MPI Manages our Fisheries
Eel fisheries legally fall under the Fisheries Act making their management a responsibility of the ministry of primary industry
Background
In 2004, MPI placed North Island eel fisheries into the Quota Management System. This was a controversial decision for some Iwi and unsuccessful legal challenges went as far as the Privy Council.
On entering the QMS, Maori automatically received 20% of eel quota shares for each of the four Quota Management Areas.
To view the 4 Quota Management Areas and current total allowable catches Click Here for the attached diagram.
Eel quota is scheduled to be distributed by Te Ohu Kai Moana to Iwi during 2017.
Since 2004, various Maori entities including AFL have purchased further short fin and long fin eel quota shares on the open market. Maori currently own/control slightly more than half of the North Island commercial eel fishery along with strong legal non-commercial customary rights.
The Eel Working Group
The Eel Working Group informs the Minister of Primary Industry on the state of the eel fishery and options for management.
-
MPI convened, open to all stakeholders, science led.
MPI sets the total allowable catch (TAC) = Customary + Commercial + Recreational
Management of North Island eel fisheries is through 4 quota management areas (Click Here) divided into 12 catchment based sub areas. Data for the size distribution of eels in the catch is taken at a finer scale Click Here.
Science is usually provided by external agencies, such as Niwa.
The Minister makes final decisions based on advice from the Working Group, tangata whenua, scientists and industry
EECo participates fully in the Eel Working Group process
Regulations
In addition to setting a total allowable catch for each eel species in each quota management area, the Minister also sets regulations. To read about these regulations Click Here.
Habitat
Under the Fisheries Act, Habitats of Particular Significance for Fisheries Management should be protected. To read about Eel Habitat Click Here.
EECo hope, indeed expect, that the Ministry will, in future, better support our rivers and eel fishery habitat, especially at high level processes.
Stock Assessment
The Working Group assesses the health of our eel stocks annually through a rigorous science process. To read about eel stock assessment Click Here.
New Zealand eel fisheries are data rich compared to most of the world.
The modelling process, exacting and frustrating at times is evolving as new techniques are developed.