Sharks and Shark finning
Government decision – shark finning ban confirmed
On 9 January the Government announced its decision to ban shark finning and implement a timetable to eliminate the practice in New Zealand waters by October 2016. Public pressure and over 45,000 submissions convinced the Government that the public recognise sharks as an integral part of the marine ecosystem, and there is high awareness that the 113 species of sharks in NZ waters must be protected.
Introduction
In November the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released a revised draft National Plan of Action (NPOA) for the conservation and management of sharks. Submissions were invited on the Draft NPOA by 8 December 2013. The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) submitted in response.
The NZSFC is opposed to the finning of Highly Migratory Species (HMS) sharks and the discard of the body at sea. If sharks are to be landed, the NZSFC supports landing HMS sharks with fins naturally attached, in accordance with international best practice.
Background
The purpose of the updated NPOA for sharks is to document New Zealand’s planned actions for the conservation and management of sharks, consistent with the overarching goal of the International Plan of Action for sharks (IPOA-Sharks). When developing the draft NPOA MPI received assistance from several government departments, including the Department of Conservation and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and a range of stakeholders.
Recreational fishers were not on this planning group.
Purpose of the NPOA-sharks 2013
To maintain the biodiversity and the long-term viability of all New Zealand shark populations by recognising their role in marine ecosystems, ensuring that any utilisation of sharks is sustainable, and that New Zealand receives positive recognition internationally for its efforts in shark conservation and management.
Media statement. Government confirms shark fin ban and tightened timetable. 9 January 2014
On 9 January the Government announced its decision to ban shark finning and implement a timetable to eliminate the practice in New Zealand waters by October 2016. Public pressure and over 45,000 submissions convinced the Government that the public recognise sharks as an integral part of the marine ecosystem, and there is high awareness that the 113 species of sharks in NZ waters must be protected.
Sharks National Plan of Action (NPOA) 9 January 2014
Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries (MPI), has released a comprehensive plan that outlines their goals and objectives for the conservation and management of New Zealand’s shark populations. There are 113 species of sharks in NZ waters and high public interest in having shark finning banned. This plan details the process to ban shark finning in NZ waters by October 2016.
Submission. NZSFC submission opposing finning of HMS sharks and discarding carcasses. 8 December 2013
The NZSFC is opposed to the finning of Highly Migratory Species (HMS) sharks and the discard of the body at sea. If sharks are to be landed, the NZSFC supports landing HMS sharks with fins naturally attached, in accordance with international best practice.
MPI Proposal. Draft NPOA for the conservation of sharks. 10 November 2013
On 10 November the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released a revised draft National Plan of Action (NPOA) for the conservation and management of sharks. Internationally, there is increasing recognition that science based catch limits are a key component of overall shark conservation and management. The draft NPOA-sharks outlined proposed objectives to strengthen the knowledge base for setting catch limits and other management controls for shark species. Submissions were invited on the Draft NPOA by 8 December 2013.