Southern bluefin tuna TAC review 2024
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
On 13 December 2023 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) released a proposal to increase the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and the allowance for recreational fishing interests in the southern bluefin tuna fishery. FNZ consultation was underway with submissions due by 2 February 2024.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) has participated in and contributed to the management and conservation of tuna species for many decades.
In 2017 tuna fishing became accessible and very popular around East Cape. By 2018 the Waihau Bay Sport Fishing Club were promoting conservation, urging fishers to limit their landed catch to one southern bluefin tuna per boat, per day.
This voluntary measure was promoted by other east coast clubs and included in the LegaSea FishCare tuna guide prior to any regulation change.
Submission
On 2 February 2024, the NZSFC submitted in support of Fisheries NZ’s Option 1, to increase the TAC applying to southern bluefin tuna, and in doing so, increase the overall recreational allowance by 35 tonnes.
The NZSFC and LegaSea will continue to promote the current daily bag limit and responsible fishing practices in the tuna fishery.
What next?
We expect a decision from Shane Jones, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, by March.
Decision
On 22 March Fisheries New Zealand advised the Minister had agreed to increase the TAC by 186 tonnes, including an increase of 35 tonnes to the recreational allowance. The changes will apply from 1 April 2024.
Relevant Information
2024
Minister’s decision
April review Minister's decision. 22 March 2024
Minister’s letter outlining the decisions for the future management of four deepwater fish stocks, crayfish (CRA 3, 7 & 8), Kaikōura pāua (PAU 3A), and southern bluefin tuna (STN 1). Minister Shane Jones. Most changes apply from 1 April 2024. Letter received 22 March.
Advice to Minister
April reviews final advice to Minister. FNZ. March 2024
Final advice paper to the Minister on April reviews with recommendations for the future management of four deepwater stocks, crayfish (Gisborne, Southland), Kaikōura paua and southern bluefin tuna. Fisheries New Zealand. March 2024.
Submissions
Southern bluefin tuna review. NZSFC. 2 Feb 2024
Submission supporting Fisheries NZ’s proposal to increase the Total Allowable Catch, Total Allowable Commercial Catch and Recreational Allowance applying to the southern bluefin tuna fishery. New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. 2 February 2024.
April TAC review public submissions. Feb 2024
Public submissions in response to the future management of deepwater species, southern bluefin tuna and Kaikōura pāua. Submissions were due in February 2024 and any changes would apply from 1 April 2024. Released by FNZ in July 2024.
2023
Proposal
Southern bluefin tuna TAC review proposal. FNZ. 13 Dec 2023
Proposal to increase the Total Allowable Catch and the allowance for recreational interests in the southern bluefin tuna fishery. Fisheries New Zealand. 13 December 2023.
Southern bluefin tuna TAC review summary. FNZ. 13 Dec 2023
One page summary of the proposal to increase the Total Allowable catch and allowance for recreational interests in the southern bluefin tuna fishery. Fisheries New Zealand. 13 December 2023.