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What are our fishery resources? New Zealand has the largest area of territorial waters of any country in the world. It covers 1.2 million square nautical miles. Most of this area is deep water with only small quantities of fish life. Only about one third of our total waters are suitable for fishing. Within this one third of territory are found over 1 000 different species of fish. These are made up of shellfish, pelagic fish such as tuna, and deep water species. |
New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone. |
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Who owns the fish? The fish within our 200 mile Exclusive Economic Zone are a public resource belonging to all New Zealanders. The Government makes rules to ensure we use these resources in a sustainable way - so that there will be fish for future generations. |
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Who catches our fish? Fishing can be split into two categories: recreational and commercial. Recreational fishing is an important part of New Zealand culture. Every weekend - particularly during the summer months, New Zealanders take to the water in boats to go fishing, or even spend a day surf casting from rocks or the beach. Maori fishers claiming customary rights also fall into this category. |
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