Some questions to end Seaweek…

by frog

To end our Seaweek coverage on Frogblog, here’s some Questions for Written Answer that Green Fisheries spokesmermaid Metiria Turei lodged this week to the Minister of Fisheries.

No doubt the Ministry of Fisheries is in the gun for cost cutting, restructuring and major legislation review, but the Government isn’t saying much yet. Fairfax papers recently ran a story “Fishing for facts top of new minister’s list” on ‎Feb 17, 2009‎ which begins:

Contrary to statements from his predecessor, Heatley has faith the commercial fishing industry is sticking to the rules…

So we thought we’d better find out a bit more, and have lodged these questions, the first substantive ones to the new Minister:

What evidence does he have to have “faith the commercial fishing industry is sticking to the rules”?

What, if any, evidence has he seen as to the comparative accuracy of quota and bycatch reporting between observed and non-observed boats?

What additional resourcing does he favour, in addition to more money for fisheries enforcement and recreational research?

What plans for amendments to fisheries legislation does he have, if any?

What are the objectives of the current review of the Ministry of Fisheries research methods?

What reviews, other than into the way the Ministry does its research, have been commenced in the Ministry of Fisheries?

Which stakeholders in fisheries management has he met with since he became Minister; who, when, and on what topic?

Is he committed to continuing the regional “Fisheries Plans” process?

What questions would you like to ask?