DEPARTMENTAL OUTPUT EXPENSE – FISHERIES COMPLIANCE

Description

This covers the outputs that promote compliance with fisheries laws. It includes:

• enforcement of commercial fishing rules
• enforcement of customary fishing rules
• enforcement of recreational fishing rules
• enforcement of international fishing rules
• deterrence of poaching and black market activities
• the management of prosecutions.

Objectives

• Monitor fishing-related activities.
• Detect non-compliance with fisheries policies.
• Provide recommendations for prosecution.
• Take other enforcement steps where appropriate.
• Collate and provide information on non-compliance to support policy and regulatory decision-making processes.
• Successfully prosecute those who have offended against fisheries laws.

These actions will contribute to the achievement of optimal compliance with fisheries laws and the deterrence of non-compliance.

Financial performance

Explanation of year-on-year changes

Recreational fishing rules enforced
An increase in effort in this output, with resources being transferred from outputs “Commercial fishing rules enforced” and “Customary fishing rules enforced”.

Poaching and black market activities deterred
Includes a proposed new initiative to increase enforement capacity including taking a multi-agency approach to protect paua and rock lobster stocks from poachers ($2,889).

Expected results

The revised SOI acknowledges the need to take a more collaborative approach to managing fisheries. Accordingly the Ministry intends to work with stakeholders to determine fisheries outcomes and performance standards, and develop objectives-based management plans for fisheries, consistent with legislation, and international and Deed of Settlement obligations.

A part of this development will be the adoption of improved performance standards for enforcement activities. The Ministry acknowledges the existing measures are not adequate and will be working with stakeholders to develop more appropriate measures.

COMMERCIAL FISHING RULES ENFORCED

Explanation

The Ministry maintains a capacity to monitor fishing activity and to investigate those cases where illegal activity is suspected. The purpose is to maintain the value of New Zealand’s fisheries resources, to apprehend those who indulge in illegal activities and to deter others from that approach. Particular actions include monitoring, detection and provision of recommendations to prosecute.

Expected results

Quality and timeliness

1. Compliance monitoring and enforcement operations developed and undertaken in accordance with Compliance business policies and the Fishery Officers’ Manual.

Cost

CUSTOMARY FISHING RULES ENFORCED

Explanation

The Ministry maintains a capacity to monitor fishing activity and to investigate those cases where illegal activity is suspected. The purpose is to maintain the value of New Zealand’s fisheries resources, to apprehend those who indulge in illegal activities and to deter others from that approach. Particular actions include monitoring, detection and provision of recommendations to prosecute.

Expected results

Quality and timeliness

1. Compliance monitoring and enforcement operations developed and undertaken in accordance with Compliance business policies and the Fishery Officers’ Manual.

Cost

RECREATIONAL FISHING RULES ENFORCED

Explanation

The Ministry maintains a capacity to monitor fishing activity and to investigate those cases where illegal activity is suspected. The purpose is to maintain the value of New Zealand’s fisheries resources, to apprehend those who indulge in illegal activities and to deter others from that approach. Particular actions include monitoring, detection and provision of recommendations to prosecute.

Expected results

Quality and timeliness

1. Compliance monitoring and enforcement operations developed and undertaken in accordance with Compliance business policies and the Fishery Officers’ Manual.

NEW ZEALAND’S INTERNATIONAL FISHING RULES ENFORCED

Explanation

The Ministry maintains a capacity to monitor fishing activity and to investigate those cases where illegal activity is suspected. The purpose is to maintain the value of New Zealand’s fisheries resources, to apprehend those who indulge in illegal activities and to deter others from that approach. Particular actions include monitoring, detection and provision of recommendations to prosecute.

Expected results

Quality and timeliness

1. Compliance monitoring and enforcement operations developed and undertaken in accordance with Compliance business policies and the Fishery Officers’ Manual.

Cost

POACHING AND BLACK MARKET ACTIVITIES DETERRED

Explanation

The Ministry maintains a capacity to monitor fishing activity and to investigate those cases where illegal activity is suspected. The purpose is to maintain the value of New Zealand’s fisheries resources, to apprehend those who indulge in illegal activities and to deter others from that approach. Particular actions include monitoring, detection and  provision of recommendations to prosecute.

Expected results

Quality and timeliness

1. Compliance monitoring and enforcement operations developed and undertaken in accordance with Compliance business policies and the Fishery Officers’ Manual.

Cost

PROSECUTIONS MANAGED

Explanation

This covers activities dealing with fishery-related prosecutions, including case preparation and management of forfeit property. Prosecuting fishery offences contributes to preserving the structure, function and biodiversity of our aquatic environment for present and future generations. The purpose is to deter those who indulge in illegal activities.

Expected results

Quality and timeliness

1. Prosecutions are undertaken in accordance with Crown Law guidelines and Compliance business policies, with:
• more than 95% of cases meeting prima facie requirements
• a success rate of at least 90% for prosecutions brought under the Fisheries Act 1996
• a success rate of at least 60% for prosecutions brought under fisheries regulations
• all cases being initiated within the statutory timeframes.

Cost