Fisheries Standards

The Ministry of Fisheries has released for stakeholder consultation a package of draft fisheries standards. Standards are a key component of the objectives-based management approach being implemented by the Ministry. Standards are designed to increase transparency, encourage greater participation, and serve as an essential tool to inform objectives-based fisheries plans.

The first package of standards consists of harvest strategy, consultation and a priority-setting process for the management of non-Quota Management System stocks. Also included is an overview paper setting out the context for developing standards and providing definitions of key terms. These standards are the first of some 20 that will be released for stakeholder consultation over the next year.

The deadline for comment on this first package of draft standards was 26 April 2007.

Update: A new version of the harvest strategy standard has now been released for consultation. To read it and to make a submission, visit Harvest Strategy Standard. Final Advice on the Stakeholder Consultation Process Standard and the QMS Introduction Process Standard is due to go to the Minister in the near future.


 Cover note to stakeholders (PDF 101kb)

Harvest strategy standard

The harvest strategy standard will provide for greater consistency and transparency in the management of New Zealand fishstocks. This standard will require the setting of target, threshold and limit reference points for all Quota Management System (QMS) fishstocks, and prescribes the performance levels that must be met.

 Harvest Strategy Standard (PDF 440kb)

Stakeholder consultation process standard

The consultation standard sets out how MFish will meet minimum requirements to consult with fisheries stakeholders before making decisions relating to a range of fishery management issues. The purpose of this standard is to ensure quality and consistency across all MFish business groups when consulting with fisheries stakeholders. It contains performance measures where appropriate, such as minimum periods for consultation.

 Stakeholder Consultation Process (PDF 138kb)

QMS introduction process standard

The QMS Introduction Standard defines a system for ensuring the transparent and consistent administration of the annual process to introduce new species into the QMS. The process has been designed to reflect the legislative obligations to introduce a stock into the QMS if the existing management framework is not ensuring its sustainability or providing for its utilisation.

 QMS Introduction Process Standard (PDF 136kb)

Fisheries standards overview

The overview paper describing fisheries standards sets out the context for developing standards and provides definitions of key terms (including outcomes, standards and objectives)

 Fisheries Standards (PDF 53kb)