National Party’s fisheries policy
The National Party has a broad but brief fisheries policy that highlights the importance of balancing commercial fishing interests with those of recreational fishers so that Kiwi families can enjoy a day’s catch. We welcome the policy’s importance placed on a day on the water, along with improving information on recreational fishing and harvest levels. It is in everyone’s interest to do so.
Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy
New Zealand is one of the best performing fishing nations in the world. We have the ninth largest exclusive fishing zone and the tenth longest coastline of any country in the world. We export our seafood to more than a hundred overseas markets. Commercial fishing generates over $1.6 billion per annum in exports and employs more than 13,000 full time workers.
We also need to balance our commercial fishing interests with those of the more than 700,000 New Zealanders who fish recreationally. National will ensure our fish stocks continue to be well managed so Kiwi families will always be able to fish and enjoy a day out on the water.
Our aquaculture industry has grown substantially over the past few decades, and sustainably produces some of world’s best seafood, from Greenshell Mussels, to King Salmon and Pacific Oysters. Last year aquaculture generated over $600 million in revenue for New Zealand, and employed over 3,000 Kiwis. Aquaculture has amazing potential for further growth.
With global demand for high-quality, sustainable seafood expected to continue to rise, National believes that with the right support aquaculture can play a big role in growing New Zealand out of the current economic crisis and supporting thousands of new jobs in our regions.
National will:
Work with the industry to promote commercial fishing as an attractive long term career option, and offer support to the development of young industry leaders.
Support the widespread industry use of digital monitoring for tracking and reporting fish catches to manage the sustainability of our fish stocks into the future. This includes the use of on-board cameras which will also help to reduce seabird and dolphin deaths.
Form an industry advocacy group consisting of key stakeholders to better deliver information and advice to the Crown.
Explore new technologies and innovative solutions to improve information about recreational fishing and harvest levels.
Update the Marine Reserves Act and develop a new Oceans Management Policy to ensure efficient processes to allocate marine space for aquaculture.
Set a target of doubling the output from aquaculture in the next ten years.
Authorised by G Hamilton, 41 Pipitea Street, Wellington.