It was extremely disappointing to watch one of your magazine's regular contributors, Dave Mcintosh, on Campbell Live providing completely inaccurate information on the cost of fish. If he is feeling bitter about the returns to fishermen, slagging off other parts of the industry on National TV will only help to reduce these returns further by reducing public demand.
To give the public the impression that snapper costs retailers $4.40 (compared to a retailer price for snapper fill ets of $40) is irresponsible at best. Mr Mcintosh chose to completely ignore the ACE cost which is the single biggest cost in the snapper fishery and the main reason that the retail price has risen over the last 4 years. I would suggest that the total cost to supermarkets (which were featured in the programme) would average at around $30 and hence their need to sell it for the price they do.
I would also like to let Mr Mcintosh know that New Zealanders are actually consuming increasing volumes of fish as they realise it is the healthiest source of protein available and still represents good value for money. If we all work together to portray this message all industry participants will benefit in the long run.
Andrew Spence
Oceanz Seafood Markets
Auckland
http://www.oceanz.co.nz/
Dave Mcintosh, Auckland Inshore and Leigh Fishermen 's Association, responds
I made those comments as a quota owning fisherman who gets paid $4.50 for snapper and sees it selling for $40. Your point about ACE being the biggest cost to retailers is irrelevant to me, since I pay for my own quota. I'm not trying to knock the industry - I've been a part of it all my working life and want it to succeed . All I'm doing is asking a very simple question: why is it that the people who bring the fish out of the sea receive such a small cut of its value?
http://www.lcfa.co.nz/
Seafood New Zealand, a subsidiary of the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council, is owned by every quota owner, license holder and registered commercial fishing vessel owner in New Zealand, including the major players such as Sealord, Talleys, Sanford and Amaltal. Thus it is published by as well as for the industry.
The aim of the magazine is to reflect issues which have an impact on the industry, provide an outlet for industry concerns and opinions, and to offer content that is just a good read for its subscribers.
http://www.seafoodnewzealand.co.nz/