Seafood Industry Welcomes Ministers Announcement

14 June 2005

Seafood Industry Welcomes Ministers Announcement

The New Zealand seafood industry welcomes the Minister of Fisheries announcement that Chile is to join with New Zealand and Australia in developing a regional fisheries management agreement, says New Zealand Seafood Industry Council chief executive Owen Symmans.

New Zealand's fourth largest exporter, the seafood industry fully supports effective management of the high seas to ensure long-term sustainability, says Mr Symmans.

"We have long believed that this would be best achieved by the establishment of Regional Fisheries Organisations to implement a management framework for the high seas to ensure that the fishery is managed sustainably."

"Chile is an important fishing nation and they will be valuable partners in achieving an effective RFMO. We have been working with Australia for a number of years on the concept."

New Zealand Seafood Industry Council General Manager, Trade and Information Alastair MacFarlane is currently in Chile discussing the RFMO proposal with the Chilean fishing industry, said Mr Symmans.

ENDS

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