Fisheries Minister Claims U-Turn on Size Limits Provides Industry Loophole

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones claims opponents of his reform actually helped big industry avoid quota penalties, while defending bottom trawling practices.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 30, 2026, 3:43 AM EDT

Source: RNZ Pacific

The Paradox of Discarded Catch and Quota Penalties

The core of the Minister’s argument rests on the incentive structures of commercial harvesting. Jones posited that by keeping minimum size requirements in the Fisheries Amendment Bill, the government has removed the financial penalty for catching juvenile fish. Under his proposed (and now abandoned) model, bringing all catch to shore would ensure that undersized fish were subtracted from a company’s quota, effectively penalizing poor harvesting practices. Jones revealed that he had consulted with former Labour MP David Parker on the matter, noting that international advice suggests mandatory landings are the most effective way to discourage the depletion of young fish stocks.

Strategic Clashes Over Quota Carry-Overs and Sustainability

Beyond the size limit debate, the select committee scrutinized a provision allowing commercial fishers to carry over unused quota from one year to the next. Opposition MPs, including Labour’s Rachel Boyack, expressed concern that allowing a massive accumulation of unused quota could lead to sudden, intense harvesting that might destabilize specific fishery stocks. Jones dismissed these fears, asserting that the practice would not compromise the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) or threaten long-term sustainability. He signaled a firm commitment to this part of the bill, framing it as a necessary flexibility for a modern commercial fleet.

Transparency Concerns and On-Board Camera Footage

The Green Party utilized the committee hearing to challenge the Minister on plans to restrict public access to fishing vessel camera footage. While Green MP Steve Abel argued that transparency is essential for law enforcement and public trust, Jones maintained a traditional regulatory stance. He argued that the enforcement of maritime law should remain strictly within the purview of official regulators and the police, rather than being subject to "social license" or public oversight via open-source footage. This move has been characterized by critics as a step backward for accountability in an industry that has faced historical issues with illegal dumping.