly by commercial fishers, however there have been a number of small increases to some recreational allowances as well, said Mr Guy.

“The aim of my decisions with these fish stocks mirrors my recent announcement regarding the Snapper 1 fishery. We need to ensure we have healthy, sustainable stocks that will provide for our children and grandchildren,” he said.

The Snapper 1 fishery TAC was recently increased by an extra 500 tonnes, which was allocated to the recreational sector. However, because the recreational sector has been catching well above the set allowance in recent years, short term management changes are required. This will involve a reduction in the bag limit from nine to seven per day, and an increase in the minimum size from 27cm to 30cm, effective 1 April 2014.