Operating Intentions
Maximise future benefits from the use of fisheries
What are we seeking to achieve?
The Ministry seeks to maximise the future benefits from the use of fisheries. This requires us to consider how fisheries resources might be used in the future, and how to enable maximum future benefits. Two key components of this outcome are supporting long-term economic development and ensuring the ongoing health of fish stocks. The sustainable management of fish stocks underpins all uses of fisheries, today and in the future, and this outcome contributes to the four fisheries sector supporting outcomes for use, while also requiring that the impacts on aquatic ecosystems are addressed, ecological systems are conserved, and habitats of special significance to fisheries are protected.
How will we demonstrate success in achieving this?
Future benefits are not possible to measure today. If we can demonstrate success in delivering maximum benefits within environmental limits over time, we will be achieving this outcome. This requires us to invest in ongoing monitoring and evaluation of those measures indicated under the outcome described above. In particular, we will evaluate performance before and after particular interventions have been implemented, to ascertain the success of those interventions.
One example of this is the current aquaculture reforms. The performance of the aquaculture sector will be monitored to ascertain whether the reforms have resulted in increased benefits.
What will we do to achieve this?
Achieving this outcome is highly dependent on our current management regime. Many of the mechanisms and actions used to maximise current benefits will also affect, and be used to maximise, future benefits. These actions and mechanisms include policy development and fisheries planning, improving information, education and enforcement, international representation, and spatial allocation of fisheries areas. Ongoing regulatory review will also reduce unintended impediments.
Better understanding of the different uses of fisheries resources, and what different groups’ aspirations are, will enable the Ministry to do a better job of maximising benefits for each use, and across the different uses. Developing a means for obtaining better estimates of amateur catch and the development and inclusion of Iwi Fisheries Plans into the fisheries management frameworks will assist us in achieving this outcome.
Aquaculture is a key growth area. To support sustainable aquaculture growth the Ministry will provide advice and support for the passage of the Aquaculture Bill. We will complete and implement the national Aquaculture Strategy and the actions identified.
We are working collaboratively with the fishing industry on a number of projects to deliver greater efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery and policy. Three such projects the Ministry will be completing through to implementation over the next 12 months include the Observer Services Strategy Review, Research Services Strategy, and Discarding at Sea.
The Ministry will act to increase the role it plays in public education, not only with regard to people’s rights and responsibilities, but also on consumer issues such as the sustainability of particular stocks and species, and the use of particular fishing techniques.
The Ministry will also continue to work with other Pacific states to improve their fisheries management capabilities.