New Data Shows Bottom Trawling Footprint Remains Small in New Zealand Waters

Bottom trawling is a fishing method in which a net is dragged along the seabed to catch species that live near or on the ocean floor.

New Zealand's bottom trawling activity continues to affect only a very small portion of the nation's marine territory, according to newly released data from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). The findings indicate that trawling remains concentrated within specific fishing grounds and covers just 1.7 percent of New Zealand's territorial sea and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), reinforcing government claims that the environmental footprint of the industry remains limited and tightly managed.

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones said the latest analysis demonstrates that bottom trawling activity has remained relatively stable for decades and continues to occur largely in areas that have already been previously trawled.

The data comes amid ongoing public debate over the environmental impacts of bottom trawling, one of the most widely used commercial fishing methods in New Zealand and many other fishing nations around the world.

Understanding Bottom Trawling

Bottom trawling is a fishing method in which a net is dragged along the seabed to catch species that live near or on the ocean floor.

The technique is commonly used to harvest commercially important fish species such as hoki, orange roughy, snapper and other groundfish that contribute significantly to New Zealand's seafood industry.

While the method is highly effective and supports large-scale food production, it has also attracted criticism from environmental groups concerned about potential impacts on seabed habitats and marine ecosystems.

As a result, governments and fisheries managers worldwide have increasingly focused on balancing economic benefits with environmental protection measures.

Trawling Footprint Covers Only a Small Area

According to the latest MPI analysis, the total area trawled during the 2024/25 fishing year represented approximately 1.7 percent of New Zealand's territorial waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.

New Zealand possesses one of the largest Exclusive Economic Zones in the world, covering more than four million square kilometres of ocean. Against this vast marine area, officials argue that the proportion directly affected by trawling remains relatively small.

The analysis also indicates that most trawling activity occurs repeatedly within established fishing grounds rather than continuously expanding into previously untouched areas.

This concentration of activity means that the overall trawling footprint has remained relatively stable over time.

Stable Fishing Patterns Over Decades

Government officials emphasize that bottom trawling has not expanded significantly across New Zealand waters in recent decades.

Instead, fishing activity continues to be concentrated in specific locations where commercially important fish stocks are known to occur.

This stability is viewed by fisheries managers as an important factor in understanding and managing environmental impacts.

By limiting activity to established fishing grounds, the industry reduces the need to disturb new marine habitats and allows monitoring efforts to focus on areas where fishing activity is concentrated.

The latest data suggests that these patterns have remained largely consistent over many years.

Economic Importance of the Fishing Industry

The Government has highlighted the significant contribution that bottom trawl fisheries make to New Zealand's economy and food supply.

Approximately 70 percent of New Zealand's commercially caught fish originates from bottom trawl fisheries, making the method a cornerstone of domestic seafood production.

These fisheries supply fish consumed in homes, restaurants, supermarkets and food service businesses throughout the country.

Beyond domestic consumption, seafood exports are an important source of revenue for the national economy.

According to government figures, New Zealand's fishing industry generates approximately NZ$1.57 billion in export earnings and directly supports around 9,000 jobs.

Many of these jobs are located in regional communities where fishing remains a major source of employment and economic activity.

Supporting Regional Communities

The fishing industry plays a particularly important role in coastal and regional areas of New Zealand.

Fishing operations support a broad network of economic activities, including:

• Seafood processing;

• Transportation and logistics;

• Equipment supply and maintenance;

• Port services;

• Export operations;

• Marine technology and support industries.

For many communities, the industry represents a critical source of jobs and investment.

Government officials argue that maintaining a sustainable and productive fishing sector is essential for supporting regional economies and preserving employment opportunities in areas that may have limited alternative industries.

New Zealand Not Alone in Using Bottom Trawling

The Government also notes that New Zealand is far from unique in utilizing bottom trawl fisheries.

More than 100 countries worldwide employ bottom trawling as part of their commercial fishing sectors, including major fishing nations such as:

• Australia;

• Canada;

• United States;

• Japan;

• Norway;

• Iceland.

The method remains one of the most widely used fishing techniques globally because of its efficiency and ability to supply large quantities of seafood to domestic and international markets.

However, many countries have introduced increasingly sophisticated management systems aimed at reducing environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability.

Managing Environmental Effects

While defending the industry's importance, the Government acknowledges that bottom trawling can have environmental impacts and must be carefully managed.

Fisheries officials continue to monitor the trawl footprint and assess its effects on marine ecosystems.

Management measures are designed to ensure that fishing activities remain within sustainable limits while minimizing unnecessary impacts on seabed habitats and non-target species.

The Government says its approach is based on scientific evidence and ongoing monitoring rather than broad restrictions that could undermine fishing communities and seafood production.

Officials emphasize that environmental protection and economic activity must be balanced through practical and evidence-based policies.

Industry Investing in Innovation

A key component of New Zealand's fisheries strategy involves investment in new technologies and fishing innovations.

According to the Government, the fishing industry has devoted substantial resources to improving fishing methods and reducing environmental impacts.

Modern technologies now allow fishing vessels to operate with far greater precision than was possible in previous decades.

Advances include:

• Improved seabed mapping;

• Enhanced fish-finding systems;

• More targeted fishing techniques;

• Advanced monitoring technologies;

• Better vessel tracking systems;

• Selective fishing gear designs.

These innovations help reduce unnecessary fishing effort while improving efficiency and sustainability.

Developing Alternative Fishing Methods

In addition to improving trawl gear, researchers and industry participants are exploring alternative methods for harvesting certain species.

These alternatives include:

Potting

Using baited traps placed on the seabed to catch target species while minimizing habitat disturbance.

Longlining

Deploying lines with baited hooks that can selectively target particular fish species.

Modified Trawl Technologies

Designing gear that reduces contact with the seabed and minimizes unintended environmental impacts.

The Government says fisheries officials continue working with industry to identify opportunities where alternative methods may provide environmental benefits while remaining commercially viable.

Reducing Bycatch Remains a Priority

Another important focus of fisheries management is reducing accidental bycatch—the unintended capture of non-target species.

Bycatch can include marine mammals, seabirds, sharks and other species that are not the primary target of fishing operations.

New Zealand has implemented a range of measures aimed at minimizing these interactions, including:

• Gear modifications;

• Area closures;

• Seasonal restrictions;

• Observer programmes;

• Electronic monitoring systems;

• Improved fishing practices.

Industry participants continue to invest in new technologies and techniques designed to further reduce bycatch risks.

Balancing Conservation and Food Production

The debate surrounding bottom trawling often reflects broader questions about how societies balance environmental protection with food production and economic development.

Supporters argue that bottom trawling remains an essential tool for supplying affordable seafood and supporting coastal economies.

Critics contend that stronger restrictions may be necessary to protect sensitive marine habitats and biodiversity.

Government officials maintain that New Zealand's fisheries management framework seeks to strike a balance between these competing priorities by relying on scientific evidence, monitoring and adaptive management practices.

Future of Sustainable Fisheries

As consumer expectations evolve and environmental awareness grows, the fishing industry is likely to face increasing pressure to demonstrate sustainability and transparency.

Technological innovation, improved monitoring systems and continued scientific research are expected to play an important role in shaping the future of commercial fishing in New Zealand.

Officials believe that ongoing investment in precision fishing technologies and alternative harvesting methods will help further reduce environmental impacts while maintaining the industry's economic contribution.

A Small Footprint with Significant Economic Value

The latest MPI data reinforces the Government's position that bottom trawling occupies only a small fraction of New Zealand's marine environment while supporting a major export industry and thousands of jobs.

While debate over the practice is likely to continue, the figures highlight the importance of evidence-based discussions regarding the scale of trawling activity and its role within New Zealand's broader fisheries sector.

As fisheries management continues to evolve, policymakers, industry participants and environmental stakeholders will remain focused on finding ways to protect marine ecosystems while ensuring the long-term sustainability of seafood production and coastal communities.