3. METIRIA TUREI (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Fisheries
Has he seen any reports or plans that propose restrictions on commercial and recreational set-net fishing; if so, what reasons are given for the restrictions?
Hon PETE HODGSON (Minister of Health) Link to this
Yes, I have. The Ministry of Fisheries and the Department of Conservation have produced a draft threat management plan that seeks to address all threats to Māui’s and Hector’s dolphins, including fishing threats, seabed mining, pollution, and tourism. Set netting has been identified in the draft threat management plan as a threat to Māui’s and Hector’s dolphins. The draft threat management plan contains a range of options to address that threat, including further restrictions on the use of set nets by commercial and recreational fishers.
Can the Minister confirm that set nets are responsible for 63 percent of Hector’s dolphin deaths where the cause of death is known, and that alternative fishing methods exist for all species caught by set nets?
No, I cannot confirm that figure; I do not have it with me, I am sorry. But from when I was the Minister of Fisheries at an earlier time, I can say that it is a figure that feels to be about right. Set nets are certainly a significant part of the mortality complex of Hector’s and Māui’s dolphins.
Why has the proposal to equip all trawling vessels with monitoring systems not made it into this plan, when it has been supported by both fishers and conservationists, and given that in the last 2 years there were no observers on those vessels?
I think it is important for the member to acknowledge that what the Government has just done in the last few days is to begin a process: to put out a draft plan, so that people can comment on it. People will comment from either side of that plan, and in due course decisions will need to be made. In the meantime, the Government must, of course, remain very open-minded as to what is a reasoned response to the issue.