Application by New Zealand Longline Ltd. To hold deepwater crab quota in excess of aggregation limits

In May 2011 New Zealand Longline Ltd submitted an application for an exemption to the quota aggregation limit provisions of section 59(1a) of the Fisheries Act 1996 (The Act) for two species of deepwater crab; red crab and king crab. Both species of crab are on Schedule 5 of The Act, which stipulates that no person may own more than 45% of combined total allowable commercial catches (TACCs) for those species. Between 14 June and 15 July 2011 the Ministry of Fisheries, on behalf of the Minister, undertook consultation regarding New Zealand Longline Ltd’s request.

A briefing was provided to the Minister on 28 September 2011 and the Minister has made his decisions, which are contained in the attached decision letter

In summary the Minister approved New Zealand Longline Ltd’s application to hold quota in excess of the aggregation limits for both red crab and king crab.

If you have any questions regarding this issue please contact:

Tiffany Bock, Fisheries Analyst, Fisheries Management – Deepwater, on 819 4603 or email tiffany.bock@fish.govt.nz.


 Download Decision Letter (PDF 56KB)