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Recreational fishers to get new voice in fisheries decision-making
Media
Release - Minister of Fisheries
12
January 2005
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Update # 50 - A response to this media release.
Two new initiatives will
give recreational fishers greater input into Fisheries decision-making,
says Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope.
Mr Benson-Pope today announced
his intention to establish an independent ministerial recreational
fishing advisory panel, as well as the creation of a nationwide
network of recreational fishing forums, saying they recognised the
importance of recreational fishing to New Zealand society.
The ministerial advisory
panel will be an expert group of recreational fishers and will advise
the minister directly on the strategic issues confronting the recreational
sector.
Mr Benson-Pope says the regional
recreational forums have the potential to be as valuable as the
regular meetings he has with the seafood industry, which have helped
to better understand issues in that sector.
The regional recreational
fishing forums will be made up of representatives of local fishing
groups. They will contribute knowledge and advice to:
- the statutory decision-making processes on fisheries;
- Ministry policy advice to Government; and
- decisions on the nature and extent of Ministry services such
as research and compliance.
"We are committed to
all fisheries stakeholders having opportunities to participate in
fisheries management processes, such as the establishment of stock
strategies, decisions on total allowable catch, and regulations,"
said Mr Benson-Pope. "These new initiatives will be on top
of existing stake holder consultation under the Fisheries Act.
"The regional recreational
forums will complement a network of regional forums for Maori customary
fishers, which is being established for similar purposes."
Mr Benson-Pope says these
new initiatives will build on other commitments he has made to the
recreational sector including a new $4million four-year research
plan he announced in this year's budget.
"The management of our
fisheries resource recognises that commercial, recreational and
customary fishers all have a stake. We are trying to get good outcomes
for all of them while ensuring the resource remains available for
generations to come," said Mr Benson-Pope.
Contact:
Pete Coleman (Press Secretary)
(04) 471- 9685
or
021-811-003
Email: pete.coleman@parliament.govt.nz
Read option4
Update # 50 - A response to this media release.
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