Last November the New Zealand Conservation Authority urgently advised both David Parker, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, and Kiri Allan, Minister of Conservation that toxoplasmosis, not fishing, will likely cause the extinction of the Maui dolphin.

DWG’s CEO George Clement says the industry has always supported a balanced approach to both marine conservation and sustainable seafood production.  Clement’s comments are in response to Sealord’s proposal to set aside 89% of the seamounts in the EEZ for conservation.

Government research continues to show that New Zealand’s fisheries are highly sustainable and fish stocks are healthy, with 94% of the catch coming from stocks with no sustainability risks.

Jesse Crasborn and the crew of the FV Rehua received the Innovation Award at the Seabird Smart Award. Crasborn and his team received the award for outstanding leadership in their commitment to trialling new techniques to limit seabirds from becoming caught in deep water trawl nets.

The Seabird Smart Awards, an initiative of the Southern Seabirds Trust, aim to recognise commercial and recreational fishers who have shown outstanding leadership and commitment to looking after New Zealand seabirds. Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Hon David Parker and Minister of Conservation, Hon Kiritapu Allan presented the awards at…