The Hauraki Gulf

Article in the New Zealand Press on April 19, 2022, p6, titled We're Eating the Hauraki Gulf to Death 

 

Of course we are destroying the fisheries of the Hauraki Gulf along with the fisheries resources of many other areas around New Zealand, just as we (humanity) has destroyed every other fisheries of the world. 

 

One of the most egregious, previous examples of destroying a fisheries resource was on the Grand Banks off the East Coast of Canada.  There is no one in Fisheries that isn't aware of that legendary fishing ground.  It was managed by the Canadian Fisheries Department, one of the most scientifically competent well funded fisheries departments of the world.  They allowed this huge resource to be destroyed.  

 

And in case you think, that was then and this is now, just look at our management of the Hauraki Gulf.  I challenge you to find one fisheries resource, anywhere in the world that has been properly, sustainably managed.

 

There is one way and  only one way of preserving our fisheries resources from our Hubris.  Large portions of our EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone) must be set aside with no fishing what-so-ever being allowed in the area.  Our small existing reserves are great and seed outside areas with the young of many species but large areas seed outside areas with fully grown fish.  We must stop thinking that we know what we are doing in the ocean and simply do what has been shown to be effective. With such a system, the 'catch per unit effort' in the permitted areas will be so good that we can abandon destructive fishing methods and just use long lines. 

And don't let the scientists tell you which areas should be reserves and which areas should not.  Remember Hubris.  Remember that the scientists don't know what they are doing.  They have proven this time after time.

Here is a possibility.  You will note in the above diagram that the EEZ of New Zealand extends from about 25⁰S to about 55⁰S.  Start at the top.  From 25⁰S to 26⁰S, no fishing.  From 26⁰S to 27⁰S, fishing permitted.  From 27⁰S to 28⁰S, no fishing.  From 28⁰S to 29⁰S, fishing allowed.  And carry on like this right to the South end of our EEZ.  You could do this in 2 degree bites instead.  Whatever you do, don't let anyone manage it.  

Your only management tool is "If you fish in the no-fishing areas, your boat is confiscated and sunk.  Note that the most important aspect of any enforcement is it's inevitability.  We must pursue boats that fish in our reserves regardless of the cost and sink them.  In the not-so-long term, this will be, by far, the most economic policy.

 

And for heaven sake, ban all foreign fishing boats from our waters.  Let them destroy their own fisheries.  If we can't fish all our permitted areas then the fishing will just improve even more over our EEZ and the bottom line of our fishermen will greatly improve as their catch-per-unit-effort increases. 

 

If you do insist on licensing foreign fishing boats to fish our waters, note that the vital step is enforcement.  Any fishing boat that has it's tracker turned off is confiscated.   Any fishing boat, fishing in a forbidden area is confiscated.  Officers of these boats are jailed until a substantial fine has been paid.  Fishermen on the boats are treated really well, given a tour of New Zealand and sent home with their wages (paid by us) and memorabilia.  Imagine their attitude to their officers if they are caught again.  Fossil fuel is taken off the boats and they are sunk in no-fishing areas.  They form great reefs and will snag anyone trying to drag a net in these areas.

https://mtkass.blogspot.com/2010/12/fisheries-policy-lets-change-tacks.html