Quota Aggregation Limit Exemption Application

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback from persons or organisations having an interest in a blue mackerel (EMA) and kahawai (KAH) quota aggregation limit exemption application.

The application is from Pelco NZ Limited.

The requests are to hold:

•    45.993% of all KAH quota

•    55.304% of all EMA quota.

Consultation on this application will run for five weeks from 30 October to 29 November 2024.

About the application

The Fisheries Act 1996 contains provisions that place restrictions on the amount of quota that may be owned by any one person or entity. These restrictions are called aggregation limits.

For blue mackerel, the aggregation limit is 45%, and for kahawai, it is 35% of the combined total allowable commercial catches (TACCs) for each stock.

Section 60 of the Fisheries Act 1996 makes the provision for the Minister of Fisheries to consent to persons holding quota in excess of such aggregation limits, following consultation.

In 2020, Pelco NZ Limited submitted a similar application under section 60 of the Fisheries Act 1996. Following public consultation, that application was declined in August 2022.

This new application is largely the same as the 2020 application, however, it does not include the previously requested additional 5% of quota for both species, to act as a buffer from any future TAC/TACC reductions that may inadvertently result in the aggregation limits being exceeded.

For more information on how to make a submission, visit: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/application-by-pelco-nz-limited-to-hold-quota-over-aggregation-limits-for-blue-mackerel-and-kahawai-2024/

- NZ Fishing News