Ray Hilborn and his colleagues at Sustainable Fisheries UW have set up a scientific resource library on their website to combat misinformation and to explain the science of sustainable seafood. In this 3,000-word point-by-point scientific rebuttal to Seaspiracy, they dive into the science and data. Basically, most of the filmmakers' claims come from very old, outdated studies and/or egregious misunderstandings.
About: Inge Wisselink
Recent Posts by Inge Wisselink
From fishery science to fake news: how misinformation about the ocean evolves
The article below is republished with permission from the Sustainable Fisheries website from the University of Washington in Seattle, USA. Author, Max Mossler, is an important voice in addressing the reportage of fisheries globally and follows in the footsteps of his pioneering colleague, Ray Hilborn.
From fishery...
Featured
NZ’s First Sustainable Seafood Week
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is launching New Zealand’s first-ever Sustainable Seafood Week to celebrate the leadership of MSC certified fisheries in Aotearoa while empowering Kiwis to choose sustainable seafood to ensure we have seafood for generations to come.
October round of fisheries decisions
Catch limits will be increased for 26 fisheries and reduced for three fisheries as part of a regular round of reviews designed to ensure ongoing sustainability of fisheries resources.
Seafood industry celebrated at Seafood Sustainability Awards
The big winner at the Seafood Sustainability Awards was a man who has spent almost 20 years working to protect seabirds and marine mammals in the commercial fishing industry.
Kiwi seafood companies collaborate to help iwi
Top-quality seafood has been slashed in price in an effort to support iwi during COVID-19. Sealord and Moana New Zealand have been providing their products at discounted prices – up to 70 percent off their retail value – with iwi purchasing the product in large quantities to distribute them to whanau for free.
Fishing and the environment – it shouldn’t be an either/or
This week’s release of the National Plan of Action on seabirds was the result of three years of discussions between industry, eNGOs, Fisheries New Zealand, and the Department of Conservation (DOC).
Fisheries management is actually working, global analysis shows
Nearly half of the fish caught worldwide are from stocks that are scientifically monitored and, on average, are increasing in abundance. Effective management appears to be the main reason these stocks are at sustainable levels or successfully rebuilding.
2019 Posts:
For those inspired by stories of the Kraken, here’s one for you.
This five-kilo beast was recently brought aboard the FV Independent while mid-water trawling for arrow squid at the Snares.
Changes to Sea lion protections in Auckland Islands
New Zealand sea lions are a national taonga. They were hunted to near extinction in the 1800s, but have been recovering since hunting was prohibited. Their threat classification has recently been upgraded from Nationally Critical to Nationally Vulnerable to reflect signs of population recovery, says Fisheries New Zealand Director of Fisheries Management, Stuart Anderson.
Seafood industry welcomes NZ-China FTA upgrade
Trade Minister David Parker’s announcement of a successful upgrade of the NZ-China Free Trade Agreement (FTA) has been welcomed by the seafood industry.
Seafood Industry Welcomes Our Marine Environment Report
The seabird bycatch has halved, to an estimated 4186 seabird deaths in the 2016-17 fishing year, compared to 8192 in the 2002-03 year.
Commercial fisher recognised for seabird smart invention
“New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world. As the breeding grounds for a third of the world’s seabird species, we have an international responsibility to ensure their long-term survival”
Orange roughy stocks continue recovery
Two orange roughy fisheries – one in the Tasman, the other centred in the Pacific and the sub-Antarctic – received substantial quota increases in the sustainability round that came into effect on 1 October 2019, the start of the new fishing year.
Seafood Directions Conference – presentation
Fisheries decisions ensure sustainability
Press release from New Zealand Government Hon Stuart Nash, Minister of Fisheries. Friday 27 September 2019
Commercial catch limits for tarakihi will be reduced by a further 10 per cent as part of a package of measures to ensure sustainability of a number of fish stocks around the country.
Rare Red Squid
For those inspired by stories of the Kraken, here’s one for you.
This five-kilo beast was recently brought aboard the FV Independent while mid-water trawling for arrow squid at the Snares.
Sustainable seafood shines in eBook
The Marine Stewardship Council has published a gallery-style eBook of MSC certified seafood titled ‘Sustainable seafood and where to find it’.
Seafood sustainability improves and meets international standards
The Environment Aotearoa Report 2019, released today by the Ministry for the Environment and StatsNZ, shows the environmental performance of New Zealand’s seafood industry has improved markedly.
Recognition of this is welcomed by the Deepwater Group, representing the deepwater seafood sector including quota owners harvesting hoki, hake, ling, southern blue whiting, squid, jack mackerel, orange roughy...
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2018 Posts:
For those inspired by stories of the Kraken, here’s one for you.
This five-kilo beast was recently brought aboard the FV Independent while mid-water trawling for arrow squid at the Snares.
2019
2019
...BPAs and MPAs – Is There a Difference?
New Zealand’s Benthic Protection Areas (BPAs) are internationally-recognised as a type of Marine Protected Area (MPA). The IUCN recognises seven categories of MPAs and BPAs meet Category VI.
OpenSeas answers your questions simply
OpenSeas continues to attract more and more users each month as the single source of reliable information on New Zealand’s key commercial fish species.
MSC validates New Zealand seafood sustainability
With seventeen New Zealand fisheries recertified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in September, some 50 percent of New Zealand’s wild marine catch now holds this gold standard of sustainability...
Fisheries New Zealand sustainability round 2018
This year’s sustainability round, announced by Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash (September 2018), saw 11 catch limits increase and 12 decrease.
A decrease in catch has very real consequences for fishing families and should not be taken lightly, however we must be prepared to act when stocks need to be rebuilt...
Skipper of the month – Jake McFedries
Fishing has always been an integral part of Jake McFedries’ life.
With a father who spent a fair amount of time recreationally fishing, McFedries practically grew up on the water. Being surrounded by boats and anglers and with his own love for the sea, McFedries knew he wanted to make a career out of fishing...
Revolutionising ocean forecasting – the Moana Project
The Tasman Sea is warming at one of the fastest rates on earth, bringing widespread implications for the marine environment.
Despite New Zealand having one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in the world, there is limited information available to measure, monitor and predict how ocean warming will affect New Zealand waters.
The Moana Project has set out to address this...
New Zealand hoki quota owners proactively choosing to reduce catch
New Zealand hoki quota owners proactively choosing to reduce catch
Published: 26 September 2018Quota owners in the New Zealand hoki fishing industry have announced today they have proactively chosen to reduce the amount of hoki they will catch next year, in response to changing patterns they are observing in one of the...
Increased catches from deepwater fisheries supported by science
Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash today (19/9/2018) announced his decisions on changes to fisheries catch limits from 1 October 2018.
Thirty-two catch limits were reviewed in this sustainability round.
Four deepwater fisheries were reviewed and each had their Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) limits increased, decisions supported by the best available science.
Sustainability of NZ fisheries independently verified
Seventeen New Zealand fisheries harvesting hoki, hake, ling and southern blue whiting have been re-certified against the gold standard for sustainable seafood, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
The Squid Fishery and New Zealand Sea Lions
The Squid Fishery and New Zealand Sea Lions
Published: 28 August 2018
What’s causing the decline of sea lions? And what’s the remedy?
The New Zealand sea lion population at Auckland Islands (Figure 1) is assessed to have declined from around...
Report on sea-trials of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) to deter seabirds from risk of trawl net capture
Report on sea-trials of Long Range Acoustic Devices (LRAD) to deter seabirds from risk of trawl net capture
Published: J Cleal and R Wells - 22 August 2018
Background
Between 2000 and 2005 there was growing awareness and understanding of interactions between seabirds and deepwater trawlers (e.g. greater than 28m in length) and, in...
Skipper of the month – Elle Kibblewhite
Skipper of the month - Elle Kibblewhite
Published: 25 July 2018
Elle Kibblewhite has plenty of sea-faring achievements to her name. At 16, Elle began working with her Dad, Richard, cray fishing and set netting on Splashzone 2 during the summer. She also gained her commercial electrician’s trade certificate.
Choice matters: The environmental costs of producing meat, seafood
Reposted with permission. Originally published on 11 June 2018 by Michelle Ma (mcma@uw.edu), University of Washington. Posted with images here: http://www.washington.edu/news/2018/06/11/choice-matters-the-environmental-costs-of-producing-meat-seafood/
Choice matters: The environmental costs of producing meat, seafood
Which food type is more environmentally costly to produce — livestock, farmed seafood, or...
Leaked Risk Profile Reports Show MPI is Effectively Monitoring Fisheries Compliance
Leaked Risk Profile Reports Show MPI is Effectively Monitoring Fisheries Compliance
Published: 8 June 2018Summary
- Two confidential internal Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) reports that profiled compliance risks in the hoki and southern blue whiting fisheries during 2011 and 2012 were leaked to the media.
- Media reports claim that these reports reveal wholesale misreporting in these...
The definitive word on the leaked fisheries reports from MPI
The definitive word on the leaked fisheries reports from MPI
Published: 1 June 2018
The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has announced that it is releasing historical reports dealing with compliance risk profiling of the southern blue whiting fishery.
In this video, MPI's manager of compliance investigations, Gary...
Fisheries New Zealand launched
Fisheries New Zealand launched
Published: 16 May 2018
The newly launched Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) will focus on stakeholder engagement and innovation.
That was the message from the business unit’s new head Dan Bolger and Fisheries Minister Stuart Nash at the launch...
Ocean Bounty season two underway
Ocean Bounty season two underway
Published: 16 May 2018
Ocean Bounty, an hour-long documentary series on commercial fishing, began its second season on 13 May.
It's a 13 episode series that screens on Three at 5pm each Sunday.
Hosted by Graeme...
Majority of New Zealand’s wild-caught seafood MSC certified as sustainable
Majority of New Zealand’s wild-caught seafood MSC certified as sustainable
Published: 14 May 2018
With half of New Zealand’s total seafood production certified to the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) sustainability standard and 70 percent of the deep water catch certified, New Zealand’s Deepwater Group (DWG) welcomes yesterday’s inaugural...
OpenSeas playbook launched
OpenSeas playbook launched
Published: 24 April 2018
OpenSeas has released a playbook on the programme.
The comprehensive guide aims to help New Zealand seafood companies understand the range of tools available and find ways to best utilise the programme within their businesses.
Southern blue whiting TACC gets big bump
Southern blue whiting TACC gets big bump
Published: 24 April 2018
Fishing for southern blue whiting at the Bounty Platform has been given a significant boost.
The Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for SBW 6B has been...
DWG collaborates with DOC to conserve sea lions
DWG collaborates with DOC to conserve sea lions
Published: 26 March 2018
Scientists are using GPS technology and remote cameras to help them to better understand how to prevent New Zealand sea lion pups dying on Campbell Island.
They also tested the use of a drone to count sea...
Fishermen endorse Industry Code of Conduct
Fishermen endorse Industry Code of Conduct
Published: 26 March 2018
Commercial fishermen have reinforced their support for the industry Code of Conduct.
The code was developed by Seafood New Zealand and endorsed by New Zealand’s major fishing companies to reinforce last year’s Promise media campaign.
The code is being taken...
New technology deployed to prevent sea lion pup deaths
New technology deployed to prevent sea lion pup deaths
Published: 23 February 2018
Scientists from the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Deepwater Group (DWG) say GPS technology and remote cameras are helping them better understand how to prevent sea lion pups from dying on the subantarctic...
Sage wants NZ sea lion decline reversed
Sage wants NZ sea lion decline reversed
(reposted from the NZ Herald) 22 February 2018
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MSC making changes
MSC making changes
Published: 21 February 2018
The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is constantly reviewing and refining its standards and certification requirements. Deepwater Group is an active participant in these reviews and, alongside others from MSC-certified fisheries, is focussed on ensuring any changes are backed by science and...
Environmental organisations unsure how science works
Environmental organisations unsure how science works
Published: 21 February 2018
Recent attacks from environmental organisations on the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) and New Zealand’s seafood industry have reached a new level of banality and predictability.
As MSC continues to succeed and to certify more and more of the well...
Seafood industry welcomes considered approach to cameras on vessels
Seafood industry welcomes considered approach to cameras on vessels
Published: 14 February 2018
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The New Zealand seafood industry has welcomed confirmation by Stuart Nash, the Fisheries Minister, that the Government is reconsidering a proposal to install cameras on all commercial fishing vessels. MSC Response to New Zealand Fisheries Article
From Ecologist, dated 24 March 2017.
"In its Right of Reply to our recent article questioning the sustainability of New Zealand fishing practices, the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) explains its certification is based on current and not historical practices....."
Read the full article here...
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Fishing industry dismisses claim fishery should not be certified sustainableFishing industry dismisses claim fishery should not be certified sustainablePublished: 26 January 2018 Accusations that the fishing industry is responsible for any population decrease of Salvin’s albatross are untrue and has been dismissed by Deepwater Group chief executive, George Clement. [caption id="attachment_6081" align="alignnone" width="604"]
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2017 Posts below:Japan and NZ collaborate on seabirdsJapan and NZ collaborate on seabirdsPublished: 19 December 2017 New Zealand seabird experts met with a group from Japan to share information on seabird mitigation and bycatch in November. Five scientists from Japan's National Research Institute for Far Seas Fisheries met with various people closely involved in seabird... Changes needed to recreational fisheries management – reportChanges needed to recreational fisheries management - reportPublished: 18 December 2017 Peak bodies and recreational reporting were the big talking points when the New Zealand Initiative launched The Future Catch in Wellington. The report pushes for the establishment of an organisation to represent recreational fishers, in similar vein... New dedicated fisheries entity announcedNew dedicated fisheries entity announcedPublished: 18 December 2017 A new fisheries-dedicated unit has been announced by the Government. The Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) functions are being reset, with four new portfolio-based entities announced, including Fisheries New Zealand, Forestry New Zealand, Biosecurity New Zealand and New Zealand Food... A decade delivering sustainabilityA decade delivering sustainabilityPublished: 18 December 2017 Deepwater Group (DWG) celebrated more than ten years delivering healthy fisheries at their recent annual general meeting. Established in 2005, DWG was a merger of the hoki, squid and orange roughy management companies, with a mandate for delivering the best-managed deepwater... Public perception of fisheries management at odds with international reputation – TNCPublic perception of fisheries management at odds with international reputation - TNCPublished: 16 November 2017
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Photograph by Peter Marriott/NIWA[/caption]
An annual southern Buller's albatross census on the Snares Islands has been successful with more breeding pairs counted and banded.