The increase in rock lobster catches are worth an estimated $11.5 million a year to fishers, while the increase in the southern blue whiting catch are worth an estimated $4.7 million a year.

Jim Anderton also adjusted deemed value rates (charges that are imposed on commercial fishers to discourage catching in excess of their catch entitlement) for 28 fish-stocks.

Both the increased catch limits and the amended deemed values will take effect tomorrow.

Catch limits in the CRA8 fishery (Southland) are to increase by nearly 211 tonnes to 1,053 tonnes and in the CRA7 (Otago) fishery by 3.7 tonnes to 143.9 tonnes.

The increases this year follow increases both in 2004 and 2006, and are the result of a faster than expected rebuild of the fishery from a low point in the late 1990s, when catch limits were cut to protect sustainability.

Mr Anderton said the increases showed that southern rock lobster fisheries were being carefully managed and had recovered well.

“Fishers felt the pain of cuts in catch limits to protect the fishery in the late 1990s but are now reaping the rewards of responsible management.

“I will not hesitate to reduce catch limits when I have to protect our fisheries, but likewise when the science tells us there are extra fish, I will increase catch limits and allow fishers to take advantage of them.”

He said he carefully considered how the extra catch should be allocated amongst recreational, commercial and customary fishers. The extra catch has gone only to commercial fishers at this stage, as the best available information suggests existing recreational and customary fishing allowances are not currently being caught. This allocation will continue to be monitored and if the situation changes the allowances will be reviewed.

“The southern rock lobster fisheries are important for the regional economies of the lower South Island. When we boost these fisheries we boost the whole region.”

He has also adopted a new management plan to guide the setting of catch limits in the fisheries. The new plan is designed to ensure that the number of rock lobster in the water stays high into the future.

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