FISHERIES AND THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT
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 wellbeing of iwi and hapu-
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.
Achieving our vision
A single goal
In order to achieve our vision, we are focused on a single goal or fishery outcome for our fisheries:
"Maximise the value New Zealanders obtain through the sustainable use of fisheries resources and protection of the aquatic environment"
This goal is consistent with the purpose of the Fisheries Act 1996,
"to provide for the utilisation of fisheries resources while ensuring sustainability"
Three strategies
We have three strategies to achieve our goal and secure our vision.
Our goal:
Strategy 1
Protect the health of the aquatic environment by:
developing and implementing frameworks and processes to:
manage the effects of fishing on the aquatic environment
maintain marine biodiversity and aquatic habitats
avoid or manage marine biosecurity risks
allow the government or stakeholders to take action against those who degrade the aquatic environment
enabling New Zealanders to participate effectively in developing policies, frameworks, and standards to manage effects on, and protect, the aquatic environment.
Strategy 2
Enable people to get the best value from the sustainable and efficient use of fisheries by:
better defining and integrating the rights and obligations of commercial, customary, recreational, and other users and allocating those rights and obligations
maintaining the integrity of policies, frameworks, and processes to support the rights and obligations associated with fisheries use and conservation
developing institutional frameworks and capacity for fisheries stakeholders and the public to participate effectively in fisheries management
enabling New Zealanders to participate effectively in developing frameworks and processes for using fisheries resources and making decisions.
Strategy 3
Ensure the Crown delivers on its obligations to Māori with respect to fisheries by:
implementing its partnership obligations
establishing and maintaining effective relationships
developing frameworks and processes to implement the 1992 Fisheries Deed of Settlement
ensuring contemporary grievances are not created.
Working together
The support and active participation of all those with an interest in fisheries resources and the aquatic environment is vital to the successful pursuit of our vision. Everyone has a role to play and our success will depend on strong productive relationships. This includes the Ministry of Fisheries, other central and local government agencies, tangata whenua, stakeholders, and the public.
Tangata Whenua and Stakeholders
The role of tangata whenua, fisheries stakeholders and the public is to:
The Ministry of Fisheries
The core role of the Ministry, in collaboration with other government agencies, is advising on and implementing government policy in the following areas of core responsibility: ensuring ecological protection and sustainability; meeting international and Treaty of Waitangi obligations; enabling efficient resource use; and ensuring the integrity of management systems. For each of these core responsibilities, some of the key functions follow.
Ensuring Ecological Sustainability
research and monitor the health of fisheries and the aquatic environment, and the effects of fishing
specify environmental standards related to the use of fisheries and the impact of fishing on the aquatic environment
maintain the potential of fisheries resources to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations
set, implement and enforce sustainability measures
research and manage biosecurity risks.
Meeting Treaty of Waitangi Obligations
involve Māori in fisheries management decision-making
deliver 20 per cent of new quota to Māori
provide for and protect customary fishing rights.
Enabling Efficient Resource Use
define and allocate rights to use fisheries resources
provide frameworks to allow rights holders to exercise those rights
recognise and protect New Zealand's fishing and conservation interests during the negotiation of international agreements.
Ensuring the Integrity of Management Systems
evaluate and monitor fisheries plans
set standards and specifications for services such as research and administration
monitor and audit the delivery of fisheries and marine biosecurity services
manage fisheries and aquatic environment information
deliver criminal law enforcement and prosecution services
ensure management and information frameworks are consistent with New Zealand's international fisheries obligations.