Aquatic Life Transfers

As part of the proposed Conservation Law Reform Bill of 2004, the Ministry of Fisheries and the Department of Conservation have developed proposals to clarify and streamline the processes for applications for the transfer of freshwater aquatic life (section 26ZM of the Conservation Act and Part 8 of the Freshwater Fisheries Regulations). The provisions are intended to safeguard a variety of natural and cultural values and to prevent the spread of disease.

The Government has already approved most other elements of the reform, but requires further consultation on these options for improving the decision making process. The reforms are intended to simplify the process for making applications, rather than to substantially change the roles of either organisation.

The discussion document provides information about the current aquatic life transfer consent processes and options for simplifying those. It does not include the detailed provisions that would apply regardless of which option is selected. There will be another opportunity to comment on these proposals and the overall reform when the Conservation Law Reform Bill is introduced to a Select Committee later in 2004.

  Aquatic Life Transfer Reform Discussion Paper (46 KB)
The Department of Conservation, in association with Ministry of Fisheries, is proposing to clarify and streamline section 26ZM of the Conservation Act and Part 8 of the Freshwater Fisheries Regulations, as part of the proposed Conservation Law Reform Bill of 2004. The Conservation Act and Freshwater Fisheries Regulations are administered by the Department of Conservation