Have Your Say: Commercialising Marlin

On October 20, 2025, Fisheries New Zealand proposed a package of 19 changes that aim to 'remove redundant regulations' around our non-commercial marine species.

Dive Pacific, the New Zealand Underwater Association, New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, LegaSea and New Zealand Angling and Casting are jointly submitting to oppose the proposals to commercialise marlin, and 17 other reef fish species. But we need your help.

The One Ocean Protest that took place across Auckland's Harbour Bridge on November 22nd 2025 has led to a very short public submission period on proposals that will allow the commercial sale of marlin if it's hauled up dead.

"This time, Fisheries New Zealand is proposing that commercial fishers can land and sell the estimated 10,000kg of reef species, including red moki and boarfish, that they catch in bottom trawl nets, and any dead marlin that are caught on longline," says LegaSea programme lead Sam Woolford. "Currently these species are not in the Quota Management System, so allowing commercial exploitation is the first step towards further privatisation of our natural resources."

We are joining multiple organisations, groups and individuals in urging the public to make sure our voice is heard, and this damaging proposal doesn't go ahead. Submissions close at 5pm on Friday November 28th.

https://legasea.co.nz/marlin-submissions-nov-2025/

The protest earlier this month aimed to draw attention to some of the fishing reforms that have been proposed - one of which is to allow commercial fishing operators to land and sell marlin if they are dead when caught. Over 500 vehicles joined the protest, and their message - that our seas should not be for sale - is gathering more and more momentum.

Why the concern?

Since 1991, long-standing protections have been in place for marlin, a fish that has always been treated as a non-commercial species in New Zealand. Catch and release has always been a point of pride for game fishing and sportfishing culture, and the sport is seen as very much a part of our Kiwi culture. Marlin has never been part of the Quota Management System - they are a strictly non-commercial species. And we're trying to keep it that way, because we've been here before - and the results were devastating.

Back in the 1990s, the rules for catching swordfish commercially were changed to 'bycatch only'. Commercial fishers couldn't target them, but if they landed swordfish that were accidentally killed during tuna fishing - that was 'bycatch' so it was permitted.

After that rule was implemented, the number of 'bycatch' swordfish landings skyrocketed, with reported landings increasing from a few dozen tonnes a year, to 201 tonnes in 2000. Loose regulations meant operators could find loopholes in the system, changing when and where they fished, modifying gear and soak times.

In 2004, swordfish were added to the Quota Management System, and a group of select commercial fishers were given official quota. Rather than fixing the problem, this sealed the fate of this magnificent species. Over two decades later, we're now watching history repeat itself - this time with marlin.

If marlin protections are removed, commercial fishing operators are given a financial incentive to ensure more marlin are brought up dead - because they can sell it. There are no catch limits, no quota and no levies. And no guarantees that marlin will escape becoming a target species.

So - we're asking you to join us and speak up. Submissions close this week - 5pm on Friday 28th November 2025 - so time is short. Click the link and sign up - it'll only take a couple of minutes, but your voice matters.

httpshttps://legasea.co.nz/marlin-submissions-nov-2025/://legasea.co.nz/marlin-submissions-nov-2025/

Want to learn more?

Marine scientists John Holdsworth and Pete Saul from Blue Water Marine Research Limited, talked with NZ Sport Fishing Council scientist Sydney Curtis about the history of the recreational-only marlin fishery, and the proposal to allow the sale of dead marlin from commercial bycatch.