Climate change challenge for Māori fish aspirations

Adam Gifford Climate change challenge for Māori fish aspirations

Download Audio

A former chair of Te Ohu Kaimoana says climate change is the biggest challenge Māori face in the fishing industry.

The Māori Fisheries Settlement Trust is marking 20 years since the signing of what is known as the Sealord Deed which resolved Māori claims to commercial fisheries.

Shane Jones says having a commercial stake in the fishing industry has had a major impact on Maori development, and the various settlement organisations continue to contribute to fisheries policy, environmental restoration and job creation.

He says iwi can’t take the settlement for granted, especially as rising ocean temperatures affect fisheries habitat.

“So what will happen for example with paua, as temperature changes without a doubt our iwi will have to be right at the forefront in ensuring not only we have policies but we have practical measure in place to ensure that we learn to adapt with the ongoing challenges represented through climate change,” Mr Jones says.

RELATED NEWS

Mackey karaoke has x-factor Board to oversee Māori economic strategy COVID level drop brings risk