Southern bluefin landing review 2024

Introduction

On 2 February 2024 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they were consulting on a proposal to exempt southern bluefin tuna from the mandatory requirement for commercial fishers to land all catch of this species. Submissions in response were due with FNZ by 1 March.

Under the Fisheries Act 1996, commercial fishers are prohibited from returning or abandoning any fish (or shellfish) that are subject to the Quota Management System (QMS). Since the passing of the Fisheries Amendment Act in November 2022, the Minister can now grant exceptions to this rule under s72A(2) of the Fisheries Act.

Submission

On 1 March 2024, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) submitted in support of the Minister granting an exemption to allow for southern bluefin tuna caught by surface longline and troll, that are in good condition, to be released or returned to the sea.

We also made two recommendations, as follows:

1. Southern bluefin tuna over 90 kg are assessed in the water and the line cut if the fish is to be released, to maximise the chance of the fish’s survival; and
2. Southern bluefin tuna bleeding from the gills are retained, because fish that are gut or gill hooked have a lower chance of survival on release.

Decision

As of 22 May, no Ministerial decision has been received confirming or rejecting the proposal for southern bluefin tuna.

The Minister has agreed to landings exceptions for Pacific bluefin tuna, bigeye tuna, yellowfin tuna, southern bluefin tuna and swordfish that had been predated and not fit for human consumption. Shane Jones’ decision for these species and two others, moonfish and Ray’s bream, was released on 22 May 2024.

Relevant information

2024

Submission

Proposal

Supporting information