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This letter
contains my preliminary views on the sustainability measure
and management control proposals that will be subject to consultation
between MFish and myself and interested stakeholders. I request
that stakeholders forward their submissions on these proposals
to my office by Friday 26 July 2002. The date for receipt
of submissions has changed from that stated initially by MFish.
Snapper
(SNA 2)
The TACC in this fishery has been over caught in every year
since the introduction of the fishery into the Quota Management
System. The overcatch has occurred despite various attempts
of the fishers involved to remain within the constraints of
the TACC. These fishers are of the view that the overcatch
has been unavoidable and reflects increased abundance of snapper.
The fishery
assessment for SNA 2 has been updated and indicates that the
stock has rebuilt to a point where the stock size is close
to the level that would produce the maximum sustainable yield
(MSY). However, as there are no indices of biomass available
the model estimates must be treated with caution. Nonetheless,
I am satisfied that there is a legitimate case to consider
setting a TAC in this fishery and increasing the TACC.
My initial
view is to support a TAC being set at 460 tonnes. The IPP
proposes a recreational allowance of 40 tonnes within the
TAC. My initial view is to provide a higher recreational allowance,
in the order of 80-100 tonnes. I wish to signal to stakeholders
at this time that I propose to consider a number of options
for giving effect to this outcome, including if necessary
some adjustment of the TACC recommended in the IPP. I have
requested MFish to investigate the potential to re-run the
stock assessment model with a higher recreational allowance.
In addition I note that the results of the 2000 recreational
survey have not been confirmed as yet. I propose to take into
account the results of that survey if the information is confirmed
prior to the time of my final decision. I request stakeholders
to provide specific comment on the issue of the recreational
allowance for SNA 2.
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