Seafood New Zealand says it welcomes yesterday's High Court decision which underscores the importance of evidence-based decision making when restricting fishing to protect endangered wildlife.
The Environmental Law Initiative's application for a judicial review was declined with the Court upholding the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries' emergency ban on commercial setnet fishing around the Otago Peninsula to protect the resident hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) population.
Seafood New Zealand Chief Executive Lisa Futschek said the industry accepts the ruling but remains concerned about the impact of the use of emergency powers on local fishers and their livelihoods, particularly where other threats are not being effectively managed.
"Our fishers care deeply about the ocean and the species that depend on it, and many have long supported conservation efforts," Ms Futschek said.
"But overnight closures without full consultation put enormous pressure on families, crews and small fishing businesses who rely on these areas to make a living."
Ms Futschek said that using emergency measures means that the usual consultation requirements do not apply. Decisions are made rapidly and give little time for fishers to adapt, creating insecurity for incomes, jobs and the regional economy.
"While urgent measures may be necessary in some circumstances, the most effective way to achieve meaningful outcomes for the environment is to direct our limited public resources toward long-term management decisions that consider all factors.
"What is important now is that all factors need to be taken into account and weighted according to their impact on the hoiho. These include disease, starvation, and land-based predators (like dogs on beaches) as well as fishing. We want all threats to be addressed using an evidence-based approach.
"We will continue to work with the Minister and the Ministry for Primary Industries to give these birds the best chance of recovery and survival."
