Have your say on proposed fisheries catch limits

Franklin’s many fishing enthusiasts are being urged to share their views on catch limits and other management changes for nearly 30 fisheries across New Zealand.

The changes are included in proposals for the next regular fisheries sustainability review, Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries management Emma Taylor says.

The public consultation, which began on June 24, includes proposed changes for three blue cod stocks, snapper on the west coast of the South Island, and blue mackerel on the west coast of the North Island.

“The blue cod fish stocks being reviewed are all highly prized shared fisheries, important to recreational, customary, and commercial fishers alike,” Taylor says.

“Proposed cuts to commercial catch for two blue cod stocks are in response to latest abundance estimates, while the third had a commercial catch limit cut last year.

“Recreational daily catch limits are proposed to be reduced for all three fisheries, in line with the settings in place under the National Blue Cod Strategy.”

She says the latest assessment of blue mackerel on the west coast of the North and South Islands shows that the fish stock is above the target level, so the proposals include an increased catch for the fishery.

“These are just a small portion of the fish stocks included in the proposed changes.

“I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to read the consultation material and provide feedback.

“The fisheries included in this review represent stocks that are of importance to New Zealand economically, socially, and culturally.

“We need to ensure catch limits and other settings for our fisheries strike the right balance between getting value for all New Zealanders while ensuring they remain sustainable for future generations.

“Following consultation, we’ll prepare advice for Fisheries Minister Shane Jones to make decisions on any changes, which would come into effect for the fishing year starting October 1.”

Also included in the proposed changes are deemed value rate changes for six fish stocks.

The consultation is open now and will run until July 23.

The full proposals, as well as more information about the consultation and how to make a submission can be found at www.mpi.govt.nz.