Industry Transformation Plan 2023
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
On 27 April 2023 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) released its draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan (ITP), outlining their vision for commercial fishing over the next decade. Public consultation occurred during May and June, with submissions due by 11 June 2023.
The draft plan was developed by FNZ in partnership with commercial fishing interests. It was based on a 2022 joint project by commercial interests and Northland Inc. to seek government funding to replace the broken down commercial fishing fleet with new, larger vessels capable of trawling, dredging and seining off our coastline.
Officials propose taxpayers initially spend over 40 million dollars to support the Transformation Plan. However, new trawl vessels can be built overseas, avoiding the need for taxpayers’ input. There are no economic or environmental reasons why we would support this plan.
Transformative change requires innovation that will see the end of bottom trawling, dredging and seining depleting our coastal waters.
On 7 August the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Rachel Brooking, announced the release of the final ITP supporting ongoing trawling, dredging and seining along our coastline. We strongly object to this outcome and will continue to advocate for more fish in the water.
Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea, New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, and the New Zealand Underwater Association to develop a joint response rejecting the draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan and offering an Alternative Transformation Plan.
The alternative Transformation Plan is based on restoring fish populations so there are more fish in the water. This would enable fishers to transition away from using damaging bulk harvesting fishing methods such as bottom trawling. Having more fish in the water means local fishers could then use low-impact fishing techniques such as long lining, to catch high quality fish and sell them for a good return.
Relevant information
2023
Media coverage
Government's plan ignores public outrage. LegaSea. 8 Aug 2023
Government approval for a plan that supports ongoing use of destructive fishing methods has been labelled an outrage by recreational fishing and environmental interests. LegaSea. 8 August 2023
ITP ignores anti-bottom trawling protest. Newsroom. 8 Aug 2023
Newsroom article capturing the reaction to the government’s final Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan. Major concerns about government subsidies and ongoing trawling and dredging in coastal waters. Andrew Bevin. Newsroom. 8 August 2023.
Decision
Minister announces release of the Industry Transformation Plan. 7 Aug 2023
Rachel Brooking Minister for Oceans and Fisheries announces the release of the final Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan. The Plan seeks to strike a balance between looking after our ocean and making sure the seafood sector can cope with the impacts of climate change. 7 August 2023.
Final Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). FNZ. 7 Aug 2023
Final Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) setting out the government’s commitment to support ongoing bottom trawling, dredging and seining along New Zealand’s coastline. Fisheries New Zealand. 7 August 2023.
Submission
Submission. Transformation Plan. Recreational. 11 June 2023.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, LegaSea, the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, and New Zealand Underwater rejected the draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan. An affordable Alternative Transformation Plan was proposed. 11 June 2023.
Proposal
Summary of ITP. FNZ. 27 Apr 2023
One page summary of the government’s Draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). Fisheries New Zealand. 27 April 2023.
Draft Fishing Industry Transformation Plan (ITP). FNZ. 27 Apr 2023
Draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan (ITP) proposing government subsidies to support the build of up to 100 new commercial fishing vessels to replace the existing coastal fishing fleet. Fisheries New Zealand. 27 April 2023.
ITP Cabinet Paper. Minister. 2023
Cabinet Paper outlining the Draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan as part of the wider fisheries reform process. Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, David Parker.
2022
Industry Proposal
Industry Proposal. Northland Inc. Dec 2022
Proposal seeking government funding for a new inshore fishing fleet. Proposal prepared by Northland Inc. in conjunction with commercial fishing interests. Produced by NZIER. December 2022.