New Zealand fisheries utilisation and sustainability reported

Explanation

This provides for fisheries management advice on utilisation and sustainability through:

• implementation and maintenance of the rights-based framework

• development and implementation of fisheries plans and standards

• implement the Government's Marine Protected Areas Strategy

• advice on marine reserve applications

• advice on proposed aquaculture management areas

• implementation of regulatory amendments

• implementation of the Government's aquaculture reforms.

Expected results

Quantity, quality and timeliness

1. Complete a programme for the development of Fisheries Plans by 30 September 2006 and continue the development of fisheries plans based on this agreed programme of work.

2. Evaluate and provide recommendations to the Minister on fisheries plans within three months of receipt of the final draft of a plan.

3. The initial set of generic and interim standards for fisheries plans will be developed by 30 December 2006.

4. As and when required, concurrence reports on marine reserve applications will be provided to the Minister of Fisheries following receipt of a request by the Minister of Conservation within a timeframe agreed with the Minister of Fisheries for each request, and within the terms of the Marine Reserves Protocol.

5. As and when required, a reservation or determination is issued within the timeframes set in section 186E of the Fisheries Act 1996 to the relevant regional council following receipt of advice from the council that an aquaculture management area is proposed.

6. Final advice papers provided to the Minister of Fisheries on the proposed sustainability measures and management controls to be implemented for the 1 October 2006 and 1 April 2007 fishing years will be completed in sufficient time to implement decisions prior to the relevant fishing year.

7. Final advice papers will be provided to the Minister of Fisheries by 30 June 2007 on:

• Setting out the TACs/TACCs for new species to be introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2007 and

• Proposing new species to be introduced into the QMS on 1 October 2008.

Cost