This post will discuss the effectiveness of New Zealand’s fisheries management system in maintaining healthy marine ecosystems, and managing human interactions with the marine environment in a sustainable way. Information in this paper is based on my experience snorkeling with my classmates at the Leigh/Goat Island and Poor Knights marine reserves. It will also be based on readings written by the Department of Conservation (DoC), Ministry of Fisheries, and on lectures our class received during our week of snorkeling.
Management of New Zealand’s fisheries resources is governed under the Fisheries Act 1996.The Fisheries Act establishes a broad framework for managing customary, recreational, and commercial fishing. According to the Ministry of Fisheries, the purpose of the Fisheries Act is to provide for the utilization of fisheries resources while ensuring sustainability. To achieve this goal a Quota Management System (QMS) was set up to protect over fishing of inshore species. New Zealand also has marine reserves to help maintain a healthy marine ecosystem. The following sections will talk about the effectiveness of the QMS and marine reserves.
Marine Reserves
Marine reserves are places in the sea that are left undisturbed so they can continue in their natural state or recover towards are more natural state. There are now over 30 marine reserves established in New Zealand waters.
For a map of New Zealand’s marine reserves visit: http://www.doc.govt.nz/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-protected-areas/marine-reserves-a-z/
Under the Marine Reserves Act 1971, the Department of Conservation is responsible for caring for and managing marine reserves. Management functions include marking marine reserve boundaries, law enforcement, issuing scientific permits and monitoring environmental changes.
Having marine reserves may be the only concept that is truly sustainable. According to our lecture from Dr. Bill Ballantine, within a marine reserve there is no commercial fishing, no traditional fishing, no sport fishing, no construction, dredging or filling, and no unnatural inputs. Having these limits ensures that everything in the environment is completely protected and there are no exceptions. Marine reserves are a realization that everything is part of a functioning ecosystem. The Leigh Marine Reserve is an example of what can happen when an area is left alone. Within ten years of creating the reserve the snapper and crayfish populations went up and the ecosystem was restored.
For more information on marine reserves visit: www.marine-reserves.org.nz
Quota Management System (QMS)
Species comprising 95% of the total commercial catch are now managed in the QMS. Both recreational catch and commercial catch are managed under the QMS. Recreational take is allowed within the limits of the Total Allowable Catch (TAC). Recreational fishers are subject to regulations including daily bag limits, method restrictions, size limits, and seasonal closures. Although these regulations are in place, some believe the regulations are not strict enough. While in Leigh we talked to Ian Miller, an avid recreational fisherman. Even Ian admitted that the bag limits on a lot of species, such as crayfish were too high. He agreed that he would like to see bag limits lowered.
You do not need a permit to fish recreationally in New Zealand’s oceans. A permitting system for recreational fishing would be a useful management tool for the Ministry of Fisheries. This would allow for a more accurate record of how many people are fishing for recreation. All commercial fishing requires a permit. Under the QMS a Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) is set. There are no seasonal regulations on commercial catch. This can cause problems when fish are caught that are breeding. Unfortunately putting a limit on commercial fishing is tough for the government to do because commercial fishing is a large part of New Zealand’s economy.
For more information on Quota Management Systems visit http://fs.fish.govt.nz/Page.aspx?pk=81.
