Industry supports Minister’s decision

Press Release by the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council, 8 September 2009.

The Minister of Fisheries electronic catch data has the full support of the seafood industry, said Owen Symmans, chief executive of the New Zealand Seafood Industry Council.

Earlier today Minister Heatley announced the introduction of electronic catch reporting. Currently, catch reports are completed manually on paper forms.

"This new electronic method of reporting has been proposed by industry for many years and we are really pleased to have the Minister's support in getting the system up and running. We look forward to the October 1 start date. The system will be more efficient, less costly and help us to continue to manage our fish stocks to the high standard we've set ourselves," said Mr Symmans.