New Zealand Fisheries Minister Abandons Plan to Relax Bycatch Rules for Reef Fish

New Zealand's Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has scrapped a proposal to relax regulations concerning the bycatch of 19 reef fish species. This decision comes amid significant public opposition and concerns regarding the ecological impact of commercial fishing practices. The proposal aimed to allow commercial fishers to land and sell these species caught unintentionally in specific fishing zones, including Fisheries Management Areas 1 and 9, which encompass regions from Cape Runaway to North Taranaki.

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Jones stated that he had received over 22,000 submissions on the proposal, many of which he claimed were likely generated by artificial intelligence or mass-produced. After evaluating the feedback, including input from the recreational fishing community and school students, he decided to maintain the existing restrictions under Fisheries Regulation 20E, established in 1993 to protect reef fish from overfishing.

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Opponents of the proposed changes, including conservation advocates and local community members, expressed relief at the decision. Samara Nicholas, co-founder of the Mountain to Sea Conservation Trust, emphasized the ecological vulnerability of the 19 species and their importance to reef health and cultural values. She argued that allowing commercial fishers to retain these species as bycatch would lead to deliberate targeting, undermining conservation efforts.

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Nicholas also criticized Jones for not banning bottom trawling, a method that opponents argue damages seabed habitats. Jones, however, defended the practice, stating that it accounts for nearly 70% of New Zealand's commercial fish harvest and that significant efforts are made to minimize its environmental impact. He rejected claims that the current protections were redundant, asserting that the fishing industry is not being demonized but rather supported through sustainable practices.

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Data from the past two fishing years indicated that less than 10 tonnes of the 19 reef species were caught, with trawl vessels accounting for approximately 90% of the total catch. The majority of this catch consisted of giant boarfish and long-finned boarfish, which together made up 87% of the recorded bycatch. Jones acknowledged that while he does not plan to end trawling, he supports the eventual transition to more ecologically sensitive fishing technologies as they become available.

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In his remarks, Jones highlighted the need for further public consultation before making any changes to fishing regulations. He stated, “I’ve waded through enough drama over these 19 species of fish... I’m not going to muck around with any other species of fish.” He also noted that the decision was influenced by the feedback from students during Sea Week programs, emphasizing the importance of educational experiences in marine conservation.

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Jones is scheduled to meet with stakeholders, including representatives from LegaSea and the Sport Fishing Council, to discuss the implications of his decision regarding reef fish protections. This meeting will likely address ongoing concerns about sustainable fishing practices and the future of New Zealand's marine ecosystems.

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