Between the lines: Catches in care of our waters

By LIBBY MIDDLEBROOK

Fishermen seem to give more thought to the bait hanging from their hooks than the industry gives to the sustainability of the entire catch and its environment.

While commercial fishermen work under a well-managed quota system, plucking tonnes of fish from the ocean, critical research into the marine eco-system is lagging.

Environmental experts estimate that within 10 years the future of the commercial industry can no longer be guaranteed due to insufficient knowledge of the marine environment.

The industry's annual research funding contribution remains below $20 million.

This level of support means there is little chance of important work being done into the state of many stocks, and the overall effects of commercial fishing.

The industry is now fundamental to the economy.

It contributes more than $1.3 billion in overseas earnings and employs thousands from Northland to Stewart Island.

With sustainability in doubt, it is difficult to comprehend the industry's reluctance to channel more funding into basic marine research, covering anything from the impacts of trawling on the seabed to the effects of urban developments on the ocean.

Not surprisingly, it comes down to an argy-bargy over who should foot the bill. Few seem to have the right answers.

Fishing operators, who remain reasonably quick to fund research that has a short-term impact on their business, such as into fish stocks, say that basic marine research is largely for the public good rather than simply being in commercial interests.

One industry leader said companies could not afford additional research in the past and did not see the benefits of it now.

Environmentalists argue that funding basic marine research is a responsibility of the industry.

It can damage the environment by trawling on the seabed and over-fishing valuable species such as orange roughy.

Greenies also say the industry is making poor decisions about sustainability because of lack of knowledge.

While debate over funding drags on, little more information is being collected about our precious marine resource.

A robust debate is needed on how the public and the industry should split the cost.

Perhaps some thought could be given to a levy from recreational fishers.

Our Exclusive Economic Zone is the fourth largest in the world and 15 times bigger than the country's land mass. Cared-for oceans are crucial to New Zealand's social and economic development.