With growing public attention on ocean health and fishing practices, Seafood New Zealand says there is in fact strong common ground on what matters most - healthy oceans, abundant fish stocks, and thriving marine ecosystems.
"While swimming the length of the North Island's east coast is a noble personal feat by Jono Ridler, discussion on the health of our ocean does need to be based on facts and evidence" says Lisa Futschek, CEO of Seafood New Zealand.
"Like Jono, and the Kiwis who have supported his petition, we all want the same outcome - healthy oceans, abundant fish stocks, and thriving marine ecosystems.
"The focus needs to be on how we achieve that, and those conversations need to be grounded in evidence, science, and real-world outcomes. We reached out to Live Ocean at the end of last year seeking a constructive discussion on the issues being raised. While we have yet to hear back, our offer remains."
As with any form of food production, commercial fishing is about balance between environmental, economic, and food security considerations which all need to be carefully weighed.
"There are inaccurate claims being made about bottom trawling that do not reflect how we fish in New Zealand," says Ms Futschek.
"Bottom trawling in New Zealand is tightly regulated and monitored, highly targeted, and far more limited than is often suggested. Fishers are able to catch enough fish by bottom trawling only around 2% of New Zealand waters each year.
"The reality is many of New Zealand's key commercial species live on or near the seabed. We're talking Kiwi favourites like snapper, and gurnard. For these species, bottom trawling is often the most effective and practical way to harvest them."
Bottom contact fishing activity in New Zealand is constrained in where it can occur. Fishers typically operate on sandy and muddy seabeds, avoiding rough terrain, including sensitive habitats like seamounts and coral areas, where gear can be damaged.
"Seamounts already have significant protections in New Zealand waters. Around 85% are either closed to bottom trawling or have never been trawled, and only a small proportion have been fished at all.
"This reflects a targeted approach - protecting areas of highest environmental value while allowing carefully managed fishing to occur elsewhere.
"Blanket bans are not always the answer as they can shift pressure to other areas, sometimes with unintended environmental consequences. That's why New Zealand's approach focuses on evidence-based fisheries management and continuous improvement, underpinned by our world-leading Quota Management System," said Ms Futschek.
