Review of sustainability measures for fisheries – April 2025 round

Have your say

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposed changes to sustainability measures for 2 rock lobster stocks and Pacific bluefin tuna as part of the 2025 April sustainability round. We invite feedback from tangata whenua, stakeholders, and the public on these proposed changes.

About the proposed changes

Fisheries New Zealand reviews catch limits for selected stocks twice a year. This is consistent with the purpose of the Fisheries Act 1996 to allow for sustainable utilisation.

Fisheries New Zealand is currently reviewing catch limits and allowances, and spatial management measures for:

• spiny rock lobster (CRA 2) – Bay of Plenty.

We are also reviewing catch limits and allowances for:

• spiny rock lobster and pacific bluefin tuna (CRA 7 and TOR 1) – Otago.

All the proposals in this round were assessed:

• in the context of the relevant statutory requirements
• using the best available information, including the latest scientific information on the status of the stocks and tangata whenua and stakeholder input.

Full details are provided in the consultation documents. This web page also has a summary of the proposals.

Table: Summary of the proposals and consultation documents

Supporting document

Information on the interpretation and application of the statutory considerations relevant to TAC decisions is provided in the legal appendix.

Legal appendix [PDF, 387 KB]

Making your submission

Email your feedback on the proposals set out in the consultation documents by 5pm on 29 January 2025 to FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz

A template is available to help you complete your submission.

Submission form template [DOCX, 77 KB]

While we prefer email, you can post written submissions to:

2025 Sustainability Review
Fisheries Management
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6140
New Zealand.

What to include in your submission

• The title of the consultation document.
• Your name and title.
• Your organisation's name (if you are submitting on behalf of an organisation, and whether your submission represents the whole organisation or a section of it).
• Your contact details (such as phone number, address, and email).

Related information

Fisheries Act 1996 – NZ Legislation

Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Act 2000 – NZ Legislation

About the Quota Management System (QMS)

The Harvest Strategy Standard 

Operational Guidelines for New Zealand's Harvest Strategy Standard [PDF, 843 KB]

The Deemed Values Guidelines [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Glossary of relevant terms 

National Fisheries Plan for deepwater and middle-depth fisheries [PDF, 1.4 MB]

Regional plan provisions and policy statements [PDF, 324 KB]

National Inshore Finfish Fisheries Plan [PDF, 10 MB]