Department of Conservation aquatic director Kirstie Knowles says: "Due to the biological characteristics of sharks they can take a long time to mature and only produce a small number of young with low rates of survival, so it's important that we do everything we can to maximise the survival of any unwanted and protected sharks that are caught in our waters."
The draft plan builds on the previous 2013 plan and was developed by a Shark Advisory Group representing government agencies, tangata whenua, environmental groups, and commercial and recreational fishers.
"Many of the goals and objectives from the previous NPOA remain relevant, and these have been included in the draft. On top of that we've included several new goals and objectives which reflect new information and priorities," says Kirstie Knowles.
The draft plan includes seven goals and 22 objectives; each goal and objective has a rationale and performance measures associated with it.
The goals include:
•ensuring biodiversity and maintaining shark populations over time
•encouraging increased utilisation of sharks subject to the quota management system
•avoiding protected and unwanted shark captures, and maximising post-release survival
•managing non-fishing threats to sharks and their habitats
•better integration of tangata whenua perspectives and values in shark management
•maintain and develop international engagement for shark management; and
•improve research, data and information about sharks and their habitats.
"We encourage anyone with an interest to provide feedback on the draft plan before consultation closes on September 13," says Emma Taylor.
A copy of the draft plan and further information, including how to make a submission, can be found online at: www.mpi.govt.nz/national-plan-of-action-sharks-2022.
Following consultation, Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation will analyse the submissions and provide an amended final plan to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries and the Minister of Conservation for their approval.
Once finalised, the plan will be fully reviewed as required to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of New Zealand's efforts to address the conservation and management of sharks.