Explanatory note
This note is not part of the regulations, but is intended to indicate their general effect.
The principal regulations restrict the take of various species of fish based on length, weight, or net mesh size. These regulations change the restriction for eels from a net mesh-based limit (of 100 mm) to a weight-based limit of 220 g.
The regulations also insert new regulation 80A to prohibit the use of wire traces or shark lines by commercial tuna and billfish fishers. This implements a measure agreed by the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission, of which New Zealand is a member.
The regulations also amend Schedule 2 of the principal regulations to remove the fee currently charged when a departmental observer supervises the return of fish to the sea.
Regulatory impact statement
The Ministry for Primary Industries produced a regulatory impact statement on 26 August 2015 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to regulation 9 of this instrument.
Copies of the regulatory impact statement can be found at—
Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2012.
Date of notification in Gazette: 19 November 2015.
These regulations are administered by the Ministry for Primary Industries.