Does the commercial fishing of Antarctic toothfish have a future? A critical assessment from a Ngai Tahu tikanga perspective

Abstract

This paper critically assesses the long-term sustainability of the Antarctic toothfish fishery from a Ngai Tahu tikanga (customary practices) perspective. The investigation assesses the current toothfish fishery, as determined by the Commission for the Convention on the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, against key Ngai Tahu ‘best practice’ fishing customs.

‘Best practice’ fisheries management criteria from various international sources have also been incorporated into the assessment, as and when appropriate, to add emphasis.

To critically assess the true, long-term sustainability of the toothfish fishery within Antarctic waters, the investigation focuses on key aspects of fisheries management, including:

• Catch limits; • Size limits; • The use of seasonal and spatial closures; • Protection of important habitats for fisheries management; • Protection of associated and dependant species; and • Compliance and enforcement.

The assessment also touches on key environmental management issues associated with commercial fishing such as pollution and bioinvasion of alien species.