55069 (2025). Rachel Boyack to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries

55069 (2025). Rachel Boyack to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries: Will the new proposals to reduce risk from commercial fishing to Hoiho be enough to meet the target of a 75% reduction in fishing-related mortality (relative to the estimated annual bycatch of Hoiho in the period from 2006 to 2023) as set at a workshop in April 2025 that included representatives from Fisheries New Zealand, Seafood New Zealand, Ngāi Tahu, the Department of Conservation, and the Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust?

Hon Shane Jones: I am advised that a Fisheries New Zealand - commissioned risk assessment for the northern hoiho population has recently been completed by independent scientists. I am advised that based on this assessment, the proposals currently being consulted on by Fisheries New Zealand would meet the target of a 75 percent reduction in fishing-related mortality (relative to the estimated annual bycatch of hoiho in the period from 2006 to 2023).