Concerns around proposed changes to marlin and several reef species have drawn a remarkable public response, with more than 22,000 people filing submissions in recent weeks. The volume of feedback reflects widespread unease among recreational fishers, clubs and coastal communities who say the proposals could shift long-standing expectations about how these fisheries are managed.
The reaction follows a period of heightened discussion across the sector, including the recent One Ocean Protest rally and ongoing advocacy from groups such as LegaSea. Much of the concern centres on suggestions that commercial operators could gain legal access to marlin under revised bycatch settings. For many fishers, that represents a significant departure from the long-held position that marlin should remain a recreational-only fishery.
The past week has also seen direct contact between organisers of the protest and Conservation Minister Tama Potaka. Supporters had encouraged the Minister to speak with the group, and he phoned organisers to address several claims circulating online. These included suggestions that the protest opposed HPAs or customary take. Organiser Ben Chissell told the Minister that these points were not part of the protest’s aims, and that most fishers support conservation measures when the rules are fair and clearly set out.
Minister Potaka acknowledged the frustration surrounding commercial ring-net activity within proposed HPAs. He noted that the issue stems from coalition arrangements, rather than his own preferred approach, and asked to stay in touch with fishing representatives over the coming months.
Meanwhile, LegaSea has thanked the thousands who responded to the submission call. The group says the key risk lies not with commercial crews generally, but with the way fisheries behaviour changes when a species becomes commercially valuable. They highlighted the example of swordfish, where landings rose dramatically once bycatch allowances created a pathway for targeted harvest. “You do not go from small amounts to hundreds of tonnes by accident,” the group said, pointing to the need for strict boundaries in marlin management.
With attention now turning to the Government, Minister of Fisheries Shane Jones is expected to make an announcement this week on marlin bycatch limits. Many in the fishing community say the decision will show whether the concerns raised across the country have been heard.
For now, both advocacy groups and everyday fishers say they plan to stay involved as the process unfolds. They also agree that the past fortnight has shown how strongly New Zealanders value their fisheries — and how quickly they will speak up when core species appear at risk.
