Final Advice Paper on the Management of Southern Bluefin Tuna

In November 2010, the Ministry of Fisheries consulted on a proposal to increase the catch limit for southern bluefin tuna (STN 1) within the current (2010-11) fishing year. The Minister has now made his decisions, as outlined in the attached decision letter and based on the attached final advice paper.

In summary, the Minister decided to increase the total allowable catch (TAC) within the 2010-11 fishing year, from 420t to 539t; and to make available additional annual catch entitlements (ACE) to commercial fishers, as well as making slight increases to the allowances for recreational fishing and other sources of fishing-related mortality. This brings the TAC to around the same level as applied in the 2009-10 fishing year, in line with decisions made by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna on the level of catch available to New Zealand for 2010 and 2011. At the end of the current fishing year, the previous TAC, TACC and allowances will apply.

At the same time, the Ministry also consulted on management options for the 2011-12 fishing year. The Minister is still considering these options and will advise stakeholders of his decisions in due course.

 Download Decision Letter (PDF 784KB)

 Download Final Advice Paper (PDF 296KB)