New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen conference

Dawson & Associates attended the 65th New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen conference last week in Blenheim, which gathered fishers, fishing officials, and adjacent industries together to hear and present on issues, challenges, and opportunities facing fishing today.

Watchkeeping compliance rules proved to be a significant issue for many, with Peter Dawson advocating for a sensible interpretation of the rules, as did the overall future of fishing.

The conference supported a number of initiatives to improve conditions and outputs for commercial fishing, including the FirstMate and YoungFish programs, and Advanced Conservation Solutions to promote more selective fishing practices.

The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Rachel Brooking, attended the conference, and spoke about the rollout of cameras across the inshore fleet and the Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan, for which submissions close on 11 June.

The Shipwreck Relief Society of New Zealand charity auction raised over $40,000 thanks to some generous bidding from attendees, providing funds to assist those affected by shipwrecks as well as creating awareness of seafarer safety issues.

Dawson & Associates attends numerous industry events every year to remain up to date with issues facing fishers and seafarers, as well as to provide legal assessments on behalf of industry. If you have any questions or need advice on fishing or seafaring matters in New Zealand, please contact Peter Dawson by email peter@maritimelaw.co.nz; phone +64 27 229 9624.