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New Zealand Fishing Industry News
- Tue 20th Dec 2011, 7:38 p.m.
 The seafood industry urges the Greens to work with industry and government to collectively find the real reason for the decline in sea lion numbers.
Like the Greens we are concerned about the decline in sea lion pup numbers but MAFs recent independent research is telling us that sea lions dont sustain severe trauma from interactions with Sea Lion Exclusion Devices (SLEDs), says Deepwater Group of New Zealand chief executive George Clement.
SLEDs are equipment enabling sea lions to escape... > > More
- Sun 18th Dec 2011, 10:30 a.m.
 The three fishermen rescued on Sunday morning after being forced to abandon their sinking boat off the Taranaki coast are being praised for doing everything right.
A mayday call from the 17-metre fishing boat South Seas was issued just after 4am and the Taranaki Rescue helicopter was sent to the scene eight nautical miles south-west of Patea.
Just before 7am, all three crew were winched to safety by the helicopter.
Rescue Coordination Centre spokesperson Sophie Hazelhurst says the rescue was a textbook case... > > More
- Sun 18th Dec 2011, 10:25 a.m.
 Three people have been winched to safety by rescue helicopter after abandoning their fishing boat for a life raft in rough seas off Taranaki early today.
The Rescue Co-ordination Centre New Zealand (RCCNZ) received a Mayday call around 4.10am from a 17m fishing boat, advising that the boat was sinking, and the three people on board were getting into a life raft.
The boat was around 14km off Patea, south Taranaki.
Communications with the fishermen were lost shortly afterwards, and a distress beacon, which... > > More
- Sun 18th Dec 2011, 10:00 a.m.
 Trade Minister Tim Groser has led a call at the WTO's 8th Ministerial Conference in Geneva for urgent action to protect global fish stocks. New Zealand is coordinating a group of countries that includes Argentina, Australia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Norway, Peru and the United States.
The purpose of the meeting, which included a wider range of Government representatives, international media and international environmental NGOs, was to issue a joint statement drawing political attention to the destruction of wild fisheries and to... > > More
- Sun 18th Dec 2011, 9:55 a.m.
 A University of Otago zoologist is urging the Government to take another look at its proposal not to set a fishing industry limit on sea lion by-catch, saying MAFs science behind its recommendation is flawed and would likely prove disastrous for the iconic New Zealand species.
Otago Zoologist and sea lion expert Dr Bruce Robertson was responding to the Governments making a major departure from past policy and proposing no by-catch limit be set, citing new evidence from MAF that by-catch of NZ sea lions... > > More
- Sun 18th Dec 2011, 9:52 a.m.
 Press Release Southern Seabird Solutions -
Three northern fishermen have won a national competition for ideas to keep seabirds away from recreational fishing boats and out of harms way.
Aucklander Kevin Eddington won first prize of a charter trip with Geordie Murman on Ocean Ranger out of Leigh for himself and three friends.
Runners Up Lew Hill and Sam Mossman each won $500 worth of Berkley Gulp(r) fishing products and petrol for their boats.
Southern Seabird... > > More
- Sun 18th Dec 2011, 9:47 a.m.
 New aquaculture legislation and an increased hoki catch allowance have helped position New Zealand's seafood industry for continuing growth.
MAF has released a half-year update to the annual Situation and Outlook for New Zealand Agriculture and Forestry (SONZAF) report, which went out in June.
Following the merger with the Ministry of Fisheries in July, MAF is now including seafood in its forecasting.
The update shows that wild capture fisheries production was up 2.4 percent to 442,000 tonnes in the... > > More
- Mon 12th Dec 2011, 8:23 a.m.
 Donna Wells runs a tiny fish-export company, but is footing it with the big players, writes Bill Moore
Years of dedication to building a seafood business that extends from water to waiter has brought Nelsons Donna Wells trans-Tasman recognition, and built a platform for further growth in the industry she loves.
Ms Wells is one of only half a dozen small, independent New Zealand brokers and she has to face the additional challenge of being a woman in what is still largely a mans... > > More
- Thu 8th Dec 2011, 6:27 a.m.
 The European Commission unveiled a new 6.5-billion-euro fund Friday to help fishermen move towards sustainable fishing as part of an effort to save fish stocks.
This new fund will increase economic growth and create jobs in the sector. No more money will be spent to build big vessels, said the EU's fisheries commissioner Maria Damanaki.
Small scale fisheries and aquaculture will benefit from this budgetary greening of the Common Fisheries Policy, she said.
But... > > More
- Wed 7th Dec 2011, 9:12 p.m.
 NZ must be vigilant in reducing sea lion fatalities
The effectiveness of sea lion exclusion devices (SLEDs), which are designed to keep sea lions out of trawling nets in peak squid fishing season, are in the spotlight following the governments proposal not to set a kill quota for this years squid fishery, says Labours Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson.
This years kill quota is yet to be announced, but proposals suggest the government may remove the fishing... > > More
- Wed 7th Dec 2011, 8:27 p.m.
 Press Release: International Seafood Sustainability Foundation
Asian Alliance Joins Coalition for Better Management of Worlds Tuna Stocks
Number Of ISSF Industry Participating Companies reaches 19
6 December 2011 Asian Alliance International Co., Ltd. is the latest tuna processor to become a participant in the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, a coalition of industry, leading scientists and WWF, the worlds leading conservation organization, to improve... > > More
- Wed 7th Dec 2011, 8:24 p.m.
 Seafood company Sanford is facing seven sea pollution and other charges in American Samoa over the operation of tuna fishing boat.
The San Nikunau has been detained since July 2011, when the US Coast Guard began an investigation into allegations it had been illegally dumping oily bilge waste for the past four years.
The US Deartment of Justice also alleges Sanford to maintain accurate oil records, obstruction of justice by presenting false documents and deceiving the US Coast Guard during an... > > More
- Tue 6th Dec 2011, 7:18 a.m.
 The Governments proposal to remove the tow limits imposed on squid fishing to prevent sea lion captures is based on assiduous fact-finding work driven by MAF and undertaken by a range of independent national and international science providers, says the Deepwater Group of New Zealand and the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council.
Based on the new scientific evidence presented by MAF, it is now accepted that there is no evidence that sea lions sustain severe trauma from interactions with a SLED (Sea Lion Exclusion... > > More
- Sun 4th Dec 2011, 10:09 a.m.
 A word of warning to businesses in Auckland and Tauranga who deal in fish.
Fisheries officers have busted a suspected black market operation, accused of selling more than 12 tonnes of snapper illegally, over the past two months.
A fishing vessel has been seized, and charges are likely to be laid.
Ministry spokesman Brendon Mikkelsen is warning takeaway bars and the like, they shouldn't buy any fish without the right documentation.
I think any non-licenced fish receiver, takeaway... > > More
- Mon 28th Nov 2011, 1:25 p.m.
 The owner of Shark's Fin City, a dried fin wholesaler in Hong Kong's quarter for all things shrivelled, says there are only a few people who know the truth about sharks, and he's one of them.
Like many Hong Kong businessmen who trade in shark fins, Kwong Hung-kwan believes his industry is being targeted by an anti-Chinese conspiracy led by Western environmental groups like Greenpeace.
Talk of a dramatic decline in shark populations around the world is rubbish, he says, dismissing research showing an... > > More
- Sun 27th Nov 2011, 5:35 p.m.
 The Australian government has said it plans to establish the world's biggest marine protection zone to safeguard a huge swathe of the Coral Sea, a biodiversity hotspot brimming with life.
The proposed Coral Sea Commonwealth Marine Reserve off the northeast coast of Australia would cover about 990,000 square kilometres (380,000 square miles) -- an area more than one-and-a-half times the size of France. Australia's vast oceans provide a source of food and resources and are a place of recreation. But we cannot afford to be... > > More
- Sun 27th Nov 2011, 5:26 p.m.
 Labours proposal to extend the Kermadec Islands marine reserve completely ignores New Zealands strong record of sustainably managing its fisheries in the area says the New Zealand Industry Seafood Council.
Fishing has been carried out in the area for at least fifty years and at the same time the Kermadecs remain a pristine marine area, says Peter Bodeker, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council.
It is evident that fishing under New Zealands... > > More
- Mon 26th Sep 2011, 7:44 p.m.
 Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley has today announced changes to fishing catch limits and other management controls in a range of fishstocks managed under the Quota Management System (QMS).
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Mr Heatley says he considers the best available scientific and management information as well as submissions from customary, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups and the public before making these decisions.&
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Good fisheries management requires a continuing process of... > > More
- Sun 11th Sep 2011, 6:30 p.m.
 Seafood dominates a tasty line up of food festivals scheduled during the Rugby World Cup.
Oysters, scallops, whitebait, paua, crayfish, and an abundance of fresh fish will be showcased at festivals from Northland to Bluff as part of the Rugby World Cup 2011s REAL New Zealand Festival.
New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Chief Executive, Peter Bodeker is urging visitors and locals alike to get along to some of the mouth-watering events on offer.
Many of the festivals adopt a regional theme with Bluff for... > > More
- Tue 6th Sep 2011, 8:01 p.m.
 All interested parties are invited to lodge written submissions with the Ministerial Panel inquiring into Foreign Charter Vessels fishing in New Zealands Exclusive Economic Zone.
Advertisements outlining the written submission process will appear in major newspapers on Wednesday 7 September.
The Panel Chair, Paul Swain, said it was a wide-ranging inquiry and that it was important to get input from as many interested parties as possible.
We will be reviewing New Zealands current policy and... > > More
- Mon 5th Sep 2011, 7:40 p.m.
 Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill : Third Reading
Thursday 18 August 2011; 8.15pm
Te Ururoa Flavell, MP for Waiariki
I am pleased to stand and talk to this Bill simply because today has been a rather negative day and I am pleased to say we are right behind this Bill 100 percent.
The Maori Party is pleased to come to this Bill, in fact thrilled after the debate that has been had today, to come to a Bill we can support.
We totally support the update to the Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill to smooth... > > More
- Mon 5th Sep 2011, 7:36 p.m.
 The Community and Public Health division of Canterbury District Health Board has issued a health warning after shellfish were found to have extremely high levels of norovirus.
The contaminated shellfish are in areas around the river mouths of the Avon/Otakaro, the Heathcote/Opawaho and at other locations around the Avon-Heathcote Estuary/Ihutai.
Canterbury Medical Officer of Health Dr Alistair Humphrey says people should not collect or eat shellfish from anywhere in the Avon-Heathcote Estuary /Ihutai, including along the... > > More
- Mon 5th Sep 2011, 7:33 p.m.
 The New Zealand seafood industry has welcomed the release of a multi-stakeholder strategy to manage the Kaikoura coastline.
Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura released its strategy for the area today, called Sustaining our Sea, after six years of research, discussion and consultation.
New Zealand Seafood Industry Council Chief Executive, Peter Bodeker, said Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura was an example of the seafood industry working constructively with all stakeholders to find the best outcome for all.
Te Korowai o... > > More
- Sun 4th Sep 2011, 8:09 a.m.
 The night the NSW and ACT seafood industry were waiting for finally arrived on Saturday, 30 July,at the 2011 Sydney Fish Market Seafood Excellence Awards, held at Sydney Town Hall.
As fourteen award categories were announced, all areas of the seafood trade celebrated with theirpeers, colleagues, friends and family.
Grahame Turk. managing director of Sydney Fish Market said, 'The finalists should all be tremendously proud of what they've achieved. The submissions received this year were all of a high standard,... > > More
- Wed 31st Aug 2011, 6:50 p.m.
 Hundreds of juvenile green-lipped mussels attached to various structures within and outside Gisborne harbour have begun an important role in monitoring the quality of water in the bay.
Mussels were chosen to help assess water quality because they are filter feeders and any traces of contamination will show in their gut. Samples will be tested for trace chemicals and the presence of human faecal indicators, bacteria and viruses specific to the human gut. More general indicators of environmental contamination from animals and other... > > More
- Wed 31st Aug 2011, 6:36 p.m.
 Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Phil Heatley says a one-off extension to the Bluff oyster season will give Rugby World Cup supporters the chance to savour one of New Zealands most treasured delicacies.
We have a relatively short timeframe to showcase the best of New Zealand produce to the many thousands of visitors who will be visiting our shores during the Rugby World Cup. Issuing a special permit to commercial fishers to run from 5 September to 23 October will give visitors the chance to taste some of the best... > > More
- Wed 31st Aug 2011, 6:25 p.m.
 Fisheries management much more than just a FAD
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council claims that Greenpeace is doing a great job attracting attention to bycatch issues in these remote fisheries (tuna fisheries in the western Pacific Ocean). The New Zealand seafood industry disagrees.
The current Greenpeace campaign focussing on the use of Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs) in tuna purse seine fisheries highlights the organisations unwillingness to understand effective fisheries management, says... > > More
- Wed 31st Aug 2011, 6:20 p.m.
 Tuesday, 23 August 2011, 12:35 pm
Press Release: Seafood Industry Council
23 August 2011
NZ seafood industry supports terms of reference for Ministerial inquiry into foreign-owned fishing vessels
The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council supports the Governments terms of reference into the Ministerial inquiry monitoring labour conditions and general compliance of foreign-owned fishing vessels operating in New Zealand waters.
The terms... > > More
- Wed 31st Aug 2011, 6:15 p.m.
 Speech: New Zealand Government
Phil Heatley
Minister of Fisheries
30 August, 2011
Speech to the Trans Tasman Rock Lobster Industry Conference
Good afternoon and thank you for the opportunity to speak to you and discuss some of the issues important to you at this time.
Welcome to the Australian visitors who are here to meet with your trans-Tasman counterparts. This is a great opportunity to share ideas for developing your respective fisheries in a secure and... > > More
- Mon 25th Jul 2011, 7:13 a.m.
 For the first time, all species of scombrids (tunas, bonitos, mackerels and Spanish mackerels) and billfishes (swordfish and marlins) have been assessed for the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Of the 61 known species, seven are classified in a threatened category, being at serious risk of extinction. Four species are listed as Near Threatened and nearly two-thirds have been placed in the Least Concern category.
The results show that the situation is particularly serious for tunas. Five of the eight species of tuna are in the... > > More
- Mon 25th Jul 2011, 7:07 a.m.
 The union representing over 2,000 workers in the seafood industry says the inquiry into the industry is long overdue and must be extensive and robust to address the huge issues in the industry.
Service and Food Workers Union spokesperson Neville Donaldson said the union had conducted a long campaign to have the issues addressed and had collected 13,000 signatures on a petition calling for an inquiry. That petition will be presented to the Primary Production Select Committee on 4 August.
We are pleased the... > > More
- Mon 25th Jul 2011, 7:04 a.m.
 This year's hoki season will net more than just profits for Sealord.
Part of the company's annual catch will be sold through McDonald's restaurants in a new campaign set to maximise awareness and access to sustainable fish across Europe.
Sealord will supply around 4% of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified fish served in McDonald's restaurants across Europe.
According to Sealord General Manager of International Marketing, Jason Plato, Sealord hoki is one of several fish selected as part of... > > More
- Tue 12th Jul 2011, 4:26 p.m.
 Tasmania's current wild weather has put a virtual stop to local fishing. Gale force winds, snow, rain and swells of almost 10 metres have forced local restaurants and suppliers to source fish elsewhere, even New Zealand.
Will Mure who runs a fishing company and restaurant in Hobart told the Country Hour he has been getting supplies from Melbourne.
We've got our fisher buyer on the phone early in the morning, you know, five o'clock in the morning to the Melbourne market finding out what's going on... > > More
- Tue 12th Jul 2011, 8:24 a.m.
 Sealord has been enjoying large and plentiful hoki fishing while it considers stretching into acquisitions and fish farming.
This years hoki season has begun and group chief executive Graham Stuart said the fish are bigger, more copious and of a higher quality than they had been in more than 10 years.
We're getting complaints that some of the fish are too big to fit on the cutting tables, he told The New Zealand Herald.
The industry's total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for... > > More
- Sat 9th Jul 2011, 9:04 a.m.
 The reference organisation for the conservation status of Earth's animals and plants said for the first time Thursday that most species of tuna are urgently in need of protection.
Five of eight tuna species are now threatened or nearly threatened with extinction due to overfishing, according to the Red List of Threatened Species, compiled by the Swiss-based International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
The report is being released ahead of a July 11-15 meeting in La Jolla, California of the world's five... > > More
- Wed 6th Jul 2011, 9:44 p.m.
 Directors of Te Ohu Kai Moana Trustee Limited, the corporate trustee of Te Ohu Kaimoana, the Maori Fisheries Trust, have appointed Mr Matiu Rei, of Wellington, as chairman.
Mr Rei, the Executive Director of Te Runanga o Toa Rangatira, was appointed to the board in May this year through the Iwi Electoral College. He has been involved in Iwi and Maori economic development as well as commercial and customary fisheries throughout his career.
Mr Sonny Tau was reappointed Deputy Chairman.
Te Ohu Kaimoana... > > More
- Wed 6th Jul 2011, 9:20 p.m.
 The proposal to ban shark finning has been supported by Fiji Fish CEO Russell Dunham.
Government today announced that they are looking to ban shark finning to safeguard the shark population and marine environment.
While Dunham supports the proposal, he says long-line tuna operators such as theirs will not be able to avoid catching sharks.
When you are long-lining you will still catch sharks whether they are banned for export or sale. It makes no difference. From my personal perspective I... > > More
- Wed 6th Jul 2011, 9:14 p.m.
 5 July 2011 - Australia has boosted its support for Pacific fisheries organisations to help ensure food security and economic opportunity throughout the region.
During his visit to Solomon Islands last week, Australian Parliamentary Secretary for Pacific Island Affairs Richard Marles said that sustainably managing and developing fisheries resources would be a key challenge for Pacific Island countries over the next decade. The fishing industry accounts for around 19,000 jobs across the region.
Australia is providing... > > More
- Wed 6th Jul 2011, 7:36 p.m.
 The owner of a fishing boat smashed on rocks off the Northland coast had just stepped off a plane from London to hear the devastating news.
David Moore returned to New Zealand yesterday to learn that one of his fishing vessels Ben Dearg was wrecked on rocks at Te Arai Point, south of Mangawhai Heads. It was unlikely it could be salvaged. I've just got off the plane and still trying to fathom what has happened, he said.
The commercial long-liner remained on rocks as debris, including blue fish... > > More
- Mon 4th Jul 2011, 7:41 a.m.
 The first scientific results from an ambitious voyage led by a group of graduate students from Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego offer a stark view of human pollution and its infiltration of an area of the ocean that has been labeled as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch.
Two graduate students with the Scripps Environmental Accumulation of Plastic Expedition, or SEAPLEX, found evidence of plastic waste in more than nine percent of the stomachs of fish collected during their voyage to the North Pacific... > > More
- Sun 3rd Jul 2011, 10:33 p.m.
 Multiple Ocean Stresses Threaten 'Globally Significant' Marine Extinction, Experts Warn
An international panel of marine experts warns in a new report that the world's ocean is at high risk of entering a phase of extinction of marine species unprecedented in human history.
The preliminary report arises from the first ever interdisciplinary international workshop to consider the cumulative impact of all stressors affecting the ocean. Considering the latest research across all areas of marine science, the workshop examined... > > More
- Sun 3rd Jul 2011, 9:00 a.m.
 WASHINGTON, DC 1 July 2011 Today the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) launched the Make the Commitment project, the next phase of its strategic effort to transform tuna fisheries. The global improvement plan addresses the sustainability of the three most common methods of tuna fishing: purse seine, longline, and pole line.
Advocacy alone is insufficient, research alone is insufficient and it is not enough to simply educate, said Susan Jackson, President of ISSF. In... > > More
- Wed 29th Jun 2011, 6:41 p.m.
 PARTIES TO the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Director Dr Transform Aqorau, congratulated Solomon Islands Cabinet on their decision, announced Friday to close the tuna fishery to foreign fishing vessels.
Reaching their maximum limit of fishing days, Solomon Islands will cease to allow foreign fishing vessels to fish for tuna from this time onward.
Efforts are being made for Solomon Islands to purchase 1000 fishing days from a country that has underused their current allocation of fishing days.
The PNA... > > More
- Wed 29th Jun 2011, 4:04 p.m.
 This week, as the Pacific Islands region continues to work toward a more sustainable tuna industry, skippers and captains are learning about best-in-class practices to reduce fishing's footprint on the marine environment.
Scientists and fishing experts have developed a full-day session that delivers the best techniques to reduce bycatch directly to the people who run fishing operations on board purse seiners.
David Itano of the University of Hawaii and Jefferson Murua of AZTI-Tecnalia are sharing the material with... > > More
- Wed 29th Jun 2011, 8:00 a.m.
 Banning fisheries discards in the North Sea will promote fish stock recovery and increase fishermen's incomes, according to new research by scientists at the University of York.
In the North Sea up to 75 per cent of fish are currently dumped after being caught, with the result that many fisheries are now badly overfished. In comparison, discards were banned in Norwegian waters in the late 1980s and their fisheries are now some of the most prosperous in the world.
The research, published in the journal Reviews in... > > More
- Wed 29th Jun 2011, 7:55 a.m.
 After being hunted to local extinction more than a century ago and unable to remember their ancestral calving grounds, the southern right whales of mainland New Zealand are coming home.
A new study published June 27 has shown for the first time that whales from a small surviving population around remote, sub-Antarctic islands have found their way back to the New Zealand mainland.
Before the onslaught of 19th century whaling, historical records suggest that up to 30,000 of these impressive whales once migrated each... > > More
- Wed 29th Jun 2011, 7:49 a.m.
 Microscopic plant disappeared from North Atlantic 800,000 years ago; unwanted return 1 of several climate change symptoms already apparent throughout European oceans Some 800,000 years ago -- about the time early human tribes were learning to make fire -- a tiny species of plankton called Neodenticula seminae went extinct in the North Atlantic.
Today, that microscopic plant has become an Atlantic resident again, having drifted from the Pacific through the Arctic Ocean thanks to dramatically reduced polar ice, scientists... > > More
- Mon 27th Jun 2011, 7:51 a.m.
 Media release from Sealord Group Ltd
Discovering Tasman Sea Secrets - New data reveals 10 times more life than previously estimated
The most detailed survey of the biodiversity in the Tasman Sea to date has been made possible thanks to cooperation between research organisations and industry on both sides of the Tasman.
Sealord owned and part-owned vessels Rehua, Janas and Antarctic Chieftain have been part of vital fact finding about the state of the Tasman. Using state-of-the-art electronics these... > > More
- Sun 26th Jun 2011, 9:38 a.m.
 A further delay of the Marine Reserves Bill, which has been in select committee for nine years, shows the Government doesn't care about ocean protection, the Green Party says.
Nick Smith criticised the Labour Government in 2008 for having let the Marine Reserves Bill languish in select committee since 2002, saying, 'It shows a complete lack of commitment to marine conservation.' Now his Government is showing the same lack of commitment, said Green Party oceans spokesperson Gareth Hughes.
The Marine Reserves... > > More
- Fri 24th Jun 2011, 6:01 p.m.
 A group of Wellington paua thieves has failed to heed the lessons from Operation PAID, the recently completed long running paua poaching operation where more than 50 offenders were convicted and given heavy sentences.
On the evening of 7 October 2010, Fishery Officers entered a property in Cannons Creek, Porirua. They located 1259 shucked paua weighing about 105 kilograms.
Several offenders were charged with various fisheries offences, some of which involved taking paua for sale, which is punishable by up... > > More
- Fri 24th Jun 2011, 7:43 a.m.
 Shallow conditions in the Bowentown entrance of Tauranga Harbour are creating potentially hazardous conditions for boaties.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council Harbourmaster Western Bay of Plenty, Jennifer Roberts said the Bowentown bar entrance has changed recently due to the movement of sand banks on the bar.
The bar entrance has shallowed considerably which means that waves across the entrance can be more dangerous than usual, Jennifer said.
A half metre swell in the open... > > More
- Fri 24th Jun 2011, 7:24 a.m.
 Plans to expand aquaculture operations in Tasman and Golden Bays have been set back by two to three more years. The interim High Courts decision also requires a new round of consultation and potential litigation, all of which will determine the fate of tens of millions of dollars in potential income and hundreds of new jobs.
In the meantime, Parliament will soon tackle an aquaculture reform bill that may also influence the outcome of marine farming activities in the bays.
If the government approves expansion... > > More
- Thu 23rd Jun 2011, 4:59 a.m.
 Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley has praised the strong fisheries management practises and the decisive joint Ministry and industry action that has resulted in recovery of the western hoki stock.
The Ministry of Fisheries latest fisheries assessment plenary report; A stock take of the state of our fisheries management, indicates fish stock has rebuilt and that is great news for the fishery industry, says Heatley.
Following a period which saw a limited number of young... > > More
- Tue 21st Jun 2011, 7:26 p.m.
 Today the public has been given the all clear to harvest shellfish in the in Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel.
Nelson Marlborough Medical Officer of Health Dr Jill Sherwood said that two consecutive tests shellfish taken in Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel have shown the levels of Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin in shellfish have returned to a safe level.
Dr Sherwood said, Although the algae bloom responsible for the toxin disappeared in late May it has taken several weeks for the toxin to be... > > More
- Tue 21st Jun 2011, 7:36 a.m.
 New Zealand today ratified a new Convention to manage fisheries in the South Pacific, says Foreign Minister Murray McCully and Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley.
Under the Convention, a new South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) will administer an area of ocean from Western Australia to the waters off South America, covering the entire Tasman Sea and South Pacific Ocean.
New Zealand was the first country to sign the Convention and is the fifth country to become a Party. The... > > More
- Sat 18th Jun 2011, 8:28 p.m.
 Positive news about the increased Hoki quota has lead to Sealord chartering a larger vessel. Ocean Dawn arrives in Nelson next week and has 10% more capacity than the vessel it replaces.
Built in Norway in the early 1990s, the 64m vessel is no stranger to NZ waters and is returning after a stint working in Chile. The Ocean Dawn will replace the charter vessel Independent 1 in the Sealord fleet and create up to four new fishing jobs.
According to Sealords General Manager Harvest Operations, Colin... > > More
- Sat 18th Jun 2011, 6:50 p.m.
 17 June 2011
Immediate Release
A New Zealand Lobster fisherman has had such great success with WASSP Multi Beam Sonar in his fleet, that he has ordered a fourth unit to be fitted to his newest vessel.
Trevor Burkhart and his family have been actively involved in the New Zealand Lobster fishing industry since its commercial inception in the early 1950s. His father Peter Burkhart fished in the early 1950s up until the late 70s and was always innovative in his... > > More
- Wed 15th Jun 2011, 6:57 a.m.
 In response to some of the supporting comments from the audience let me begin by saying how very proud I am, and every kiwi should be, of New Zealands Quota Management System.
Its not perfect, but it has resulted in one of the best of two expansive fisheries in the world, Alaska being the other. It is a source of pride to me that, when overseas, so many foreign officials ask me if it is possible to work with the Ministry to develop a similar system in their countries. Argentina is a case in point.
> > More
- Wed 15th Jun 2011, 6:53 a.m.
 As a flock of seagulls swoops on a salmon farm in New Zealand's Marlborough Sounds, attracted by the thrashing fish within, tour boat operator Peter Beech sighs and says: I'm not sure this is a fight we can win.
Beech has plied the pristine waters at the top of the South Island all his life but fears plans to increase aquaculture in the Sounds will create an ecological time bomb in the area his family has lived in for six generations.
The New Zealand government has announced the end of a 10-year moratorium on... > > More
- Wed 8th Jun 2011, 6:49 a.m.
 Foodstuffs is pleased to announce that all standard and flavoured tuna sold under the Pams brand will be completely FAD (Fish Aggregation Device) free before the end of the year.
Foodstuffs will also be launching a new pole and line caught canned tuna range under the Pams brand. These products will be clearly labelled to assist customers in making the sustainable choice when buying their tuna products.
Dave McAteer, General Manager of Foodstuffs Own Brands Ltd says, For some time now, we have been working... > > More
- Wed 8th Jun 2011, 6:46 a.m.
 The New Zealand albacore tuna fishery, managed by the Tuna Management Association (TMA), has been awarded Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification and products from this fishery may now bear the MSC ecolabel identifying them as coming from a sustainable source.
MSC certification follows an independent assessment of the fishery against the MSC standard for sustainable and well-managed fisheries, which rigorously examines the sustainability of the fish stock, the environmental impact of the fishing activities and the... > > More
- Thu 2nd Jun 2011, 6:14 a.m.
Auckland, 1 June 2011 Tuna stocks and other ocean life are being threatened by the fishing methods used to fill Sealord tuna cans, says Greenpeace.
This morning Greenpeace launched a public campaign in downtown Auckland urging Sealord to clean up its act and become a market leader in sustainability for canned tuna sold in New Zealand. A video released on the Greenpeace website reveals the contents of future Sealord tuna cans if the company does not change its... > > More
- Mon 30th May 2011, 1:33 p.m.
 New Zealanders want more than a third of our oceans protected in marine reserves - a 100 fold increase on current levels, according to the latest Colmar Brunton poll.
The research, commissioned and published by WWF-New Zealand today (news eds: Thursday 26 May) has found more than nine in ten New Zealanders (96%) think more of New Zealand's oceans should be protected in 'no take' marine reserves - areas set aside as off limits for extractive activities such as fishing and mining.
On average New Zealanders stated... > > More
- Mon 30th May 2011, 11:37 a.m.
 New Zealand scientists have uncovered another new species of fish never before found in New Zealand waters.
It was found by one of a 13-strong team of scientists assessing fish, animal and plant species at the remote Kermadec Islands.
The engineer of the Kermadecs Biodiscovery expedition, which left on May 9, spotted a plastic bottle in the water and hauled it in, to find a trigger fish underneath.
Its a juvenile trigger fish exactly what sort, we dont know yet,... > > More
- Mon 30th May 2011, 11:31 a.m.
 Scientists aiming their gene sequencers at commercial seafood are discovering rampant labeling fraud in supermarket coolers and restaurant tables: cheap fish is often substituted for expensive fillets, and overfished species are passed off as fish whose numbers are plentiful.
Yellowtail stands in for mahi-mahi. Nile perch is labeled as shark, and tilapia may be the Meryl Streep of seafood, capable of playing almost any role.
Recent studies by researchers in North America and Europe harnessing the new techniques... > > More
- Mon 30th May 2011, 8:22 a.m.
 Fish oil supplements have been hailed as a wonder treatment for conditions ranging from autism to dementia.
Now new evidence suggests the omega 3 fatty acids could tackle alcohol abuse as well.
Scientists from the Indian University School of Medicine made the discovery by chance when studying whether fish oil had any benefit for bipolar disorder.
Lead author Dr Alexander Niculescu found that the fatty acid DHA, which is the main ingredient of fish oil, 'normalised' behaviour of mice with the... > > More
- Sun 29th May 2011, 4:05 p.m.
 The United States on Friday rejected calls to protect Atlantic bluefin tuna as an endangered species, saying that while it was worried about overfishing it did not fear imminent extinction.
Environmental groups have repeatedly voiced concern that the global fad for Japanese food was driving the world's stocks of tuna to dangerously low levels and have sought strong safeguards to preserve the species' survival.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration said it was putting Atlantic bluefin tuna on a... > > More
- Thu 26th May 2011, 3:04 p.m.
 The Maori Fisheries Conference last weekend, revealed an embarrassing admission from the Minister of Fisheries as to the problem of third world labour and conditions on board charter fishing vessels, says Labours MP based in West Coast Tasman Damien OConnor.
Unsafe foreign charter vessels crewed by third world labour have been a concern in the fishing community for some time, but until now the Minister has refused to admit that this is an issue, Damien OConnor said.
Foreign charter... > > More
- Thu 26th May 2011, 8:10 a.m.
 Fishing company Sanford Ltd this week announced a first half net profit of NZD 13.1 million (USD 10.5 million) -- more than double that of last years of NZD 5.3 million (USD 4.2 million) thanks to higher catches and elevated prices.
The result was attributed to a 23 per cent jump in revenue to NZD 228 million (USD 181.3 million) over the six months to 31 March. Prices grew for all fish species as strong demand continues to exceed the firms ability to meet supply.
The Board of Directors decided to... > > More
- Wed 25th May 2011, 6:29 p.m.
 Green groups that are anti-science, anti-business and anti-mankind are leading New Zealanders to an exaggerated view on environmental issues, says Talley's Group managing director Peter Talley.
In a typically provocative speech to the Maui National Maori Fisheries Conference at the Trafalgar Centre yesterday, Talley said professional activists in some pressure groups appeared to pay little, if any note to the financial consequences inherent in their actions and policies. > > More
- Wed 25th May 2011, 9:42 a.m.
 Maori have been warned by the government about the way they are using ageing foreign charter fishing boats to catch their Treaty of Waitangi quotas.
Maori are in a unique position to lead the debate on the use of foreign fishing vessels as they are big users, Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley told the Maori fisheries Conference in Nelson.
He said the foreign charter vessels (FCVs) were well past their... > > More
- Wed 25th May 2011, 8:25 a.m.
 Scientists from New Zealand and America will this week launch a state of the art device into the waters off Nelson that promises to revolutionise the monitoring of coastal waters in this country for the benefit of industry, fishers and local authorities.
The TASCAM will be used to remotely collect physical and biological data on the water quality of Tasman Bay recording long-term data on simple, but significant parameters, like... > > More
- Wed 25th May 2011, 8:09 a.m.
 The Western Australian Fisheries Minister, Norman Moore is warning the Federal Government not to introduce large scale marine exclusion zones along the West Australian coast.
The Commonwealth is planning a network of marine parks in its waters all along the WA coast, which could also include no access sanctuaries.
Mr Moore is concerned the changes could put some fishermen out of business and Canberra is yet to outline a compensation plan. I'd rather fishers weren't displaced because what that means is you're putting... > > More
- Wed 25th May 2011, 8:03 a.m.
 A toxic microalgae has been confirmed as the cause of a large fish kill on the NSW South Coast which saw thousands of dead fish wash up on beaches in Jervis Bay in early January. Residents reported dead and dying fish at a number of locations including Honeymoon Bay, Hare Bay and Callala Bay. Fish affected by the kill included a large range of species and size classes including flathead, whiting, mullet, luderick and catfish.
Test results by Industry Investment NSW have revealed that Karlodinium micrum, a toxic microalgae, was present in... > > More
- Tue 24th May 2011, 4:43 p.m.
 The salty seaside township of Bluff is home to this festive winter event.& Brought to you by the locals of Bluff with a uniquely Southland flavour.
Complementing the sumptuous Bluff Oyster is a variety of seafoods, the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival also celebrates Crayfish, Paua (Abalone), Scallops, Salmon, Blue Cod and Mussels - all in abundance. This is local fare which will tempt any tastebuds. Sought after Muttonbird, Venison, Lamb or the humble Kiwi sausage, all washed down with great southern ales and a selection of New Zealand... > > More
- Mon 23rd May 2011, 7:03 p.m.
 Today (23/05) Nelson Marlborough Public Health Service advised that shellfish from Queen Charlotte Sound and Tory Channel are still dangerous to eat.
This extends the ban on gathering shellfish from these areas due to the toxin Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning.
Medical Officer of Health Dr Ed Kiddle said, While the phytoplankton species responsible for the toxin has decreased, toxin levels in shellfish remained high.
This means that we need to wait until the shellfish expel the toxins from... > > More
- Mon 23rd May 2011, 12:47 p.m.
 The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) Chair PNA Chair Ludwig Kumoro, accompanied by PNA Director Dr Transform Aqorau, met with the Honorable Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Danny Philip, the Honorable Minister for Finance Gordon Darcy Lilo and senior fisheries officials this month to discuss a key decision Solomon Islands had to make on sustainability of tuna.
The PNA operates a Vessel Day Scheme for purse seine vessels where a total number of days for fishing are set for the PNA area, and then divided between the eight PNA... > > More
- Fri 20th May 2011, 8:33 p.m.
 Hong Kong has banned trawl fishing in its waters, a decision welcomed by conservationists Friday as a crucial move to save fish stocks and revive the city's depleted marine environment.
The measure, which is expected to come into effect in late 2012, comes after a long campaign by environmental groups who say the method is extremely damaging to the seabed and fish stocks.
The territory's law-making body approved the ban on Wednesday, and proposed a HK$1.7 billion ($219 million) scheme to provide payments to some 400... > > More
- Fri 20th May 2011, 7:32 p.m.
 Australian scientists have reported the first known detrimental impact of southern hemisphere ocean warming on a fish species. The findings of a study published in Nature Climate Change indicate negative effects on the growth of a long-lived south-east Australian and New Zealand inshore species - the banded morwong.
Scientific monitoring since 1944 by CSIRO at Maria Island, off the east coast of Tasmania, showed that surface water temperatures in the Tasman Sea have risen by nearly 2 degrees C over the past 60 years. This... > > More
- Fri 20th May 2011, 6:06 p.m.
 New Zealand marine electronics company, Electronic Navigation Ltd (ENL) won an award at the New Zealand Boat Show last weekend for their WASSP Multibeam Sonar.
The Wide Angle Sonar Seafloor Profiler (WASSP) was chosen amongst a number of finalists as the winner of the Most Innovative International Product Award.
In choosing the winner, the judges said that although WASSP is a New Zealand designed and built product, ENL bravely chose to enter it in the highly competitive international category.
This is... > > More
- Fri 20th May 2011, 9:17 a.m.
 Canadian fresh blue cultured mussel exports to the United States grew by 10 per cent in 2010. This figure is based on import data recently provided by the United States National Marine Fisheries Service, and lists Canadian mussels as the most imported variety of mussels - overtaking New Zealand mussels for the first time ever.
Surpassing New Zealand in mussels exported to the U.S. market is an important milestone for us, said Terry Ennis, President of the Mussel Industry Council of North America. For many... > > More
- Wed 18th May 2011, 8:54 p.m.
 The bonamia parasite, which has greatly reduced catches in the Bluff oyster fishery over the last twenty five years, was at a relatively low level last summer. At this low level of mortality, the oyster fishery is continuing to rebuild, says NIWA scientist Keith Michael.
At the Bluff Oyster and Food Festival next week, on 21st May 2011, NIWA will have a stand with information about research undertaken on the fishery.
There... > > More
- Wed 18th May 2011, 3:10 p.m.
 Biodiesel New Zealand is establishing a bulk distribution facility in Nelson to supply upper South Island customers with both its Biogold(tm) NZ20 renewable fuel blend and Biogold(tm) NZ100 pure biodiesel.
General Manager Andrew Simcock says demand from customers in the region is growing strongly and the new fuel storage and dispensing facility, being established at Fulton Hogans Port Nelson property, will allow the companys distribution partners, Allied... > > More
- Tue 17th May 2011, 5:36 p.m.
 This week it's been Southland that's taken the wintry bullet for New Zealand with hail, ferocious thunderstorms, gales and snow - but with the now famous Bluff Oyster Food Festival coming this Saturday the weather looks set to change.
WeatherWatch.co.nz says a high will be moving in from the Tasman Sea and while there's a low risk of a shower the weather for Bluff, Invercargill and the rest of Southland is looking sunny and dry at this stage.
It may... > > More
- Tue 17th May 2011, 7:47 a.m.
 New Zealand King Salmon continues to impress in the highly competitive world of international culinary taste awards.
All six of the Nelson-based companys products submitted for the annual International Tastes Quality Institute (iTQi) Superior Taste Awards have gained either the top three-star or two-star rating.
The company farms salmon in the Marlborough Sounds and in an email from the organisers of the prestigious awards has been congratulated for its excellent... > > More
- Mon 16th May 2011, 4:04 p.m.
 Press Release Westpac Rescue Helicopter
Life Flights Wellington-based Westpac Rescue Helicopter performed two rescues in the Wairarapa and one in Marlborough this weekend. All three rescues were made a bit more difficult by the wild weather in the Wellington region over the weekend.
Marlborough Mission
This morning at about 9:30am, the NZ Rescue Coordination Centre contacted Life Flight to advise of a sick fisherman on a commercial fishing boat off the Marlborough... > > More
- Mon 16th May 2011, 8:12 a.m.
 Some New Zealand Ministry of Fisheries officers have spent the last few days aboard the fishing vessel Oyang 75 in the city of Dunedin honing their managing skills to more effectively direct the countrys quota management system. The event has renewed controversy over the role charter vessels play in NZ.
The NZD 13 million- (USD 10.3 million) Korean vessel Oyang 75 is chartered by Christchurch-based company Southern Storm Fishing and sailed to New Zealand to replace the Oyang 70, which sank mysteriously off the South... > > More
- Mon 16th May 2011, 8:09 a.m.
 Vietnams seafood industry continued to make an outstanding growth in the first four months of the year, with the export turnover jumping nearly 28 percent to US$1.6 billion.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD) expected that the Pacific white shrimp and prawn will remain Vietnams strategic exports in the upcoming years, with an average turnover estimated to reach $2 billion per year.
> > More
- Thu 12th May 2011, 1:39 p.m.
 The Maritime Union is calling for a full inquiry into the fishing industry, as a new foreign charter ship sets sail from Dunedin.
The Oyang 75 fishing trawler is a replacement for the Oyang 70 which sank in the Southern Ocean last August, killing six people.
The Oyang 75 has just completed its first shakedown cruise in New Zealand waters. At 23 years old it's certainly not new, but its operator says it's one of the more modern ships fishing here.
Been fitted out... > > More
- Wed 11th May 2011, 9:36 p.m.
 The Norwegian Institute of Food, Fishery and Aquaculture Research (Nofima) has just launched an iPhone app so consumers can evaluate the freshness of a batch of fish. The app was released on the European Seafood Exposition (ESE) in Brussels.
The app is free and is aimed at fishmongers and others wanting to evaluate the shelf life of whole gutted fresh fish.
The freshness of the fish may be evaluated via a few steps, including odour, texture and the appearance of the eyes, skin and gills. The final result appears... > > More
- Wed 11th May 2011, 8:04 a.m.
 Successful mineral exploration would transform Golden Bay's economy and improve knowledge of the region's mineral resources, mining advocates say.
But green opponents said the rush to find fossil fuels risked one of the country's most pristine areas and its clean-green marketing image.
They questioned why New Zealand accepted exploration applications for national parks where mining was banned.
Chinese-backed Australian company Greywolf Goldmining has applied for oil exploration permits around the coastlines of... > > More
- Tue 10th May 2011, 3:58 p.m.
 Media Release: NIWA
May 10th, 2011
NIWAs latest voyage of discovery will examine the expansive continental shelf around New Zealand looking for our biodiversity hotspots.
NIWAs Research Vessel Tangaroa sets sail tomorrow, on the second 25-day leg of a 42-day voyage of discovery, to survey biodiversity and habitat hotspots.
Tangaroa will be examining a part of the most extraordinary undersea continent on Earth, some of it never before explored. Scientists will focus on areas at depths... > > More
- Tue 10th May 2011, 7:54 a.m.
 Thousands of visitors during this year's Rugby World Cup are in for their own little taste of New Zealand.
We're a country surrounded by water and we love seafood. We're looking forward to sharing the best New Zealand has to offer with our international visitors, said Seafood Industry Council Chief Executive Peter Bodeker.
There's all sorts of ways they can experience a little of what makes this country unique, like heading down to the deep south and savoring some Bluff oysters, sampling a range... > > More
- Mon 9th May 2011, 2:05 p.m.
 Conditions placed on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment of the New Zealand albacore tuna troll fishery should help to strengthen the certification process, states the International Seafood... > > More
- Mon 9th May 2011, 10:37 a.m.
 Maori are&losing their multimillion-dollar fishing industry to companies using Asian charter fishing boats.
But tribal leadership is largely silent on how deep-sea fishing, once touted as an economic saviour for Maori, now depends on Asian and Ukrainian foreign charter vessels, many of which are little more than high sea sweatshops.
One leading operator had admitted Maori fishing would close down without the boats, which iwi sell quota to, with the operators shipping the catch to China for processing.
About... > > More
- Mon 9th May 2011, 7:47 a.m.
 The new Dietary Guidelines for Americans have advised the people to eat more sea food. The guidelines also suggest the Americans, especially to the pregnant women, to eat eight ounces of seafood per week.
Robert Post, Deputy Director for the USDA's Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion said that beef, pork and poultry contain solid fats which do not contain enough nutrients. The fat and oil content of seafood is full of nutrients.
People can intake seafood in the form of shrimp which contains only 83 calories... > > More
- Sun 8th May 2011, 7:37 p.m.
 Conditions placed on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) assessment of the New Zealand albacore tuna troll fishery should help to strengthen the certification process, the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation (ISSF) announced today.
The new requirements, including a timeline for execution, were agreed to by the client fishery, the certifying body and ISSF after an objection was filed against the original assessment.
ISSF President Susan Jackson, who participated in the development of the conditions, called it... > > More
- Sun 8th May 2011, 8:25 a.m.
 A California proposal to outlaw the title ingredient in shark fin soup, a traditional Chinese delicacy, has turned into a recipe for controversy in San Francisco, a city that is nearly one-third Asian and home to the nation's oldest Chinatown.
A bill moving through the state Legislature would ban the sale, distribution and possession of shark fins. State and federal laws prohibit shark finning in U.S. waters but do not address the importation of fins from other countries.
Supporters say shark finning is inhumane and a... > > More
- Thu 5th May 2011, 8:11 a.m.
 Southern bluefin tuna from this fishing season are already starting to catch the eyes of both local and international buyers.
Trial selling of this year's catch has begun, with praise already being heard about the high quality produce coming out of local Port Lincoln farms.
Australian Southern Bluefin Tuna Industry Association chief executive officer Brian Jeffriess said continuous improvements of farming systems are the reason behind the top produce.
As a result, more Australian tuna has been... > > More
- Tue 3rd May 2011, 2:36 p.m.
 A Chinese-backed Australian mining company has revealed plans to explore for oil in the seabed off the Abel Tasman National Park coastline, across much of Golden Bay and the northwest corner of the South Island.
Golden Bay iwi are alarmed at the plans by Sydney-based Greywolf Goldmining NL. It is proposing drilling the seabed for oil and gas, as well as prospecting for coal in Golden Bay and developing Port Tarakohe.
View the full story on > > More
- Tue 3rd May 2011, 5:10 a.m.
 Studies show that coastal sharks have DNA zip codes that can reveal where they were born; underscores potential of DNA testing to monitor fin trade
An international team of scientists, led by the Institute for Ocean Conservation Science at Stony Brook University,& has used DNA to determine that groups of dusky sharks (Carcharhinus obscurus) and copper sharks (Carcharhinus brachyurus) living in different coastal regions across the globe are separate populations of each species. Both are large apex predators that are... > > More
- Mon 2nd May 2011, 9:02 p.m.
 New research shows a possible connection between the risk of childhood obesity and maternal consumption of omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy.
Intake of the omega-3s found in seafood is also linked to reduced risk of recurrent breast cancer, stroke in women and early age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These findings and more are summarized in the April 2011 PUFA Newsletter and Fats of Life e-newsletters for health professionals and consumers, respectively.
A French study shows that the type of fat consumed... > > More
- Sun 1st May 2011, 8:32 p.m.
 Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley is leaving New Zealand tomorrow with a delegation of officials and aquaculture industry representatives on a fact-finding tour of the aquaculture industry in Norway, Brussels and Scotland.
This Government wants to do what it can to support a successful aquaculture industry in New Zealand, says Mr Heatley.
Aquaculture is on track to become $1 billion dollar industry by 2025. The Aquaculture Legislation Amendment Bill (No 3), designed to enable aquaculture to fulfill its... > > More
- Sun 1st May 2011, 10:28 a.m.
 The coasts of Western Australia are experiencing an unprecedented marine heatwave and will be under probe by the scientists.
Next month the Department of Fisheries in conjunction with CSIRO is organizing a meeting of scientists to investigate marine heatwave being experienced along the Western Australian coastline. Marine experts from around the State will be joining forces to review both the physical and biological aspects of the heatwave, which appears to have some major implications... > > More
- Sun 1st May 2011, 9:16 a.m.
 As ironic as it may sound, but Japan's earthquake and tsunami tragedy has spelt a boom in business for India's seafood export industry.
There is a remarkable growth in the demand for Indian seafood in Japan such as black tiger shrimps (BTSs), primarily, for the fears that radioactive particles could have contaminated local food supplies.
There is a steady rise in demand for BTS, which is one of India's seafood export items as Japanese are facing the aftermath of tsunami and earthquake followed by a nuclear reactor issue this... > > More
- Sun 1st May 2011, 8:42 a.m.
 New Zealand is protesting to North Korea after two of that country's boats were found fishing illegally in the Antarctic's Ross Sea, Foreign Minister Murray McCully said Thursday, dpa reported.
The detection of these illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing vessels in the Southern Ocean is of grave concern to New Zealand, McCully said in a statement.
He said the two boats, sighted by a Royal New Zealand Air Force maritime surveillance plane in February, were fishing in the area managed by the... > > More
- Sun 1st May 2011, 8:30 a.m.
 In January Greenpeace ramped up its campaign urging the United Kingdoms canned-tuna brands to source only fish harvested in a sustainable, environmentally friendly manner.
Now the environmental activist organization is taking its message to New Zealand, targeting the countrys canned-tuna brands, including John West, Sealord, Greenseas and the four private-label brands sold at New Zealands two major supermarket chains, Foodstuffs and Progressive Enterprises.
Greenpeace on Wednesday challenged consumers in New... > > More
- Sat 30th Apr 2011, 12:35 p.m.
Hon. Phil Heatley, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture is to provide the keynote opening address for the Federation of Commercial Fishermen's annual conference that starts on Thursday 12 May 2011 at the Armitage Hotel, 9 Willow St Tauranga.
This is an opportunity to come along to the conference to ask the Minister those questions about the current state of fisheries management in NZ that have been bothering you. Be it TACC setting, observer programmes, area closures or deemed values, this is your chance to have your say in front of... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:42 p.m.
 Dear Stakeholder
This letter outlines my decision on measures to protect Maui's and Hector's dolphins from the effect of fishing-related mortality.
In 2008 a number of measures were put in place by the previous Minister of Fisheries as part of the implementation of a Hector's and Maui's dolphin Threat Management Plan jOintly developed by the Ministry of Fisheries (the Ministry) and the Department of Conservation.
As a result of judicial review, the High Court referred two matters back to me for reconsideration, having found that the... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:41 p.m.
 Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister Phil Heatley has announced that the Marlborough Sounds recreational blue cod fishery will reopen on 1 April 2011.
Mr Heatley says he is very pleased that following a comprehensive process involving the hard work of the Marlborough Sounds Blue Cod Management Group (BCMG), consultation with the Marlborough and wider community and rigorous scientific research, the Government is now in a position to take this important step with regard to this iconic blue cod fishery.
In 2011... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:39 p.m.
 Minister's decisions on amendments to fisheries regulations and the Wildlife Act for December 2010
Good afternoon
The Minister of Fisheries has made a number of decisions on changes to fisheries regulations, to take effect from 16 December 2010.
The Minister of Fisheries and the Minister of Conservation have made decisions on measures to protect basking sharks, to be given effect by amendments to fisheries regulations and the Wildlife Act 1953. These measures will also take effect on 16 December... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:38 p.m.
 Dear Fisheries Stakeholder
I write to inform you of the decisions I have made on the review of fisheries management measures for kahawai stocks. My decisions on total allowable catches (TACs), allowances for Maori customary non-commercial fishing interests, recreational fishing interests, other sources of fishing-related mortality, total allowable commercial catches (TACCs) and other management measures (including deemed value rates) for all stocks took effect on 1 October 2010. Copies of the Ministry of Fisheries' (the... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:37 p.m.
 To Whom It May Concern,
I am writing to you on behalf of our company Octopus Technologies Pty Ltd.
Some of you will be familiar, with our company, and the products that we provide, as we have had contact in the past.
For those of you that arent, this letter is a short introduction, and small glimpse into who we are;
Octopus Technologies is a specialized fishing technology company established in 2004 for the purposes of:
Holding intellectual property associated with the... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:37 p.m.
 22 September 2010
Ministry of Fisheries Chief Executive Wayne McNee has today announced changes to commercial fishing catch limits for two of New Zealands most important export fish species hoki and orange roughy. These changes come from sustainability decisions made by the Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture.
An orange roughy fishery off the north-west coast of the South Island will reopen, having been closed for the last decade.
The commercial catch of hoki will... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:35 p.m.
 ACC's annual levy consultation began last Friday. The levy-setting process includes ACC releasing the levy rates it is proposing for the next year and to seek public submissions on them. Submissions are considered and recommendations provided to the Minister for ACC, who makes the final decisions.
This year ACC is also consulting on the implementation of experience rating into the Work Account. This means that each organisations levies would be based partly on its claims history.& In the opinion... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:33 p.m.
 International shipping company Maersk has denied claims that it was going to stop shipping unsustainable fish - including the New Zealand Orange Roughy.
A spokesperson for Maersk said that although it was reviewing its shipping policy, all fish caught under New Zealand regulations would be accepted.
Earlier Greenpeace claimed that Maersk was refusing to ship some at-risk marine species worldwide, including orange roughy caught in New Zealand waters.
An earlier press release stated that:
We... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:32 p.m.
 Notice of closure of the inner waters of Tasman Bay to commercial pair trawling and Danish seining fishing methods, and to commercial snapper fishing using a surrounding net, from 27 April 2010 Until 30 September 2010.
This letter is to advise you that regulation 11 of the Fisheries (Challenger Area Commercial Fishing) Regulations 1986 has been invoked. Regulation II provides that:
-when more than 100 tonnes of snapper have been taken from that area of Tasman Bay and Golden Bay lying inside a straight line drawn from... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:30 p.m.
 You will by now be aware that the judgment in respect of the judicial review of the Ministers decision on Hectors/Mauis dolphins protection measures has been released.&
The decision is somewhat disappointing in that the judgment supported only three of the industry claims.& In essence the Judge only allowed those claims where the advice given to the Minister was shown to be inaccurate or misleading.& The remaining claims which included wider issues such as reasonableness were dismissed by the Court. > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:29 p.m.
 Dear Editor:
Bluff Oyster Festival - you rock!
What a day, what a festival, what atmosphere, what entertainment, what a divine smorgasbord of gastronomic delights - something for everyone and every palate.& What organisation!
After seven years of food festivals, I now only attend ans serve at the country's best events.& A Bluff Oyster virgin, I have to say it's the best.& I would like every seafood/festival event organiser to visit and learn from the experience that is the Bluff... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:29 p.m.
 Donna Wells last appeard in Seafood New Zealand in March 2007. She is best-known as the managing director for seafood exporter Finestkind,in Nelson, acting as a go-between for local independent fishers and markets overseas. She is also a quota broker, and is director-at-iarge of the Australian based Women Industry Network Seafood Community.
As an advocate for New Zealand seafood Donna is involved with food festivals, promoting seafood to the general public. To this end, she teamed up with Marlborough's Saint Clair Family Wines to enter the... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:27 p.m.
 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... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:23 p.m.
 I recently travelled to Tauranga for Caryn Rawlinsons& Moana Seafood Festival.& The weather eventually held off (an organisers number one nightmare) and the tasty variety of kai moana and beverages were plentiful.& The location is great& - set along Dive Street on the wharf, amongst existing Tauranga businesses and buildings and to have the three stages and choice of entertainment made for a great atmosphere.
Very ambitious and very successful - lucky Tauranga to have the vision and energy of Caryn and... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:21 p.m.
 WAKATU Incorporation which owns Marlborough's Aotearoa Seafoods, has announced a restructuring of its seafood businesses to take advantage of the Profits offered bY finfish. Wakatu chief executive officer Keith Palmer said the restructuring was Part of a l0-Year Plan to broaden the companv's focus from mussels to include other species, such as cod, hapuka, kingfish and butterfish.
The New Zealand aquaculture industry had set a goal of becoming a billion dollar export industry by 2025.
That growth will come from new... > > More
- Wed 30th Mar 2011, 1:20 p.m.
 Saint Clair Family Estate, in partnership with Finestkind Seafood, has taken out the Supreme Wine Food Match competition at this years Marlborough Wine Festival.
The Marlborough Wine Festival, the region's biggest and New Zealands best-known annual festival, holds the Supreme Wine Food Match where participants are required, in tandem with a winery, to concoct an original dish to accompany a particular wine from the Marlborough region.
This year saw 12 of the best restaurants from around the... > > More
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