32233 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

32233 (2025). Teanau Tuiono to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: How will the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act to increase Ministerial discretion in setting catch limits and allow for the consideration of social and economic factors, while reducing sustainability and scientific constraints, support, if at all, the sustainable management of fisheries?

Hon Shane Jones: The proposed changes clarify my ability to take these social, economic, and cultural factors into account when setting catch limits, within the overall the legislative obligation to ensure sustainability, provide for use, and continue to be based on best available information. This restores the interpretation of the Fisheries Act 1996 when first passed into law and under which there were significant rebuilds to several depleted stocks including snapper, hoki, and rock lobster.