Olympian and environmental advocate Blair Tuke is calling on the Government to scrap controversial fisheries legislation, warning the proposed reforms could put Aotearoa’s marine environment and fish stocks at risk.
The two-time Olympic gold medallist has joined growing opposition to the Fisheries Amendment Bill, which has sparked backlash from environmental groups, recreational fishers and marine advocates across the country. Critics say the changes favour commercial fishing interests while weakening protections designed to ensure long-term sustainability.
The proposed legislation aims to overhaul the Fisheries Act 1996 by giving greater flexibility to commercial operators, changing catch-limit processes and allowing more fish to be returned to the sea under electronic monitoring systems. The Government says the reforms are intended to improve efficiency and help grow seafood exports while maintaining sustainability.
However, opposition has intensified over concerns the bill could weaken environmental safeguards and undermine previous court rulings protecting fish stocks. Critics argue some provisions would make it harder to challenge Government decisions through judicial review and reduce transparency around onboard fishing camera footage.
The controversy earlier forced Fisheries Minister Shane Jones to retreat from a proposal that would have removed many minimum commercial fish size limits, including for species such as snapper and tarakihi. Environmental groups warned the move would effectively allow the harvesting and sale of juvenile fish.
Forest & Bird, the Environmental Defence Society and recreational fishing organisations have all urged MPs to reject the legislation entirely, arguing it threatens the long-term health and mauri of the ocean.
The bill is expected to face intense scrutiny during the select committee process, with thousands of public submissions anticipated as debate grows over the future of fisheries management in Aotearoa.
#RadioWaatea #BlairTuke #FisheriesBill #NZPolitics #OceanProtection #MāoriNews #Aotearoa #Environment #Fishing #Sustainability #Tangaroa
