Snapper 1
Introduction
On 12 July 2013 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) released their proposed management controls for Snapper 1. Submissions were due by 23 August.
This management review process was expected to attract a large response due to the popularity of Snapper 1. It is the largest recreational fishery in New Zealand. Snapper is a taonga [treasure] for customary fishers. It is also a valuable component of the inshore commercial fishery.
In its response the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) acknowledged this review process was not about sustainability, as the fishery was rebuilding. The review was about allocation – how much fish is set aside to ‘allow for’ our public interests in Snapper 1, and how many tonnes was allocated to commercial quota holders.
The NZSFC objected to the Ministry’s management proposals as all options were based on the public accepting a fixed, proportional share of the available fish, the total allowable catch (TAC). The NZSFC sought an increase to the allowance for recreational interests, a technical adjustment in acknowledgement of what the public has been catching since the last stock review in 1997.
Decision
On 17 September the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, announced a range of measures that will affect both recreational and commercial fishers.
As of 1 April 2014 the individual, recreational daily bag limit will reduce from 9 to 7, and the minimum legal size will increase from 27cm to 30cm. This represents a 22% reduction in access for individuals. There is no change to the 4500 tonne total allowable commercial catch (TACC).
NZ Sport Fishing Council reaction to this decision is captured in this LegaSea media release ‘Snapper decision falls short’.
Media coverage of new snapper rules taking effect
TV one interview with Richard Baker on the effects of the new snapper rules taking effect as of April 1st. There are concerns that there are more juvenile fish inshore and they will die on release now that the minimum legal size for recreational fishers has been increased from 27 to 30cm. Also, people will miss out on taking fish home to feed their family, while the fishing industry can still take 25cm snapper.
Watch the TV one snapper interview with Richard Baker here
Richard Baker, spokesperson for LegaSea, says, “Many recreational fishers are concerned the measures they are being asked to take will simply not achieve conservation and enhancement of the fishery, especially when the fish they throw back may die or can be harvested by the fishing industry”. Read the full March media statement here – Unfair snapper rules take effect
Snapper 1 information
The NZ Sport Fishing Council is committed to keeping a record of events and documents for future reference. If you have any information to add to the lists below please contact us.
Click on the images to the right of the explanatory note to download the available document. Latest documents are at the top of the lists.
| SNA1 Strategy Group | Updates and events | Submissions | Documents and process |
SNA1 Strategy Group
In early November 2013 the Ministry for Primary Industries advised the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council of their intention to establish a small, representative group to work together over the next 18 months to consider a range of issues relating to Snapper 1 (SNA1). The chair of the group will be Sir Ian Barker, an experienced arbiter and sharp legal mind. The NZSFC was advised that two members from each sector, commercial, customary and recreational would be selected from the nominations received. The following is a collection of documents related to this SNA1 Strategy Group process, the most recent document is at the top of the list:
Final Plan – Snapper 1 Strategic Management Plan
This Plan represents the final outcome from the Snapper 1 Strategy Group’s work between 2014 and 2016. The 57-page plan was presented to the Minister, Nathan Guy, on 22 November 2016, by MPI Director-General Martyn Dunne and Sir Ian Barker QC. The Minister advised in early December 2016 that he was going to announce his approval of the plan “soon”. No approval was forthcoming.
Legislation – Section 11A Fisheries Act 1996 
Fisheries plans can be approved, amended or revoked by the Minister for Primary Industries. There has been a lot of work go into developing a strategic plan for the future management of Snapper 1. When this has been developed the Minister will be asked to approve the Snapper 1 Plan. The Ministry advise the approved Plan will be a chapter in the Inshore Finfish Plan document. Section 11A of the Fisheries Act sets out the framework for MInisterial approval for a fish plan.
LegaSea Update – Snapper Strategy Group. 25 July 2014
Five meetings of the Snapper 1 Strategy Group have now been held. There has also been a number of meetings between the Ministry for Primary Industries and representatives of the various stakeholder groups. Our team has been flat out developing reference documents that present a best-case scenario for the future management of our fisheries, not just northern snapper. Read page 3 of the attached Update for more……….
Report – Size and condition of amateur caught snapper. 29 April 2014
This report was submitted to the Snapper 1 Strategy Group for review and discussion on 29 April 2014. More than 19,000 recreationally caught snapper were measured at sea in the Snapper 1 area in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Released snapper comprised 58% of the total catch sampled. Most of the released snapper were smaller than the (then) 27cm minimum legal size. Also, preliminary results from a pilot study found the additional mortality (death rate) of snapper due to recreational fishing was estimated to be betwen 3.6 and 7.5% of recreational catch.
MPI Letter – Participation in the SNA1 Strategy Group. 15 January 2014
Andy Doube, Inshore Manager for the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI), acknolwedges the three NZSFC representatives who will be involved in the Snapper 1 Strategy Group process. Group chair, Sir Ian Barker, would be in touch to arrange a time and place for an initial meeting with the recreational nominees. MPI will providing support services to the SNA1 Strategy Group.
NZSFC Letter – Confirmation of NZSFC participation in SNA1 process. 2 December 2013
The NZ Sport Fishing Council letter to the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, confirming our willingness to participate in the Snapper 1 Strategy Group, if we are given the opportunity to appoint our team of three nominess, if the Terms of Reference are designed to achieve a strategic, long-term outcome, and environmental interests are included in the process.
NZSFC Letter – Advice to the Minister re SNA1 Strategy Group nomination process. 17 November 2013
The NZ Sport Fishing Council letter to the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, advising of the objection to the inadequate nomination process being undertaken by the Ministry. Given the opportunity the Council would appoint three representatives, all of whom have considerable experience. In the absence of an invitation to appoint no less than all three, the Council is unable to nominate any person for selection.
MPI Forum Letter – Nominations for the SNA1 Strategy Group. 6 November 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) invitation letter to the FMA1 regional recreational fisheries forum members asking them to identify suitable candidates for the SNA1 Strategic Group. Nominations were due with MPI by 17 November 2013. Nominees would be required to meet once a month, with some reading in between meetings, for approximately 18 months.
MPI NZSFC Letter – Request for nominations to SNA1 Strategy Group. 6 November 2013
On November 6th the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) sent a letter to the NZ Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) requesting nominations for two representatives to the SNA1 Strategy Group. MPI will review the nominations and appoint the most appropriate people to work with two representatives from the commercial and customary sectors over the next 18 months. Nominations were due with MPI by 17 November 2013. Nominees would be required to meet once a month, with some reading in between meetings, for approximately 18 months. There is no indication of who else has been invited to nominate a representative for recreational interests.
Updates and events
LegaSea spearheaded the Snapper 1 campaign for the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. LegaSea is the public outreach brand of the NZ Sport Fishing Council. This dedicated team succeeded in highlighting the issue in multimedia forums, in public awareness and political circles. Some of these public awareness initiatives have been captured in the following list:
LegaSea NZ Bay Fisher magazine – Is this a new era? 28 July 2015
A draft management plan for the northeastern snapper stock is underway and expected to be with the Minister, Nathan Guy, later this year. 18 months of hard work has brought us to this point. It is unclear when the Minister will release the management plan for public discussion. However, recreational interests are keen to get the public involved in discussing the strategy within months.
LegaSea NZ Fishing News magazine – Wastage report being hidden. 25 August 2014
Addressing wastage was a big issue during the LegaSea SOS Save Our Snapper campaign. LegaSea is concerned that proposed new measures have done little to reduce the unnecessary waste caused by trawling inshore. But who knows? The Ministry for Primary Industries is stonewalling requests for data from trials that measure how much fish is being killed in the process of fishing. Read pages 2 and 3 of the attached update………
LegaSea Bay Fisher magazine – Snapper update. 28 July 2014
Since the beginning of the year there have been five meetings of the multi-stakeholder Snapper 1 Strategy Group. Our recreational representatives are ready to discuss the important issues of management targets to increase overall biomass in Area 1, but it is slow going.
LegaSea Update – Snapper Strategy Group. 25 July 2014
Five meetings of the Snapper 1 Strategy Group have now been held. There has also been a number of meetings between the Ministry for Primary Industries and representatives of the various stakeholder groups. Our team has been flat out developing reference documents that present a best-case scenario for the future management of our fisheries, not just northern snapper. Read page 3 of the attached Update for more……….
NZSFC Update – Your vote does matter when it comes to snapper. 19 November 2013
Reactions ranging from outrage to stoic have been aired since Nathan Guy released his decision, in September, for snapper within the area from North Cape to the eastern Bay of Plenty. The Minister has made a political decision in response to unprecedented public pressure, but that exposure was insufficient to sway him or his Ministry to retain existing recreational controls.
LegaSea Update – What’s next for snapper? 16 November 2013
After the snapper decision we reviewed hundreds of pages of Ministry reports and documents and we’ve planned our next steps to continue to improve the future of snapper 1. Increased release mortality is one issue that will need to be addressed sooner rather than later, because as of April 1st 2014 recreational fishers will be fishing to the new 30cm minimum size limit and reduced bag limit of seven.
FAQ. What does the snapper decision mean and why no legal challenge? 30 October 2013
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council rejects the new management controls for recreational fishers on the basis of five fundamental issues, including the inequity of reducing recreational catch while there is no change to the commercial catch level or their minimum legal size limit (MLS) of 25cm. The new recreational MLS will increase release mortality associated with amateur catch – not an outcome we were seeking.
NZSFC Update – The Minister is no Valerie Adams. 19 October 2013
The fisheries Minister is no Valerie Adams. Nathan Guy gave the snapper decision a shot, but fell short of public expectations. He was not helped by his Ministry’s predetermination to have us share a smaller slice of the snapper fishery to protect commercial interests. As of April 2014 recreational fishers between North Cape and the Bay of Plenty will have a smaller bag limit and an increased minimum size limit.
LegaSea Update – No sign of greedy recreational fishers. 16 October 2013
Allegations of greed have been made against those fishers who wanted to retain the existing snapper bag and size limits of nine snapper at 27cm. This highlights that some people still don’t fully understand the bigger picture of the proposed changes to snapper 1 or appreciate the impact of these changes on many people who fish from the land or inshore.
Media release – Snapper decision falls short. 18 September 2013
LegaSea says recreational fishers are rightfully angry that their daily bag limits have been cut from nine to seven and the minimum legal size has been increased, from 27 to 30cm, when there is no change to commercial catch limits.
Media release – Recreational bias in Minister’s decision. 17 September 2013
Eric Barratt, Managing Director of Sanford Ltd says the Snapper 1 fishery is a shared fishery. “It is of concern to us that despite the recreational allowance being exceeded by 52% there has been no allowance for increased commercial catch, even a small catch increase to start to offset the additional costs in the Minister’s decision”.
Media release – Changes to Snapper 1 rules for commercial and recreational fishers. 17 September 2013
Nathan Guy has announced a range of measures aimed at continuing the rebuild of the Snapper 1 stock for future generations. “This is a balanced and fair package which will ultimately mean more fish for everyone in the coming years. As a first step toward reaching this goal, I have decided to….allocate the extra 500 tonnes all to the recreational sector”.
Minister’s presentation – Snapper 1 management decision. 17 September 2013
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, announced his decision to groups of recreational and industry representatives. 47,709 submissions were received by MPI. Key feedback noted the high value of Snapper 1 to recreational users, the concerns over wastage and dumping, and the need for a strategy to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery. [Caution: File 1.7MB]
MPI factsheet – Snapper 1 review management changes. 17 September 2013
A Ministry for Primary Industries information sheet explaining the management changes in Snapper 1. There is no change to commercial catch limits. There is a 500 tonne TAC increase, all of this has been used to increase the overall recreational allowance. The bag limit reduction from 9 to 7, and increased minimum legal size, from 27 to 30cm, will apply from 1 April 2014.
LegaSea Update – People versus profits. 16 September 2013
Are private profits and export dollars really more important than the people of New Zealand? Nathan Guy’s decision on the Snapper 1 fishery will tell us loud and clear where this government’s allegiance lies – people or profits.
LegaSea Update – Controversial snapper conversation. 16 September 2013
For months the controversial Snapper 1 conversation has been raging with phenomenal support from concerned Kiwis all around the country. Thank you!
NZSFC Update – What will the Minister’s snapper decision mean for us? 15 September 2013
Any day now we expect to receive the Minister’s decision on the future management of Snapper 1. Reaching this decision will not be an easy task for Nathan Guy. On the one hand Guy is being reassured by the Ministry for Primary Industries that he can legally treat us, the public, as if we are part of the quota system. On the other, he is getting a very strong message from the NZSFC and our supporters that we are not part of the QMS and we will not accept a fixed, proportional share of the fishery.
LegaSea Update – Save our Snapper Nathan Guy. 15 September 2013
Firstly I’d like to say a huge thank you to all the caring fishos who united with LegaSea and send their submission to Save Our Snapper. So many people from all walks of life went above and beyond to play a critical role rallying support to get our message across to the Ministry for Primary Industries opposing all options. This included fishing and sports clubs, organisations, businesses, concerned citizens and of course NZ Fishing World magazine.
LegaSea Update – Nathan Guy – it’s all on you! 28 August 2013
This month Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, is due to announce his decision that will determine the future of our snapper fishing in the Bay of Plenty, Hauraki Gulf and East Northland. Question is, does he have the kahunas?
LegaSea Update – Nathan Guy – will you Save our Snapper? 25 August 2013
Thanks to everyone who joined with LegaSea to make a stand and sent a submission to the Ministry for Primary Industries. We got our points across lound and clear so now it’s time to turn our mind to the next task and that is putting as much pressure as we can on Nathan Guy to make the right decision.
NZSFC Update – We can change the predetermined snapper outcome. 25 August 2013
Claims there is no predetermined outcome in the Snapper 1 debate are untrue. The Ministry for Primary Industries has already decided in future you will have access to a smaller share of the snapper fishery and your daily take must be reduced. These changes are required to protect commercial interests from a burgeoning population demanding greater access to our fisheries.
Media release. The fight for our fish is far from over. 23 August 2013
LegaSea media release. Serious accusations have been levelled at the fisheries Minister this week in parliament over the snapper proposals. Nathan Guy was accused of breaking the cabinet manual that states a Minister must take all controversial matters to cabinet before they become public. Despite the media uproar, Mr Guy is adamant the proposals are not controversial.
Submission. – This process is about allocation, not sustainability. 23 August 2013
The NZ Sport Fishing Council acknowledge this review process is not about sustainability as the Snapper 1 fishery is rebuilding. The process is about allocation. The Ministry’s proposals are focused on treating recreational interests as shareholders in the TAC and then allocating a fixed tonnage that the recreational sector must not exceed.
LegaSea public meeting. Te Atatu Boating Club. 21 August 2013
LegaSea presentation to more than 100 people. LegaSea presentation followed by a brief talk from Labour’s fisheries spokesperson, David Cunliffe, and local MP Phil Twyford (Lab). Lively Question & Answer session with good media coverage. Film footage of David Cunliffe explaining Labour’s fisheries and snapper policy. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold.
Editors’ rally. Bucklands Beach Yacht Club. 20 August 2013
Panel discussion by 11 interest group representatives, including 3 LegaSea people, 3 commercial fishermen, the magazine editors of NZ Fishing World, Bay Fisher and NZ Fishing News. They were joined by Phil Heatley, ex fisheries Minister, and David Cunliffe, Labour’s fisheries spokesperson. Lively Question & Answer session with good media coverage.
LegaSea public meeting. Albany, Auckland. 19 August 2013
LegaSea presentation to around 120 people. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold. Presentation followed by a brief presentation by Labour’s fisheries spokesperson, David Cunliffe. Interesting Question & Answer session.
LegaSea public meeting. Browns Bay, Auckland. 15 August 2013
LegaSea presentation to around 40 people at the Bays Club, Browns Bay, North Shore. Submissions gathered and people encouraged to recruit family and friends to submit. LegaSea presentation was followed by some lively questions.
LegaSea public meeting. Warkworth. 14 August 2013
LegaSea presentation to around 190 people at Mahurangi College, Warkworth. Brief presentation by local National MP. LegaSea discussion followed by an interesting Question & Answer session. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold.
LegaSea public meeting. Bowentown, Bay of Plenty. 13 August 2013
LegaSea presentation to over 100 people. Submissions gathered. LegaSea presentation followed by a Question & Answer session. Good support from locals.
LegaSea public meeting. Whangarei. 13 August 2013
LegaSea public meeting at Toll Stadium, Whangarei. LegaSea presentation to over 500 people. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold. LegaSea presentation followed by a lively Question & Answer session. Good media coverage.
LegaSea public meeting. Kaikohe. 12 August 2013
LegaSea public meeting at Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi, Kaikohe. LegaSea presentation to around 95 people. Submissions gathered. Resolution from the meeting, “we the undersigned (85) who attended the public meeting held at Te Runanga A Iwi O Ngapuhi on August 12th 2013 agree to support the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council Snapper 1 policy dated October 2012”. LegaSea presentation followed by a lively Question & Answer session. Local media coverage.
LegaSea public meeting. Hamilton. 8 August 2013
LegaSea public meeting at the Central Baptist Church, Hamilton. LegaSea presentation to around 350 people. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold. LegaSea presentation followed by brief presentations from Labour’s fisheries spokesperson, David Cunliffe, and local MP David Bennett (Nal, Ham East). Lively Question & Answer session with good TV and print media coverage.
LegaSea public meeting. Thames. 7 August 2013
LegaSea public meeting at Thames High School. LegaSea presentation to more than 200 people. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold. Motion moved and carried unanimously, “We do not accept a proportional share that will inevitably lead to our children losing a meaningful fishing experience. We do not accept the globalisation, privatisation and corporatisation of our assets”.
LegaSea public meeting. Tauranga. 6 August 2013
LegaSea public meeting at the Tauranga Yacht Club, Sulphur Point. LegaSea presentation to more than 250 people. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold. Good TV and print media coverage before and after the event.
LegaSea public meeting. Whakatane. 5 August 2013
LegaSea public meeting at the Whakatane Sportfishing Club. LegaSea presentation to more than 400 people. Submissions gathered and merchandise sold. Interesting points raised during the Question & Answer session. Good media coverage of the event.
(SOS) Save Our Snapper campaign launch. 2 August 2013
LegaSea (SOS) Save Our Snapper campaign launched online. Submission summary and online submission tool made available to the public. Supporting information supplied online and released to the media.
MPI drop-in meeting. Tauranga. 1 August 2013
The last of four public information sessions by the Ministry for Primary Industries was held at the Coastguard Building, Sulphur Point, Tauranga. Several hundred people attended the drop-in meeting. NZSFC and LegaSea volunteers were in attendance to share information with the public.
MPI drop-in meeting. Parnell, Auckland. 31 July 2013
Several hundred people attended the Ministry’s Snapper 1 public information session at the Quality Hotel in Parnell, Auckland. MPI were overwhelmed with the public response. TV crews and magazine journalists recorded the chaos. NZSFC and LegaSea volunteers were in attendance to share information with the public.
LegaSea Update – Snapper battle in full swing. 28 July 2013
Snapper battle in full swing. It’s action time!
LegaSea is rallying support to fight for the future of our snapper fishery, fight for our voice to be heard, and fight against commercial greed and government mismanagement.
Media release – SOS Save Our Snapper. 26 July 2013
LegaSea media release SOS Save Our Snapper. Commercial exploitation of our snapper resources will alienate the public from an important food source if proposed management changes are implemented. LegaSea is challenging the proposals as unfair and is encouraging all New Zealanders to stand up for their interests.
LegaSea Update – Time to fight for our snapper. 25 July 2013
It is shocking that the Ministry for Primary Industries has proposed to slash snapper bag limits while the commercial sector is largely unaffected.
The time has come for action and LegaSea needs the public’s support.
NZSFC Update – Time to fight for your snapper, your rights. 25 July 2013
Once again the government is expecting the public to shoulder savage cuts to rebuild the Snapper 1 fishery while leaving the commercial sector and their archaic, destructive fishing methods relatively unscathed.
Consultation is now underway and people have until August 23rd to have their say.
MPI drop-in meeting. Whangarei. 25 July 2013
Several hundred people attended the MPI Snapper 1 public information session/drop-in meeting at the Old Library in Rust Ave, Whangarei. MPI were overwhelmed by the response, many people left unattended as the venue was inadequate for the crowd, and unsuitable to enable people to get close to MPI staff and ask meaningful questions.
NZSFC and LegaSea volunteers were in attendance to share information with the public.
MPI drop-in meeting. North Harbour, Auckland. 24 July 2013
Around 15 people and 10 MPI staff attended the Ministry’s Snapper 1 public information/drop-in session at North Harbour Stadium in Albany, Auckland. A quiet night.
NZSFC Summary. Analysis and summary of MPI proposals. 23 July 2013
After reviewing the Ministry’s proposals for Snapper 1 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council’s initial analysis is summarised in this document. Also included is a summary of the main issues, what we want out of the review process, potential impacts of any changes on people and conservation.
There is no legal requirement to support fixed allocation or a recreational quota in any fishery. The Minister is lawfully obliged to set aside a tonnage of fish to ‘allow for’ recreational interests in that fishery. Those interests are broader than just catch.
Media release – Snapper on the Line. 16 July 2013
LegaSea media release Snapper on the line. Recreational fishers are shocked at proposals by the Ministry for Primary Industries to slash snapper bag limits while the commercial sector is largely unaffected.
“It’s a national disgrace that all options proposed by the government force recreational anglers to shoulder the responsibility for rebuilding Snapper 1 stocks,” says Mandy Kupenga, spokesperson for LegaSea.
LegaSea Update – Snapper bag limit cuts will make way for commercial fishing. 28 June 2013
Recreational fishers may be forced ot take bag limit cuts of up to 40% to make way for commercial quota.
That’s because there’s simply not enough snapper in the area from North Cape to Cape Runaway to sustain demand. Our information reveals that the snapper stock level in the Bay of Plenty is much worse compared to levels in northern areas.
Media release – Snapper consultation to begin next month. 15 June 2013
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says no decisions have been made yet on any changes to regulations in the Snapper 1 area, but formal consultation will begin next month.
“Overall the stock is growing and in good health. This is a highly valuable fishery and we need to ensure the benefits are shared sustainably amongst all sectors,” says Nathan Guy.
LegaSea Update – Target species: Snapper. 28 May 2013
Snapper is a renown favourite. It’s this little beauty that lots of us Kiwi fishers target, catch, cook and eat.
Our snapper fishery is near and dear so keeping it in good health is really important to LegaSea – for all of us. That’s why we’ll be paying special attention to snapper this year. It’s needed.
LegaSea Event – Hutchwilco Boat Show, Auckland. 16 – 19 May 2013
Once again the Hutchwilco Boat Show organisers demonstrated their commitment to all things fish by organising a stand for the LegaSea crew. This enabled the team to get stuck and engage with thousands of show goers and talk with them about fisheries management, marine protection and policies.
Without doubt, marlin and snapper were the hot topics for the weekend. Go you good thing!
Submissions
Over 47,000 submissions were sent to the Minister and Ministry for Primary Industries by their 4pm deadline on August 23rd 2013, with more than 95% of these sent via the LegaSea website. And, over 365,000 emails were sent to people’s local MPs, Minister and officials during the August campaign. Below is a selection of the available substantive submissions sent to MPI.
Independent report – Snapper 1 IPP. Rob Greenaway. August 2013.
Decisions made about access to the fishing resource have the potential to affect almost twice as many New Zealanders compared with decisions made by the Department of Conservation in relation to tramping. The Ministry’s role as administrator of our most significant national resource suggests that a detailed understanding of the effect of resource allocation decisions on recreation is required. The Ministry’s proposals do not appear to recognise the social value of recreational marine fishing to New Zealanders. This report was an appendix to the NZSFC Snapper 1 submission below.
Submission. NZSFC. This process is about allocation, not sustainability. 23 August 2013
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council acknowledge this review process is not about sustainability as the Snapper 1 fishery is rebuilding. The process is about allocation. The Ministry’s proposals are focused on treating recreational interests as shareholders in the TAC and then allocating a fixed tonnage that the recreational sector must not exceed.
The NZ Sport Fishing Council objects to any changes that will deny Kiwi families a regular, healthy meal of fish simply to protect quota owners’ interests, to increase export value and insulation MPI and the Minister from their lawful obligations.
Submission. SNA1 Commercial. We all love a feed of snapper. 23 August 2013
The commercial fishing industry supports the Ministry’s Option 2 for Snapper 1 – a modest 500 tonne increase to the total allowable catch (TAC) with the increase allocated proportionally between the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) and the recreational allowance.
This option ensures sustainability while providing for increased utilisation opportunities, is equitable, and it maintains the integrity of the Quota Management System (QMS).
Submission. EDS. Minister needs different, legal management options. 23 August 2013
The Environmental Defence Society submits that none of the options set out in the MPI discussion paper meet the requirements of the Fisheries Act 1996 or the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000.
EDS submits that MPI need to develop a further set of options for the Minister to consider which are legal and robust. The stock needs to be rebuilt to the Harvest Strategy Standard of 40% of unfished biomass, while long-term management options are developed through a consensus-building marine spatial planning process (The HG Marine Spatial Planning process will be launched on 9 September 2013).
Submission. Ngatiwai Trust Board. Reallocation to recreational interests illegal. 23 August 2013
The Ngatiwai Trust Board submits as quota owners in Snapper 1. The Board supports MPI option 2, a 500 tonne increase to the total allowable catch (TAC), shared proportionally between commercial and recreational interests. Any reduction or reapportionment of the TAC in favour of recreational interests is inappropriate, unwise and illegal, and a derogation of Treaty rights.
The Trust Board supports controls on the total extraction by recreational fishers, including reporting of catch, released fish under minimum legal size and catch locations.
Submission. NZRFC. MPI proposals biased towards protecting commercial catch. 23 August 2013
The New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council submits the discussion paper needs a collaborative approach, where all parties have a wllingness to change. Instead, recreational fishers have been polarised into a corner and forced to defend their right to fish.
Time is overdue for MPI/government to have meaningful discussions on public fishing access and allocation framework.
Submission. NZRLIC. Rock Lobster industry supports proportional allocation. 23 August 2013
The New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council endorses the Ministry’s preferred proportional allocation approach and submits it is the only approach that is consistent with the purpose of the Fisheries Act and the economic and sustainability objectives of the Quota Management System.
Proportional allocation is meaningless unless management measures are established to constrain recreational catch within the recreational allowance. They recommend bag limit reductions and reporting of recreational and customary catch in all shared fisheries.
Submission. Seafood NZ. Manage recreational sector to its allowance. 23 August 2013
Seafood New Zealand submits the need for precautionary settings in catch levels due to poor information about highly valued stocks has an economic cost to the country. Accurate reporting for all Snapper 1 catch is required if New Zealand is to maximise the value obtained from the fishstock.
The use of proportionality in allocation of any total allowable catch (TAC) variations is one of the foundation blocks that preserve the integrity of the quota management system (QMS). The Minister would need to demonstrate strong reasons for moving away from that default position.
Submission. Te Ohu Kaimoana. Support MPI option 2 and proportional allocation. 23 August 2013
Te Ohu Kaimoana supports MPI’s option 2 of a 500 tonne increase in the total allowable catch (TAC), and sharing that increase proportionally between recreational and commercial interests. There is a need for good information and better management of the fishery within sector allowances. While the commercial sector has managed harvesting to levels close to its catch limit for many years, the recreational sector has far exceeded its allowance in recent years.
Unless each sector is willing to work within their allowances, there will be little incentive for them to cooperate.
Submission. Fishinfuture. Management options need to be withdrawn. 22 August 2013
The three management options proposed in the Snapper 1 discussion paper should be withdrawn from this fishing year’s decisions. Instead, MPI should embark upon a wholly collaborative approach in agreeing targets and management settings for the important Snapper 1 fishery. This means actively engaging with recreational and customary fishers as well as commercial stakeholders.
Further, the MPI should consider investing in increasing the capacity of the recreational fishing sector to properly participate in all MPI fisheries management processes. Stage 2 of the FISHinFuture Search project provides a ready made platform for investment by MPI.
Documents and process
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council seeks to capture relevant documents relating to this Snapper 1 review process and fishery. The following is a list of documents and process summaries relating to Snapper 1. If you have other documents that you consider are relevant to this list please contact us.
Strategy Group invitation. Ministry letter to NZSFC. 6 November 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries has distributed a letter inviting nominations to a Snapper 1 Strategy Group. Over the next 18 months this Group will consider what the target stock management level will be, the timeframe to rebuild SNA1 to achieve that target level, research requirements and allocation. MPI is seeking two representatives from the commercial, customary and recreational sectors. Nominations are due by 17 November 2013.
Official Information Act documents. MPI. 26 September 2013
On 26 September the Ministry for Primary Industries released three documents to the NZSFC, but refused to release the Ministry’s trawl juvenile mortality survey as “it could not be found in Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) records. However, the following information from the report is available from a briefing (FP10/15/4 to) the Minister of Fisheries dated 31 August 1994:”
“The NSFMG is carrying out a monitoring programme currently to investigate juvenile catch by season. A preliminary report suggests that snapper of less than or equal to 25cm constitute 23.5% by number and 9.9% by weight of the autumn single trawl catch from the Hauraki Gulf. The information also suggests discarding of about 4% of legal sized snapper (>25cm).”
The documents released by MPI are as follows:
- Snapper Fishery Strategic Plan Quota Management Areas SNA1 and SNA8 1994 to 2000 (June 1994) [Caution: File 2.8 MB]
- Snapper 1 Minister’s decision letter, for 1 October 1997. [Caution: File 5.4 MB]
- Snapper 1 MAF Final Advice Paper to the Minister, for the 1997-98 fishing year. [Caution: File 8.7 MB]
Minister’s Snapper 1 decision. 24 September 2013
Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, explains in his letter why he has taken two fish off our bag limit and increased the minimum size limit for recreational fishers, but not changed commercial catch limits or their 25cm minimum size limit.
There will be no change to the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). As of October 1st there will be a 500 tonne increase to the total allowable catch (TAC) and overall recreational allowance. There will be an allowance of 50 tonne made for customary Maori interests. As of 1 April 2014 the individual recreational daily bag limit will decrease from nine to seven, and the minimum legal size for snapper will increase from 27 to 30cm.
Recommendations. Ministry’s Snapper 1 recommendations to the Minister. September 2013
Some ground-breaking comments in this Final Advice Paper from the Ministry for Primary Industries to their Minister, Nathan Guy. This document sets out the rationale behind the Ministry’s recommendations and offers the Minister several management choices for the future.
Presentation. Minister’s presentation document. 17 September 2013
Eight recreational advocates attended a meeting at MPI’s Avondale office to hear a presentation from the Minister, Nathan Guy, on his decision for Snapper 1. A similar presentation was made to commercial interests after this meeting. Media were briefed following both meetings.
There will be no change to the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). As of October 1st there will be a 500 tonne increase to the total allowable catch (TAC) and overall recreational allowance. There will be an allowance of 50 tonne made for customary Maori interests. As of 1 April 2014 the individual daily bag limit will decrease from nine to seven, and the minimum legal size for snapper will increase from 27 to 30cm.
Snapper 1 Fact Sheet. Ministry for Primary Industries. 17 September 2013
A one-page overview of the Minister’s decision, the changes for recreational and commercial fishers. There is no change to the total allowable commercial catch (TACC). There will be changes to commercial reporting requirements, to report catch of all snapper, including juveniles. Monitoring and observer coverage will be increased to 100% by 2015.
Official Information Act extension advice. MPI. 21 August 2013
Two days before the submission deadline MPI advise they will not be able to provide the documents requested, in July, by the NZ Sport Fishing Council. MPI advise they would reply to the NZSFC request “by no later than 18 September 2013”.
Snapper 1 Q & As. Updated MPI Question & Answers. 9 August 2013
Updated Question & Answers relating to Snapper 1 and the management review. This is an update of the July list of questions and answers.
Snapper 1 Posters. MPI posters. 26 July 2013
10-page package of posters used at the MPI public information sessions to explain the background and the need for a management review, and the current state of the Snapper 1 fishery. [Caution: File size 6MB]
Official Information Act request for Snapper 1 documents. 24 July 2013
To inform the final Snapper 1 submission the NZ Sport Fishing Council asked MPI for several historic documents, including a Ministry trawl mortality survey that was finalised by August 1994 but never released to the public.
The documents requested:
- Snapper 1 Management Plan, 1997.
- Snapper 1 Minister’s decision letter, for 1 October 1997.
- Snapper 1 trawl mortality survey report c 1993-94…
- MPI Letter