New Zealand inshore fishery: a perspective on the current debate

Abstract

The New Zealand inshore fishing industry has a problem of overfishing in certain prime species. This report examines the historical, distributional and economic efficiency aspects of managing the inshore fishery. It presents a comprehensive review of the theoretical aspects which should be considered in the evaluation of options for management of the New Zealand inshore fishery. Publication of this material is intended to stimulate a rigorous examination of the basis for fisheries management policies. The point is made that all aspects of the situation should be included in the analysis of policy options and that the resulting policy should be determined efficiently upon the basis of economic and social objectives.