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Proposed changes to the Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular

UPDATES

16 September 2021 – Summary of the new requirements issued

Fisheries New Zealand released summaries of the new requirements under the Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular 2021 which comes into effect on 1 October.

Requirements for vessels between 7 and 20 metres (excl. autoliners) [PDF, 295 KB]

Requirements for vessels 20 metres or greater and all autoliners [PDF, 293 KB]


6 September 2021 – Decision document issued

The Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular has been updated to better reflect seabird Mitigation Standards developed in cooperation with industry, environmental groups, and other government agencies. The Mitigation Measures specified in the Circular and the Mitigation Standards work together to achieve the objectives of the National Plan of Action for Seabirds. These changes will come into effect on 1 October 2021.

Seabird mitigation standards

National Plan of Action for Seabirds [PDF, 9.4 MB]

Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular 2021 – Gazette

Decision document for amendments to the Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular [PDF, 2.4 MB]

Consultation background

Fisheries New Zealand asked for feedback on proposed changes to the Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular. The proposed changes would:

  • align mandatory mitigation measures with agreed  "best practice" seabird mitigation for bottom longline vessels
  • introduce area-specific mitigation measures for the sub-Antarctic
  • clarify several technical requirements.

Consultation document

Proposed changes to the Fisheries (Seabird Mitigation Measures – Bottom Longlines) Circular [PDF, 402 KB]

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