New Zealand’s commitment to sustainable fishing practices has come under scrutiny due to a proposed government investment in the fishing industry transformation plan. This article explores the concerns raised by environmentalists, the current state of the fishing fleet, and New Zealand’s stance on fishing subsidies. By advocating for reform and embracing sustainable approaches, New Zealand aims to set an example for the global fishing industry.
Environmental Concerns and International Stances
Environmentalists argue that the draft fishing industry transformation plan, developed by fishing firms and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), conflicts with the United Nations and World Trade Organisation’s positions on fishing subsidies. These international bodies discourage subsidizing fishing practices as they often contribute to overfishing and disregard the need for stock replenishment.
Improving Returns and Investment: A Controversial Proposal
One contentious point in the transformation plan is the inclusion of government support for the transition to new inshore fishing vessels. Currently, the inshore commercial fishing fleet in New Zealand consists of outdated vessels that fail to meet regulatory standards and operate under grandfathered approvals. These vessels not only contribute to pollution but also provide uncomfortable working environments for the crew.
Additionally, most vessels in the fleet are owned by single-ship operators who face financial limitations when it comes to replacing their vessels. To address these challenges, the industry proposes a fleet renewal plan that involves investing $46 million into a commercial fishing shipbuilding facility in Northland. However, if private investors fail to raise sufficient capital during the start-up period, the government may need to provide further financial support. This support would include purchasing the first three ships and implementing a fleet retirement scheme to transition away from the existing fleet.
The Impact of Fishing Subsidies
Fishing subsidies play a significant role in driving overfishing worldwide, enabling businesses to continue fishing even when fish stocks are severely depleted. When fish populations decline to a certain point, the economic viability of fishing diminishes. This decline should serve as a signal to allow fish stocks to recover naturally. However, subsidies disrupt this process by enabling the commercial fishing fleet to ignore nature’s warning.
Globally, approximately $35 billion is spent on fishing subsidies, with 30 percent of the value of fish caught being attributed to subsidies. Shockingly, $22 billion of this amount is used for capacity-enhancing purposes. New Zealand, in alignment with its commitment to sustainable fishing practices, declared to the United Nations Fish Stock Agreement that it does not subsidize its fishing industry. Furthermore, the country actively advocates for subsidies reform in international forums such as the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, APEC, the OECD, and its Free Trade Agreements.
New Zealand’s Stance and the Need for Consistency
Advocates for deep-sea conservation, such as Karli Thomas from the Deep Sea Conservation Coalition, argue that New Zealand’s claim of non-subsidization contradicts its proposal to support vessel building and the buyback of old ships. They view this as an inconsistency that tarnishes the country’s image in international discussions on fishing practices. In response, New Zealand must ensure consistency between its actions and its stated commitment to sustainable fishing.
The fishing industry in New Zealand stands at a crucial crossroad, where decisions about subsidies and fleet renewal will shape its future. By recognizing the environmental concerns raised by subsidies and outdated vessels, New Zealand has the opportunity to revolutionize its fishing practices and become a global leader in sustainable fisheries. It is imperative for the government, fishing industry, and environmentalists to collaborate closely, considering the long-term viability of fish stocks and the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem. Through proactive measures and consistent policies, New Zealand can set an example for other nations to follow in their pursuit of sustainable fishing practices.
