Evolution of New Zealand's fisheries management frameworks to prevent overfishing (original) (raw)

Since 1986, New Zealand has managed its fisheries using a Quota Management System based on Individual Transferable Quotas. As is the case for many other fisheries organisations, New Zealand’s Fisheries Act requires a management target based on maximum sustainable yield (MSY), although the specific wording implies that this should be achieved by maintaining the stock biomass near or above the biomass level associated with MSY (i.e. BMSY). The interpretation and implementation of this management target has evolved considerably over the last 25+ years. Initially, two alternative interpretations were developed: a constant catch approach and a constant fishing mortality approach, both of which included the concept of maintaining high catches with ‘an acceptable level of risk’. Subsequently, a Harvest Strategy Standard that includes biomass limits, biomass or fishing mortality targets, risk tolerance criteria and specifications for rebuilding plans has been formulated and endorsed. The Ha...