Fisheries Reform: Proposed Amendments to the Fisheries Act

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Have your say

Fisheries New Zealand wants your feedback on a package of proposals that will enhance value to fishers and better ensure sustainability. These proposed reforms will:

• improve the responsiveness, efficiency, and certainty of decision-making

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• provide greater protection for onboard camera footage and ensure the onboard camera programme is workable

• implement new rules for commercial fishers that set out when QMS (Quota Management System) fish must be landed and when they can be returned to the sea.

The consultation opened on 12 February and will close at 5pm on 28 March 2025.

Why we're considering these changes

The Government has made commitments to lift New Zealand's productivity and economic growth – increasing opportunities and prosperity for all New Zealanders, including the seafood sector. We now have access to better quality and more frequent data through electronic reporting by fishers and verification of some of this data by onboard cameras and fisheries observers. The proposed changes respond to the Government’s goals and take advantage of new data and analytical tools to improve how we manage New Zealand’s fisheries.

Online public meetings

During the consultation period, we'll be holding three public online meetings. At these sessions, we'll give you a high-level presentation on the proposals and you'll have a chance to ask questions.

• Session 1 – Monday 24 February 2025

• Session 2 – Monday 3 March 2025

• Session 3 – Thursday 13 March 2025.

If you would like to attend one of the meetings, you must register here:

https://mpi.surveymonkey.com/r/FisheriesReform2025ConsultationRegistration

We encourage you to read the consultation document before you attend.