The legislation seeks to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of actions against violations
The Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill, which seeks to help New Zealand combat illegal fishing in the high seas, has passed its third reading in Parliament.
“The Pacific Ocean provides food and economic opportunities for the countries in and around it,” said oceans and fisheries minister Shane Jones.
The newly passed legislation aims to strengthen the powers needed for the investigation of and action against suspected illegal fishing occurring beyond New Zealand’s exclusive economic zone.
“Illegal fishing in the high seas hurts all countries by undercutting legitimate operators, distorting markets and impacting sustainability,” Jones said.
According to the government, the legislation specifically seeks to:
improve the regulation and permitting regime applicable to New Zealand vessels fishing outside the country’s waters
boost New Zealand’s ability to fight illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing by both New Zealand and foreign vessels
clarify and expand the international fishing permitting regime for both industry and decision-makers
make action taken against fisheries violations more efficient and effective
“These changes take a commonsense approach to the problem by strengthening our ability to fight illegal fishing outside our domestic waters and beefing up regulation for our own commercial fishers in international waters,” Jones said. “These changes will help ensure fisheries continue to thrive while protecting the livelihoods of fishing communities throughout New Zealand and the Pacific”.
