| Minister
Announces Fisheries Quota Management Decisions
David
Benson-Pope
18
February 2005
Media Statement
Several more shellfish species
are to be introduced into New Zealand's world leading quota management
system (QMS), Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope announced today.
However, he deferred a decision
on the introduction of seaweed into the QMS and says two important
tuna species will not be introduced at this time.
Mr Benson-Pope says having
considered advice from the Ministry of Fisheries, and the views
of fishing interests, he has decided to introduce most of the remaining
stocks of cockle, pipi, tuatua, scallop, and dredge oysters that
are not already in the quota system.
"I am not satisfied that
the current management regime is adequate for these stocks,"
says Mr Benson-Pope. "Entry of these fisheries into the QMS
will enable a catch limit to be applied in the interests of sustainable
use of these resources. This decision recognises the importance
of these fisheries for recreational and customary Maori fishing
interests.
From early March 2005 the
Ministry of Fisheries will be consulting stakeholders about catch
limits and allowances that should apply to these stocks. The Minister
will then make decisions on these matters prior to the start of
the 01 October 2005 fishing year.
Mr Benson-Pope says he has
decided to defer the introduction of seaweed into the quota system
to allow further work to be undertaken to determine the best manner
in which such resources can be managed.
"I have also decided not
to introduce skipjack and albacore tuna into the QMS as had been
proposed by the Ministry," said Mr Benson-Pope. "I am
satisfied that, based on the available information, the current
management regime is adequately providing for the sustainable utilisation
of these species."
Contact:
Pete Coleman (Press Secretary)
(04) 471- 9685
or
021-811-003
Email:
pete.coleman@parliament.govt.nz
|
