Meet the Ministrys new Chief Executive - Ministry of Fisheries
Meet the Ministrys new Chief Executive - Ministry of Fisheries Meet the Ministrys new Chief Executive - Ministry of Fisheries
TheBite News from MFish APRIL 2008 NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE THE ROLE OF THE ‘OBSERVER’ HONORaRy FISHERy OFFICERS PHOTOgRaPHy COMPETITION aLBaTROSS PROTECTION a WORkINg LIFE MaNagINg OUR FISHERIES
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TheBite<br />
News from MFish APRIL 2008<br />
NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE<br />
THE ROLE OF THE ‘OBSERVER’<br />
HONORaRy FISHERy OFFICERS<br />
PHOTOgRaPHy COMPETITION<br />
aLBaTROSS PROTECTION<br />
a WORkINg LIFE MaNagINg<br />
OUR FISHERIES
BACKGROUND<br />
2 TheBite APRIL 2008<br />
I was born in Oamaru and lived on a small farm near<br />
Enfield, just inland from Oamaru. My fa<strong>the</strong>r (like his fa<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and his fa<strong>the</strong>r before him) was a saw miller and a farmer.<br />
As a teenager I have fond memories <strong>of</strong> fishing for trout and<br />
salmon with my grandfa<strong>the</strong>r on <strong>the</strong> Waitaki River where we<br />
also used to go white baiting and surfcasting for kahawai.<br />
After five years at Waitaki Boys High School I went to Otago<br />
University and studied pharmacy. There, I met my now wife<br />
Jan and after four years <strong>of</strong> studying pharmacy toge<strong>the</strong>r we<br />
did a short stint in Christchurch before moving to <strong>the</strong> UK.<br />
We spent seven years in <strong>the</strong> UK where we did a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
travelling and I ended up managing <strong>the</strong> dispensing and<br />
clinical services for a hospital pharmacy group in Essex. Our<br />
son Jamie was born in Essex, and when he was two years<br />
old we decided it was time to come home in 1995.<br />
When we returned we moved to Wellington and I started at<br />
PHARMAC in 1995. By 1998 I was General Manager, and<br />
later when PHARMAC became a stand alone Crown Entity I<br />
was appointed as <strong>Chief</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> Officer. During my time at<br />
PHARMAC I studied health economics at Tromso in Norway<br />
and post graduate clinical pharmacy at Otago. I also studied<br />
management and leadership at Mt Eliza Business School in<br />
Melbourne, at Oxford University in England and last year at<br />
Stanford Business School in California.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> my main interests outside <strong>of</strong> work is motorsport. My<br />
son Jamie races in <strong>the</strong> national Formula Ford Championship.<br />
I also get down to Tairei Mouth occasionally to go fishing <strong>of</strong>f<br />
<strong>the</strong> coast with family and friends.<br />
<strong>Meet</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong>’s <strong>new</strong><br />
<strong>Chief</strong> <strong>Executive</strong><br />
Early January saw Wayne McNee begin as <strong>Chief</strong> <strong>Executive</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong>, after being appointed to <strong>the</strong> role by <strong>the</strong> State<br />
Services Commissioner in November last year. In this issue <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> BITE,<br />
Wayne tells us about his background and his brief for managing MFish.<br />
VISION<br />
New Zealand’s marine environment and fisheries resources<br />
are highly valued economically, culturally, recreationally and<br />
environmentally. As <strong>the</strong> incoming <strong>Chief</strong> <strong>Executive</strong>, I will be<br />
focusing on <strong>the</strong> long-term direction <strong>of</strong> fisheries management.<br />
This includes considering issues such as oceans policy,<br />
<strong>the</strong> capability <strong>of</strong> MFish to achieve its goals and balancing<br />
harvesting, long-term sustainability, and conservation <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
marine ecosystem.<br />
MFish will be working to achieve <strong>the</strong> Government’s goals<br />
for fisheries. We will be implementing aquaculture reform,<br />
reducing <strong>the</strong> complexity <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> regulatory environment,<br />
implementing customary fisheries policies, improving<br />
<strong>the</strong> quality <strong>of</strong> recreational fishing and promoting fisheries<br />
contribution to New Zealand’s economic performance. A key<br />
focus will be to improve <strong>the</strong> relationships and collaborations<br />
with tangata whenua and fisheries stakeholders.<br />
I will be working closely with <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r natural resource<br />
sustainability agencies, <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Conservation, <strong>the</strong><br />
<strong>Ministry</strong> for <strong>the</strong> Environment and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and<br />
Forestry, to investigate opportunities for closer engagement<br />
and collaboration.<br />
I see great opportunity for MFish to have a leadership role in<br />
sustainable development, even more so than it has already.<br />
The world view on sustainability is changing and MFish will<br />
be part <strong>of</strong> leading that change in New Zealand.<br />
Lastly, if you see me out and about don’t be a stranger, I’m<br />
<strong>new</strong> to fisheries and am keen to hear your perspective on <strong>the</strong><br />
challenges ahead.
TyPE OF WORK<br />
aNTaRCTICa IS THE MOST FaR-FLUNg dESTINaTION aN MFISH OBSERVER WILL gO. daVE BILTON ENjOyS SOME TIME OFF THE BOaT IN THE ROSS SEa.<br />
The role<br />
<strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
‘observer’<br />
Being <strong>the</strong> eyes and ears on a<br />
fishing boat is how <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>Fisheries</strong> Observation <strong>of</strong>ficer,<br />
David Bilton, sums up <strong>the</strong> role<br />
<strong>of</strong> an ‘observer’. And he says<br />
that means more than just<br />
watching a fishing line drop<br />
in <strong>the</strong> water while <strong>the</strong> sun<br />
bounces <strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong> deck.<br />
Observers largely focus on three key areas:<br />
• collecting scientific information on particular fish<br />
• monitoring by-catch <strong>of</strong> protected species<br />
• checking on compliance <strong>of</strong> fishing rules<br />
Often, all three areas are covered, so that <strong>the</strong> time at sea is<br />
utilised in <strong>the</strong> best possible way.<br />
“This year, we have around fifty-five observers on <strong>the</strong> books,<br />
spread amongst inshore, deepwater and international<br />
fisheries.”<br />
The last three years has seen more emphasis on inshore<br />
fishing because it is an area identified as requiring more<br />
information.<br />
This includes addressing how protected species such as<br />
Hector’s and Maui’s dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins, fare<br />
during fishing operations.<br />
The wider outlook <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> annual observation programme for<br />
2007/2008 o<strong>the</strong>rwise focuses on ga<strong>the</strong>ring information on<br />
some <strong>of</strong> New Zealand’s key fisheries such as orange roughy,<br />
tuna, hoki and squid.<br />
Ultimately, all <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> above means <strong>the</strong> day-to-day role <strong>of</strong> an<br />
observer <strong>of</strong>ten comes down to recording a lot <strong>of</strong> detailed data,<br />
addressing <strong>the</strong> make-up <strong>of</strong> a particular fishery – weighing<br />
<strong>the</strong>m, measuring <strong>the</strong>m, identifying <strong>the</strong>ir sex, etc.<br />
The observer programme also sets aside days for key<br />
purposes such as monitoring compliance issues or doing<br />
targeted research for <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong> Conservation.<br />
In addition, New Zealand vessels fishing in international<br />
waters, must adhere to international agreements. In <strong>the</strong><br />
CCAMLR fishing zone, for example, (Commission for<br />
<strong>the</strong> Conservation <strong>of</strong> Antarctic Marine Living Resources),<br />
this involves 100% coverage for all New Zealand vessels<br />
operating in <strong>the</strong> area.<br />
It’s all information that MFish <strong>the</strong>n utilises for stock analysis<br />
<strong>of</strong> key species, <strong>the</strong> setting <strong>of</strong> Total Allowable Commercial<br />
Catches (TACC) and monitoring wider impacts <strong>of</strong> fishing on<br />
<strong>the</strong> environment.<br />
VALUE OF ThE PROGRAMME<br />
The observer programme is <strong>the</strong> only independent programme<br />
<strong>of</strong> its kind – <strong>the</strong>refore <strong>the</strong> only programme providing an<br />
impartial recording <strong>of</strong> facts and figures that relate to work<br />
done at sea.<br />
While o<strong>the</strong>r observer programmes do operate, <strong>the</strong>y do so<br />
privately and are generally set up by <strong>the</strong> fishing company to<br />
ensure staff are complying with operational rules.<br />
“We were recording a lot <strong>of</strong><br />
data standing in snow, wind<br />
and rain, at minus 15 ˚ C for<br />
up to six hours at a stretch.<br />
you have to be prepared for<br />
a range <strong>of</strong> conditions.”<br />
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The observer programme usually arranges <strong>the</strong> trips before<br />
<strong>the</strong> observer arrives at a fishing vessel, but <strong>the</strong> task <strong>of</strong> getting<br />
onto <strong>the</strong> small commercial boats can fall to <strong>the</strong> observer.<br />
With smaller boats, <strong>the</strong> observer’s negotiating skills with <strong>the</strong><br />
skipper is important, particularly when <strong>the</strong>re are difficulties<br />
finding out which boats are active at any time and place. If all<br />
<strong>the</strong> polite approaches fail <strong>the</strong>n <strong>the</strong> observer programme has<br />
to turn to <strong>the</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong> Act to get <strong>the</strong> observer onboard.<br />
COLLECTINg SCIENTIFIC INFORMaTION aNd SaMPLES IS ONE OF<br />
OBSERVERS’ kEy ROLES. THE LaRgEST EXaMPLE OF a COLOSSaL<br />
SqUId CaUgHT IN THE ROSS SEa WaS ONE OF THE MORE<br />
SPECTaCULaR SaMPLES RECORdEd By aN MFISH OBSERVER.<br />
“The good <strong>new</strong>s is that <strong>the</strong> stigma observers <strong>of</strong>ten received<br />
from inshore fishing operators, in particular, is now passing.<br />
They’re beginning to appreciate that we’re not <strong>the</strong>re to<br />
scrutinise <strong>the</strong>ir every move, we’re <strong>the</strong>re to safeguard <strong>the</strong> longterm<br />
viability <strong>of</strong> fisheries - and we have to ga<strong>the</strong>r statistics<br />
and facts to do that.<br />
“I think in general, fishermen respond to observations and<br />
care a lot more than <strong>the</strong>y get credit for. Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> larger<br />
fishing companies have spent lots <strong>of</strong> money on improving<br />
seabird mitigation techniques, yet that kind <strong>of</strong> fact, largely<br />
goes under <strong>the</strong> radar.”<br />
hOW ThE PROGRAMME OPERATES<br />
Funded solely by levies from <strong>the</strong> commercial fishing industry,<br />
<strong>the</strong> programme operates as an independent programme,<br />
based at MFish head <strong>of</strong>fice.<br />
With just four observer <strong>of</strong>ficers managing all observers around<br />
<strong>the</strong> country, <strong>the</strong>re is a huge amount <strong>of</strong> logistical planning<br />
involved.<br />
“We operate on a knife-edge a lot <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> time, just waiting<br />
to see what might happen next. It <strong>of</strong>ten comes down to<br />
requests for <strong>new</strong> information or <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r changing, so<br />
boat schedules <strong>the</strong>n change, which in turn impacts <strong>the</strong> timing<br />
for getting observers across <strong>the</strong> country and onboard boats.<br />
“It’s <strong>the</strong> constant juggle <strong>of</strong> logistics which makes managing<br />
<strong>the</strong> programme very complex.”<br />
“Just to get observers on our books, <strong>the</strong>y need to go through<br />
an intensive screening programme – looking at how <strong>the</strong>y’ll<br />
likely handle situations at sea, or difficult scenarios, etc –<br />
because <strong>the</strong>re’s nowhere to go once you’re at sea.<br />
“Once <strong>the</strong>y’re accepted, observers <strong>the</strong>n need to go through<br />
a training programme, be fully briefed before each trip, put on<br />
one boat or ano<strong>the</strong>r, be debriefed afterwards, have <strong>the</strong>ir data<br />
processed for analysing and so on.”<br />
WhO DOES IT AND WhAT’S ThE ATTRACTION?<br />
A lot <strong>of</strong> interest comes from university graduates because it’s<br />
a good next step for marine biology – providing experience<br />
at <strong>the</strong> coal-face.<br />
KEy FACTS<br />
• The observer programme is an independent<br />
programme funded by <strong>the</strong> commercial fishing industry.<br />
• The observer programme currently has 55 observers:<br />
45 male/10 female<br />
• Observer coverage for 07/08 targets 7462 sea days<br />
a year (note one 12 hour shift per person equals one<br />
sea day)<br />
• Observer coverage is <strong>of</strong>ten steered by stock<br />
monitoring or <strong>the</strong> request for more scientific data<br />
• Average inshore fishery trips range from 7-10 days or<br />
up to 35 days for deepwater trips<br />
• International trips can be as long as a couple <strong>of</strong><br />
months. One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> largest trips took place last year<br />
which saw a female observer at sea in <strong>the</strong> South<br />
Georgia area for 150 days<br />
• Observers can earn up to $290 per day depending on<br />
experience and level <strong>of</strong> work required
OBSERVERS ENjOy THE SaME SEa CONdITIONS aS THE REST OF THE CREW.<br />
“O<strong>the</strong>rwise, we get people from all walks <strong>of</strong> life opting to<br />
give observer coverage a go. We’ve had school-teachers,<br />
bricklayers, corporates, <strong>the</strong> whole gamut.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> attractions is a good daily pay rate, with observers<br />
earning up to $290 per day, depending on requirements and<br />
level <strong>of</strong> experience.<br />
“The fact that <strong>the</strong>re’s nowhere to spend your money <strong>the</strong>n<br />
makes it a great forced savings scheme.”<br />
“Some people choose to work six months a year and have<br />
six months <strong>of</strong>f for holidaying or to just have <strong>the</strong> flexibility to do<br />
what <strong>the</strong>y want more <strong>of</strong>ten.<br />
Accommodation and food is all part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> package and<br />
more <strong>of</strong>ten than not, no expense is spared when it comes<br />
to <strong>the</strong> chef.<br />
MONITORINg By-CaTCH OF PROTECTEd WILdLIFE IS ONE OF<br />
aN OBSERVER’S kEy ROLES.<br />
“You get roast dinners, bacon and eggs, all <strong>the</strong> good stuff.”<br />
CONDITIONS AT SEA<br />
David describes <strong>the</strong> contrast <strong>of</strong> experience for observers as<br />
ranging from one extreme to <strong>the</strong> next, depending on whe<strong>the</strong>r<br />
an observer is on a big trawl boat or a smaller boat – with a<br />
crew that’s used to observers being present or with a crew<br />
that’s not.<br />
“Because <strong>the</strong> big trawling boats are used to observers,<br />
<strong>the</strong>y can be quite supportive <strong>of</strong> what an observer is <strong>the</strong>re<br />
to do. More <strong>of</strong>ten than not, you get to enjoy life’s comforts<br />
too, complete with sky TV and DVDs, although some vessels<br />
have very few home comforts and small cabins.<br />
“Some <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> smaller inshore vessels on <strong>the</strong> o<strong>the</strong>r-hand aren’t<br />
necessarily geared up for extra bodies onboard, so living<br />
conditions can feel less welcoming, but <strong>of</strong>ten <strong>the</strong> company<br />
more than makes up for that. We try very hard to match<br />
personalities as best we can when it comes to putting people<br />
in more cramped situations”<br />
David cites one <strong>of</strong> his greatest experiences as being an<br />
observer on <strong>the</strong> Ross Sea, during <strong>the</strong> 05/06 season.<br />
“It was like waking up in a national geographic show every<br />
day. The sun, <strong>the</strong> ice, <strong>the</strong> clarity <strong>of</strong> air, it was all so pure and<br />
quite magic.<br />
“That said, we were also recording a lot <strong>of</strong> data standing in<br />
snow, wind and rain, at minus 15 degree temperatures for up<br />
to six hours at a stretch. So it goes to show that you have to<br />
be prepared for a range <strong>of</strong> conditions.”<br />
For more information on <strong>the</strong> observer programme, visit www.<br />
fish.govt.nz Then go to Vacancies and click on ‘observer<br />
programme’.<br />
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Honorary<br />
fishery <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
Protecting our recreational fisheries<br />
Bite editor Jim Flack hitched a lift with an honorary fishery <strong>of</strong>ficer for a<br />
day to see how <strong>the</strong>se hard-working volunteers protect our fisheries.<br />
It’s <strong>the</strong> first day <strong>of</strong> summer and it’s a Saturday. The sky is<br />
clear, light winds and no significant swell. Fishers, divers and<br />
snorkellers are out in force. So are MFish’s honorary fishery<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficers (HFOs) – 166 hard-working volunteers who spend<br />
much <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir spare time making sure fishers are aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
regulations, inspecting catches and looking after our fisheries<br />
for future generations.<br />
I’m out patrolling with Kelvin O’Connor on Wellington’s south<br />
coast. Kelvin has been an HFO for four years and finds<br />
it a great way to relax after a busy week running his own<br />
construction company. “It’s not as stressful as you’d think,<br />
patrolling our recreational fisheries. Ninety five percent <strong>of</strong><br />
people are happy to see you and appreciate <strong>the</strong> job you’re<br />
doing. The experiences you have, and <strong>the</strong> camaraderie with<br />
everyone in MFish is great.”<br />
There are four HFO vehicles out today covering Wellington<br />
and <strong>the</strong> Kapiti Coast between Wainuiomata and Waikanae.<br />
They met first thing in <strong>the</strong> morning to decide on <strong>the</strong> best<br />
strategy for <strong>the</strong> day’s patrolling.<br />
“We look at <strong>the</strong> wind, swell and tides and place our HFOs<br />
where <strong>the</strong> conditions are best suited for fishing,” Kelvin says.<br />
“Every day is different. We take that into account and we<br />
place ourselves where we think <strong>the</strong> fishers are going to be.”<br />
At morning meeting, <strong>the</strong> HFOs have divided <strong>the</strong> coast up<br />
between <strong>the</strong>m and will be covering <strong>the</strong> boat ramps and as<br />
many fishing spots as <strong>the</strong>y can. Wellington’s exposed rocky<br />
coast produces good paua and rock lobster, so lots <strong>of</strong><br />
emphasis is placed on making sure fishers know <strong>the</strong> rules for<br />
<strong>the</strong>se species and stick to <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
HFOs are usually keen recreational fishers and have a very<br />
good understanding <strong>of</strong> where <strong>the</strong> fishing hot spots are. As<br />
we take our first drive around <strong>the</strong> area we are patrolling for<br />
<strong>the</strong> day, Kelvin points out <strong>the</strong> scallop beds, mussel rocks,<br />
popular surfcasting spots and many <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> bays that are<br />
popular for paua and rock lobster.<br />
Kelvin stops and chats to people launching boats or donning<br />
wetsuits before a dive. He’s handing out plenty <strong>of</strong> brochures
and explaining <strong>the</strong> correct way to measure each species.<br />
He’s also sending <strong>the</strong> conservation message – “limit your<br />
catch, you don’t have to catch your limit. Leave some in <strong>the</strong><br />
water for next time.”<br />
“Education is a big part <strong>of</strong> an HFOs job,” says Kelvin. While<br />
ignorance <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rules is not an excuse, we do all we can<br />
to make people aware <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> rules, so <strong>the</strong>y can land a legal<br />
catch. We speak at schools, holiday programmes and to<br />
interest groups about fishing rules and conservation tips for<br />
fishing, ga<strong>the</strong>ring and putting back any undersize catch.”<br />
The HFOs stay in radio contact throughout <strong>the</strong> day, ready to<br />
back one ano<strong>the</strong>r up or re-deploy. “If one part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> coast is<br />
quiet, or if <strong>the</strong> wea<strong>the</strong>r packs up, we can move our HFO’s to<br />
where <strong>the</strong> action is.”<br />
The MFish Communications Centre means HFO’s can<br />
respond quickly to 0800 4 POACHER calls (0800 476 224).<br />
“The 0800 4 POACHER number is so important. People hate<br />
seeing our fisheries getting ripped <strong>of</strong>f. The number gives<br />
people a chance to do something about it and gives fishery<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficers and HFOs a great chance <strong>of</strong> catching poachers.”<br />
“I got an 0800 4 POACHER call one day, saying that <strong>the</strong>re<br />
was a bloke getting out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> water with an onion sack <strong>of</strong><br />
full <strong>of</strong> paua. I got <strong>the</strong>re in time to catch up with him. It turned<br />
out he had three onion sacks with 207 paua, most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m<br />
undersize. It makes a huge difference getting that type <strong>of</strong><br />
information.”<br />
By early afternoon boats are starting to come back to <strong>the</strong><br />
ramps and divers are getting out <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> water. Most people are<br />
more than happy to let Kelvin inspect <strong>the</strong>ir catch, particularly<br />
two fishers who have a haul <strong>of</strong> 10 hapuka between <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
“The fishing rules are very fair. I have no problems with<br />
enforcing <strong>the</strong>m. Five häpuka per person per day is a lot<br />
<strong>of</strong> fish.”<br />
We talk to a snorkeller who has a mixed bag <strong>of</strong> kina and<br />
paua. It turns out <strong>the</strong> last time Kelvin spoke to this fisher, he<br />
had taken undersize paua. As a result he received a $250<br />
infringement notice in <strong>the</strong> mail. This time <strong>the</strong> snorkeller is<br />
within <strong>the</strong> daily bag limit for both species, and <strong>the</strong> paua are<br />
all 125mm or over. Both he and Kelvin are very pleased about<br />
this. “That guy learnt from his mistake, it’s good to see.”<br />
Not everyone played by <strong>the</strong> rules that day though. Later on<br />
Kelvin talks to a guy with 47 paua (<strong>the</strong> daily bag limit is 10),<br />
41 <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m undersize. Ano<strong>the</strong>r has 27 tiny paua, <strong>the</strong> largest<br />
being 40mm. A spear-fisher has two undersize blue cod and<br />
a snorkeller has an undersize female rock lobster.<br />
I head home to see <strong>the</strong> family and Kelvin stays out on <strong>the</strong><br />
coast until almost dark, talking to people and making sure<br />
<strong>the</strong>y did <strong>the</strong> right thing by <strong>the</strong> fishery that day.<br />
MFish HFO co-ordinator for <strong>the</strong> Wellington compliance district<br />
Dianne Manning says HFOs are a very important part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
fisheries compliance effort for <strong>the</strong> district.<br />
“Our HFOs are knowledgeable and pr<strong>of</strong>essional and take<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir fisheries protection work very seriously. They educate<br />
thousands <strong>of</strong> people every year about fishing rules and find<br />
hundreds <strong>of</strong> illegal catches, and that’s just in Wellington. They<br />
are a vital part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> team.”<br />
hFO FACTS<br />
• 166 HFOs cover from North Cape to Stewart Island<br />
(as at 30 November 2007)<br />
• HFOs work primarily with recreational fishers, but<br />
also provide useful information on black market<br />
fishing and at times help fulltime fishery <strong>of</strong>ficers with<br />
surveillance when required<br />
• HFOs have all <strong>the</strong> powers <strong>of</strong> a fulltime fishery<br />
<strong>of</strong>ficer, except <strong>the</strong> power <strong>of</strong> arrest<br />
• There are 150 fulltime warranted fishery <strong>of</strong>ficers<br />
in <strong>the</strong> 11 compliance districts from Northland to<br />
Southland.<br />
• Most compliance districts have an HFO coordinator<br />
who is a fulltime fishery <strong>of</strong>ficer. The coordinator<br />
ensures <strong>the</strong> HFO’s are provided with all<br />
necessary resources to conduct<br />
<strong>the</strong>ir duties.<br />
APRIL 2008 TheBite 7
8 TheBite APRIL 2008<br />
<strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong> Photography Competition<br />
After some difficult decisions,<br />
four winners were selected<br />
for <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong><br />
Photography Competition in<br />
February.<br />
The overall winner and winner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> aquatic<br />
ecosystems category went to Kura Paul-Burke from<br />
Whakatane.<br />
Her image, Deep, blue kina, was taken while hauling<br />
heavy nets <strong>of</strong> kina by hand after free diving at White<br />
Island.<br />
Judges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> competition noted that her image was<br />
hugely atmospheric, had great depth and brilliant<br />
colour contrast.<br />
The winner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> commercial section was Peter<br />
Langlands <strong>of</strong> Christchurch whose image, Shooting<br />
trawl gear at dawn, epitomised a typical commercial<br />
fisher in New Zealand during a reflective moment<br />
at sea.<br />
The customary winner went to Alan Riwaka from<br />
Wellington. His shot, “I’ll eat this one” was captured<br />
at Waikawa Marae at Queen Charlotte Sound.<br />
dEEP, BLUE kINa<br />
kURa PaUL-BURkE, WHakaTaNE<br />
Judges said <strong>the</strong> picture encapsulated a fun,<br />
spontaneous moment <strong>of</strong> being toge<strong>the</strong>r during a<br />
customary ga<strong>the</strong>ring.<br />
Finally, <strong>the</strong> winner <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> recreational category was<br />
Juergen Schacke from Hokitika. His image Local<br />
knowledge captured a whitebaiter at sunset along<br />
<strong>the</strong> Hokitika River mouth.<br />
Judges said his image caught a number a different<br />
elements very simply with great composition and<br />
use <strong>of</strong> brilliant light.<br />
More than 250 entries were received for <strong>the</strong> inaugural<br />
competition.<br />
“We were delighted to see such a wide range <strong>of</strong> high<br />
quality images from all around New Zealand,” says<br />
MFish chief executive Wayne McNee.<br />
“The competition raises awareness <strong>of</strong> aquatic<br />
biodiversity and sustainable fishing practices within<br />
New Zealand and is a great way to celebrate New<br />
Zealand’s connection with <strong>the</strong> sea,” he says.<br />
Judges included Ross Giblin from Wellington’s<br />
Dominion Post, Athol McCredie, Curator <strong>of</strong><br />
Photography at Museum <strong>of</strong> New Zealand Te Papa<br />
Tongarewa, Auckland underwater photographer<br />
Darryl Torckler and Simon Woolf, a well-known<br />
Wellington photographer.
LOCaL kNOWLEdgE<br />
jUERgEN SCHaCkE, HOkITIka<br />
SHOOTINg TRaWLINg gEaR aT daWN<br />
PaUL LaNgLaNdS, CHRISTCHURCH<br />
I’LL EaT THIS ONE<br />
aLaN RIWaka, WELLINgTON<br />
APRIL 2008 TheBite 9
10 TheBite APRIL 2008<br />
an environmental standard<br />
for limiting seabird by-catch<br />
New Zealand waters host <strong>the</strong> greatest variety <strong>of</strong> albatross and petrel species in<br />
<strong>the</strong> world, and are an important breeding ground for around eighty <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se, says<br />
Spencer Clubb, MFish senior policy analyst.<br />
“Fishing is one <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> greatest threats to <strong>the</strong>se species’<br />
survival, so we’re setting a limit on <strong>the</strong> number <strong>of</strong> seabird<br />
deaths in New Zealand fisheries. This ‘Seabird Standard’ will<br />
be a total upper limit across all fisheries.<br />
“Initial advice to <strong>the</strong> Minister suggests <strong>the</strong> limit should be set<br />
somewhere between 500 and 2000 deaths per year.<br />
Spencer says this number is not a mechanism to close<br />
fisheries once a certain number is reached, but a performance<br />
standard for government and industry to work toge<strong>the</strong>r to<br />
achieve.<br />
SO hOW FAR ARE WE AT ThE MOMENT FROM<br />
MEETING ThIS PROPOSED STANDARD?<br />
Spencer says <strong>the</strong> best information to date is based on<br />
scientific modelling <strong>of</strong> 2004 observer reports from longliners<br />
and trawlers in New Zealand waters. It suggests <strong>the</strong>se<br />
vessels killed around 2500-7500 seabirds that year. This<br />
figure is likely to be lower today, as a result <strong>of</strong> recent voluntary<br />
action by industry and Government regulations. However,<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2004 figure did not include any <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> birds killed in set<br />
net fisheries.<br />
hOW DOES FIShING<br />
ThREATEN BIRDS?<br />
Albatrosses and petrels forage widely and are attracted<br />
to <strong>the</strong> fish, <strong>of</strong>fal and discards <strong>the</strong>y <strong>of</strong>ten find around<br />
fishing vessels.<br />
In longline fisheries, <strong>the</strong>y risk getting caught on hooks<br />
and drowning as <strong>the</strong>y try to eat bait from <strong>the</strong> lines.<br />
In trawl fisheries, <strong>the</strong> birds risk hitting <strong>the</strong> heavy trawl<br />
cables as <strong>the</strong>y chase <strong>of</strong>fal and discards behind a<br />
trawler; or risk drowning in <strong>the</strong> net as <strong>the</strong>y try to take<br />
fish from it.<br />
Albatross and petrel species typically live a long time<br />
and produce few <strong>of</strong>fspring. If a breeding adult dies,<br />
<strong>the</strong> chick almost always dies too, and <strong>the</strong> remaining<br />
partner may take several years to start nesting again<br />
with a <strong>new</strong> partner.
“The estimate is very uncertain, because to date we haven’t<br />
had much observer coverage in some fisheries,” he says.<br />
“This is particularly <strong>the</strong> case with smaller vessels like setnetters<br />
and inshore trawlers and long-liners.”<br />
NATIONAL PLAN OF ACTION FOR SEABIRD<br />
By-CATCh<br />
In addition to <strong>the</strong> Seabird Standard, <strong>the</strong> Government is<br />
currently making changes to its National Plan <strong>of</strong> Action to<br />
Reduce <strong>the</strong> Incidental Catch <strong>of</strong> Seabirds in New Zealand<br />
<strong>Fisheries</strong> (Seabird NPOA), to ensure that each fishery plays<br />
its part in meeting <strong>the</strong> seabird standard.<br />
The original Seabird NPOA released in 2004 allowed fishers<br />
to manage seabird deaths in <strong>the</strong>ir fisheries through voluntary<br />
Codes <strong>of</strong> Practice. But it said that if voluntary measures did<br />
not work, <strong>the</strong> government would introduce regulations.<br />
It is proposed that <strong>the</strong> <strong>new</strong> Seabird NPOA will include:<br />
• A limit for each fishery (derived from <strong>the</strong> Seabird Standard)<br />
• Assessing whe<strong>the</strong>r a fishery will meet <strong>the</strong>se limits without<br />
additional intervention<br />
• Assessing if intervention is needed, assessing whe<strong>the</strong>r a<br />
voluntary approach would work, or whe<strong>the</strong>r regulations are<br />
required<br />
• A transparent process for monitoring our fisheries combined<br />
performance against <strong>the</strong> Seabird Standard.<br />
Spencer says it will be a big challenge to ensure that fishing<br />
does not affect <strong>the</strong> viability <strong>of</strong> endangered seabird species.<br />
OUR INTERNATIONAL<br />
OBLIGATIONS<br />
New Zealand has a number <strong>of</strong> international obligations<br />
around seabirds and fishing. These include:<br />
• Convention on Migratory Species (CMS);<br />
• Agreement for <strong>the</strong> Conservation <strong>of</strong> Albatrosses and<br />
Petrels (ACAP); and<br />
• The United Nations Food and Agriculture<br />
Organisation International Plan <strong>of</strong> Action (IPOA)<br />
for Reducing <strong>the</strong> Incidental Catch <strong>of</strong> Seabirds in<br />
Longline <strong>Fisheries</strong>.<br />
New Zealand’s National Plan <strong>of</strong> Action for Seabirds<br />
has been developed in response to <strong>the</strong> IPOA.<br />
“Commercial fishers have more contact with albatrosses and<br />
petrels than most people, and <strong>the</strong> vast majority <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>m are<br />
motivated to ensure <strong>the</strong>y don’t catch or harm <strong>the</strong>se birds.<br />
With MFish and fishers working toge<strong>the</strong>r on techniques to<br />
deter seabirds from fishing gear, we can reduce seabird<br />
by-catch to very low levels.”<br />
Consultation for <strong>the</strong> Seabird Standard and <strong>the</strong> Seabird<br />
NPOA closed on 14 March 2008 (visit www.fish.govt.nz for<br />
more details).<br />
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12 TheBite APRIL 2008<br />
Virus threatens<br />
australian abalone<br />
Could it threaten New Zealand?<br />
The virus killing abalone in Victoria,<br />
Australia, has <strong>the</strong> potential to kill paua<br />
if it ever made it to New Zealand. With<br />
New Zealand paua being a customary<br />
staple, a $50million commercial<br />
industry and a snorkeller’s favourite,<br />
we all need to be vigilant to ensure<br />
this virus never arrives.<br />
ThE IMPACT OF ThE VIRUS SO FAR<br />
In May 2006 a herpes-like virus was detected for <strong>the</strong> first time<br />
in a subpopulation <strong>of</strong> wild abalone in Taylors Bay, Victoria,<br />
Australia. The virus is known as Abalone Virus Ganglioneuritis<br />
(AVG). Since that time <strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> virus is showing a<br />
consistent movement along <strong>the</strong> coast <strong>of</strong> Victoria <strong>of</strong> 5-10km<br />
per month. It has most recently been observed infecting<br />
black lip and green lip abalone populations along almost<br />
200km <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Victoria Coastline.<br />
Surveys have suggested declines in infected populations <strong>of</strong><br />
40-95%. In February 2007 <strong>the</strong> abalone divers in south west<br />
Victoria were forecasting a $5million loss (Australian dollars) in<br />
this season’s earnings as a result <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> virus. In an attempt to<br />
mitigate <strong>the</strong> spread and impact <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> virus both mandatory<br />
and voluntary closures <strong>of</strong> areas <strong>of</strong> coastline to commercial<br />
and recreational harvest have been imposed.<br />
hOW TO PROTECT NEW ZEALAND STOCKS<br />
The greenlip, blacklip and hybrid abalone species <strong>of</strong> Australia<br />
appear to show equal susceptibility to <strong>the</strong> virus and <strong>the</strong>re is<br />
no reason to suspect New Zealand’s species <strong>of</strong> abalone are<br />
not susceptible to infection from this virus. New Zealand’s<br />
best defence is to stop any ganglioneuritis virus incursion<br />
occurring. Potential ways to spread <strong>the</strong> virus include <strong>the</strong><br />
following:<br />
• Commercial diving equipment<br />
• Water sports equipment including: surfing or body boarding<br />
gear (boards, wetsuits, rash shirts, booties etc), diving and<br />
snorkling gear and fishing gear.<br />
• Any live or dead abalone from <strong>the</strong> infected area.<br />
• Any shells, stones or o<strong>the</strong>r beach material that has<br />
been collected from along <strong>the</strong> Victoria coastline.
Spread <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> virus can be mitigated if all surfing, diving<br />
and fishing gear is suitably washed and completely<br />
dried before leaving <strong>the</strong> infected area, or before<br />
entering an uninfected area, including New Zealand.<br />
This also includes all footwear and clothing worn on<br />
any aquaculture facility within Australia.<br />
hOW DID ThE VIRUS BECOME ESTABLIShED?<br />
There is believed to be a high likelihood that infected abalone<br />
on a land-based abalone farm were <strong>the</strong> source <strong>of</strong> virus infection<br />
into wild abalone stocks. It is believed <strong>the</strong> virus spread from<br />
<strong>the</strong> farm into <strong>the</strong> wild abalone populations <strong>of</strong> Taylors Bay as a<br />
result <strong>of</strong> inadequate biosecurity protocols (including disposal<br />
<strong>of</strong> live abalone, waste water, shell and <strong>of</strong>fal) on <strong>the</strong> farm. How<br />
<strong>the</strong> virus got into <strong>the</strong> farms is not as yet known. There are<br />
a number <strong>of</strong> working assumptions, however determining <strong>the</strong><br />
original source is extremely difficult.<br />
New Zealand has its own measures in place to protect our<br />
blackfoot paua (Haliotis iris). While most <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>se are voluntary<br />
measures monitored by MFish and implemented by <strong>the</strong> Paua<br />
Industry Council and paua farmers, o<strong>the</strong>r developments<br />
are underway via collaboration between MFish, Biosecurity<br />
New Zealand and relevant stakeholders. The combination <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>se measures will aim to address fur<strong>the</strong>r protection <strong>of</strong> New<br />
Zealand’s paua from <strong>the</strong> spread <strong>of</strong> disease. MFish and o<strong>the</strong>r<br />
agencies are working closing to ensure fur<strong>the</strong>r measures will<br />
be applied where necessary.<br />
SyMPTOMS OF ThE VIRUS<br />
The virus threatening Australia’s paua causes inflammation <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> nervous tissue, resulting in <strong>the</strong> edges <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> foot curling<br />
inwards, swelling and protrusion <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mouth and excess<br />
mucus production. Active signs <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> viral infection include:<br />
infected animals loosing muscle control and sliding or falling<br />
BLaCk FOOT PaUa (HaLIOTIS IRIS)<br />
<strong>of</strong>f <strong>the</strong>ir home scars on <strong>the</strong> reef, and large amounts <strong>of</strong> intact<br />
but near-dead abalone, shiny empty shells and loose meats<br />
rolling around in <strong>the</strong> wash.<br />
The virus is spread through direct contact between infected<br />
and healthy abalone. It is believed <strong>the</strong> virus is exuded in <strong>the</strong><br />
mucus. The virus can spread without a host through <strong>the</strong><br />
water column however it is not known how long it survives<br />
in this medium. It is not known at this stage if <strong>the</strong> virus is<br />
transmitted from parent to progeny.<br />
BLACK FOOT PAUA<br />
(hALIOTIS IRIS)<br />
Paua is highly valued by both New Zealand’s noncommercial<br />
and commercial sectors.<br />
It is a particularly valued customary fishery, as<br />
providing paua at important events like hui or tangi<br />
helps uphold <strong>the</strong> mana <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> host marae. The use<br />
<strong>of</strong> paua shell for decoration and fishing devices is<br />
also a big part <strong>of</strong> Māori tradition. In some places,<br />
paua is an important part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> diet.<br />
The main paua fisheries are in <strong>the</strong> lower half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
North Island (Wairarapa/ Wellington south coast),<br />
top <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> South Island (outer Marlborough Sounds<br />
and Kaikoura), <strong>the</strong> lower half <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> South Island<br />
(Otago/Southland/Fiordland), Stewart Island and<br />
<strong>the</strong> Chatham Islands.<br />
Two o<strong>the</strong>r paua species are found in New Zealand<br />
waters – yellow foot paua (H. australis) and virgin or<br />
white foot paua (H. virginea). Both are smaller than<br />
black foot paua and less common.<br />
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14 TheBite APRIL 2008<br />
The business <strong>of</strong> fishing has<br />
changed radically since <strong>the</strong><br />
1970s. Few fisheries managers<br />
have seen as much <strong>of</strong> that<br />
change, first hand, as MFish<br />
chief fishery <strong>of</strong>ficer Dave Wood.<br />
Dave was at <strong>the</strong> table in 1978<br />
when <strong>the</strong> government was<br />
working out how to manage<br />
and patrol its <strong>new</strong> Exclusive<br />
Economic Zone (EEZ) and he<br />
was involved in developing<br />
New Zealand’s revolutionary<br />
Quota Management System<br />
(QMS)<br />
a working life<br />
managing our<br />
fisheries<br />
At <strong>the</strong> beginning <strong>of</strong> May, Dave leaves MFish after 40 years<br />
in <strong>the</strong> public service. He says he always wanted to work to<br />
support primary production for export and after a taste <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
passion that surrounds fishing, he k<strong>new</strong> that was <strong>the</strong> sector<br />
for him.<br />
A 17-year-old Dave Wood joined <strong>the</strong> Department <strong>of</strong><br />
Agriculture in Timaru in 1967 as a cadet. A couple <strong>of</strong> years<br />
later he transferred to Wellington, where he met his future<br />
wife, Sandra, and had two years working in health research<br />
PIC TO COME<br />
before taking a job in <strong>the</strong> <strong>new</strong>ly formed <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> Agriculture<br />
and <strong>Fisheries</strong> (MAF).<br />
Dave describes working on measures to manage <strong>the</strong> <strong>new</strong><br />
EEZ in <strong>the</strong> late 1970s as a very exciting time.<br />
“Before <strong>the</strong> EEZ, we managed fisheries out to three miles,<br />
beyond that was open sla<strong>the</strong>r. So patrolling was quite<br />
straight forward. With <strong>the</strong> International Law <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Sea<br />
Convention and <strong>the</strong> establishment <strong>of</strong> national EEZs, out to
200 miles, patrolling became quite a different matter. We<br />
employed 30 extra fishery <strong>of</strong>ficers straight away to go to sea<br />
and monitor fishing. This was <strong>the</strong> precursor to <strong>the</strong> modern<br />
fisheries observer programme. We set up <strong>the</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong><br />
Communication Centre so MAF could stay in touch with <strong>the</strong><br />
foreign vessels that were fishing in <strong>the</strong> EEZ, 24 hours a day,<br />
seven days a week.”<br />
The beginning <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> 1980s saw Dave working at <strong>the</strong> Beehive<br />
as <strong>the</strong> private secretary to <strong>the</strong> Minister <strong>of</strong> Agriculture and<br />
<strong>Fisheries</strong> Duncan MacIntyre. The hours were long with a 7am<br />
to midnight working day not being unusual. But <strong>the</strong>re was<br />
always something interesting happening, particularly when<br />
Deputy Prime Minister MacIntyre was acting Prime Minister<br />
during <strong>the</strong> 1981 Springbok tour. Dave sat in on late night<br />
meetings with <strong>the</strong> chief <strong>of</strong> police and <strong>the</strong> chairman <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
rugby union, as <strong>the</strong> tour unfolded.<br />
He was back at MAF in 1982 and working on some <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> early methods <strong>of</strong> controlling how much fishing was<br />
undertaken in areas that were under pressure. Dave worked<br />
on controlling boat numbers and fishing effort in <strong>the</strong> national<br />
rock lobster fisheries, Hauraki Gulf wet-fish, Foveaux Strait<br />
oysters and Lake Ellesmere eels. His staff kept tabs on <strong>the</strong><br />
70 or 80 foreign vessels in <strong>the</strong> EEZ and <strong>the</strong> 300-odd squidjigging<br />
vessels that arrived each year for <strong>the</strong> squid season.<br />
In his spare time he worked on a team that was developing<br />
<strong>the</strong> QMS.<br />
One <strong>of</strong> Dave’s main roles in <strong>the</strong> QMS development was<br />
leading <strong>the</strong> team that worked out fishers’ catch history that<br />
would be used to base a fisher’s annual quota. Until <strong>the</strong>n<br />
catch history was assigned to vessels, and vessels regularly<br />
NEW ZEaLaNd’S<br />
EXCLUSIVE ECONOMIC ZONE (EEZ)<br />
changed hands. So a vessel’s catch history might need to be<br />
spread between <strong>the</strong> current owner and several past owners.<br />
The results were always going to be open to challenge, and<br />
as soon as catch histories were assigned, Dave got to lead<br />
<strong>the</strong> team that managed <strong>the</strong> quota appeals process.<br />
“We dealt with 60 to 100 appeals at a different location every<br />
fortnight. Often we met with fishers and worked out <strong>the</strong><br />
discrepancies before <strong>the</strong> appeal, but if we couldn’t agree,<br />
both sides gave evidence and let a mediator decide. It was<br />
an incredibly intense two years, and very satisfying.”<br />
With a <strong>new</strong> fisheries management regime in place, a <strong>new</strong><br />
approach was needed for fisheries enforcement, and Dave<br />
started working on <strong>the</strong>se issues as a manager, as he would<br />
do for <strong>the</strong> rest <strong>of</strong> his fisheries career.<br />
“In <strong>the</strong> past, we (fishery <strong>of</strong>ficers) had been hiding behind flax<br />
bushes waiting for people to do something wrong and nabbing<br />
<strong>the</strong>m. That wasn’t suitable for enforcing <strong>the</strong> commercial rules<br />
under <strong>the</strong> QMS. We moved to a system where fishers k<strong>new</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong>ir rights and obligations and were required to report back<br />
to us.”<br />
Poring over fishing returns to find <strong>of</strong>fences requires a different<br />
set <strong>of</strong> skills, and <strong>the</strong> compliance group was soon employing<br />
people that could identify fraud, as well as those that could<br />
patrol <strong>the</strong> coast.<br />
Dave held many senior positions in compliance, including<br />
managing <strong>the</strong> whole compliance effort under <strong>the</strong> MAF<br />
structure, and post 1995, under <strong>the</strong> <strong>new</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong><br />
(MFish) structure.<br />
In <strong>the</strong> past few years he has been involved in international<br />
compliance agreements for <strong>the</strong> high seas, working on<br />
specifications for <strong>the</strong> <strong>new</strong> Project Protector fleet, improving<br />
aerial surveillance capabilities <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Airforce’s Orion aircraft and<br />
<strong>the</strong> pleasant task <strong>of</strong> conducting an independent compliance<br />
review <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Western Australian pearling industry.<br />
Although <strong>the</strong>re have been many highlights in his time with<br />
compliance, he says overseeing Operation Pacman, where<br />
140 fishery <strong>of</strong>ficers, supported by 120 police and 40 military<br />
personnel, simultaneously swooped on paua poaching<br />
targets all over <strong>the</strong> country, rates very highly. The operation<br />
netted freezers full <strong>of</strong> paua, a plethora <strong>of</strong> boats and vehicles,<br />
a goldmine <strong>of</strong> intelligence about paua poaching, and led to<br />
dozens <strong>of</strong> prosecutions.<br />
Dave says his decision to retire was influenced by a stroke he<br />
suffered two years ago. To mitigate <strong>the</strong> shock <strong>of</strong> retirement,<br />
he has agreed to complete his commitment later in <strong>the</strong> year<br />
to <strong>the</strong> role <strong>of</strong> chairing <strong>the</strong> Compliance Committee <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Commission for <strong>the</strong> Conservation <strong>of</strong> Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Bluefin Tuna. It<br />
doesn’t look like he’s finished with fishing yet.<br />
APRIL 2008 TheBite 15
16 TheBite APRIL 2008<br />
Eight<br />
fisheries<br />
plans<br />
groups are<br />
underway<br />
The first eight <strong>Fisheries</strong> Plans<br />
Advisory Groups are up and running<br />
and working towards finding <strong>the</strong> best<br />
value from <strong>the</strong>ir fisheries.<br />
MFish National Manager <strong>Fisheries</strong> Operations, Jonathan<br />
Peacey, says fisheries plans are part <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> objectives-based<br />
management approach. This involves tangata whenua and<br />
stakeholders working with MFish to determine how to get<br />
<strong>the</strong> best value from fisheries for all those involved in fishing,<br />
and <strong>the</strong> country as a whole, within environmental limits set<br />
by Government.<br />
Advisory groups are under way for <strong>the</strong> following fisheries:<br />
Northland scallops, west coast North Island finfish, Gisborne/<br />
East Coast rock lobster (CRA3), Challenger finfish (Nelson/<br />
West Coast South Island), sou<strong>the</strong>rn shellfish, Fiordland paua<br />
(PAU5A), middle depth/deepwater, and tunas.<br />
The advisory groups are made up <strong>of</strong> customary, commercial<br />
and amateur fishers, environmental interests, and MFish staff<br />
(including Operations, Science, and Compliance). Initially<br />
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Email: comms@fish.govt.nz<br />
PO Box 1020, Wellington Web: www.fish.govt.nz<br />
<strong>the</strong> groups review <strong>the</strong> current status and management <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> fishery, <strong>the</strong>n develop objectives to get best value from<br />
<strong>the</strong> fisheries, and determine <strong>the</strong> management measures<br />
and services (e.g., research and enforcement) needed to<br />
achieve those objectives. While working on fisheries plans,<br />
advisory group members discuss progress and issues with<br />
o<strong>the</strong>r members <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir sector to ensure <strong>the</strong>y can contribute<br />
<strong>the</strong> best available information to <strong>the</strong> plan. When each plan is<br />
finished it will go to <strong>the</strong> Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Fisheries</strong> for approval.<br />
Jonathan says completing a fisheries plan is expected to<br />
take between one and two years and <strong>the</strong> advisory group will<br />
<strong>the</strong>n oversee its implementation. He expects plans will be<br />
reviewed every five years.<br />
The <strong>Fisheries</strong> Planning Pages on <strong>the</strong> <strong>Ministry</strong>’s website<br />
(www.fish.govt.nz) is <strong>the</strong> place to find information on fisheries<br />
plans. Information includes: advisory group participants,<br />
meeting dates, agendas and minutes, draft fisheries plans,<br />
and lots <strong>of</strong> background information on <strong>the</strong> fisheries.<br />
Jonathan says MFish is very happy with <strong>the</strong> progress <strong>the</strong><br />
eight advisory groups are making. Fur<strong>the</strong>r groups will be set<br />
up over <strong>the</strong> next few years to develop plans for <strong>the</strong> remaining<br />
groups <strong>of</strong> fisheries.<br />
ISSN 1177-388X