NZ Bluefin Tuna Fishery Closed For Three Months

3 July 2000

The Ministry of Fisheries (MFish) is closing the bluefin tuna fishery from noon tomorrow (Tuesday) until the end of the fishing year on 30 September, because the catch limit is about to be filled.

New Zealand's annual quota of bluefin tuna is 383 greenweight tonnes. This is set under a regulation which gives effect to New Zealand's agreement under the Convention for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna.

MFish Acting Manager Operational Policy John Annala says the bluefin tuna catch has been monitored on a real time basis during the 2000 season. Based on the latest catch reports and current catch rates, MFish estimates the catch limit of 383 tonnes will be filled by tomorrow.