The Government is seeking public feedback on “the most significant reforms” of New Zealand’s fisheries for decades. 

Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones released a consultation document this morning, which he said “set out options to strengthen, streamline, and add to the tools available to set sustainable catch limits, improve privacy protections for fishers on vessels with onboard cameras, and more effectively deal with fish discarded under the Quota Management System”. 

The New Zealand First minister has spoken to the Herald about his promise to be a “forceful” advocate for the $5 billion commercial fishing industry in the past. 

Shane Jones, Cabinet Minister and NZ First No 2, in his Beehive office, Parliament, Wellington, 25 September, 2024. Story: Audrey Young, Premium. NOT FOR USE BEFORE OCT 5. NZME photograph by Mark Mitchell 

Jones is the former chairman of the seafood company Sealord and was a one-time member of the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Commission. 

He was also New Zealand’s Pacific Economic Ambassador, a role he said focused on the international ocean fish resource. 

Jones has said that underlining all decisions about fishing - customary, recreational and commercial - was the need to make sure the resource was sustainable. 

“All of us Kiwis have a stake in that debate. We have to make sure the legislation is still fit for purpose and I’ll ask for a briefing [from officials] in that regard,” he told the Herald in 2023. 

Fisheries New Zealand invites feedback on proposals to ensure sustainability of rock lobster populations across a number of New Zealand's fisheries. Photo / Mike Scott 

Speaking on the review on rock lobster and tuna catch limits in December, Jones said: “These rock lobster fisheries are valuable for the economy and culturally. 

“The fisheries provide jobs, bring significant export income for New Zealand, and are popular with recreational fishers. 

“In 2018, catch limits for the CRA 2 rock lobster fishery were cut by more than half in response to a decline. Stock assessments in 2023 and 2024 show a significant increase, so it’s the right time to review these catch settings.” 

For the Pacific bluefin tuna fishery, fisheries officials have considered the fact it was a migratory species. 

Proposals to raise the catch limit for this fishery came in response to an increasing abundance in recent years and have been reviewed and endorsed by other member countries of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. 

Raphael Franks is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He joined the Herald as a Te Rito cadet in 2022.