New Zealand Minister Stands Firm on Deep Sea Fishing Rights Despite Environmental Opposition
New Zealand's Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has firmly defended his country's deep sea fishing practices against mounting pressure from environmental groups, highlighting the economic importance of the industry to the nation.
Recent polling indicates that 78 percent of New Zealanders support restrictions on bottom trawling in international waters, where New Zealand operates as the sole country conducting such fishing activities in the South Pacific's high seas.
Economic Interests Take Priority
Minister Jones emphasized the substantial economic value of the fishing industry, stating that the operations target areas containing over 1,000 tonnes of orange roughy resources. He characterized the fishing zones as representing less than one percent of the 56 million square kilometres managed by regional authorities.
"The bottom trawling that takes place in the Pacific pertains to a tiny area akin to a beauty spot," Jones explained to RNZ Pacific. "That's important for jobs. It's important for economic export revenue."
International Pressure Mounts
Environmental organization Greenpeace, led by oceans campaigner Juan Parada, has intensified calls for a complete ban on the fishing method. The group argues that bottom trawling causes extensive damage to marine ecosystems, destroying coral formations and disrupting established marine communities.
Parada expressed concern that New Zealand's government plans to propose increasing allowable coral catch limits at the upcoming South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation meeting, a position that contradicts regional consensus.
Government Maintains Traditional Position
Minister Jones defended New Zealand's established fishing practices, emphasizing the country's long-standing presence in Pacific waters. He criticized what he termed "green zealotry" for attempting to force New Zealand's withdrawal from traditional fishing grounds.
"The New Zealand fishing industry has a proud and very long history of catching fish sustainably in the Pacific," Jones stated. "It is wrong for green zealotry to force Kiwis out of the Pacific, especially when the other nations that are there do not have the same track record for fishing as we Kiwis have."
The minister acknowledged that the upcoming regional meeting would present "a contest of ideas" as various nations present their positions on fishing regulations and environmental protection measures.