Our 2011 election manifesto - Labour Party

Labour will work to enhance the quality of recreational fishing including, where
appropriate, managing some recreational species above or significantly above
Maximum Sustainable Yield (the level of fish stock which will allow maximum catch
without compromising sustainability) to ensure better catch rates and larger fish.
Labour will work with the regional forums, the recreational fishing ministerial advisory
panel, and all stakeholders in advancing recreational aims.
Commercial fishing
We must work with the fisheries industry to ensure continued growth and innovation in the
seafood sector. There is work to be done in improving the sustainable economic
performance of the sector, with emphasis on value-added processing for the benefit of New
Zealanders.
Labour will review investment and depreciation provisions for fishing and aquaculture
activities to ensure that they are in line with the useful life of assets.
Labour will encourage maximum participation by New Zealanders in our fisheries and
seafood processing, at New Zealand rates of pay and conditions of work, moving
towards:
A minimum of 50% New Zealand crew on any vessel fishing within New
Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)
A minimum of 50% of all species harvested in the EEZ to be value-added
processed on shore in New Zealand.
Labour will take prompt action to end any exploitation and endangerment of foreign
fishing crews in New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone and to ensure New
Zealand fishing crew are not disadvantaged by cheap foreign labour. This will
include consideration of the findings of the Ministerial Inquiry into the use and
operation of foreign charter vessels fishing in New Zealand waters.
Labour will continue to work with industry, local government, industry unions and
other stakeholders to implement the aquaculture reforms and help the aquaculture
industry reach its potential in an environmentally sustainable way consistent with
ecosystem-based management.
Sustainable fishing
Our fisheries sector is going nowhere if it is not sustainable. We must put measures in place
to ensure the ongoing viability of commercial fishing and to protect Kiwis‟ recreational fishing
rights.
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