Environmental groups are accusing the Government of failing to protect some of the world’s most fragile marine ecosystems after a New Zealand bottom trawling vessel linked to previous coral destruction was granted a new international fishing permit.
Greenpeace Aotearoa says the decision to issue an International Fishing Permit to the Tasman Viking is deeply concerning, arguing it undermines efforts to protect vulnerable deep-sea habitats in the Tasman Sea and South Pacific High Seas.
The Tasman Viking, operated by Westfleet, was previously convicted after dragging up protected deep-sea coral and failing to report the incident correctly in 2020. In 2024, the vessel again brought up 37 kilograms of coral from the ecologically significant Lord Howe Rise seamount, prompting authorities to temporarily close the area to fishing.
Greenpeace says the vessel’s compliance history should have weighed heavily against the issuing of a new permit.
The environmental organisation argues New Zealand is now the only nation continuing to permit bottom trawling on parts of the South Pacific High Seas, despite increasing international calls to protect vulnerable marine ecosystems.
Following the 2024 coral incident, Greenpeace undertook underwater camera surveys of the affected seamount. The footage, supported by scientific analysis, identified extensive coral gardens, sponges and other deep-sea species considered characteristic of a Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem under international conservation criteria.
Researchers documented coral colonies approaching two metres in height, with many believed to be more than 100 years old. Environmental groups warn these ecosystems can take centuries to recover once damaged by bottom trawling gear.
The Deep Sea Conservation Coalition says New Zealand has repeatedly resisted international efforts to increase protections for seamounts in the South Pacific, despite growing scientific evidence highlighting their biodiversity and ecological importance.
Conservation advocates are calling for all seamounts in the Tasman Sea and surrounding High Seas to be permanently closed to destructive bottom trawling, arguing the practice is incompatible with protecting ancient marine habitats.
Public opposition to bottom trawling has also continued to grow. Greenpeace says more than 100,000 people have signed petitions calling for an end to bottom trawling on seamounts and for the Government to stop issuing international fishing permits for the practice. Campaigns highlighting the issue, including endurance swimmer Jono Ridler’s length-of-the-North-Island swim, have also attracted widespread public support.
Under New Zealand law, vessels fishing in the South Pacific High Seas must obtain an International Fishing Permit from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) before operating outside New Zealand waters.
According to Greenpeace, the Tasman Viking received its latest permit on 12 June, before reportedly ceasing public transmission of its vessel location outside Nelson on 22 June, raising further concern among campaigners monitoring activity in the region.
For Māori, the debate extends beyond fisheries management to the principles of kaitiakitanga and the responsibility to protect Tangaroa and the biodiversity of the moana for future generations. Many iwi have long advocated for stronger marine protection measures that balance sustainable fisheries with the preservation of taonga species and fragile ocean ecosystems.
The Government has previously maintained that New Zealand’s deep-sea fisheries are managed under strict domestic and international rules, with measures in place to reduce environmental impacts. However, environmental organisations argue the latest permit demonstrates that stronger protections are urgently needed if vulnerable deep-sea ecosystems are to survive.
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