Policy Area: Fisheries

Statement of General Direction:

Sustainability is the underlying principle in managing the fish stocks on behalf of New Zealanders. To this end, Government is committed to bringing all species under the Quota Management System(QMS) in the shortest possible time frame and enhancing recreational fishing areas.

Key Initiatives of Policy:

To implement 1996 Fisheries Act to advance:

• sustainability
• maintenance of fish stocks
• complete obligations to Maori
• the New Zealandisation of the commercial fisheries.

Complete regulations for Maori customary fishing.

Review quality of information in setting Total Allowable Commercial Catch. (TACCs)

Review of the rule against aggregation in deep sea fishing in terms of impacts of iwi fishing.

Enhance recreational fishing areas.

Provide appropriate funding for recreational participation into fisheries management.

Further develop the cost recovery model to ensure equitable payment of levies between fishers.

Review of the framework and appointment process for the Maori Fisheries Commission.

Review the 1988 and 1992 amendments to Maori Fisheries legislation on issues of distribution.

Facilitate current restructuring of fishing industry organisations.

Agree to review the make-up and brief of the Fishing Industry Board with a view to promoting 75% New Zealandisation of the industry and protecting New Zealand fish stocks.

Fiscal Implications of this Policy Agreement:

$100,000 for recreational input to fisheries management.

(All funding proposals subject to being considered within the agreed spending policy parameters.)

Legislative Implications of this Policy Agreement:

Amendments to Maori Fisheries legislation resulting from review process.