Articles tagged with Fish

Showing 15 of 58 articles

$1.97M Investment to Restore Southern Scallop Fishery and Boost Economy

02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 184 views

The New Zealand Government is investing $1.97 million alongside industry partners in a seven-year programme to restore the southern scallop fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays, aiming to rebuild the marine habitat and create a self-sustaining fishery. The project involves restoring 39 hectares of seabed by placing mussel shells to improve conditions for scallops, addressing past habitat degradation and poor juvenile survival. With strong support from iwi and industry, the $5.02 million initiative is expected to generate $21 million in revenue over 20 years, benefiting the regional economy, biodiversity, and community wellbeing.

Tags: Shane Jones Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company southern scallop fishery Primary Sector Growth Fund Tasman Bay Golden Bay New Zealand scallop restoration marine habitat Top of the South iwi

$1.97M Investment to Restore Southern Scallop Fishery and Boost Economy

02 Sep 2026 | 1 week ago | 153 views

The New Zealand Government is investing $1.97 million, alongside over 60% industry funding, in a seven-year program to restore the southern scallop fishery in Tasman and Golden Bays, aiming to rebuild the fishery, marine habitat, and biodiversity. The project involves restoring 39 hectares of seabed using mussel shells to improve habitat conditions, supported by science, innovation, and collaboration with iwi and industry stakeholders. This restoration is expected to generate approximately $21 million in new revenue over 20 years, benefiting the regional economy, seafood sector, and community wellbeing.

Tags: southern scallop fishery Shane Jones Challenger Scallop Enhancement Company New Zealand Primary Sector Growth Fund marine habitat restoration Tasman Bay Golden Bay scallop restoration Top of the South iwi

Public Consultation on Reopening Limited Scallop Fishing in Whangārei Harbour

23 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 266 views

Fisheries New Zealand is consulting the public on proposals to reopen limited recreational scallop fishing in Whangārei Harbour after a four-year closure, following surveys indicating sustainable scallop levels. The proposals include maintaining the current closure until broader management plans are finalized, allowing a limited seasonal scallop fishing starting this spring or summer, and establishing ongoing seasonal fishing from 2027 or 2028 with new fishing rules. Commercial scallop fishing will remain prohibited, and feedback is sought by 18 September to balance community benefits with sustainability.

Tags: Shane Jones Whangārei Harbour Fisheries New Zealand scallop fishing Northland scallop fishery SCA 1 recreational fishing kaimoana MPI Hauraki Gulf

New Zealand Unifies Fisheries Management to Boost Aquaculture Growth by 2035

19 Aug 2026 | 2 weeks ago | 320 views

Legislation changes will centralize fishing and fishery resource management under the Fisheries Act, removing councils' authority to regulate these activities to reduce confusion and streamline oversight. The new planning system replacing the Resource Management Act aims to support primary sector growth, simplify aquaculture consent processes, and enable ministerial decisions on aquaculture space to boost sustainable industry expansion. These reforms intend to enhance fishery sustainability, increase seafood availability, and create economic opportunities while maintaining local community involvement and transitioning existing council rules until 2030.

Tags: Shane Jones Fisheries Act Planning Bill Natural Environment Bill Resource Management Act aquaculture New Zealand fishery resources councils kaimoana

New Zealand Launches Revised National Plan to Protect and Sustain Sharks

14 Aug 2026 | 3 weeks ago | 285 views

The New Zealand Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to enhance shark conservation and sustainable management, addressing threats such as fishing, pollution, and climate change while integrating tangata whenua perspectives. The plan emphasizes protecting vulnerable shark species, minimizing bycatch through best-practice handling, and maintaining the health of marine ecosystems where at least 113 shark species reside. Developed collaboratively by multiple agencies and stakeholders, this updated plan builds on previous efforts, including the 2014 shark finning ban, and sets clear goals and measurable objectives for 2026.

Tags: Tama Potaka New Zealand National Plan of Action sharks conservation Department of Conservation Fisheries New Zealand shark finning ban tangata whenua marine ecosystems

Proposed Rock Lobster Fishing Rules for Aotea-Great Barrier: Have Your Say

04 Aug 2026 | 1 month ago | 292 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposals to manage rock lobster fishing around Aotea-Great Barrier Island, aiming to ensure long-term sustainability as requested by local boards and iwi trusts. Proposed measures include establishing recreational-only zones, reducing daily catch limits, introducing closed seasons during breeding, setting maximum legal sizes, and limiting accumulation of catch to protect lobster populations. These efforts, supported by community groups and Fisheries New Zealand, are part of broader protections to rebuild lobster stocks and address local concerns, with consultation open until 4 September 2026.

Tags: Shane Jones Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea Aotea Ahu Moana Project Fisheries New Zealand rock lobster Hauraki Gulf Northland MPI Great Barrier locals

Permanent Fishing Ban and New Limits to Protect Endangered Hoiho from Bycatch

27 Jul 2026 | 1 month ago | 389 views

Long-term protections to reduce fishing risks to the endangered northern hoiho population will become permanent from 16 September 2026, including a ban on set-net fishing around the Otago Peninsula. A new Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) framework, setting an annual bycatch limit of four hoiho, will enable swift action if limits are exceeded, aiming to halve hoiho deaths from fisheries bycatch. While fisheries bycatch is not the primary threat, with disease, predation, and starvation being greater risks, these measures will contribute to stabilizing the population.

Tags: hoiho Shane Jones Otago Peninsula Fishing Related Mortality Limit FRML fisheries bycatch endangered species

Government Funds $4.5M Mussel Spat Nursery to Boost NZ Greenshell Industry

01 Jul 2026 | 2 months ago | 561 views

The New Zealand government is funding a $4.5 million loan to establish a mussel spat nursery in Houhora Bay, Northland, aiming to stabilize and increase spat supply for the Greenshell mussel industry. The Te Hiku Aquaculture Mussel Spat Project, led by four iwi groups and co-funded with $1.3 million, will develop up to 150 mussel lines to improve spat survival and support nationwide mussel farming. This initiative aligns with the government’s Aquaculture Development Plan to grow the industry to $3 billion annually by 2035 and is progressing through the Fast-track consent process before funding is released.

Tags: Mark Patterson Te Aupōuri Te Rarawa Ngāi Takoto Ngāti Kahu Akau Associate Regional Development Minister Te Aupōuri Fisheries Management Limited Muriwhenua Government

New Zealand Boosts Funding to Support Pacific Fisheries and Tuna Innovation

29 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 581 views

New Zealand is increasing funding and support to Pacific nations to enhance innovation, combat illegal fishing, and improve returns from tuna fisheries through the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) and the Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures programme (PITVP). The PITVP focuses on value-added opportunities, turning tuna by-products into high-value goods, thereby helping coastal communities benefit more fairly from their resources. Hosting the Forum Fisheries Committee Ministerial Meeting for the first time in 18 years, New Zealand emphasizes regional cooperation to ensure sustainable fisheries management and food security.

Tags: New Zealand Winston Peters Shane Jones Pacific nations Forum Fisheries Agency Forum Fisheries Committee Pacific Islands Tuna Ventures tuna fisheries illegal fishing fisheries sustainability

Pacific Fisheries Ministers Meet in Wellington to Boost Sustainable Tuna Management

28 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 510 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is hosting the annual Forum Fisheries Ministerial Committee in Wellington, bringing together 16 Pacific Island fisheries ministers to focus on sustainable management of shared tuna resources in the Pacific region. The Western and Central Pacific Ocean supplies over 50% of the world’s tuna, with around 80% caught within Pacific Island Exclusive Economic Zones, making fisheries vital for regional economies and food security. The meeting aims to strengthen collaborative efforts on sustainable fishing limits, governance, and increasing the economic value of fisheries, with New Zealand playing a key role alongside Pacific Island partners and the Forum Fisheries Agency.

Tags: Shane Jones Forum Fisheries Agency Pacific Island fisheries ministers New Zealand Pacific Island Forum Forum Fisheries Ministerial Committee Regional Fisheries Ministers meeting Australia Pacific Ocean tuna fisheries

Public Consultation Open on NZ Fishery Catch Limits and Sustainability Measures 2026

24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 530 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced a public consultation on proposed changes to catch limits and sustainability measures for 22 fish stocks, emphasizing the use of scientific data and stakeholder input to ensure sustainable fishing practices. Significant catch reductions are proposed for tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock influenced by warming waters, while catch increases are suggested for snapper and trevally in certain areas where populations are thriving. The review also includes adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with decisions to be finalized before the 2026 fishing year, and submissions open until July 24, 2026.

Tags: Shane Jones tarakihi snapper trevally fisheries sustainability catch limits New Zealand deemed value rates MPI

Public Consultation Opens on NZ Fishery Catch Limits and Sustainability Measures 2026

24 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 499 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposed catch limit and sustainability changes for 22 fish stocks, including significant reductions for New Zealand’s tarakihi fisheries due to declining stock levels affected by warming waters. While tarakihi stocks continue to decline despite previous catch reductions, catch limits for snapper and trevally are proposed to increase in certain areas reflecting their growing abundance. The review also considers adjustments to deemed value rates for 11 fish stocks, with submissions open until July 24, 2026, and final decisions expected before the 2026 fishing year begins.

Tags: Shane Jones tarakihi snapper trevally fisheries sustainability catch limits New Zealand deemed value rates MPI

Kaikoura Rock Lobster Fishery Closed for 3 Months to Protect Sustainability

23 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 492 views

A three-month closure of the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area, starting 1 July, aims to sustain the fishery by protecting egg-carrying females and allowing smaller lobsters to grow. This closure, supported by local guardians and rūnanga, includes recreational, commercial, and customary fishing restrictions to enhance resilience ahead of the peak season. Fisheries New Zealand will conduct a stock assessment later this year, which may lead to adjustments in catch settings, following strong public support for the closure.

Tags: rock lobster Kaikoura Marine Area Shane Jones Kaikōura Marine Guardians Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura Fisheries New Zealand rāhui fishery closure stock assessment fishing season

New Zealand Manufacturing Leads Economic Growth with 1.9% Rise in Q1 2026

18 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 604 views

New Zealand's manufacturing sector led economic growth in the March 2026 quarter, expanding 1.9 percent and significantly contributing to the country's 0.8 percent GDP growth. This growth was driven by innovative firms like Dawn Aerospace, Rocket Lab, and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare, reflecting strong productivity and forward orders. The government supports this sector through initiatives like the Investment Boost, aiming to enhance productivity and sustain manufacturing's role in New Zealand's economic recovery.

Tags: Cameron Brewer Dawn Aerospace Rocket Lab Fisher and Paykel Healthcare New Zealand Manufacturing GDP Small Business Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group

New Zealand Manufacturing Leads Economic Growth with 1.9% Rise in Q1 2026

18 Jun 2026 | 2 months ago | 592 views

New Zealand's manufacturing sector led economic growth in the March 2026 quarter, expanding 1.9 percent and driving a 0.8 percent overall GDP increase, with strong performance in transport equipment and machinery manufacturing. Key firms like Dawn Aerospace, Rocket Lab, and Fisher and Paykel Healthcare are spearheading innovation and productivity, supported by government initiatives such as the Investment Boost to encourage capital investment. Manufacturing, contributing around 8 percent of GDP and employing over 220,000 people, is central to New Zealand's economic recovery and future growth strategy.

Tags: Cameron Brewer Dawn Aerospace Rocket Lab Fisher and Paykel Healthcare New Zealand Manufacturing Small Business Advancing Manufacturing Aotearoa Manufacturing Productivity Advisory Group Investment Boost