CONSULTATION ON THE RECOMENDATIONS TO THE MINISTER OF FISHERIES OF THE JOINT WORKING GROUP ON DEEMED VALUES

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16 August 2006

Dear Stakeholder

The Ministry of Fisheries has begun consulting on the recommendations of the government and industry Joint Working Group on Deemed Values. This consultation was signalled in a letter, dated 4 June 2004, sent to stakeholders at the beginning of the review process

The catch-balancing regime is important in maintaining the integrity of the Quota Management System (QMS). This includes the provisions for reporting commercial catches and accounting for catches against the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). Central to this regime are the incentives for fishers to balance their catch against Annual Catch Entitlement (ACE). Deemed values is a key part of providing these incentives, while also providing the flexibility to land un-planned catches and seek ACE after landing.

The good functioning of the QMS is important not only for commercial fishers but also for ensuring the sustainability of fisheries and protecting the rights of amateur and Maori customary fishers in shared fisheries.

The Joint Working Group on deemed values was formed in 2004 and submitted their nine recommendations to the Minister of Fisheries in May 2005. The Minister subsequently decided that consultation should be undertaken to seek the views of fisheries stakeholders before any decision is taken on the recommendations.

The Ministry of Fisheries welcomes written submissions on the proposals contained within the discussion document. Written submissions are due by Friday, 13 October 2006 and should be posted to Deemed Values Policy Consultation, Ministry of Fisheries, PO Box 1020, Wellington. Alternatively, electronic submissions can be emailed to dvconsultation@fish.govt.nz.

Once the final decision is made by the Minister of Fisheries, submitters can expect to be notified by letter of the outcome and how the range of submissions were taken into account in the provision of final advice.

Finally, we note that all submissions that are received are publicly available under the Official Information Act 1982. Should any person or organisation wish for any information contained in their submission to be withheld under the Act, the grounds for withholding the information must be provided in the submission.

Yours Sincerely

Mark Edwards

Manager Fisheries Policy