New Scientific Report Confirms NZ’s Fish Stocks Are Healthy and Sustainable

The new report aligns with findings released earlier this year by the United Nations, which recognised New Zealand as one of the world leaders in sustainable fisheries management.

New Zealand’s fisheries remain among the most sustainably managed in the world, according to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, who says new scientific findings reinforce long-term progress in rebuilding and protecting the nation’s marine resources.

Strong Sustainability Results Across Most Fish Stocks

The newly released Status of the Stocks report from Fisheries New Zealand shows:

• 87.2% of the country’s 149 scientifically assessed fish stocks are currently sustainable.

• 19 fish stocks identified as needing further support already have plans underway to rebuild them to target levels.

Jones says the results highlight both the effectiveness of New Zealand’s fisheries management system and the ongoing commitment of commercial, recreational, and customary fishers to long-term sustainability.

“I know fishers are committed to sustainability and I’m working with them to ensure we have reasonable measures in place,” he said.

Backed by Global Endorsement

The new report aligns with findings released earlier this year by the United Nations, which recognised New Zealand as one of the world leaders in sustainable fisheries management.

Jones noted that while fish stock levels naturally fluctuate from year to year, the overall trend has remained strongly positive:

• Sustainability levels have shown steady improvement since 2009.

• For the last three consecutive years, more than 87% of evaluated stocks have remained sustainable.

A Vital Sector for Jobs and Exports

New Zealand’s seafood industry plays a pivotal role in the economy, contributing:

• Employment for around 9,000 people

• Essential food supply for domestic consumers

• $1.5 billion in annual export earnings from wild-capture fisheries

Jones said the durability of the country’s Quota Management System (QMS)—introduced in the 1980s and widely considered a global benchmark—remains central to the industry’s success.

“Our quota management system remains at the heart of New Zealand’s fisheries success story, but I’m always open to new ideas to ensure a sustainable industry and fishery.”

Major Fisheries Reforms Underway

In August, the Government began progressing a significant package of fisheries reforms designed to improve responsiveness and ensure policies remain anchored in scientific evidence.

The reforms are expected to:

• Strengthen stock sustainability practices

• Support more adaptive fisheries management

• Preserve long-term economic value in the sector

• Build on decades of work by fishers, scientists, and iwi partners

Jones says these updates will further reinforce New Zealand’s global reputation for responsible fisheries governance.

“Knowing our seafood comes from sustainable fisheries is good news for fishers, consumers, and for the sector’s ongoing health.”

Public Access to the Report

The full Status of the Stocks report, including detailed assessments of individual fisheries, is available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.