Tena koutou
He kororia ki te Atua
He maungarongo ki runga i te whenua
He whakaoro pai ki nga tangata katoa

Welcome to the latest iKARERE, where we keep you up to date with the latest and most significant developments in the fisheries sector in general, and Maori fisheries in particular.

In this issue we look at the latest news on two important issues for Maori and iwi – the Aquaculture Amendment Bill (No2) and the Government’s current review of the Emissions Trading Scheme. We also look at last week’s Government announcement on changes to a number catch limits for rock lobster stocks.

Watch out for our next issue later this month, where, among other things, we will look forward to next month’s Maori Fisheries Conference in Napier.

Peter Douglas, Chief Executive (peter.douglas@teohu.maori.nz)

Te Ohu Kaimoana, Aotearoa Fisheries, Sealord and Endurance Fishing have made a group submission to the Government’s contentious Select Committee review of the Emissions Trading Scheme. The submission proposes that the Crown should specifically address the affect of emission trading on Maori fishing interests, and that the fisheries industry should only be responsible for emissions about 1990 levels. The group has yet to receive a date to appear before the Select Committee to speak to its submission. The full submission can be found on the Te Ohu Kaimoana website at www.teohu.maori.nz

Te Ohu Kaimoana has also made a submission to Government supporting the overall intent of the key changes the Aquaculture Amendment Bill (No2), currently before Parliament, would bring about. These changes include enabling aquaculture agreements under the pre-reform legislation, facilitating the use of the plan change process needed to gain permission for new aquaculture space, and allowing for experimental aquaculture. The Te Ohu submission also sets out additional measures it considers necessary to better allow iwi and Te Ohu – as trustee of the Maori Fisheries Settlement – to participate in these processes. The submission also promotes using voluntary agreements in a number of situations, including between iwi – with Te Ohu – and applicants for new space over and above representative space, as well as around aquaculture and fisheries interests. The Te Ohu submission sees these agreements as another means to resolve potential conflicts. The full submission can be found at www.teohu.maori.nz

Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley last week announced new catch limits for four rock lobster stocks. Catch limits in Otago (CRA7) and Southland (CRA8) fisheries are to increase, while those in Gisborne (CRA3) and Wellington/Hawke’s Bay (CRA4) fisheries will decrease. The changes will come in on 1 April. Mr Heatley said the shifts were based on scientific evidence and submissions from Maori, recreational and commercial fishers, and the general public. Te Ohu Kai Moana generally backed the changes in its submission however we had pushed for greater cut of the catch in CRA3, with the additional reduction to be spread across commercial and recreational fishers. The Minister ultimately opted for a modest cut that would be borne only by the commercial sector. For more information on the new catch limits click here