Random Observations - NZ Fishing & Boating

[archerfish 685]

G’day S&HersI had the good fortune to be over the other side of “the ditch” in NZ earlier this month. While I was there, I picked up a copy of the November 2011 edition of “New Zealand Fishing News” and two items in particular caught my eye:One was the editorial by Grant Dixon, headed “Bad news in pairs”. It covered the effects on fishing of the grounding of the Rena on Astrolabe Reef, but primarily the

“Minister of Fisheries’ announcements that have seen recreational fishers take a hiding over several popular species, including kingfish, bluenose and blue cod. The Minister has increased the Total Allowable Commercial Catch for a number of these species, while reducing the recreational catch in others.” He further adds: “In some instances Commercial has not been able to catch its quota of certain species. Instead of reducing catch limits to below tonnages actually caught, in several instances commercial interests are being rewarded and legitimised. The push towards ‘proportional share ‘ is alive and well in commercial and ministerial circles. It is interesting the minister has hinted that there might be changes in the snapper catch, but this has not been touched on in this latest round. You don’t have to be Einstein to work out this will be bad news for recreational fishers, and that the minister and his ‘Ministry of Commercial Fisheries’ will hold off dropping any bombshells until after the November election.” Hammering the recco’s even more and giving further concessions to the pro’s? Scary stuff, indeed, given the Kiwis go to the polls on November 26th and the existing governing party looks to be a dead cert to be returned at the next election. Let’s hope this doesn’t give any of our Australian governments any misplaced ideas.The other, (“The Last Word” by Graham Andrews) entitled “Boating Hooligans” was a very interesting article which questioned whether the lack of legislation was necessarily a good thing in regards to recreational boating in New Zealand. Yes, folks – according to the article, “the attitude of New Zealanders towards boating and water safety needs serious attention. It is incredible that no licence or qualifications or skills are needed to operate a boat.” (This from a coroner investigating a boating death.) It also appears in the article that boats do not have to be registered either. To be fair, there were legitimate arguments made for both sides of the case in this particular article.Unfortunately, the magazine is in a large format, so I’m unable to scan the relevant pages and upload them to this post.If you’d like to check out the New Zealand boating regulations, please see:http://www.maritimenz.govt.nz/Recreational-Boating/Cheersaf