A World Leader

New Zealand is an acknowledged world leader in the management of fisheries. Key benefits from the approach adopted to manage its fisheries are:

Sustainable harvests - with most of our commercial fisheries harvested at a sustainable level.

A valuable seafood industry - that is the fifth largest export earner for New Zealand, employs 7,155 people directly and makes a valued contribution to regional economies. This is achieved without subsidy and with payment of cost recovery.

Resolution of customary fishing claims - New Zealand was one of the first (and only) countries to resolve customary claims to fishing in a comprehensive manner.

A high quality and popular marine recreational fishery - where approximately 20% of New Zealanders participate in recreational fishing.