Welcome to Forest & Bird’s new blog

by frog

I’m not sure how I missed it, but F&B have launched a new blog. Yesterday’s post asked a very pertinent question:

As rule-maker & whistle-blower, one of the first questions facing the new Minister of Fisheries – Phil Heatley – is how many sea-lions can be killed this season?

Since 2003, a more information rich but highly complex model has been used to set the quota. It is like a minefield trying to get your head around the facts and figures Last year, based on advice from  MFish senior managers, the Minister made a controversial decision that greatly favoured the fishing industry – not the sustainability of NZ sea-lions. This was despite opposition from  the MFish science and policy teams as well as the Department of Conservation.

With this in mind, I ask how does one make an allowable kill quota on New Zealand sea lions whilst maintaining the ‘sustainable New Zealand’ brand?  Should the Minister support an allowable kill quota and if so, how many is acceptable? Or should they be saying no to the fishing industry – for the sake of the New Zealand Inc brand and the recovery of our depleted sea lion population?

Congratulations to F&B for widening their voice into the blogosphere. We need more credible voices asking pertinent questions about the destruction of our natural heritage. Green supporters should give it a look in and comment on the offerings.

So how about it Phil? Will you overturn Labour’s stupid adjustment of the quota, or make it worse still?