Latest news with #NationalBlueCodStrategy
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Voice opinion on proposed blue cod limit, angler says
Keen angler Steve Bennett asks anyone who recreationally fishes to let their voice be heard in regard to proposed changes to the blue cod limits allowed per person. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSON A Dunedin angler unhappy with proposed cuts to the blue cod catch limit for recreational fishers is asking everyone to have their say on the matter before it is too late. Keen angler Steve Bennett said it was only a few years ago that the limit was 30, and dropping the blue cod limit from 15 to 10 would make the reward of fishing not worth the cost of heading out. "I can't see the rationale for dropping it from 15 to 10 — I think that the blue cod fishery is in pretty good state at the moment and has been for a while." If the limit was reduced, it would be hard for people going out in a boat fishing to justify the fuel costs. He said Mother Nature had her own protection methods in place. "Our coastline is reasonably weather protected and there's a lot of days where, even if you could go out, you can't because of the sea conditions." Mr Bennett encouraged all fishers to have their say — whether that be for or against the proposed changes. "Too many consultation processes go through and people don't actually know about it until after it's happened. "If people are interested, then they need to put their names on a piece of paper and have their say — this has the potential to impact a lot on recreational fishers." Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries management Emma Taylor said changes to catch limits were in store for the next fisheries sustainability review this October. The review included proposed changes for three blue cod stocks, snapper on the West Coast and blue mackerel on the west coast of the North Island. "Proposed cuts to commercial catch for two blue cod stocks are in response to latest abundance estimates, while the third had a commercial catch limit cut last year. "Recreational daily catch limits are proposed to be reduced for all three fisheries, in line with the settings in place under the National Blue Cod Strategy," she said. The review said blue cod stock in the Foveaux Strait was significantly overfished. Public consultation began on June 24 and closes on July 23.
Scoop
23-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Have Your Say On Proposed Catch Limits For Fisheries Across New Zealand
Catch limits and other management changes for nearly 30 fisheries across the country are included in proposals for the next regular fisheries sustainability review, says Fisheries New Zealand director of fisheries management Emma Taylor. The public consultation, which began today, includes proposed changes for three blue cod stocks, snapper on the west coast of the South Island, and blue mackerel on the west coast of the North Island. 'The blue cod fish stocks being reviewed are all highly-prized shared fisheries, important to recreational, customary, and commercial fishers alike,' says Emma Taylor. 'Proposed cuts to commercial catch for two blue cod stocks are in response to latest abundance estimates, while the third had a commercial catch limit cut last year. Recreational daily catch limits are proposed to be reduced for all three fisheries, in line with the settings in place under the National Blue Cod Strategy.' Emma Taylor says the latest assessment of blue mackerel on the west coast of the North and South Islands shows that the fish stock is above the target level, so the proposals include an increased catch for the fishery. 'These are just a small portion of the fish stocks included in the proposed changes. I encourage anyone with an interest in our fisheries to read the consultation material and provide feedback. ' The fisheries included in this review represent stocks that are of importance to New Zealand economically, socially, and culturally,' says Emma Taylor. 'We need to ensure that catch limits and other settings for our fisheries strike the right balance between getting value for all New Zealanders while ensuring they remain sustainable for future generations. 'Following consultation, we will prepare advice for Fisheries Minister Shanes Jones to make decisions on any changes, which would come into effect for the fishing year starting 1 October 2025,' says Emma Taylor. Also included in the proposed changes are deemed value rate changes for six fish stocks. The consultation is open now and will run until 23 July 2025. The full proposals, as well as more information about the consultation and how to make a submission can be found on Fisheries New Zealand's website: Proposals for changes to catch limits for orange roughy on the Chatham Rise are also being developed and will be available for consultation in the coming weeks.
