Review of Sustainability Measures for Southern Blue Whiting - 1 April 2011

Between January and February 2011 the Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) consulted on sustainability measures for the southern blue whiting stocks at the Bounty Islands (SBW6B) and Campbell Islands (SBW 6I), for the start of the April 2011-12 fishing year.

A Final Advice Paper (see below) was provided to the Minister of Fisheries in March 2011, and the Minister has now made his decisions which are contained in the attached decision letter. 

 Download SBW Decision Letter (PDF 124kb)

In summary, the Minister has decided to:

SBW6B

1. Decrease the SBW6B TAC from 15,000 tonnes to 7,000 tonnes for the 2011-12 fishing year;
2. Set a TACC for SBW6B at 6,860 tonnes;
3. Set an allowance for other sources of fishing related mortality at 140 tonnes; and
4. Agree to undertake a further TAC review by 1 April 2012

SBW6I

1. Increase the SBW6I TAC from 23,460 tonnes to 30,000 tonnes for the 2011-12 fishing year;
2. Set a TACC for SBW6I at 29,400 tonnes; and
3. Set an allowance for other sources of fishing related mortality of 600 tonnes.

MFish’s Final Advice Paper to the Minister is also available for download below: 

 Download Final Advice Paper (PDF 332kb)  

The Initial Position Paper that was made available for consultation is also available for download below, as is the letter that was circulated to stakeholders.

 Download Initial Position Paper – SBW 6B (MSWord 370KB)

 Download Initial Position Paper – SBW 6I (MSWord 362KB)

 Download Stakeholder Letter (PDF 719KB)

Should you wish to receive more information about the proposals contained in the FAP, please contact:

Vicky Reeve, Fisheries Analyst, Fisheries Management – Deepwater, Wellington, (04) 819 4606, or email vicky.reeve@fish.govt.nz