One Ocean Protest releases Sunday response after major Auckland convoy
One Ocean Protest has published a pointed Sunday morning statement directed at Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones, asking him to explain several comments made in a video he posted after yesterday’s large protest convoy across Auckland.
Organisers say they released today’s message after what they described as a safe and positive day on the water and roads, and note it comes as Jones travels to Paihia for face to face meetings with recreational representatives later this afternoon.
Saturday’s demonstration saw thousands of people with boats, trailers, jet skis, and their supporters protest in a convoy from Albany to Mission Bay, along the Auckland waterfront, in a show of opposition to proposed changes to marlin bycatch rules and wider concerns about the government’s fisheries approach.
Protest group questions Marlin camera system and “misinformation” remarks
In its statement, One Ocean Protest has asked the minister to clarify his remarks about onboard cameras being used to confirm when a dead marlin is lifted onto a commercial vessel. They question whether the cameras he referred to are the same system that has faced significant reliability problems and raise concerns about oversight by companies tied to the commercial fishing sector.
The group also challenges Jones’ comment about “misinformation”, asking him to identify exactly what he believes organisers got wrong so they can address it. They say no direct contact has been made with them from the minister’s office, although opposition parties have been in touch.
In his video, Jones said he intended to address “anxieties and misinformation” and described marlin as “a majestic creature of the sea” before outlining the proposal to allow dead marlin to be landed if recorded on camera.
Group pushes back at tone and language
Organisers also responded to Jones’ line, “If you strike me, I’m going to strike you,” calling it an unusually sharp comment from a minister preparing to meet recreational groups the same day. They also asked what “mischievous mythologies” he was referring to, saying the phrase lacked detail and clarity.
Here is the Facebook video loaded yesterday (Saturday):
Their statement highlights the breadth of Saturday’s turnout, noting supporters who travelled long distances overnight, high value boats displaying protest flags, and community backing from across different fishing and boating circles.
Further discussion expected as pressure builds
Jones, in his video, said he is aiming for constructive conversation during today’s Paihia meeting and emphasised that marlin remain outside the quota system. He argued that allowing dead marlin to be landed would reduce waste and improve transparency.
One Ocean Protest says it intends to keep the pressure on if the proposals are not revisited, flagging the possibility of coordinated regional and nationwide action. The group says its supporters intend to stay vocal as the debate continues.
With both sides releasing updates throughout the weekend, the dispute over marlin bycatch rules is now firmly in the public spotlight and looks set to remain a key issue for recreational fishers and coastal communities in the days ahead.
