Govt announces fisheries policy

Press, 27 June 1989, Page 6

Govt announces fisheries policy

By

OLIVER RIDDELL

in Wellington

A policy for marine recreational fisheries has been launched by the Government so work on marine management plans can begin. The policy was designed to allow management rather than detail what the management should be, said the Minister of Fisheries, Mr Moyle. It contains nine national objectives. 9 To ensure that recreational users have access to a reasonable share of fishing resources.

• To ensure that the recreational catch is shared equitably among recreational users. • To improve where possible the quality of recreational fishing.

• To reduce conflict within and among fishery user groups.

• To increase participation by recreational users in the management of recreational fishing. • To increase public awareness and knowledge of the marine environment and the need for conservation of fisheries resources.

• To improve management of recreational.fisheries. • To maintain tourist fisheries and encourage new operations where appropriate. • To prevent depletion of resources in areas where local communities are dependent on the sea as a source of food.

Mr Moyle said recreational fisheries were part of the national heritage, offering a clean, healthy, picturesque outdoor lifestyle based on renewable resources. Protecing these fisheries and their habitats, promoting responsible use of the resources, and maintaining and developing recreational opportunities made sense now and for future generations, he said,.