Seabirds around a fishing vessel.

National Plan of Action – Seabirds

Introduction

The National Plan of Action – Seabirds 2020 has been approved.

Update May 2020

The Minister of Fisheries and the Minister of Conservation have approved the National Plan of Action Seabirds 2020.

Consultation on the plan

New Zealand is known as the seabird capital of the world – more species of seabirds breed in New Zealand than anywhere else in the world.

The Department of Conservation and Fisheries New Zealand have reviewed the National Plan of Action for Seabirds 2013.

We want:

  • seabirds to thrive in New Zealand waters without pressure or death from fishing-related activities
  • New Zealand fishers to avoid or help reduce seabird captures
  • New Zealand fisheries to be recognised globally as seabird-friendly.

We have taken advice from the Seabird Advisory Group, which has representatives from government agencies, environmental groups, commercial and recreational fishers, and Te Ohu Kaimoana.

Consultation began on 19 November 2019 and closed on 27 January 2020.

Consultation on the MPI website.