Government Unveils Sweeping Fisheries Reforms to Boost Sustainable Growth

In a bold move to revitalise New Zealand’s fishing sector, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has announced a package of major reforms to the Fisheries Act 1996, marking the most significant overhaul in decades. The changes are designed to unlock the industry’s potential for sustainable growth, improve regulatory efficiency, protect fisher privacy, and ensure fishery resources are managed responsibly in line with modern scientific and environmental expectations.

A New Era of Fisheries Management

At the heart of the reforms is a modernised approach to setting catch limits, with the introduction of automated management rules that adjust in response to fluctuations in fish stock abundance.

“These changes are the most significant reforms to the Fisheries Act for decades,” said Minister Jones. “They reflect my commitment to the success of our fishing industry, which generates around $1.5 billion in exports annually.”

Under the new regime, catch limits for individual fisheries can be adjusted automatically—within pre-approved parameters—for up to five years. This means that when fish stocks rise, catch allowances can increase to benefit fishers. Conversely, the system will reduce quotas when stocks decline, helping to ensure sustainability.

While the rules will be based on the best available scientific data and be subject to public consultation and independent scrutiny, the streamlined approach eliminates the cumbersome bureaucratic delays currently involved in making changes.

“This replaces the much slower process where each change must be separately assessed,” Jones said. “It enables faster, evidence-based decision-making to support both sustainability and profitability.”

Enhancing Privacy Protections for Fishers

Another major feature of the reform package addresses long-standing privacy concerns from the fishing community regarding on-board camera surveillance footage. While the camera programme remains a critical tool for enforcement and stock monitoring, the footage will no longer be subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA).

“We are making changes to protect the privacy and confidentiality of regular New Zealanders going about their legal business,” Jones explained. “Fishers won’t need to worry about footage being released, misinterpreted, or weaponised in ways that undermine trust.”

The footage will continue to be used by MPI (Ministry for Primary Industries) for compliance and management purposes, but exempting it from the OIA ensures commercial sensitivities and personal privacy are safeguarded.

This move is expected to reduce friction between industry and regulators, while maintaining strong oversight and accountability.

Practical Landing and Discard Rules for Monitored Vessels

The reform package also simplifies complex and often controversial rules regarding when fish must be landed or returned to the sea. For vessels under camera surveillance or observed by MPI officials, flexible new rules will apply.

“As long as catch is monitored and accounted for under the Fisheries Act, fishers will be able to decide whether to land or discard catch,” said Jones. “This introduces practicality while still ensuring transparency and sustainability.”

This adjustment acknowledges the real-world operational challenges faced by fishers, such as space limitations, non-target species, and low-value bycatch, while ensuring accurate records and reporting are maintained.

A Platform for Export-Led Growth

Together, these reforms align with the Government’s broader aim to remove red tape and support export-led economic recovery. Minister Jones emphasised the Government’s ambition to see a thriving, sustainable, and globally competitive fishing industry that provides jobs, supports coastal communities, and preserves marine resources for future generations.

“We’re removing unnecessary obstacles to growth. I want an industry that thrives, sustains, and continues contributing to New Zealand’s economic resilience,” he said.

Public Consultation and Legislative Timeline

The changes will be formalised in an amendment bill scheduled for introduction later in 2025. As part of the legislative process, the public will have further opportunities to comment through the Parliamentary Select Committee process.

Stakeholders are encouraged to engage with the details and provide input via the Ministry for Primary Industries consultation page: 🔗 MPI Consultation on Fisheries Act Amendments

This package of reforms represents a long-awaited, forward-looking reset for the fishing industry—balancing environmental stewardship, industry competitiveness, and individual privacy in a modern regulatory framework.