13 September 2004

Mad Management Will Wreck Fisheries

New Zealand First says the Mininstry of Fisheries decision to reduce front line fisheries staff is a classic case of managers being totally out of touch with the reality of enforcement and sends a message to poachers that the coast is clear.

“Fisheries officers fulfill a vital enforcement role, not only in the apprehension of black market poachers but also in ensuring that fishers stick to their legal quotas,” said fisheries spokesperson Pita Paraone.

“Reducing the number of fisheries officers is beyond comprehension. Clustering them together in “Central Investigation Hubs” sounds ominously like creating another level of bureaucracy and more paperwork while it’s open season on the seas and foreshore.

“The threats to frontline staff by serious criminals out there are formidable, but responding to those threats by taking the bobbies off the beat is a ridiculous reaction.

“Increasing numbers and defensive capability would be much more effective than taking them out of service and sticking them in a city office.

“The management of our fisheries resources must be fair and just, and must be seen to be so. This includes the visible presence of enforcement officers patrolling the coastline,” said Mr Paraone.

ENDS

© Scoop Media