The provision of information within the Quota Management System : customary fishing : a case study : presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science (Resource Management), Environmental Management and Design Division, Lincoln University

Abstract

Given that the overall purpose of the Quota Management System (QMS) as defined by the Fisheries Act 1996 is sustainable utilisation, the setting of Total Allowable Catches (TAC) is a vital decision-making process. In making these decisions, the Ministry of Fisheries has acknowledged the need to obtain the best available information.

This report has identified a potential problem arising from a lack of clarity between stakeholders over information requirements and the absence of an integrated strategy for the management of fisheries information. These factors may be causing the under-provision of certain types of information relevant to the catch setting process.

The extent to which this problem is occurring has been investigated through a case study regarding the customary sector of the QMS. In particular, the provision of information under the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations 1999 has been analysed. From this research, the following recommendation have been made to the Ministry of Fisheries:

1. A working group should be appointed to investigate potential risks to the provision of quality customary information.

2. This process should be used to facilitate the appointment of Tangata Tiaki for areas not yet governed by the Fisheries (South Island Customary Fishing) Regulations.

3. The option of allocating a proportion of the TAC to the customary sector should be investigated.

4. When the risks to information under-provision have been addressed in the recommendation 1 above, the use of a settling strategy should be investigated.