WWF-New Zealand opposes the Fisheries Amendment Bill, which would weaken environmental safeguards, reduce transparency, and undermine ecosystem-based fisheries management. While the Bill is framed as improving efficiency and certainty, it risks prioritising short-term utilisation over the long-term health and resilience of New Zealand’s marine environment.
The Bill was also developed through a deeply flawed process that is inadequate for legislation of this scale and consequence.
New Zealand’s ocean is already under significant pressure, with many marine species threatened and ecosystems in decline. Strong, science-based fisheries management is essential to protect biodiversity, support climate resilience, and sustain the communities and industries that depend on a healthy marine environment. WWF is concerned that, without substantial changes, the Bill will exacerbate existing pressures and undermine public confidence in the management of this shared resource.
WWF-New Zealand’s primary recommendation is for this Bill to be withdrawn and the policy process restarted following full public consultation and a wider, independent review of our fisheries management system.