NZ Retains Reef Fish Ban After 22,000 Public Submissions

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones confirmed that the long-standing ban on retaining 19 non-Quota Management System (QMS) reef fish species will remain in place across northern fisheries.

The New Zealand Government has ruled out plans to allow commercial fishers to retain and sell certain reef fish caught as bycatch, following overwhelming public feedback and sustainability concerns.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones confirmed that the long-standing ban on retaining 19 non-Quota Management System (QMS) reef fish species will remain in place across northern fisheries.

Proposal Dropped After Strong Public Opposition

The proposal, which was under consideration for fisheries in Fisheries Management Areas (FMA) 1 and 9, would have permitted commercial operators using trawl, Danish seine, and bottom long line methods to retain reef fish caught unintentionally.

However, more than 22,000 submissions were received during public consultation, with a significant proportion raising concerns about the ecological impact of lifting the ban.

“I have weighed up the costs and benefits of the proposal, along with feedback from the recreational fishing community and the public, and decided to keep the current restrictions in place,” Jones said.

Sustainability Concerns Drive Decision

Many submitters highlighted the ecological importance of reef-dwelling fish species, which play a crucial role in maintaining marine biodiversity and ecosystem balance.

Concerns focused on:

• The vulnerability of reef species to overfishing

• Limited scientific data on stock sustainability

• Risks of increased commercial pressure if retention was allowed

Under current rules, commercial fishers must return these species to the sea if caught as bycatch, a measure designed to minimise unintended depletion.

Historic Protections Remain Intact

The ban dates back to 1993, when it was introduced as part of broader measures to protect reef ecosystems from the impacts of commercial fishing methods, particularly set netting.

Keeping the restriction in place signals continued Government support for precautionary fisheries management, especially in ecologically sensitive reef environments.

Balancing Industry and Conservation

While rejecting the proposal, Jones reaffirmed his support for New Zealand’s commercial fishing sector, which contributes approximately $1.5 billion annually to the economy and supports jobs in coastal communities.

“I’m a huge supporter of our fishing industry… but this decision reflects the importance of sustainability and public confidence in fisheries management,” he said.

The decision underscores the ongoing challenge of balancing economic activity with environmental stewardship in New Zealand’s marine sector.

Part of Broader Regulatory Review

The reef fish proposal formed part of a wider consultation on potential changes to commercial fishing regulations. Further decisions on other proposed amendments are expected to be announced in the coming months.

For now, the Government’s move reinforces a cautious, conservation-focused approach—one shaped significantly by public engagement and growing awareness of marine ecosystem protection.