Key Takeaways
- New Zealand officials are collaborating with the fishing industry and the Department of Conservation to gather information on orca (killer whale) by‑catch incidents and to learn from international practices that aim to reduce such risks.
- Due to limited domestic experience with orca by‑catch, insights from overseas experts are considered essential for identifying viable mitigation tools or techniques.
- Fisheries Minister Shane Jones affirmed that fishers acted correctly by promptly reporting the captures, emphasizing the importance of transparency in managing marine mammal interactions.
- During a select‑committee hearing, Jones disclosed that one orca died in a by‑catch event; the incident was recorded by a camera on a commercial fishing vessel, which he argued shows that current monitoring settings are adequate.
- Jones noted uncertainty about whether the orca was alive when entangled, suggesting it may have already been dead or become tangled while “nibbling” fish caught in the set‑net intended for sharks.
- He characterised the outcome as regrettable but accepted that such incidents can occur despite best‑effort management.
- The article notes that further developments on the issue are expected, indicating ongoing scrutiny and potential policy adjustments.
- Adam Pearse, Deputy Political Editor of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team, is the reporter covering the story from Parliament in Wellington.
Background on the Orca By‑catch Issue
The recent discussion in New Zealand’s select committee centred on the accidental capture of orcas—also known as killer whales—in commercial fishing gear. Orcas are apex predators that occasionally interact with fishing operations, sometimes becoming entangled in nets or lines. While orca by‑catch is relatively rare in New Zealand waters compared with other marine mammals, each event draws significant public and scientific concern because of the species’ high ecological value, cultural significance to Māori, and protected status under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. The committee’s inquiry sought to clarify how such incidents occur, what preventive measures are already in place, and where improvements might be needed.
Government and Industry Collaboration
Fisheries Minister Shane Jones outlined that his officials are actively working alongside representatives from the fishing industry and the Department of Conservation (DOC). The purpose of this partnership is twofold: first, to share detailed information about the recent orca captures, including timing, location, and gear involved; and second, to examine how other jurisdictions have successfully reduced orca by‑catch through specific mitigation strategies. By pooling knowledge from New Zealand stakeholders and international experts, the government hopes to identify practical tools—such as modified net designs, acoustic deterrents, or temporal‑spatial closures—that could lower the risk to orcas without unduly burdening fishers.
Importance of International Insight
Jones stressed that New Zealand’s limited historical experience with orca by‑catch makes external advice particularly valuable. Countries with larger orca populations, such as Norway, Canada, and the United States, have developed a range of by‑catch reduction measures, including gear modifications (e.g., weakly‑breaking links, escape panels), real‑time monitoring systems, and seasonal fishing restrictions aligned with orca migration patterns. Learning from these case studies enables New Zealand to avoid reinventing the wheel and to adopt evidence‑based solutions that have proven effective elsewhere, thereby accelerating the development of a locally appropriate mitigation framework.
Fishermen’s Reporting Conduct
A central point of Jones’ testimony was the commendable behaviour of the fishers involved in the recent incident. He emphasized that they “did the right thing” by reporting the captures immediately to the relevant authorities. Prompt reporting is critical for several reasons: it allows rapid assessment of the animal’s condition, facilitates potential rescue or necropsy efforts, and ensures accurate data collection for future management decisions. By highlighting the fishers’ compliance, Jones aimed to reinforce a culture of transparency and responsibility within the sector, countering any perception that the industry might conceal such events.
Select‑Committee Revelation: Camera Evidence
During questioning about the controversial proposal to install cameras on commercial fishing vessels, Jones disclosed that one of the orca by‑catch incidents had been captured on camera. He described the footage as “rather unpleasant” but noted that it demonstrated the adequacy of current camera settings for monitoring interactions. The existence of visual evidence provides a concrete basis for evaluating whether the gear configuration, deployment practices, or environmental conditions contributed to the entanglement. Jones used this point to argue against claims that existing monitoring is insufficient, suggesting instead that the technology is functioning as intended, even if the outcome for the whale was fatal.
Uncertainty Surrounding the Whale’s Condition
Jones expressed uncertainty about whether the orca was alive when it became entangled. He offered two plausible scenarios: the animal could have already been dead prior to capture, with the carcass simply becoming snagged in the net, or it might have been alive and become tangled while “nibbling” at fish caught in the set‑net designed primarily for sharks. This ambiguity underscores the challenges inherent in interpreting by‑catch events, especially when dealing with large, powerful marine mammals that can interact with gear in complex ways. It also highlights the need for thorough post‑capture examinations—such as necropsies—to determine cause of death and inform future preventive measures.
Acceptance of Unfortunate Outcomes
Characterising the incident as “not a happy outcome for the whale, but these things happen,” Jones acknowledged the inherent risks associated with marine fishing operations. While striving for zero by‑catch is the ideal, the reality of dynamic ocean ecosystems means that occasional unintended captures may still occur despite preventive efforts. His remark reflects a pragmatic stance: continuous improvement, rigorous monitoring, and adaptive management are essential, but stakeholders must also accept that occasional adverse events are part of operating in a shared marine environment. This perspective sets the tone for ongoing dialogue about balancing fisheries productivity with conservation objectives.
Future Developments and Reporting
The article concludes by noting that “more to come” on the subject, indicating that the issue remains under active scrutiny. Subsequent developments may include further analysis of camera footage, potential adjustments to fishing regulations, trials of mitigation technologies, or updates from the DOC and industry working groups. The mention of ongoing coverage signals that policymakers, scientists, and the public can expect additional information and possibly new policy initiatives aimed at reducing orca by‑catch in New Zealand waters.
About the Reporter
Adam Pearse, identified as the Deputy Political Editor and a member of the NZ Herald’s Press Gallery team based at Parliament in Wellington, authored the piece. Pearse has been with NZME since 2018, previously reporting for the Northern Advocate in Whangārei and the Herald in Auckland. His role in the Press Gallery positions him to provide informed, timely coverage of parliamentary proceedings and related policy debates, such as the one concerning orca by‑catch and fisheries monitoring.