Squid Fishery around Auckland Islands (SQU6T)
In November 2007 the Minister of Fisheries approved measures to mitigate the effects that vessels, operating in the SQU6T fishery, have on the Auckland Island sea lion population. These measures will be implemented through the SQU6T sea lion Operational Plan, and include
- A limit on the number of sea lion deaths attributable to vessels operating in the SQU6T fishery – the fishing-related mortality limit (FRML);
- Procedures to monitor sea lion bycatch against this limit;
- A process to close the fishery if this limit is reached
In summary the Minister approved:
- A FRML of 81 sea lions
- A predetermined strike rate of 6.75% which is used to monitor bycatch against the FRML
- A sea lion exclusion device (SLED) discount factor of 35%.
A copy of the Final Advice Paper that was provided to the Minister can be found below, as can a copy of the Ministers decision letter to stakeholders.
If you require further information on this decision or on the SQU6T fishery please contact Aoife Martin on 04 819 4675 or Aoife.martin@fish.govt.nz
Download SQU6T Final Advice Paper (PDF 643kb)
Download Ministers SQU6T Decision Letter (PDF 49kb)
Initial Position Paper and Summary of Submissions:
Download the Initial Position Paper
The features of the proposed plan are similar to those of previous years. The plan focuses on the use of a fishing‑related mortality limit (FRML) to constrain sea lion mortalities caused by SQU6T trawl fishing. This mortality limit reflects the requirements of the Fisheries Act to balance sustainability of the sea lion population with utilisation of the SQU6T resource. The Act allows the Minister of Fisheries to close the fishery when the FRML is reached.
Key elements in the plan include the FRML, the strike rate to estimate the number of sea lion mortalities based on tows undertaken, a discount factor for the strike rate applied to tows conducted with an approved sea lion exclusion devices (SLEDs), requirements for reporting tows undertaken and sea lion captures, and provisions for monitoring fishing activity by MFish observers.
The Department of Conservation (DoC) has released for consultation a Draft Population Management Plan for New Zealand Sea Lions (PMP).
As this PMP will not be available to inform management decisions for the 2007-08 SQU6T fishing season, the Minister of Fisheries will set the FRML for the coming season. The PMP may be in place to inform the management of the 2008-09 SQU6T fishing season. Comments received on the IPP that relate to the content of the PMP will be sent to DoC for their consideration.
All submissions received on the sea lion operational plan will be posted on this webpage. Submissions will be added in the order in which they are received. Please click on the following links for copies of submissions received:
Ngai Tahu submission (PDF 66KB)
NZ Wildlife Health Centre submission (PDF 86KB)
Deepwater Group/Seafood Industry Council submission (PDF 439KB)
Liz Slooten submission (PDF 181KB)
Steve Dawson submission (PDF 64KB)