Source: New Zealand Government
New Zealand has secured orange roughy catch limits in the South Pacific for another two years at a Pacific regional fisheries meeting, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
The proposal brought to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) by New Zealand and Australia, was adopted without opposition from other member countries.
“The adoption of New Zealand’s proposal to retain current levels of orange roughy catch in this fishery until 2028 is a vote of confidence in our commitment to commercially viable and sustainable South Pacific fisheries,” Mr Jones says.
“This decision, combined with last year’s agreement at SPRFMO to increase carry forward of unused annual catch, supports jobs in New Zealand and our economy, and makes a real difference for our fishing industry.”
A further proposal by New Zealand to increase the bycatch threshold for coral and sponge before fishers are required to move on from the area was not supported.
“While I’m disappointed there was not agreement on this proposal, New Zealand will be making the same proposal next year. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure continued access to the South Pacific fishery.
“I reiterate that this proposal is based on the best available scientific information we have, and will ensure our commercial fishers in the South Pacific are not hampered by needlessly restrictive rules, while still preventing significant adverse effects on the marine ecosystem,” Mr Jones says.
New Zealand’s proposal to strengthen measures to protect seabirds in bottom longline and trawl fisheries was adopted at the meeting.
“Many of our taonga seabirds, including albatross and petrels, range across the Pacific. These measures are crucial for their protection. They align with international best practice, as well as the rules that apply for commercial fishers in New Zealand waters,” Mr Jones says.
New Zealand also made progress in the establishment of binding labour standards for crew on fishing vessels operated by member countries in the high seas of the South Pacific. The proposal from New Zealand and the United States recognises the unique work environment on board fishing vessels and the vulnerability of crew to exploitation.
“While no consensus was reached at this meeting, there was good progress on the text of the new rules which establish basic minimum conditions for crew on fishing vessels. “We will continue this important work with the aim of having these adopted in 2027 so fishing crews in the region are protected from exploitation and the same ethical standards apply to all fishers in the region.”
“I remain committed to ensuring New Zealand has access to commercially viable fisheries in the Pacific, and I will continue to advocate for fisheries management that strikes a balance between environmental protections and these economic benefits,” Mr Jones says.
