New Zealand Maintains Ban on Retaining North Island Reef Fish Bycatch

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.