From the shoals of the QMS to the safer haven of marine spatial planning: Rethinking sea food regulation in New Zealand

Abstract

New Zealand post-1984 discussions about adopting sustainable fishing approaches have been founded in neo-liberal bio-economic approaches to fishery stock management. Approaches that involve regulation have been largely rejected in favour of a neo-liberal agenda purportedly allowing individuals to form ownership clubs that will manage the stocks in a way that ensures the longevity and predictability of the respective catches through a-spatial fishery plans. This approach, represented in the quota management system, has been claimed as a world leading model. The suggestion here, however is that the rejection of spatial planning as a concept has been costly for the industry. Examples such as Golden Bay scallop enhancement, the Foreshore and Seabed Act 2004 and the 2013 snapper quota reductions demonstrate the folly of such an approach. In attempting to ignore integrated spatial planning approaches to fisheries opportunities to build good relationships and take advantage of the value such integration can bring to a business have been missed. Wainui Bay and Waiheke Island mussel and oyster farming respectively, Akaroa and the Hauraki Gulf fisheries are used to demonstrate the benefits of 'beyond the QMS' thinking for adding value to fisheries through marine spatial planning.