Minister seeks views on emergency proposals to reduce seabird bycatch

28 November 2006

Following the recent incident of a significant amount of seabird bycatch by a vessel targeting swordfish in the Kermadec Fisheries Management Area the Minister, pursuant to Section 16(2) of the Fisheries Act 1996, is inviting consultation over proposals for the introduction of emergency measures to managed the incidental catch of seabirds in surface longline fisheries.

The Minister in keeping with Section 8 of the Fisheries Act 1996 which requires him to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of fishing on the aquatic environment has considered a range of options and is therefore proposing a number of emergency measures under Section 16 (7) of the Fisheries Act 1996 to reduce the bycatch of albatross and ensure their long term viability.

The measures include the initial proposal to close the Kermadec FMA to the method of surface longlining and to restrict surface longlining in the whole of the New Zealand EEC to the hours of darkness.

Views are due no later than 5pm Wednesday 29 November and should be sent to comms@fish.govt.nz

 Download Minister's letter to stakeholders (PDF 198kb).

 Download Minister's decision on seabird bycatch (PDF 454kb).