The Government has released a draft plan for transforming the fishing industry to better protect the environment, provide more jobs, and increase earnings.

At the launch of the Fishing Industry Transformation Plan, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Rachel Brooking emphasized the importance of oceans in Aotearoa New Zealand, saying, "Oceans give us jobs (in tourism as well as fishing and aquaculture) and food, they regulate the climate and store vast amounts of carbon dioxide, and they are the source of some of our best holidays and memories. All of these things are worth protecting and enhancing."

The draft plan was developed by fishing industry representatives working with environmental groups, iwi representatives, scientists, unions, and the food sector.

The plan’s proposals are designed to build on the industry’s current strengths and capitalize on emerging opportunities, such as advancements in technology, product innovation, and data utilization. The goal is to achieve this while minimizing the industry's environmental impact. Proposals include:

• Expanding the use of seafood for cosmetic, medical, and nutraceutical products.
• Identifying new technologies, fishing gear, and practices to reduce the impact on protected species and the seafloor.
• Developing skilled jobs.
• Preparing for the effects of climate change.

The closing date for submissions is 5 PM on the 11^th of June.

You can submit your feedback to Fisheries New Zealand by:

• Completing their online survey.
• Emailing fisheriesITP@mpi.govt.nz.
• Post.
• Speaking to Fisheries New Zealand at one of the hui they have planned, either online or in person at Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin, or Nelson.

For more information see the Beehive website for the Minister's announcement or the Fisheries New Zealand website.

Additional Resources

MPI Draft Plan - Draft Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan

MPI - What is the Fisheries ITP?

MPI Consultation Document - One-Page Summary of the Draft Fisheries ITP