NZ Seafood Industry shares Maori concerns

NZ Seafood Industry shares Maori concerns about government's Shared Fisheries proposals

21 February 2007

"We share Maori concerns about the government's shared fisheries proposals," said New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Chief Executive Owen Symmans today. "Maori are a significant commercial participant in the seafood industry. They have openly stated their concerns and we share them and support their response to the issue."

Mr Symmans said that the seafood industry has urged the Minister of Fisheries and government to make significant changes to the 'Shared Fisheries' proposals to ensure that existing property rights are protected.

The significance to the industry of certainty over Treaty settlements and property rights could not be ignored, he said.

"We know the Minister understands our position and we will be looking for him to make considerable changes to the proposals in order for them to advance a realistic improvement of fisheries management in New Zealand. We propose to go forward with a focus on solutions that will ensure sustainability based on effective fisheries science and management."

The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council will be making a submission to the government on shared fisheries next week which will address the proposals and provide alternative, sustainability-focused approaches for improved fisheries management.

"We have to make the right decisions now for the future of fishing for all stakeholders," Mr Symmans said. "We propose an alternative [to the Shared Fisheries proposals] that is a positive and sensible way forward for fisheries management."

The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council submission will be made next week.

ENDS

© Scoop Media