Forest & Bird (BirdLife in New Zealand) have applauded the New Zealand government’s decision to impose new restrictions on longline fishing in New Zealand waters. “We are pleased that as an initial measure all surface longlining within the New Zealand EEZ [Exclusive Economic Zone] will now be confined to night setting and that all vessels must use approved bird scaring devices.” commented Kirstie Knowles, Forest and Bird Conservation Advocate. Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton recently announced three measures to be imposed to help reduce seabird bycatch. As well as putting into force a daytime ban and use of bird-scaring devices (tori-lines), a notice period for longline fishing voyages is also to be implemented allowing the Fisheries Ministry to organise observer programmes where necessary.Full story at
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