3. Strategic direction
3.2 Strategic goal and outcomes
The Ministry's goal is to:
Maximise the value New Zealanders obtain through the
sustainable use of fisheries resources and protection of
the aquatic environment.
The Ministry wants individuals and groups to be able to maximise
the value they get from fishing. That fishing must take place within
the limits that are established to ensure the greatest value is
obtained for New Zealand - both now and in the future. The word
“value” covers the full range of values derived from use of fisheries,
including economic, social, and cultural values.
A large part of fisheries management involves influencing the
behaviour of fishers. In the past, individuals' choices on how to use
fisheries led to overexploitation and, as a result, a loss of potential
value. The system we have now uses a range of measures to
encourage fishers to act in ways that will achieve desirable social,
economic and environmental outcomes. It is important that fishers
have confidence in the integrity of the process to accept the
constraints and incentives needed to achieve the overall
management objectives.
Confidence will come if the management system provides certainty
to stakeholders, is adaptable in the light of new information, and if
stakeholders find it effective and reasonable.
The outcomes we have identified to achieve our goal are consistent
with the purpose of the Fisheries Act 1996 and contribute to
achieving the Government's economic transformation and national
identity priorities. These outcomes are:
- The health of the aquatic environment is protected.
- People are able to
realise the best value from the sustainable and efficient use of fisheries.
- Credible fisheries management.
The outcomes depend on the contributions from tangata whenua,
stakeholders and the Ministry. Success depends on building
effective working relationships with tangata whenua and
stakeholders. It also depends on these groups being able to
represent their interests while acknowledging legitimate interests
of other sectors.
To assist with this, we will:
- Continue to build the capacity of the non-commercial and
commercial sectors to take part in fisheries management
processes, including consultation.
- Implement a collaborative approach to fisheries management,
including development of fisheries plans.
- Continue to develop monitoring
and reporting systems to promote transparency and provide improved accountability.
Achievement of these outcomes also depends on the availability of
high quality and timely information on the status of fisheries and
the objectives of users.
The outcomes used in this Statement of Intent (SOI) will be
reviewed in 2008/09 as we develop a revised Fisheries Strategy
out to 2030.