12. COLIN KING (National—Kaikōura) Link to this
to the Minister of Fisheries
What judgment was handed down recently by the Supreme Court on the management of the kahawai fishery?
Hon PHIL HEATLEY (Minister of Fisheries) Link to this
The Supreme Court recently ruled on a 2004-05 ministerial decision regarding kahawai stocks. It has ruled that ultimately the question of the allocation between fishers is a matter of judgment for the Minister of Fisheries. This provides clarity for me as the Minister, and I would like to assure all fishers—commercial, recreational, and customary—and the member that I understand the responsibility I have as the Minister to make sound decisions to protect the health of the fish stock, and to provide all with fair access to and a fair share of our fisheries.
I am committed to reviewing the kahawai catch limits and allowances. However, there is not enough time left to properly review the catch limits before the start of the next fishing year, on 1 October 2009. Given the history and the importance of this fishery, I want the review to be done properly. I am not prepared to act in haste.