Pacific bluefin tuna landing review 2024

DECISION: APPROVED

Introduction

In December 2023 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they were consulting on an exception to the land-all catch rules applying to Pacific bluefin tuna. Submissions due by 9 February 2024.

On 9 February The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) submitted in support of Fisheries NZ’s proposal to exempt Pacific bluefin tuna from the land-all catch rules, on the basis that the fish have to be in good condition prior to release and only caught by surface longlining or trolling. 

We also recommended that: 

1. Pacific bluefin over 200 kg are assessed in the water and the line cut if the fish is to be released, to maximise the survival chances for the fish; and
2. Pacific bluefin bleeding from the gills are retained, because fish that are gut or gill hooked have a lower chance of survival on release. 

There is sufficient evidence to show that Pacific bluefin tuna are a hardy species, surviving catch and release if they are uninjured and caught by longline or troll. 

In a separate process, FNZ is planning to review the catch settings applying to Pacific bluefin tuna later in 2024.

Decision

On 28 February, Shane Jones the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, supported a landing exception to Pacific bluefin Tuna that are longline or troll caught, if it is likely they will survive.

Background

Pacific bluefin tuna are highly migratory species, meaning they swim long distances and move between different countries’ jurisdictions and the high seas. Pacific bluefin tuna are managed as a singular stock throughout the Pacific Ocean, with the management of the species overseen jointly between the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) and the Inter-American Tropical Tuna Commission (IATTC).

The Pacific bluefin tuna New Zealand catches were highest in the 2022/2023 October fishing year. The increased catches are likely the result of an increased abundance of the stock. 

To support the ongoing rebuild of the stock and enable fishers to manage their catches of Pacific bluefin tuna, the NZSFC requested FNZ to assess whether the live return of Pacific bluefin tuna meets the new relevant provision under section 72A of the Fisheries Act. 

Relevant Information

2024

Minister’s Decision

Submission

Proposal

Supporting information