The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is seeking feedback on legislative proposals to improve the delivery of New Zealand's international fisheries management and compliance obligations through the Fisheries Act 1996. 

Feedback is sought on a range of proposals, including: 

• tightening and clarifying the rules for authorising and revoking fishing permits on the high seas
• strengthening the monitoring of New Zealand vessels fishing in other states' waters
• clarifying and strengthening penalties for New Zealand vessels breaking international conventions, including making it an offence to engage in activities prohibited under international commitments, including operating or supporting listed illegal fishing vessels
• allowing for foreign flagged vessels suspected of illegal fishing on the high seas to be detained in New Zealand ports to enable inspection

The closing date for submissions is 5 PM on the 21^st of November 2021.

For more information see the Fisheries New Zealand website.

Additional Resources

MPI Media Release - MPI seeks feedback on changes to high seas fishing rules

MPI Consultation Document - Proposed amendments to the Fisheries Act to ensure New Zealand continues to meet its international fisheries obligations