Hauraki Gulf/ Bay of Plenty Recreational Fishing Forum

Present:

John Taunton - Clark, Alan Moore, Richard Fanselow (Item 2) Matt Cowan (Items 1 and 2)(MFish), George Johnston, Anthony Olsen, Peter Hempleman, Geoff Manks, Kim Walshe, Richard Baker, Peter Stevenson, Don Glass, Keith Ingram (for john Friend)

Apologies:

John Friend, Peter Ellery, Rick Pollock

In attendance:

DRAFT SUMMARY OF DISCUSSION

1. Response to matters arising from previous minutes

· No extension was given to the submission period for the Shared Fisheries discussion paper

· A two month extend was given to the submission period for the Standards paper

· The Terms of Reference and first meeting notes for the Forum have been provided

· The issue of national co-ordination of recreational forums is being considered by the Ministry

· The current structure of recreational forums requires the Ministry to provide the chairperson.

· A glossary of MFish terms is being compiled and will be circulated upon completion.

2. Compliance matters

The recent changes to regulations, the new crayfish/scallop/paua measurer, and the issues around “Size Does Count” sticker ruler were discussed.

It was noted that keeping fishers abreast of regulation changes was a complex and costly task. Changes to the Ministry’s signage cost $70,000 during each round.

The Forum considered that the Ministry needed to develop a better communications strategy for informing the public of the regulation changes. As an example, the Forum was of the opinion that the change of east coast scallop season required a greater level of public awareness.

Issues surrounding the “Size Does Count” fish ruler were discussed. These rulers have now been withdrawn.

The Forum expressed a concern about the “Size Does Matter” crayfish/scallop/paua measurer. Some members did not understand the method of using the crayfish measurer and believed the measurer would result in people unknowingly committing offences. It was suggested that instructions for use of the measurer should be printed in the back of the device.

It was suggested that the Ministry should use the Forums as test beds for new rules and devices to obtain a user perspective on their application.

The Ministry has set up a relationship with Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater Worlds to provide fisheries talks to children during their sleep-overs. Approximately 60,000 children attend sleep-overs per year.

An issue was raised by some of the Bay of Plenty representatives who stated that many people believe the boatman’s bag limit that applies to scallops also applied to crayfish.

Outcome:

The Forum sought that the Ministry

· Develop a communications strategy to support its regulation review process

· Undertaking further publicity on the scallop season change

· Include instructions for use of the crayfish measurer on the reverse side of the crayfish/scallop/paua measurer

· Use the recreational forums as test beds for new regulations and devices.

3. Shared fisheries update

A paper outlining progress with the Shared Fisheries discussion paper was circulated to members. The Forum noted that the Minister has been invited to report to Cabinet on the policy in June. The Forum noted that the Minister had stated that he had accepted the finding of the High Court in the kahawai case and the members wished clarification on how this decision was influencing the shared fisheries policy. The Forum noted that the High Court’s decision had been appealed to the Court of Appeal.

The Forum was concerned at the low number of submissions to the draft policy - 610. The Forum was of the opinion that this was low for such an important policy. The members considered that the issue was complex and the level of “ministry speak” may have limited participation.

Outcome

The Forum sought that the Ministry

· Improve its communications processes to increase participation

· Use the Shared Fisheries process as a case study in the above process

· Invite recreational forums to assist in the development of better communications processes.

4. Fish plans

The fisheries plan process the Ministry is working on was discussed. It was noted that the Ministry envisaged producing 27 plans over the next 5 years. For FMA1 the candidates for progressed next financial year are:

· Northland Scallop plan,

· North East Shellfish Plan and

· Continuation of the Coromandel Scallop Plan.

The Forum expressed concern at the ability of recreation interests to appropriately participate in these processes and that funding for recreational interests should be provided.

It was explained that the Ministry was currently considering processes to enable appropriate participation.

Outcome:

· That the Ministry note the Forum’s concern regarding the ability of recreational interests to participate in fisheries plan processes.

5. Kahawai decision

Mr Barnes provided an account of the history and outcome of the recent High Court decision on kahawai. It was noted that the decision had been appealed by the commercial interest and that the recreational interests had joined the appeal.

Outcome:

· Mr Barnes was thanked for is presentation.

6. Fishery plenary update

The key issues at the Plenary discussions will be hoki and kahawai. The kahawai discussions are to occur on 17 May.

7. Deemed value

The Ministry’s new Deemed Value Standard was circulated to members.

The Forum raised concerns about the use of deemed values. The members are of the opinion that allowing fish to be taken under the deemed value process is effectively taking fish from the recreational sector. The members are of the opinion that any fish taken commercially above the level of the TACC should be subtracted from the next years TACC.

Outcome:

· That the Ministry note the view expressed by the Forum.

8. MFish fisheries management issues

The following issues are being worked on:

· Review of TAC for tarakihi (TAR1)

· Review of TAC for school shark (SHC1)

· Review of season for west cost scallop

· Review of North island eel TAC

· Survey to support the Coromandel scallops in-season review is to occur in the week commencing 14 May

· Proposal to add paddle crab to schedule 6 to enable commercial fishers to return live animals

· Review of Kaipara Harbour set net stalling.

In relation to the review of the North Island eel TAC, the Forum noted that there was a potential change in the characteristics of the fishery as a result of the changing demographic of the population. Whilst Maori commonly target large eels, it is suggested that changes to the demographic has resulted in people targeting small eels.

The Forum noted the need for the Ministry to recognise the significant influence of environmental issues on the eel fishery and the need for the Ministry to work with tangata whenua , regional and district councils and other parties to achieve better management.

The issue of farming eels was raised and the need to relax the existing controls.

Action:

· That the Ministry note the issues raised in relation to eels.

9. Issues raised by forum members

Broadbill Swordfish

Concerns were expressed over the allocation process for broadbill swordfish quota and the potential for by-catch of striped marlin and protected species. This latter issue was raised in relation to the moratorium on the commercial catch of striped marlin and the potential effect of this on the recreational fishery.

Members were also concerned about the effects of the fishery on seabirds and marine mammals. Some members stated that they had heard of orca being shot when talking broadbill from long lines.

Action:

· A report will be presented to the Forum on this allocation of broad bill quota and controls to protect the striped marlin fishery at its next meeting.

Snapper 8 (SNA8)

The Forum discussed issues surrounding Snapper 8. The group requested copies of the advice sent to the Minister and a copy of the Ministerial Advisory Groups (MAG) minutes.

Action:

· Provide members with a copy of the advice that was sent to the Minister (IPP and FAP) and the minutes of the MAG.

Tarakihi

It was noted that there were reports of declining recreational catch of tarakihi on the east coat of the Coromandel Peninsula over the past three years.

10. Maui’s dolphin

The Forum was appraised of the development of a Threat Management Plan for Maui’s Dolphin.

11. Role of the Forum

The members continued the discussion from the previous meeting on the role and function of the Forum. It was considered that the Forum met the outcomes sought from the forums as published on the Ministry’s website.

The members considered that they were on the Forum as individuals rather than members representing organisations or recreational fishers. That is they were there to provide a recreational perspective rather than represent recreational fishers.

The members did not believe that their role was to act as conduit for information from the Ministry to recreational interests.

The members see the Forum as a mechanism whereby recreational fishers can sit with Ministry personnel and discuss fisheries matters. As such they see the Forum as acting as an advisory body or a “sounding board” to the Ministry.

Examples of areas where the Forum could effectively participate are highlighted in a number of the action points in the minutes:

· Assist the Ministry improve its communication and consultation processes

· Act as a “test bed” for new regulations and devices

The Forum also raised the need to set national and regional objectives for recreational forums.

There is also a desire for some national and regional consistency of items on forum agendas.

Next meeting:

Date: 14 AUGUST 2007

Location: Ministry of Fisheries, 608 Rosebank Road Avondale

Items for next agenda

The Forum to consider whether it wishes to endorse the “People’s Submission” and the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council’s submission to the Shared Fishery Policy.

Swordfish - quota management and by catch of striped marlin and protected species.