Excess aggregation limits EMA KAH 2020
DECISION: DECLINED
Introduction
On 22 July 2020 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they had received an application from Pelco NZ Limited for consent to hold quota in excess of statutory aggregation limits. The application was to hold excess quota for blue mackerel and kahawai, with an additional provision to hold more quota in the future.
Submissions were due on 28 August 2020. On 26 August FNZ advised the consultation period had been extended, submissions were now due on 18 September 2020.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing, LegaSea and the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association worked together to gather information and submit in opposition to the application.
Proposal
Fisheries New Zealand advised in July 2020 that Pelco NZ Ltd had requested to hold:
- 45.993% of all kahawai quota, with an authorisation to hold up to 51% in the future.
- 55.304% of all blue mackerel quota, with an authorisation to hold up to 61% in the future.
The existing statutory aggregation limit for kahawai is 35% and for blue mackerel the limit is 45%.
Section 60 of the Fisheries Act makes provision for the Minister of Fisheries to consent to applications for quota in excess of aggregation limits after consultation with interested parties.
Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea and the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association to develop a response. A submission opposing the application was sent to FNZ on 18 September 2020.
Allowing monopolies and consolidation of quota is inconsistent with our Rescue Fish policy of avoiding market dominance and regulatory capture.
Relevant information
2020
Submission
Aggregation submission. Blue mackerel, kahawai. Recreational. 18 Sep 2020
Submission opposing the Pelco application to exceed statutory quota aggregation limits for blue mackerel and kahawai. Submission by joint recreational parties. 18 September 2020.
Proposal
Consultation extension. FNZ. 26 Aug 2020
Fisheries New Zealand advise the period for consultation on the application to exceed quota limits for blue mackerel and kahawai has been extended from 28 Aug until 18 Sept 2020. FNZ. 26 August 2020.
EMA KAH Aggregation application advice. FNZ. 22 July 2020
Letter advising of the application by Pelco to hold quota in excess of aggregation limits for blue mackerel and kahawai. Fisheries New Zealand. 22 July 2020.
Pelco application EMA KAH. 11 Mar 2020
Pelco NZ application to Fisheries New Zealand for consent to hold blue mackerel and kahawai quota over the statutory aggregation limits. Pelco. 11 March 2020.