Deemed values to increase under proposed regulations

Commercial fishers are going to have to pay more for fish caught outside quotas, under proposed changes to overfishing regulations.

So called "deemed values" recognise that some fishing methods catch unwanted species, and impose a charge so they can be processed and not wasted.

The rules were introduced in 2001, But the Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton says in some cases the charges are so low that fishers can still make a profit even after paying the penalties.

He wants the charges raised so there is no incentive to overfish, but says it is important to strike a balance.

Mr Anderton says consultations are underway, and a final decision will be made in the next couple of months.

The Green Party says while it welcomes the move, the quotas for many fisheries need to be reduced as well.

The Green Party says while it welcomes higher penalties for overfishing, the quotas for many fisheries need to be reduced.

The Greens' fisheries spokesperson, Metiria Turei, says the move is long overdue, but more work is needed.

She says recreational fishers are suffering because of the commercial industry's greed.