Minister seeks views on proposals to reduce seabird bycatch in the swordfish fisheries
6 December 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 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996, is inviting consultation over proposals for the introduction of measures to manage 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 measures under section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996 to reduce the bycatch of albatross and ensure their long term viability.
The measures include a proposal to restrict surface longlining in the whole of the New Zealand EEZ to the hours of darkness, for commercial fishers using the method of surface longlining in New Zealand’s EEZ to deploy a streamer at all times while setting, and fishers intending to use the method of surface longlining in New Zealand’s EEZ to provide at least five days’ notice of departure on a fishing trip to the Ministry of Fisheries.
Views are due no later than 5:00pm Thursday 21 December and should be sent to horea@fish.govt.nz
See also - Minister's Letter to Stakeholders
Download Swordfish Decision - Minister of Fisheries (PDF 286kb)
The PDF document below is the Final Advice Paper to the Minister on proposals to introduce measures to manage the incidental catch of seabirds in surface longline fisheries. The information contained in this paper is relevant to the current consultation to introduce measures by Gazette Notice under Section 11 of the Fisheries Act and may be helpful for writing submissions.
Please note submissions on proposals should be made by 21 December 2006.
Download Final Advice Paper - Emergency Measures for Reducing Seabird Bycatch in Swordfish Fishery (PDF 78kb)
Download Appendices to Accompany Final Advice Paper - Emergency Measures for Reducing Seabird Bycatch in Swordfish Fishery (PDF 130kb)