Conclusion
Recent changes to the QMS have refined the system to enable better management of New Zealand's fishery resources. The changes introduced address problematic aspects of the system, and further contribute to the sustainable utilisation of fishery resources. Allocation of rights in shared fisheries remains the most contentious issue in the system, a characteristic that leads to litigation in the courts. This is unlikely to diminish in the future unless steps are taken to improve the framework for intersectoral allocation and provide better tools to enable non-commercial values to be met.
An increased environmental focus in the management of fisheries has developed in recent years. This focus parallels an increased global focus on environmental issues in the marine domain and pressure from an environmentally aware New Zealand public with strong interests in the marine environment. Environmental considerations in fisheries management in New Zealand are born out of the principles of the Fisheries Act and related environmental legislation that requires fisheries management to take account of the wider ecosystem in which fisheries exist.
The settlement of Maori claims to commercial and customary fishing rights now sees Maori as a major player in the New Zealand fishing industry, and provides a platform from which to greatly influence the future development of the industry. Since the Settlement Maori have increased their control of commercial fishing quota to over 33% of New Zealand commercial fishing rights.
Recent growth in the aquaculture industry has led the Government to develop a package of measures to reform the management regime for aquaculture. The purpose of the reforms is to enable aquaculture to increase the contribution it makes to the national economy, while not undermining the fisheries management regime and ensuring the adverse effects of aquaculture are managed.
Domestically, New Zealand is at turning point in the management of its fisheries resources. The development and implementation of fisheries plans is directed at improving the opportunities for those who utilise fisheries resources to contribute to, and participate in, the management of the resource. However, a framework is needed to improve intersectoral allocation and provide for a wider range of values from fisheries if the value of fisheries is to be maximised.
The QMS remains the Government's preferred management tool, with the new fisheries management approach better directing the overall management of fishery resources. Paralleling the new approach to fisheries management is a Government effort at liberalising trade. These opportunities should provide for further opportunities for the New Zealand fishing industry to grow and for New Zealand to increase the value obtained from its fisheries resource, within the scope of sustainable use.