Summary

This guide has been designed for fishers to easily access information on the Conservation Services Programme’s best practice methods of protected species bycatch handling and treatment.

Fishers are responsible for handling all protected species appropriately in order to maximise the chance of their survival. Mishandling protected species can significantly reduce their chances of survival and have long term impacts on the sustainability of the species.

Proper handling practices also reduce the risk of injury to crew. This guide provides information on:

• the correct and incorrect handling methods
• the main protected species groups bycaught in New Zealand fisheries
• measures to increase crew safety.

Download the publication

Protected Species Handling and Release Guide (PDF, 1,481K) - updated 2024

This publication is also translated into the following languages:

• Indonesian (PDF, 622 K)
• Japanese (PDF, 793 K)
• Korean (PDF, 671 K)
• Russian (PDF, 681 K)
• Ukranian (PDF, 680 K)
• Spanish-European (PDF, 2,795 KB)
• Spanish-Latam (PDF, 2,765 KB) 
• Traditional chinese (PDF, 2,912K)

Publication information

Designed by Port Group Ltd.

Technical review by Marine Bycatch and Threats Team, Department of Conservation.

Last updated January 2024.