Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on a proposed circular – the Fisheries (Electronic Monitoring on Vessels) Circular 2019.

The draft circular sets out important operating rules for those commercial fishers who will be required to carry and operate cameras on their vessel for fishing trips from 1 November 2019.

The draft circular should be read with the Fisheries (Electronic Monitoring on Vessels) Regulations 2017.

From 1 November 2019, on-board cameras will be operating on up to 28 commercial fishing vessels that historically operated in the area and were considered to have the highest chance of coming in contact with Māui dolphins.

For a formal definition of which vessels are affected, see the Fisheries (Electronic Monitoring on Vessels) Amendment Regulations 2019.

The consultation runs from 26 September until 5pm on Sunday 13 October 2019.

For more information see the Fisheries New Zealand website.