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The trawl fisheries for hake (HAK 1, HAK 4), hoki (HOK 1 East and West) and ling (LIN 3, LIN 4, LIN 5, LIN 6, LIN 7) are MSC certified. They have now passed their third surveillance audit in June 2022 and will be undergoing a re-assessment in 2023.

To view Lloyd's Register's 2022 Surveillance Report, click here.

DWG undertakes to make all non-confidential information that is provided to the Conformance Assessment Body publicly available on this webpage to ensure all documents are easily accessible by all participants.

A summary of the key information from these references can be found in the Situation Report [click here].

MSC sets the highest independent science-based international seafood sustainability standards, covering three broad principles:

PRINCIPLE 1 - SUSTAINABLE FISH STOCKS

"A fishery must be conducted in a manner that does not lead to over-fishing or depletion of the exploited populations and, for those populations that are depleted, the fishery must be conducted in a manner that demonstrably leads to their recovery."

The intent of this principle is to ensure that the productive capacities of the resources are maintained at high levels and are not sacrificed in favour of short-term interests.

Key P1 References

Ballara, S.L. (2019). A descriptive analysis of all ling (Genypterus blacodes) fisheries, and CPUE for ling fisheries in LIN 5&6, from 1990 to 2017. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2019/49. 88 p. [click here] 

Bull, B; Francis, R I C C; Dunn, A; McKenzie, A; Gilbert, D J; Smith, M H; Bian, R; Fu, D (2012) CASAL (C++ algorithmic stock assessment laboratory): CASAL user manual v2.30-2012/03/21. NIWA Technical Report 135. 280 p. [click here]

Dunn, M.R. & Langley, A. (2018). A review of the hoki stock assessment in 2018. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2018/42. 55 p. [click here]

Dunn, A; Horn, P L; Cordue, P L; Kendrick, T H (2000) Stock assessment of hake (Merluccius australis) for the 1999–2000 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2000/50. 50 p. [click here]

Dunn, A; Mormede, S; Webber, D N (2021a) Descriptive analysis and stock assessment model inputs of hake (Merluccius australis) in the Sub-Antarctic (HAK 1) for the 2020–21 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/74. 52 p. [click here]

Dunn, A; Mormede, S; Webber, D N (2021b) Stock assessment of hake (Merluccius australis) in the Sub-Antarctic (HAK 1) for the 2020–21 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/75. 37 p. [click here]

Dunn, A; Mormede, S; Webber, D N (in prep) Stock assessment of hake (Merluccius australis) on the west coast South Island (HAK 7) for the 2021–22 fishing year. Draft New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report.

DWG (2022). DWG Operational Procedures for 2022-23. Update for Operational Managers and Vessels. 2 p. [click here]

FNZ (2021). Review of Sustainability Measures for the 2021-22 October Round. Fisheries New Zealand Decision Paper. 275 p. [click here]

FNZ (2021a). Changes to sustainability measures for the 2021 October Round. 16 p. [click here]

FNZ (2022) Changes to sustainability measures for the 2022 October Round. [click here]

FNZ (2023). Fisheries Assessment Plenary May 2023: Stock Assessments and Stock Status, Vol. 1 Introductory Sections and Alfonsino to Hoki (Hake pp. 553-588; Hoki pp.589-633). [click here]

FNZ (2023a). Fisheries Assessment Plenary May 2023: Stock Assessments and Stock Status, Vol. 2 Horse mussel to Red crab (Ling pp.795-842). [click here]

Holmes, S J (2021) Stock assessment of hake (Merluccius australis) on Chatham Rise (HAK 4) for the 2019–20 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/22. 55 p. [click here]

Kienzle, M (2021) Stock assessment for ling off the west coast South Island (LIN 7WC) to the 2018–19 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/18. 22 p. [click here] 

Langley, A.D. (2020). Review of the 2019 hoki stock assessment. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2020/28. 52 p. [click here] 

MacGibbon, D.J., Ballara, S.L., Schimel, A.C.G. and O’Driscoll, R.L. (2019). Trawl survey of hoki and middle-depth species in the Southland and Sub-Antarctic areas, November–December 2018 (TAN1811). New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2019/71. 96 p. [click here] 

Mormede, S; Dunn, A; Webber, D N (2021) Descriptive analysis and stock assessment model inputs of ling (Genypterus blacodes) in the Sub-Antarctic (LIN 5&6) for the 2020–21 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/60. 113 p. [click here] 

Mormede, S.; Dunn, A. & Webber, D.N. (2021a). Stock assessment of ling (Genypterus blacodes) in the Sub-Antarctic (LIN 5&6) for the 2020–21 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/64. [click here] 

Mormede, S.; Dunn, A.; Webber, D.N. (2023). Spatial-temporal standardisation of commercial longline and trawl survey catches of ling on the Chatham Rise (LIN 3&4) up to 2020–21. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2023/13. 10 p. [click here]

O’Driscoll, R.L. and Ballara, S.L. (2019). Trawl and acoustic survey of hoki and middle depth fish abundance on the west coast South Island, July–August 2018 (TAN1807). New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2019/19. 120 p. [click here] 

O’Driscoll, R. L. & Escobar-Flores, P. (2020). Acoustic survey of spawning hoki in Cook Strait and off the east coast South Island during winter 2019. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2020/21. 39 p. [click here] 

Stevens, D.W.; Ballara, S.L.; Escobar-Flores, P.C.; O’Driscoll, R.L. (2023). Trawl survey of hoki and middle depth species on the Chatham Rise, January 2022 (TAN2201). New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2023/24. 122 p. [click here]

 

PRINCIPLE 2 - MINIMAL IMPACTS ON THE ENVIRONMENT

"Fishing operations should allow for the maintenance of the structure, productivity, function and diversity of the ecosystem (including habitat and associated dependent and ecologically related species) on which the fishery depends."

The intent of this principle is to encourage the management of fisheries from an ecosystem perspective under a system designed to restrain the impacts of the fishery on the ecosystem.

Key P2 References

Baird, S.J. and Mules, R. (2021). Extent of bottom contact by commercial trawling and dredging in New Zealand waters, 1989–90 to 2018–19. Draft New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 260. 161 p. [click here] 

Baker, B., Jensz, K. (2019). 2018 aerial survey of Salvin's albatross at the Bounty Islands. Final report to the Conservation Services Programme, Department of Conservation. Latitude 42, Australia. 11 p. [click here] 

Baker, C.S., Boren, L., Childerhouse, S., Constantine, R., van Helden, A., Lundquist, D., Rayment W., Rolfe,J.R. (2019). Conservation status of New Zealand marine mammals, 2019. New Zealand Threat Classification Series 29. 18 p. [click here] 

Burgin, D., and Ray, S. 2022. Flesh-footed shearwater population monitoring and estimates: 2021/22 season. POP2021-04 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International Limited for the Department of Conservation, Wellington. 24p. [click here]

Burgin, D. & Lamb, S. 2022. Toanui/flesh-footed shearwater (Ardenna carneipes) population estimate for Titi Island, Marlborough Sounds: January 2022. POP2021-04 final report prepared by Wildlife Management International Limited for Department of Conservation, Wellington. 23p. [click here]

Cleal, J. (2019). Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report 2018-19. 10 p. [click here] 

Cleal, J. (2020). Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for the 2019-20 Fishing Year. 7 p. [click here] 

Cleal, J. (2021). Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for the 2020-21 Fishing Year. 7 p. [click here]

Cleal, J. (2022). Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for the 2021-22 Fishing Year. 9 p [click here]

DOC (2017). New Zealand sea lion/rāpoka Threat Management Plan 2017 – 2022. 17 p. [click here] 

Dragonfly (2019). Protected species bycatch 2002-03 to 2017-18. [click here] 

DWG (2022). Operational Procedures. [click here] 

Edwards, C.T.T.; Peatman, T.; Goad D.; Webber, D.N. (2023). Update to the risk assessment for New Zealand seabirds. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 314. 66 p. [click here]

Edwards, C.T.T.; Mormede, S. (2023). Temporal and spatial distribution of nontarget catch and non-target catch species in deepwater fisheries. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 303. 81 p. [click here]

Elliot, G.; Walker K. Estimating the number of white-chinned petrels breeding on Antipodes Island. POP2019-03 Final Report for the Department of Conservation. Albatross Research, Nelson. 17 pp. [click here]

Finucci, B., Edwards, C.T.T., Anderson, O.F. and Ballara, S.L. (2019). Fish and invertebrate bycatch in New Zealand deepwater fisheries from 1990-91 to 2016-17.  New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity report No. 210. 77 p.  [click here] 

FNZ (2019). Protected Fish Species Reporting Requirements for Non-Fish/Protected Species. Fisheries Management Fact Sheet 5. 3 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2020).  National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020. Supporting Document. 49 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2020a). National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020. Seabird Annual Report 2018/19. Fisheries New Zealand Information Paper No: 2020/08. 67 p. [click here]   

FNZ (2020b). National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020. Implementation Plan v2. 14 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2021). Annual Review Report for Deepwater Fisheries 2019/20. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2021/02. [click here]

FNZ (2021a). Protected species bycatch 2002-03 to 2019-20. [click here] 

FNZ (2021b). National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020. Seabird Annual Report 2019/20. Fisheries New Zealand Information Paper No: 2021/18. 88 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2022). Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Annual Review 2021. Compiled by the Aquatic Environment Team, Fisheries Science and Information, Fisheries New Zealand, Wellington New Zealand. 779 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2022a) National Plan of Action - Seabirds 2020 Seabird Annual Report 2020/21. Fisheries New Zealand Information Paper No: 2022/02 [click here]

FNZ (2022b). Annual Review Report for Deepwater Fisheries 2020/21. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2022/02. [click here]

FNZ (2022c). Annual Operational Plan for Deepwater Fisheries 2022/23. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2022/01. [click here]  

Francis, M. (2017). Review of commercial fishery interactions and population information for New Zealand basking shark. Prepared for Department of Conservation. 44 p. [click here] 

Helson, J., Leslie, S., Clement, G., Wells, R. and Wood, R. (2010). Private rights, public benefits: Industry-driven seabed protection. Marine Policy 34, 557–566. [click here] 

MPI (2021). Notice to Vessel on Statutory Reporting Requirements. MPI Compliance example letter for forwarding to operators. 1 p. [click here] 

Richard, Y., Abraham, E. R., & Berkenbusch, K. (2020). Assessment of the risk of commercial fisheries to New Zealand seabirds, 2006–07 to 2016–17. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 237. 57 p. [click here] 

Robertson, H. A.; Dowding, J. E.; Elliott, G. P.; Hitchmough, R. A.; Miskelly, C. M.; O’Donnell, C. F. J.; Powlesland, R. G.; Sagar, P. M.; Scofield, R. P.; Taylor, G. A. (2013). Conservation status of New Zealand birds, 2012. NZ Threat Classification Series 4. Department of Conservation. Wellington. [click here] 

Thompson, D.; Sagar, P. 2022. Population studies of southern Buller's albatross on The Snares. Report for POP2019-04 for the Department of Conservation. Wellington, NIWA. 20 pp. [click here]

Waugh, S.M.; Bartle J.A. 2013. Westland petrel. In: Miskelly, C.M. (ed.) New Zealand Birds Online. [click here] 

Waugh, S.M., Barbraud, C., Adams, L., Freeman, A.N.D., Wilson, K-J, Wood, G., Landers, T.J. & Baker, G.B. (2015). Modeling the demography and population dynamics of a subtropical seabird, and the influence of environmental factors. DOI: 10.1650/CONDOR-14-141.1 [click here]  

Young, M. and Manno, K. (2022). Auckland Islands 2021/22 New Zealand Sea Lion /pakake/whakahao field research report. Conservation Services Programme pup count. Prepared for the Department of Conservation (DOC). 34 p. [click here] 

 

PRINCIPLE 3 - EFFECTIVE FISHERIES MANAGEMENT

"The fishery is subject to an effective management system that respects local, national and international laws and standards and incorporates institutional and operational frameworks that require the use of the resource to be responsible and sustainable."

The intent of this principle is to ensure that there is an institutional and operational framework for implementing Principles 1 and 2, appropriate to the size and scare of the fishery.

Key P3 References

DWG (2018a) Deepwater Trawl - Reporting Operational Procedures Version 3.0 [click here]

DWG (2018b) Deepwater Trawl Seabirds Operational Procedures Version 6.0 [click here]

DWG (2018c) Deepwater Trawl Marine Mammals Operational Procedures Version 9.0 [click here]

DWG (2019). FNZ-Deepwater Operator’s Meeting Summary and Action Points Dec19. 2 p. [click here]  

DWG (2020) Deepwater Trawl Sharks Operational Procedures Version 3.0 [click here]

DWG (2020a). FNZ-Deepwater Operator’s Meeting Agenda Jun20. 1 p. [click here] 

DWG (2021). Operational Procedures. [click here]

DWG (2022) Deepwater Trawl Benthic Operational Procedures 2022-23 [click here]

DWG (2023) Ling Bottom Longline LIN 2 - 7 Operational Procedures Version 4.0 [click here]

FNZ (2019). National Fisheries Plan for Deepwater and Middle-depth Fisheries 2019. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2019/03. 34 p. [click here]  

FNZ (2019a) Review of the National Plan of Action - Seabirds (2013). ISBN No: 978-1-99-001705-6 (online) {click here]

FNZ (2019b). Protected Fish Species Reporting Requirements for Non-Fish/Protected Species. Fisheries Management Fact Sheet 5. 3 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2020). National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020. Reducing the incidental mortality of seabirds in fisheries. 21 p.  [click here] 

FNZ (2020a) National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020 Supporting document ISBN No: 978-1-98-859485-9 (online) {click here]

FNZ (2021). Medium Term Research Plan for Deepwater Fisheries 2021/22 – 2025/26. Fisheries New Zealand Information Paper No: 2021/16. 21 p. [click here] 

FNZ (2022). Annual Operational Plan for Deepwater Fisheries 2022/23. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2022/01. [click here]  

FNZ (2021a). Annual Review Report for Deepwater Fisheries 2019/20. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2021/02. [click here] 

FNZ (2022a) National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2022 Draft for Consultation. [click here]

FNZ (2022b) Review of NPOA Sharks 2013: Progress against Objectives and Actions. [click here]

FNZ (2022c) Annual Operational Plan for Deepwater Fisheries 2022/23. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2022/01. ISBN No: 978-1-99-102697-2 (online) [click here]

FNZ (2022d) Annual Review Report for Deepwater Fisheries 2020/21 Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2022/02. ISBN No: 978-1-99-103941-5 (online) [click here]

FNZ (2022e) Summary of proposed amendments to fisheries regulations [click here]

FNZ (2022f). Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Annual Review 2021. Compiled by the Aquatic Environment Team, Fisheries Science and Information, Fisheries New Zealand, Wellington New Zealand. 779 p. [click here] 

Helson, J., Leslie, S., Clement, G., Wells, R. and Wood, R. (2010). Private rights, public benefits: Industry-driven seabed protection. Marine Policy 34, 557–566. [click here] 

IQANZ (2018). Deepwater Fisheries Management Independent Quality Assurance Review Report. Prepared for Ministry for Primary Industries by Independent Quality Assurance New Zealand (IQANZ). 13 p. [click here]   

MFish (2009). Fisheries 2030: New Zealanders maximising the benefits from the use of fisheries within environmental limits. Ministry of Fisheries, Wellington. [click here] 

MFish (2011). Research and Science Information Standard for New Zealand Fisheries. Ministry of Fisheries, April 2011. 31 p. [click here] 

MPI (2008). Harvest Strategy Standard for New Zealand Fisheries. Ministry for Primary Industries. 25 p. [click here]  

MPI (2010). Memorandum of Understanding: Continuing a partnership between the Ministry of Fisheries and the deepwater fishing industry for the management of New Zealand’s deepwater fisheries. 12 p. [click here]  

MPI (2010a). Hoki Fisheries Plan Chapter: National Fisheries Plan for Deepwater and Middle-depth Fisheries Part 1B. 51 p. [click here] 

MPI (2011). Ling Fisheries Plan Chapter: National Fisheries Plan for Deepwater and Middle-depth Fisheries Part 1B. 50 p.  [click here] 

MPI (2013). Hake Fisheries Plan Chapter: National Fisheries Plan for Deepwater and Middle-depth Fisheries Part 1B. 29 p. [click here] 

MPI (2019). Fisheries Compliance: DW Operators Meeting – Nelson 5th March 2019. PowerPoint presentation prepared by Ministry for Primary Industries. [click here] 

MPI (2020). Risk Management and Compliance HOK and SBW. Ministry for Primary Industries memo to deepwater operators, June 2020. 2 p. [click here] 

Surveillance Report

Lloyd's Register's Surveillance Report August 2022 [click here].