Exclusion of foreign longliners

Press, 15 May 1987, Page 4

Exclusion of foreign longliners

Wellington reporter The North Island big game fishery will be protected next summer by the exclusion of foreign tuna longliners from northern waters. Tuna licences issued would also be reduced in number during the main part of the big game fish season, said the Minister of Fisheries, Mr Moyle. Concern had been expressed in recent weeks by big game fishing in-

terests for the future of their industry, and the Minister said he shared their concern.

It was indisputable that Japanese and Korean longline vessels fishing for albacore and yellowfin tuna also took big game fish as a bycatch — particularly swordfish and striped marlin. The Government recognised the importance of the big game fishery to the New Zealand tourist industry, he said, and it

would be given every consideration consistent with New Zealand’s obligations under the Law of the Sea Agreement and the management of its exclusive economic zone.

Only 36 of the 64 tuna licences approved for the 1987- season had actually been issued. No further licences would be issued and Mr Moyle intended to reduce the number even further in the 1988- season. A closed season would

be imposed in the area north from East Cape for the main part of the big game fishing season during summer and autumn, when the striped marlin bycatch was greatest.

These new protective measures would be discussed at the bilateral talks in June between New Zealand officials and Japanese and Korean fisheries representatives, Mr Moyle said.