Key Takeaways
- The Government has allowed a limited number of small-scale fishers to continue fishing in certain areas of two marine reserves as part of a "just transition" plan.
- The exemption is grandfathered, meaning it will not be passed on to other fishers when the current ones exit the industry.
- Proposals are being considered to allow commercial fishers to sell certain species, such as marlin and reef fish, if they are caught as bycatch.
- The One Ocean Protest convoy caused minimal disruption to traffic on the Harbour Bridge.
- The protest is a separate entity from the recreational fishing lobby group LegaSea, which has been involved in discussions with the Government on fishing policies.
Introduction to the Protest
The One Ocean Protest has been making headlines in recent days, with hundreds of people participating in a convoy to raise awareness about concerns over commercial fishing in marine reserves. However, according to Seafood NZ, claims made by protesters that commercial fishing is allowed in two of 12 reserves are misleading. The organization’s representative clarified that only a limited number of small-scale ring-net fishers have been given a "just transition" to continue fishing in a very small section of two of the reserves. This exemption is grandfathered, meaning that when these fishers exit the industry, they will not be replaced, and the exception will not be passed on to other fishers.
Understanding the Proposals
Seafood NZ also addressed concerns about proposals to add species to the quota management system. The organization assured protesters that the Government is not planning to add any new species to the system. Instead, the proposals on the table relate to the handling of bycatch, which refers to fish that are caught unintentionally while targeting other species. The proposals would allow commercial fishers to keep and sell certain species, such as marlin and reef fish, if they are caught as bycatch. This is a significant distinction, as it does not involve actively targeting these species for commercial gain. The proposal aims to reduce waste and make the fishing industry more sustainable.
Traffic and Protest Logistics
Despite concerns about traffic congestion, the One Ocean Protest convoy caused minimal disruption to traffic on the Harbour Bridge. By 10 am on Saturday, the hundreds of people driving in the convoy had mostly passed over the bridge without incident. This was a relief to organizers and authorities, who had been working to ensure that the protest would be safe and peaceful. The success of the convoy in terms of logistics is a testament to the planning and coordination that went into the event.
Government Response and LegaSea Involvement
Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has been critical of the protest, stating that it is "a bit late" and that the recreational fishing lobby group LegaSea had "signed up to this policy some years ago". However, LegaSea has denied this, and the One Ocean Protest has emphasized that it is a separate entity. The protest’s organizer, Chissell, has made it clear that the group is not affiliated with LegaSea and is instead a grassroots movement driven by concerns about the impact of commercial fishing on marine ecosystems. The Government’s response to the protest has been mixed, with some ministers acknowledging the concerns of protesters while others have been more critical.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The One Ocean Protest has highlighted the complex and often contentious issues surrounding commercial fishing in New Zealand. While the Government has made some concessions to small-scale fishers, there are still concerns about the impact of commercial fishing on marine ecosystems. The proposals to allow the sale of bycatch species are seen as a step in the right direction by some, but others argue that more needs to be done to protect marine life. As the protest movement continues to gain momentum, it will be interesting to see how the Government responds to the concerns of protesters and whether further concessions will be made. Ultimately, the goal of the One Ocean Protest is to protect the marine environment and ensure that fishing practices are sustainable for future generations.