Strategic Plan 2003-2008 Now Available

15 January 2003

The Ministry of Fisheries has released a Strategic Plan for New Zealand's fisheries for the period 2003-2008. This document will inform and guide the Ministry's work over the next five years.

Chief Executive Warwick Tuck said that although this was a forward-looking document, it builds on the achievements of the past.

"New Zealand is widely recognised as a world leader in the sustainable management of fisheries because of the building blocks that have been put in place since the establishment of our 200 mile EEZ in 1978," he stated.

Key concepts in the plan are:

• An improved environmental performance by all those who utilise fisheries resources;
• Working to ensure the best value is gained from the sustainable utilisation of the resource; and,
• Ensuring delivery of the Crown's fisheries obligations to Maori.

"The Strategic Plan is a key component in New Zealand's evolutionary progress towards the sustainable development of our oceans," said Mr Tuck.

Mr Tuck acknowledged that Ministry staff, other government departments and stakeholders had contributed valuable input into the new Strategic Plan during a consultation process that spanned most of 2002.

"The challenge for MFish and those with a stake in the sector is to now deliver on the strategies and initiatives it contains," Mr Tuck concluded.

Ends

The Ministry of Fisheries Strategic Plan 2003-2008 has been published on the Ministry website.

Printed copies are available on request from comms@fish.govt.nz or telephone 04 494 2350. Anyone wanting to discuss the Strategic Plan should contact Alan Meek, Communications Manager, Ministry of Fisheries, tel. 04 494 2369.