11581 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

11581 (2024). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Is the Minister considering making all three bycatch mitigation measures, as recommended by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels, compulsory for all longline fishing vessels, i.e. both surface and bottom longline vessels; if not, why not?

Hon Shane Jones: I am advised that Fisheries New Zealand has consulted on strengthening the surface longline seabird mitigation measures to align with best practice as defined by the Agreement on the Conservation of Albatrosses and Petrels (ACAP). The delegation for this decision sits with the Ministry for Primary Industries and a decision is expected shortly. I am further advised that the bottom longline seabird mitigation measures were revised in 2020. Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation monitor the effectiveness of these measures and may consider further amendments as necessary.