What you need to know if you're a trade validator
Trading and catching of southern bluefin tuna (SBT) is tracked. This helps prevent illegal fishing and trade of SBT. The tracking is done through a catch documentation scheme (CDS) managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna.
Fact sheet: Information on the CDS for Validators [PDF, 162 KB]
What you need to do
If you're an authorised trade validator, you must identify all SBT and make sure they're correctly tagged and documented. You need to do this before the fish go to market or are exported.
Be familiar with different tuna species
SBT must be identified correctly to enter the market. Make sure you're familiar with different tuna species.
View related tuna species – Fishbase
Check catch and harvest details
For all shipments of SBT, you must check the catch/harvest section of the CDS catch monitoring form.
View an example of the catch monitoring form [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Check that the details in the 'Description of fish' table are correct, including the:
- net weight of fish
- total number of whole fish.
Make sure fish are tagged correctly
Make sure all whole SBT have CDS tags attached to them. A 'whole' fish includes fish that have had:
- no processing (code RD on the form)
- the gills and gut removed with tail left on (code GGO)
- the gills, gut, and tail removed (code GGT).
Find out how to tag southern bluefin tuna
Validate the catch/harvest section
If the fish are correctly tagged and documented on the form:
- sign the catch/harvest section, and
- validate the form with your official stamp.
We issue this stamp to all authorised trade validators. Stamp each copy – not just the copy that goes with the shipment.
Check and validate export details
If SBT are for export, you also need to check the export section of the catch monitoring form.
If all details have been filled out correctly:
- sign the export section
- validate the form with your official trade validator stamp.
Stamp each copy – not just the copy that goes with the shipment.
When tuna are being re-exported or exported after landing
If SBT are being re-exported or exported after being previously landed as domestic product, they must be accompanied by a re-export or export after landing form. Trade validators are responsible for validating this form.
View an example of the re-export or export after landing form [PDF, 809 KB]
Send a copy of completed forms to Fisheries New Zealand
For all completed forms, make sure you send a copy to:
HMS Fisheries
Fisheries New Zealand
PO Box 2526
Wellington 6011.
Other trade validator tasks
The licensed fish receiver that receives the fish must complete the CDS electronic catch tagging form.
Trade validators can also validate New Zealand fish export statistical documents.
Learn more about licensed fish receivers (LFRs)
Find out more about international fisheries reporting
How to become an authorised trade validator
Authorised trade validators must:
- get approval from Fisheries New Zealand
- complete unit standard 17573: Describe and complete documentation for the trade information and catch documentation scheme.
Once approved, we record your name and other information on a list of authorised validators and submit the list to the Commission for the Conservation of Southern Bluefin Tuna.
Find out more about the unit standard for trade validators – NZ Qualifications Authority
Who to contact
If you have questions about the information this page, email HMS@mpi.govt.nz
