Hoki Company Congratulated For Sustainability

19 September 2007

Hoki Company Congratulated For Sustainability Certificate

The renewed sustainability tick for the important hoki fishery provides excellent news for New Zealand and the fishing industry, Aotearoa Fisheries Limited said today.

The New Zealand hoki fishery has been re-certified as a sustainable fishery by the internationally-recognised Marine Stewardship Council.

“We congratulate the Deepwater Group, which manages the hoki fishery, for having the foresight over the last five years to ensure this important species was fished sustainably through sound management and innovation,” Executive Chairman Robin Hapi said.

“Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd has worked within the Deepwater Group focussing on long-term sustainability. As an industry, we welcome the opportunity to be scrutinised. It should please all New Zealanders that the highest independent conservation organisation is satisfied the fishery is sustainable,” Mr Hapi said.

“We have made very tough decisions over the last few years. We’ve cut our catches, we’ve closed large tracts of the EEZ to bottom trawl fishing, we’re working to reduce seabird mortality – all of these things have been done to make sure the hoki fishery is sustainable in every way for us, our children and our mokopuna.”

“Re-certifying the fishery is great news for New Zealand. We can confidently market our hoki products to the world knowing the fishery is in good hands,” Mr Hapi said. “There may be some individuals who want to rubbish this decision because they are anti-fishing, but I think all reasonable thinking Kiwis will welcome the achievements of the industry.”

ENDS

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