Snapper 7
Introduction
On 12 July 2013 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advised they were consulting on future management options for Snapper 7, the top and west coast of the South Island, Kingfish 7, Sea perch 1 and a variety of other fish stocks. Submissions were due by 9 August 2013.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council supports the FMA 7 recreational fishers’ forum in objecting to an increase in the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for Snapper 7 (SNA7), due to their concerns that any TACC increase will slow the rebuild of this important fishery.
The NZ Sport Fishing Council supports the Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association in advocating for an increase in the recreational daily bag limit, from 3 to 6, applying in the Marlborough Sounds.
The NZSFC recommends that MPI implement on-board electronic monitoring of trawl operations in this mixed trawl fishery.
Decision
On 24 September 2013 Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, announced there would be no changes to the TAC for Snapper 7. The best information available suggests the biomass has increased with a recent pulse in recruitment, but the magnitude of the increase is uncertain. This approach will mean a faster rebuild of the Snapper 7 stock. No management changes on 1 October 2013.
Relevant information
Click on the right hand image to download the relevant document, if available. Latest documents are at the top of the list.
Minister’s decision. No change. 24 September 2013
Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, has announced he will retain the existing total allowable catch (TAC) in Snapper 7. The TAC stays at 306 tonnes, the 200 tonne total allowable commercial catch (TACC) is also retained, as is the 90 tonne recreational allowance and the 16 tonne allowance for customary interests. Read page 7 for further details.
Ministry Final Advice Paper. 24 September 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) recommends the Minister increase the TAC, the TACC and recreational allowance. MPI acknowledge an increased recreational allowance would reflect the new information available from the 2011-12 national panel survey and the increased availability of snapper to recreational fishers. An increase in the Marlborough Sounds bag limit could be appropriate given the increasing abundance of snapper and that the bag limit in the Sounds is considerably less than in the rest of SNA7.
Submission. NZSFC submit on Ministry SNA7 proposals. 9 August 2013
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submit the Minister retains the existing 200 tonne total allowable commercial catch (TACC) and increases the overall recreational allowance from 90 to 120 tonnes, and increases the daily bag limit in the Marlborough Sounds from 3 to 6 per person, in recognition of the increasing abundance of snapper.
Ministry Letter. MPI decline NZSFC extension request. 7 August 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) declined the NZ Sport Fishing Council request to extend the submission deadline for a variety of species, including Snapper 7, Kingfish 7 and Sea perch 1.
NZSFC letter. NZSFC request to extend submission deadline. 7 August 2013
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council request an extension to the 9th August submission deadline for a variety of species, including Snapper 7, Kingfish 7 and Sea perch 1. NZSFC resources were stretched as attention was focused on these fish stocks and the Snapper 1 proposals.
Ministry IPP. MPI management proposals for Snapper 7. 12 July 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) propose to increase the total allowable catch (TAC), the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) and the recreational allowance in Snapper 7. There has been a reported increase in snapper abundance. MPI also propose an option to increase the daily bag limit of snapper in the Marlborough Sounds, from 3 to 5. The DBL in other areas of Snapper 7 is 10 per person.
Ministry Letter. MPI advice of management proposals for Snapper 7. 12 July 2013
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) propose to increase the total allowable catch (TAC), the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) and the recreational allowance in Snapper 7. MPI is seeking feedback on their proposals by 9 August 2013. Any new decision will apply from 1 October 2013.