National proposes new marine reserves, complete ban on ring-net fishing in Hauraki Gulf
The New Zealand National Party has announced a new fisheries policy that includes banning ring-net fishing in the Hauraki Gulf and establishing new marine reserves. The party also pledged to increase marine protection in the exclusive economic zone to 50 percent by 2040.
Why it matters
This policy shift reflects growing political pressure to balance commercial fishing interests with environmental conservation in New Zealand.
An earlier version of this story said the party proposed a ban on commercial fishing. This has been corrected to ring-net fishing.
The National Party would follow the Greens in banning ring-net fishing in the Hauraki Gulf's high protection areas, as part of its election fisheries policy.
The party says if re-elected, it will also establish a new marine reserve off Waiheke Island, expand the size of the Goat Island reserve, and ban the commercial sale of marlin.
It has stopped short of a ban on bottom trawling, with a policy document saying National would review bottom trawling on seamounts, with an aim to increase protections from 32 percent to 50 percent of New Zealand's exclusive economic zone by 2040.
A $20 million 'fish tech innovation fund' would, in partnership with the seafood sector, help reduce the impact of bottom trawling, aiming to improve fishing gear.
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