Fisheries management kudos

Continuing kudos for the management of New Zealand’s fisheries helps boost the balance sheet, according to at least one major player.

Sanford managing director Eric Barratt said the United Nations-sanctioned researched that ranked New Zealand’s marine management best out of 53 countries, has an impact at point of sale in export markets.

“It helps put New Zealand seafood in the front counter,” he told NBR.

Mr Barratt said it was important in countries particularly sensitive to environmental impact.

“Europe is a classic example,” he said.

Mr Barratt said Europe was a strong market for the company and had grown progressively over the last five years

“MSC certification of hoki helped particularly in France and Germany. The research just adds to that reputation.”

Earlier this year the UK-based Marine Stewardship Council ticked off the strategy the Ministry of Fisheries and the fishing industry put in place to rebuild hoki stocks.

Mr Barratt said a recent visit by Japanese fisheries officials keen to mine New Zealand’s processes for fisheries management was another indicator the systems in place were well regarded.

The most recent research evaluated 53 countries and rated New Zealand best overall against 14 indicators of marine resource management. The countries in the study accounted for more than 95% of the world’s fisheries catch.