Protection for hoiho made permanent

Long-term measures to reduce risk from fishing to hoiho will come into force on 16 September 2026, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“Last year I established a temporary emergency ban of set-net fishing in a high-risk area around the Otago Peninsula to protect hoiho (yellow-eyed penguins).This allowed for a review of scientific evidence and public consultation before deciding next steps.

“I have decided this closure will be made permanent. I am also establishing a new escalating response framework called a Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) so I can act quickly and decisively to increase protections if needed.”

Hoiho is a taonga species, and the northern population that lives on the lower South Island and Rakiura/Stewart Island is classified as nationally endangered.

“Last year’s risk assessment projected that to stabilise the northern hoiho population we must cut deaths from all causes by half, and I consider the new protections will achieve this goal for fisheries bycatch,” Mr Jones says.

“However, I want to be very clear that fisheries bycatch is not the main reason the northern hoiho population is in a precarious state.

“The major risks to hoiho are disease, predation, and starvation, but implementing these long-term measures to reduce the risk of fisheries bycatch will help.”

The FRML sets limits for accidental capture of hoiho, with accompanying actions, including potential further closures if necessary. The annual FRML for the northern hoiho population has been set at four a year.

“This is not a target, it is a bottom line. It will further incentivise fishers to do everything possible to prevent hoiho bycatch, as I will put further restrictions on fishing in the area in place to ensure this limit is not exceeded,” Mr Jones says.

“I thank the many people who made their views known during public consultation.” ...