Impact of the Exclusive Economic Zone on the management and utilisation of the New Zealand fishery resources

Abstract

New Zealand has come to acquire greater sovereignty over its maritime territory during the last two decades. The Territorial Seas and Exclusive Economic Zone Act 1977 has provided the opportunity to rationally develop the fishery resources within the 200 mile zone to the benefit of New Zealand's national interests. The objective of this article is to review the implementation of the Act with particular reference to management and development of the New Zealand fishery resources. The 1978 proclamation has resulted in major changes in the New Zealand fishing industry and in fishing activity. Since 1982, attempts have been made to restructure the industry through a more integrated, longer term approach to the management of the EEZ. The policy framework, based on transferable quota management, has provided the basis for economically restructuring the fishing industry. While it may achieve its primary objective of reducing the excess capacity in the industry and mitigate conflicts over access to fishing resources, this has been achieved at the expense of wider social considerations, as demonstrated by recent experiences. -from Authors