Protected species liaison programme 2022/23
This report summarises the outcomes of the Protected Species Liaison Programme for the 2022-23 fishing year (1 Oct 2022 – 30 Sept 2023), including a summary of the inshore and HMS fleets’ adherence to Protected Species Risk Management Plans. Published June 2024.

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MIT2021-01 Liaison Programme Annual Report, 2022-23 Fishing Year (PDF, 13,159K) 

Summary

In order to effectively reduce the risk of interactions with protected species, it is important for vessels to be using best practice mitigation and to follow steps laid out by both regulatory and non-regulatory measures. With the support of Seafood New Zealand (SNZ), the Conservation Services Programme (CSP) Protected Species Liaison Project aims to increase uptake of best practice mitigation for inshore and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) fishing vessels. This is achieved by building one-on-one relationships, providing advice, and educating fishers on protected species information.

The Liaison programme covers bottom and surface longline, inshore trawl, set net and purse seine fleets, with opportunistic engagement in dredging, jig and Danish seine. There are currently five regionally-focused liaison officers. 

In the 2022-23 fishing year (1 October 2022 - 30 September 2023) the Liaison Programme reviewed 150 PSRMPs and developed a total of 28 new PSRMPs for inshore and Highly Migratory Species (HMS) vessels. A total of 31 PSRMP audits were completed by Observer Services and forwarded on to the Liaison Programme. These comprised of 5 surface longline audits, 3 bottom longline audits, 12 trawl audits and 11 set net audits. 

We received 88 triggers from 44 different vessels. Of the 88 trigger events, 49 were for seabirds. These were largely comprised of flesh-footed shearwaters caught in the BLL fleets.

Within the coming years the capacity of the programme is expected to grow to provide full outreach to all relevant inshore and HMS fisheries. By the end of the 2022-23 fishing year there were 240 active vessels included in the Liaison Programme, and five Liaison Officers spread throughout the regions. With upwards of 388 vessels active in our prioritised inshore and HMS fleets, more capacity is needed in order to bring the remaining inshore vessels into the Liaison Programme. In addition to this, as cameras roll out there will be an anticipated increase to workload. The Liaison Programme will need to find a balance between Liaison Officer capacity and adequate levels of response.

Publication information

Plencner, T. 2024. CSP Liaison Programme Annual Report 2022-23. Final Report for MIT2021-01, Department of Conservation. 44 p.