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The longline fisheries for LIN 3, LIN 4, LIN 5, LIN 6, and LIN 7 have been MSC certified since 2014. They passed their fourth surveillance audit in 2023 and are being re-assessed in 2024.

To view Lloyd's Register's Surveillance Report October 2023 - click here.

Deepwater Council makes all non-confidential information provided to the Conformance Assessment Body publicly available on this webpage to ensure all documents are easily accessible by all participants.

Situation Report

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

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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."

This principle intends 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. https://deepwatergroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Ballara-S.L.-2019.-A-descriptive-analysis-of-all-ling-Genypterus-blacodes-fisheries-and-CPUE-for-ling-fisheries-in-LIN-56.pdf

FNZ (2023). Review of sustainability measures for the 2023 October round. Fisheries New Zealand Decision Paper No: 2023/21. 253 p. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/59104-Review-of-sustainability-measures-for-the-2023-October-round-Fisheries-New-Zealand-decision-paper

FNZ (2023a). Minister’s decision letter. Changes to fisheries sustainability measures for the 2023 October Round. 8 p. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/59101-Changes-to-fisheries-sustainability-measures-for-the-2023-October-Round-Decision-letter

FNZ (2023b). Fisheries Assessment Plenary May 2023: Stock Assessments and Stock Status, Vol. 2 Horse mussel to Red crab (Ling pp.795-842). Compiled by the Fisheries Science Team, Fisheries New Zealand, Wellington, New Zealand. 1904 p. [click here]

Horn, P.L. (2022). A synopsis of the biology of ling (Genypterus blacodes) and a history of its fishery and assessment in New Zealand. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2022/27. 78 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. https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Doc/24879/FAR-2021-18-Ling-Stock-Assessment-For-LIN7WC-To-2018-19-4160.pdf.ashx

Mormede, S.; Dunn, A. & Webber, D.N. (2021). 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. (2022). Descriptive analysis of ling (Genypterus blacodes) on the Chatham Rise (LIN 3&4) up to 2020–21 and inputs for the 2022 stock assessment. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2022/64. 81 p. [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]

Mormede, S.; Dunn, A.; Webber, D.N. (2023). Stock assessment of ling (Genypterus blacodes) on the Chatham Rise (LIN3&4) for the 2021–22 fishing year. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2023/14. 39 p. [click here]

Mormede, S; Dunn, A; Webber, D N (2024) The 2023 stock assessment of ling off the west coast South Island (LIN 7WC). New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2024/02. 23p.

Mormede, S. (2024 draft). Developing a Management Strategy Evaluation for ling. Initial results. DWWG presentation, 3 April 2024. Presentation to Deep Water Working Group. https://deepwatergroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Mormede-2024-Draft-LIN-MSE-Report-v1.pdf

Mormede, S; Dunn, A; Webber, D N (in prep a) Descriptive analysis of ling in the Sub-Antarctic (LIN 5&6 and LIN 6B) up to 2023 and inputs for the 2024 stock assessment. Draft New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report.

Mormede, S; Dunn, A; Webber, D N (in prep b) Stock hypothesis for ling in the Sub-Antarctic (LIN 5&6 and LIN 6B). Draft New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report.

Mormede, S; Dunn, A; Webber, D N (in prep c) The 2024 stock assessment of ling (Genypterus blacodes) in the Sub-Antarctic (LIN 5&6 and LIN 6B). Draft New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report.

Saunders, R.J.; Ballara, S.; Hart, A. & Sutton, C.P. (2022). Catch-at-age for hake (Merluccius australis) and ling (Genypterus blacodes) for the 2019–20 fishing year and from a research trawl survey in 2020, and a summary of the available data sets from the New Zealand EEZ. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2022/09. 95 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."

This principle intends 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

Abraham E. R., Thompson F. N. (2015). Captures of all birds in ling longline fisheries, in the New Zealand Exclusive Economic Zone, during the 2014–15 fishing year. Retrieved from psc.dragonfly.co.nz, July 2023.

Anderson, O F; Smith, M H (2005) Fish discards and non-target fish catch in the New Zealand hoki trawl fishery, 1999–2000 to 2002–03. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2005/3. 37 p. [click here]

Anderson, O.F. (2014). Fish and invertebrate bycatch and discards in New Zealand ling longline fisheries from 1992-93 until 2011-12. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 138. 68 p. [click here]

Ballara, S.L. (2015). Fish and invertebrate bycatch in New Zealand fisheries from 1990–91 until 2012–13. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 158. [click here]

Baker, B. & Hamilton (2010). Assessment of the impact of incidental fisheries mortality on the Campbell Island New Zealand sea lion Phocarctos hookeri population using the Potential Biological Removal technique..  [click here]

Bell, M. (2017). Chatham Island seabird research 2016-17. DOC CSP Report. 25 p. [click here]

Bell, M.D., Bell, D.J. & Boyle, D.P. (2017). Chatham Island Mollymawk research on Te Tara Koi Koia: November 2016. Report prepared by Wildlife Management International Limited for the Department of Conservation, Wellington. 24p. https://www.doc.govt.nz/globalassets/documents/conservation/marine-and-coastal/marine-conservation-services/reports/pre-2019-annual-plans/chatham-island-mollymawk-te-tara-koi-koia-report-2016.pdf

Cleal, J. (2024). Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for the 2023-24 Fishing Year. [click here]

Cummings, V., Lundquist, C., Dunn, M., Francis, M., Horn, P., Law, C., . . . Mielbrecht, E. (2021b). Assessment of potential effects of climate-related changes in coastal and offshore waters on New Zealand’s seafood sector. Wellington: Fisheries New Zealand. Retrieved from https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Doc/24891/AEBR-261-Assessment-Of-Potential-Effects-Of-Climate-Change-On-Seafood-Sector-3389.pdf.ashx

Dunn, M R; Hurst, R; Renwick, J; Francis, R I C C; Devine, J; McKenzie, A (2009) Fish abundance and climate trends in New Zealand. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 31. 75 p. [click here]

DWG (2020) Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for 2019-20 Fishing Year https://deepwatergroup.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Cleal-2020-ELO-Report-2019-20.pdf [click here]

DWG (2021) Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for 2020-21 Fishing Year [click here]

DWG (2022) Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for 2021-22 Fishing Year [click here]

DWG (2023) Deepwater Group Environmental Liaison Officer (ELO) Report for 2022-23 Fishing Year [click here]

DWG (2024). Operational Procedures. https://deepwatergroup.org/newsresources/op-manual/

DWC (2024). Sharks Fins Naturally Attached Operational Procedures. 3 p.

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]

Finucci, B., Anderson, O.F. and Edwards, C.T.T. (2020). Non-target fish and invertebrate catch and discards in New Zealand ling longline fisheries from 2002-03 to 2017-18. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 241. 83 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 for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2022 Draft for Consultation. Fisheries New Zealand, July 2022 [click here]

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

FNZ (2022c). 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 (2023). National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020. Seabird Annual Report 2021/22. Fisheries New Zealand Information Paper No: 2023/04. 104 p. [click here]

FNZ (2023a). Deepwater Annual Review Report 2021/22. Fisheries New Zealand Technical Paper No: 2023/01. [click here]

FNZ (2023b). Annual Operational Plan 2022/23. [click here]

FNZ (2023c). Fisheries Assessment Plenary 2023. Spiny Dogfish (SPD). Pp. 1671 – 1688.  https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Doc/25501/87%20SPD%202023.pdf.ashx

FNZ (2023d). Fisheries Assessment Plenary 2023. Ribaldo (RIB). Pp. 1297 – 1312.  https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Doc/25486/75%20RIB%202023.pdf.ashx

FNZ (2023e). Fisheries Assessment Plenary 2023. Rough Skate (RSK). Pp. 1487 – 1500. https://fs.fish.govt.nz/Doc/25494/83%20RSK%20SKATES%202023.pdf.ashx

FNZ (2023f). Fisheries Assessment Plenary 2023. Smooth Skate (SSK). Pp. 1501 – 1516. https://www.mpi.govt.nz/dmsdocument/63966-Fisheries-Assessment-Plenary-May-2024-Volume-3-Smooth-Skate-SSK

FNZ (2024). Overview of the rollout of on board cameras on commercial fishing vessels. Briefing, February 2024. P. 13.  [click here]

Ford, R.B.; Francis, M.P.; Holland, L.; Clark, M.R.; Duffy, C.A.J.; Dunn, M.R.; Jones, E.; Wells, R. (2018). Qualitative (Level 1) risk assessment of the impact of commercial fishing on New Zealand chondrichthyans: an update for 2017. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 201. 103 p [click here]

Forman, J S; Dunn, M R (2012) Diet and scavenging habits of the smooth skate Dipturus innominatus. Journal of Fish Biology 80 (5): 1546–62. doi:10.1111/j.1095-8649.2012.03255.x.

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]

Horn, P; Dunn, M R (2010) Inter-annual variability in the diets of hoki, hake, and ling on the Chatham Rise from 1990 to 2009. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 54. 57 p. [click here]

Hurst, R J; Renwick, J A; Sutton, P J H; Uddstrom, M J; Kennan, S C; Law, C S; Rickard, G J; Korpela, A; Stewart, C; Evans, J (2012) Climate and oceanographic trends of potential relevance to fisheries in the New Zealand fisheries region. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report No. 90. 202 p. [click here]

Kidson, J W (2000) An analysis of New Zealand synoptic types and their use in defining weather regimes. International Journal of Climatology 20: 299–316.

McGregor, V., Fulton, E., & Dunn, M. (2020). Addressing initialisation uncertainty for end-to-end ecosystem models: application to the Chatham Rise Atlantis model. Peer J. [click here]

McGregor, V., Horn, P., Fulton, E., & Dunn, M. (2019). From data compilation to model validation: a comprehensive analysis of a full deep-sea ecosystem model of the Chatham Rise. Peer J. [click here]

McKenzie, A (2013) Assessment of hoki (Macruronus novaezelandiae) in 2012. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2013/27. 65 p. [click here]

Middleton, D.A.J., and Guard, D. (2021) Summary and evaluation of the electronic monitoring programmes in the SNA 1 trawl and bottom longline fisheries. New Zealand Fisheries Assessment Report 2021/37. ISSN 1179-5352 (online) [click here]

MPI (2013). National Plan of Action – 2013 to reduce the incidental catch of seabirds in New Zealand Fisheries. 63 p. [click here]

O’Driscoll, R. L., Hurst, R. J., Dunn, M. R., Gauthier, S., & Ballara, S. L. (2011). Trends in relative mesopelagic biomass using time series of acoustic backscatter data from trawl surveys. Wellington: NIWA. [click here]

Pham, C.K., Diogo, H., Menezes, G., Porteiro, F., Braga-Henriques, A., Vandeperre, F. & Morato, T. (2014). Deep-water longline fishing has reduced impact on Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems. Sci Rep 4, 4837. [click here]

Pierre, J.P. & Goad, D.W. (2016). Improving tori line performance in small-vessel longline fisheries. Conservation Services Programme Project MIT2014-02. DOC: Wellington [click here]

Pinkerton, M H (2010) Headline indicators for the New Zealand ocean. NIWA report. 42 p. Retrieved from NIWA website

Plencner, T. 2023. CSP Liaison Programme Annual Report 2021-22. Final Report for MIT2021-01, Department of Conservation. 44 p. [click here]

Rexer-Huber K., Parker G.C., Elliott G. & Walker K. (2023). Antipodes white-chinned petrel population size and survival study setup. Final report to the Department of Conservation. Parker Conservation, Dunedin. 18 p. [click here]

Richard, Y. & Abraham, E.R. (2015). Assessment of the risk of commercial fisheries to New Zealand seabirds, 2006-07 to 2012-13. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report 162. 85 p. [click here]

Richard, Y. & Abraham, E.R. (2015a). Assessment of the risk of commercial fisheries to New Zealand seabirds, 2006-07 to 2012-13: Supplementary information. New Zealand Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Report 162. [click here]

Richard, Y.; Abraham, E.; 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 237. 57 p. [click here]

Tingley, G.A. (2017). Managing the impacts of fishing on benthic habitat in New Zealand. Report prepared for Deepwater Group. 3 p. [click here]

Tuck, I., Cole, R., & Devine, J. (2009). Ecosystem indicators for New Zealand fisheries. Wellington: Ministry of Fisheries. [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."

This principle intends to ensure an institutional and operational framework for implementing Principles 1 and 2, appropriate to the size and scale 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 (2020) Deepwater Trawl Sharks Operational Procedures Version 3.0 [click here]

DWG (2021). Operational Procedures. [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. ISBN No: 978-1-77665-816-9 (online) [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. ISBN No: 978-1-99-001762-9 (online) [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 ISBN No: 978-1-99-100999-9 (online). [click here]

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

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

FNZ (2022b) 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 (2022c) 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 (2022d) Summary of proposed amendments to fisheries regulations [click here]

FNZ (2022e). 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 (2023). Mahere Takahuritanga Ahumahi Hao Ika Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan – Draft for consultation. 59 p. [click here]

FNZ (2023a). Risk Management and Compliance for the Hoki & SBW Fisheries. Memo to operators, June 2023. 2 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]

MFish (2017). National Fisheries Plan for Deepwater and Middle-depth Fisheries – Part 1A. MPI Discussion Paper No: 2017/26 [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 (2011) Ling – Fisheries Plan Chapter September 2011 ISBN No: 978-0-478-42015-9 (online) [click here]

Additional Supporting Documents

Deepwater Council (2024) Report on Ling Longline Bait Use [click here]