STRATEGIC PLAN 2003/08

The Ministry of Fisheries released its new five-year Strategic Plan in early 2003. It provides a good idea of how the Ministry will play its part to meet Government goals in fisheries over the medium term.

SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES IN A HEALTHY AQUATIC ECOSYSTEM

The Ministry’s strategic direction for 2003/08 was released to stakeholders in January 2003.

Reprinted here, it sets out the Ministry’s vision for the fishery and contains a clear statement on our views of the fishery of the future and the strategies to get there.

It provides the direction for those with an interest in the fishery to move forward with confidence and against which to chart progress.

It also includes the contribution the Ministry will continue to make towards achieving the vision for the fishery - focusing on two areas: fisheries policies, both new and existing, and organisational initiatives to ensure the Ministry is ready and able to meet the challenges ahead.

It contains some shifts in emphasis necessary to fulfil the full breadth of responsibilities inherent in our mission: To be the guardian of the multitudes of Tangaroa.

These include an increased focus on our role in protecting the aquatic environment, and on creating opportunities for tangata whenua and fisheries stakeholders to take greater responsibility.

Our vision

In order to chart a strong and direct course over the next five years and beyond, we all must have a clear view of where New Zealand’s fisheries are headed. As guardians of the multitudes of New Zealand’s waters, the Ministry of Fisheries must consider the aspirations of all New Zealanders who have an interest in fisheries and the aquatic environment, both now and in the future. While this is our vision for the future of our fisheries, we hope it is one you share and will work with us to achieve.

Picture this. New Zealand, 2010

New Zealanders’ attitudes towards the fishery are characterised by confidence and respect. They have confidence in, and support, the way their fisheries and the aquatic environment are managed. They respect the rights of others who have a stake in the fishery and in the aquatic environment.

Benefiting all New Zealanders… Our fisheries resources are used sustainably and the aquatic environment is well protected, contributing to the well-being of New Zealanders and their communities, and in particular:

• a healthy aquatic environment that contributes to cultural, economic and social well-being
• customary Māori fisheries that contribute to the cultural health and well-being of iwi and h-apu
• high-quality recreational fisheries that contribute to the social, cultural and economic well-being of all New Zealanders
• an internationally competitive and profitable seafood industry that makes a significant contribution to our economy.
  

- Now and in the future

Fisheries resources and the aquatic environment are managed with care so future generations will continue to enjoy their many benefits.

Protecting the natural balance...

Our aquatic environment is healthy and the richness of our biodiversity is vigilantly protected. Biosecurity risks are identified, and avoided or managed.

... And the rights and responsibilities of New Zealanders

People with rights to use fisheries resources have responsibility, and are held accountable, for the management of those rights, within environmental limits and standards set by the government. They also meet the external environmental costs, and infrastructure costs, associated with their activities. Strong voluntary compliance with the rules and effective deterrence underpin the sustainable use of fisheries and protection of the aquatic environment.

Working together

The Crown and Māori work in partnership to ensure the sustainable use of fisheries and protect the aquatic environment. Similarly, the Crown works closely with environmental, recreational, scientific, and commercial stakeholders to achieve this same goal.

Those who use fisheries resources and the aquatic environment recognise and respect each other’s rights, responsibilities and interests. They work together constructively to resolve issues.

We work together to make the best decisions we can, using the best information and high-quality research and technologies.