30 July 2003

The Honourable Pete Hodgson
Minister of Fisheries
Parliament Buildings
WELLINGTON

Dear Mr Hodgson

Soon you will be making your decision in regards to the possible inclusion of yellowtail kingfish into the QMS this year. While I realise submissions officially closed on June 13th, I have become aware of something I'd like to draw your attention to.

In the most recent edition of "Seafood" magazine there is an advertisement at the rear of the mag which caught my eye. Despite no announcement pertaining to the aforementioned inclusion, already there is a scramble to obtain KIN quota, catch history or both. A well known Bay of Islands operation is soliciting to obtain either or both quota or catch history. Additionally I have heard from a reliable source that at least one of the larger companies, Moana Pacific, is also actively campaigning for the same commodities.

I would hope this might give you an indication of just how important KIN is to the commercial sector. Additionally it would seem obvious that because of their interest in this important recreational gamefish they will be targeting same, not merely utilised as a bycatch species. As a consequence I would ask you to allow enough tonnage for historical bycatch only, not huge amounts which will encourage large scale targeting.

Thank you for your consideration in this matter, I know you have a lot on your plate.

Yours faithfully
Rick Pollock