The National Fisheries Plan for Highly Migratory Species (HMS) has been approved by the Minister of Fisheries under section 11A of the Fisheries Act. In approving the plan, the Minister expressed his gratitude to members of the fisheries plan advisory group (including commercial, recreational, and customary fishers, and environmental representatives) who were closely involved in its development. The National Fisheries Plan for HMS describes the objectives that will guide the management of all New Zealand fisheries for HMS over the next five years. The Minister is required to take this plan into account before setting or varying relevant sustainability measures or make decisions or recommendations under the Fisheries Act 1996. The plan will also be used to guide prioritisation and planning of fisheries services. Fishery-specific chapters (called operational management plans) provide further guidance on how fisheries for particular HMS species or groupings will be managed, including:
In addition, annual operational plans will provide transparency on the services and tasks planned to help meet objectives. Annual review reports will provide stakeholders with annual updates. Please see attached the Minister’s decision letter and the National Fisheries Plan for HMS. Annual Operational Plan - HMS 2012/13 (PDF 1.00MB) Download Decision Letter (PDF 1.44MB) Download National Fisheries Plan for HMS (PDF 2.20MB) Download Albacore Operational Management Plan (PDF 333KB) Download Large Pelagics Operational Management Plan (PDF 1.29MB) Download Skipjack Operational Management Plan (PDF 1.36MB) Download Annual Review Report - HMS 2012 (PDF 1.08MB)