28 Jul 2026
2 months ago
689 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.
29 May 2026
4 months ago
895 views
New Zealand’s bottom trawl fishing footprint covers only 1.7% of its waters, concentrated in specific areas and remaining stable for decades, minimizing environmental impact. The industry is vital to the economy, contributing $1.57 billion in exports and employing around 9,000 people, with about 70% of commercial fish caught by bottom trawling. Fisheries officials monitor and work with the industry to reduce impacts through innovation, gear modifications, and alternative methods, aligning with global practices and consumer expectations.
19 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1152 views
The proposal to allow commercial fishers in northern North Island to retain and sell certain reef fish caught as bycatch will not proceed, according to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones. After considering over 22,000 public submissions and sustainability concerns, the historic ban protecting these species since 1993 will remain. The decision is part of a broader consultation on commercial fishing regulations, with further announcements forthcoming.
16 Jan 2026
9 months ago
1484 views
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced changes to the deemed value system for fish caught outside commercial quotas, allowing fees to better reflect the actual market value based on how fish are landed, such as fresh versus frozen. The amendment aims to address financial disadvantages faced by fishers using deepwater freezer vessels who currently pay deemed values based on higher fresh fish prices, by enabling alternative rates for inshore stocks caught as bycatch. Additionally, the proposal to allow commercial fishers to land and sell marlin bycatch has been rejected, with the Fisheries Act Amendment Bill set for introduction in early 2026 and public consultation to follow.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1083 views
An emergency fishery closure around Otago Peninsula to protect the threatened northern hoiho population has been extended until 16 September 2026 to allow careful review of longer-term measures. The closure bans set-net fishing within eight nautical miles of the peninsula to reduce penguin bycatch, while consultations on future measures remain open until 12 December 2025. Delays caused by legal challenges have hindered progress, but officials aim to finalize longer-term protections early in 2026 to balance conservation efforts with the interests of local fishers.
15 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1400 views
The Government is implementing a temporary emergency fishery closure around the Otago Peninsula to protect the hoiho population in mainland New Zealand. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones will conduct public consultation on permanent measures to address hoiho bycatch in the area. The consultation will include proposals such as extending the set net ban and implementing an escalating response framework to reduce hoiho bycatch towards zero.