Minister announces Emergency Set Net Closure

Minister’s Emergency Closure the first of many steps to protect hoiho at sea

The Government has announced a temporary emergency fishery closure to protect mainland New Zealand’s hoiho population, and will seek public feedback on permanent measures, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“I am implementing an immediate emergency closure of the set net fishery around the Otago Peninsula for a period of three months. During the closure period, officials will carry out public consultation on long-term bycatch measures to protect hoiho in the area,” Mr Jones says.

“As the self-proclaimed champion of the fisheries industry, I do not make this decision lightly. I am deeply conscious of the effect this will have on the livelihoods of fishers in the area, and people should not be under the misapprehension that I am softening my pro-industry stance. I acknowledge the voluntary closure put forward by fishers but if we are putting in place a closure, it needs to be more substantial than that proposed.”

“I have directed officials to consult on what permanent measures could be put in place to reduce the impact of fishing on hoiho.”

The public consultation on permanent measures to address hoiho bycatch is being developed by Fisheries New Zealand and will start in the next few weeks.

Proposals in this consultation will include extending a current set net ban around Otago Peninsula and an escalating response framework aimed at reducing hoiho bycatch in fisheries towards zero.

"We’re thrilled Hon Shane Jones has acknowledged the harm that set net fishing has caused hoiho. This temporary measure is the first step of many to address why we are losing so many hoiho at sea” says Claudia Palmer, spokesperson for Yellow-eyed Penguin Trust.

“The closure today focuses on one area of concern around the Otago Peninsula where the intensity of set net fishing is high. However, there are key nesting sites north of Otago, Catlins and Rakiura Stewart Island that need protection. By-catch has occurred in these areas too. So, we must ensure the whole northern population has protection and safe passage at sea.”

“There’s a strong network of organisations working together on land to mitigate threats and intervene on starvation, disease and injury. It’s a huge investment and we want to see it matched by the government with protection for hoiho at sea. We are looking forward to engaging with the government further on this issue when the multi-threat assessment is released”