The scope of the Conservation Services Programme (CSP) is the impact of commercial fishing on protected species in New Zealand fisheries waters.

Protected marine species include all marine mammals and reptiles; sea birds (except black backed gulls); seven species of fish; all black corals, gorgonian corals, stony corals and hydrocorals.

Direct commercial fishing impacts include species being caught, killed or injured in nets or on lines (bycatch). Impacts may also be indirect through the modification of habitat or food availability.

CSP monitors the effects of commercial fishing on protected species, studies species populations and looks at ways to limit bycatch.