<
https://theconversation.com/with-contentious-fisheries-reforms-on-hold-should-nz-rethink-bottom-trawling-288087>
"The government’s controversial
Fisheries Amendment Bill has reignited debate
over New Zealand’s most common – and most controversial – commercial fishing
method.
Bottom trawling involves commercial fishing boats dragging large, heavy nets
across the seafloor. It is the most widespread source of human disturbance to
the global seabed. Around New Zealand, marine scientists have documented its
ecological impacts for decades.
Although the bill covers a broad range of fisheries management changes, debate
has centred on whether it would weaken environmental safeguards that influence
how activities such as bottom trawling are managed.
After an earlier U-turn on one significant proposal, Fisheries Minister Shane
Jones last month delayed the legislation until after the general election. But
many of its more contentious reforms remain on the table and could return under
the next parliament.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has argued the environmental impacts of bottom
trawling need to be balanced against its economic benefits.
The commercial fishing industry employs thousands of people and generates
around NZ$2 billion in export earnings each year. It is an important export
industry, even if smaller than sectors such as international education and
comparable in size to wine exports.
Still, our research in the marine environment suggests any balance should place
greater weight on protecting marine biodiversity and the ecosystem processes
that support ocean health."
Cheers,
*** Xanni **
--
mailto:xanni@xanadu.net Andrew Pam
http://xanadu.com.au/ Chief Scientist, Xanadu
https://glasswings.com.au/ Partner, Glass Wings
https://sericyb.com.au/ Manager, Serious Cybernetics
