Abuses prompt review of customary fishing rules

By KEVIN TAYLOR political reporter

Rules on the issue of customary fishing permits are coming under the microscope in a review of amateur customary fishing regulations announced by the Government.

Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope said yesterday that the review had been prompted by the actions of a small number of people abusing the system.

The regulation in question had been tightened twice - most recently a year ago - but there was evidence of "continuing abuse by an irresponsible minority" of fishers.

The review would focus on the rules around the issuing of permits, as investigations indicated that was the main area of abuse.

Mr Benson-Pope signalled last month the Government may clamp down on customary fishing regulations to stop abuse of the system following cases of people flouting the law, particularly on the East Coast.

The crackdown follows concern that some people are misusing the regulations for significant commercial gain.

The regulations are designed to ensure Maori communities can continue to take seafood for events such as hui and tangi. Most customary fishing is done under regulation 27 of the Fisheries (Amateur Fishing) Regulations 1986.

Mr Benson-Pope said the long-term goal was to have all customary fishing covered by another set of rules, the Kaimoana Customary Fishing Regulations, which were developed in accordance with the 1992 Maori Fisheries Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

The review will be conducted in collaboration with Maori Affairs and Associate Fisheries Minister Parekura Horomia.