Editorial: Fishing is killing its own future

NEW ZEALAND'S system of managing fish stocks by tradeable quotas has attracted much praise in the world since its introduction in 1986 without becoming global practice.

A study estimating New Zealand's true catch, published on Monday, suggests why.

The research estimated that the quantity of fish dumped once the quota had been filled, the unreported "bycatch" of other species and under-reported recreational fishing, multiplied New Zealand's official total catch by 2.7 times.

The theory of tradeable quotas always sounded too good to be true. A total allowable catch was set for each species based on its sustainable population in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone. Fishing companies were given quotas, which they could buy and sell, giving them a vested interest in maintaining a sustainable stock in our areas of ocean.

But if their boats have been catching more than their quota and dumping the excess at sea, it suggests the quota owners' vested interest in conservation has been lost in transmission.

The research, led by the Auckland University business school, concludes: "The quota management system, despite its intentions and international reputation, actually undermines sustainable fisheries management by incentivising misreporting and dumping."

That may be somewhat harsh; without a quota system the excess would still be caught. The only difference would be that it would be brought ashore, reported and sold.

Lead researcher Dr Glenn Simmons says the quota management system needs a "robust critical review". That should mean something better than more patrol boats. If ways can be found to strengthen incentives to conserve fish stocks, so much the better. After all, the study's findings suggest the system has been an improvement on previous regulations. The estimated catch has been 2.7 times the official figures since 1950. When the period since 1986 is taken alone, the figure drops to 2.1 times the reported catch.

Nor should recreational fishing be ignored. But the study estimates recreational fishing accounts for only 1.3 per cent of the total catch. Commercial fishing is estimated to be catching more than twice as many fish as they have been reporting. The industry is killing its future. - NZME