FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
12 February 2025
Moana New Zealand is pleased the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries is proposing a common-sense approach to update the Fisheries Act.
Moana New Zealand CEO Steve Tarrant says, “Growth in fisheries is not about catching more, but through sensible legislation, to grow the industry by ensuring the abilities of new technology are maximised and reflected within a responsive and agile fisheries management system.
“It is refreshing to have some change aimed at supporting us through collaboration. The proposals set about creating more certainty and efficiency to the way fishers are able to operate. These are small but very meaningful changes to some outdated legislation around discards that will be a big help to our smaller contract, regionally based fishers.
“Moana was an early adopter of cameras and have had cameras on our fleet of contract trawl vessels for almost a decade, long before it was even enforced by law. Cameras were always supposed to be about verification; that what we say is happening on the water is, in fact, happening, and it made sense to us to use the technology for this purpose.
“As part of the Seafood Industry Forum, it’s great to see some of the recommendations for innovation and growth are being addressed in the proposal, and measures around sustainability are still a significant part of the reform.
“We have had concerns around privacy and costs and these proposed changes will help address those. We know this technology can provide valuable data for fisheries management and are pleased to see the proposals look to use this data to generate real value from cameras,” says Mr Tarrant.
The proposals were announced by the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries today and published by the Ministry for Primary Industries. They outline some changes intended to increase the efficiency and responsiveness of our fisheries management system.
ENDS
About Moana New Zealand
Moana New Zealand has been built through the collective efforts of many and is the country’s largest Iwi-owned fishing company. Iwi are the true guardians of the world’s most pristine and sustainably managed fisheries. Moana New Zealand has a deep sense of responsibility to all people and respect for kaimoana and is dedicated to contributing to the wellbeing of future generations. It connects the world to the true taste and rare magic of New Zealand’s best kaimoana.
All media enquiries can be directed to May Tien, Communications Manager, Moana New Zealand
Mobile 027 880 4522
Email may.tien@moana.co.nz