Story perspectives

New Zealand Halts Controversial Reef Fish Bycatch Plan

3/20/2026

Summary

Story summary

New Zealand's Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones abandoned a plan to allow commercial fishers to land and sell 19 reef fish species caught as bycatch.
The move followed heavy public backlash with more than 22,000 submissions, many described by Jones as mass-produced.
Critics argued that allowing landing would encourage targeting reef species.
Conservationist Samara Nicholas praised the decision.
Jones plans to meet with stakeholders to discuss the decision further.

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Story summary

New Zealand's Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones abandoned a plan to allow commercial fishers to land and sell 19 reef fish species caught as bycatch.
The move followed heavy public backlash with more than 22,000 submissions, many described by Jones as mass-produced.
Critics argued that allowing landing would encourage targeting reef species.
Conservationist Samara Nicholas praised the decision.
Jones plans to meet with stakeholders to discuss the decision further.