Progress report for
New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries Aquatic Environment Research
Achievement at a glance
Aquatic environment and biodiversity research in New Zealand addresses the interactions between fisheries and the environment. The two key research programmes are:aquatic environment research to assess the effects of fishing on marine habitats, protected species, non-target species of fish, and to understand habitats of special significance for fisheries; marine biodiversity and productivity research to increase our understanding of the systems and processes that support resilient ecosystems and productive fisheries, including biodiversity, trophic linkages and the effects of climate change.
These two research programmes commission scientific research to monitor trends, develop spatial models and conduct risk assessments that will inform fisheries management and fisheries policy on the environmental status of protected species and other aspects of the marine environment on which wild-caught fisheries depend for their success. Considerable progress has been made in terms of spatial risk assessment for marine mammals and seabirds and sharks.
The work is commissioned externally by Fisheries New Zealand and results are reported as mainstream scientific papers, Fisheries New Zealand science publications, presentations at international conferences and an annual publication (the Aquatic Environment and Biodiversity Annual Review) that updates scientific understanding of fisheries and aquatic environment interactions made during the year. The annual review also outlines New Zealand fisheries legislative and international obligations in the aquatic environment.
This programme of research continues to be funded by Fisheries New Zealand (MPI). Quantified risk assessment continues to be a priority particularly for protected or endangered species incidentally affected by fishing
Challenges faced in implementation
Sustainable fishing practices continue to be a high priority for New Zealand and methods to monitor the footprint of fishing and the risks to the environment and biodiversity undergo regular and continued development. This includes the development of innovate and efficient methods that maximise the use of new data sources.Next Steps
Currently there is a focus on improved monitoring of catch and bycatch using electronic and digital methods. As this progresses more accurate assessment of the environmental effects of fishing will be feasible. Substantial progress has also been made on spatially explicit risk assessment methods for marine mammals seabirds and sharks, and these will continue to be refined. The effects of climate change and trophic interactions is an area of increasing research.Beneficiaries
Improvement in environmental sustainability ultimately benefits all New Zealanders.