New report suggests Kiwi fish stocks 'doing well'

Following his comments about Kiwis 'catastrophising' fish reforms and marlin rules, Oceans & Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has released a report this week saying New Zealand's fish stocks are doing well.

On December 9, 2025, the following was released on the Beehive website:

A new scientific report shows New Zealand’s fish stocks are in good shape overall, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.

“Fisheries New Zealand’s Status of the Stocks report shows 87.2 percent of the country’s 149 scientifically evaluated stocks are sustainable. There are plans in place to get the 19 fish stocks identified as needing support back to where they should be,” Mr Jones says.

“I know fishers are committed to sustainability and I’m working with them to ensure we have reasonable measures in place.”

The latest report backs United Nations’ findings earlier this year that New Zealand’s fisheries are among the world’s most sustainable.

“Our fish stocks can fluctuate from year to year but there’s been a steady increase in the percentage of scientifically evaluated stocks that are sustainable since reporting began in 2009.

“Over the past three years, this level has remained above 87 percent.”

The seafood sector employs around 9000 people, provides food for Kiwis, and wild-capture fisheries generate around $1.5 billion in exports annually.

"Our quota management system remains at the heart of New Zealand’s fisheries’ success story, but I’m always open to new ideas to ensure a sustainable industry and fishery.

“In August, I announced the Government is progressing a package of major fisheries reforms are built on science and will ensure more responsive fisheries management so our fishing industry can continue to get value from New Zealand’s sustainable fisheries resources.

“These changes will build on the generations of hard work that have gone into making New Zealand recognised for its good management of fisheries resources.

“Knowing our seafood comes from sustainable fisheries is good news for fishers, consumers, and for the sector’s ongoing health,” Mr Jones says.

For more information and for the full report visit MPI’s website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/fishing-aquaculture/fisheries-management/fish-stock-status

A fishy tale

Despite Jones' latest announcement, many people are concerned that our oceans aren't as healthy as they could be.

• East Coast populations of Tarahiki 'have crashed to around 15% of their original size'. This species is still being fished.
• Our Orange Roughy (a slow-breeding deep-sea fish) is on the edge of collapse. However, this is classed as 'sustainable'.
• The Snapper population in the Hauraki Gulf is down 80%, with locals overwhelmingly reporting that the fish are harder to find.

There's also concern that documented financial contributions from seafood companies and executives in excess of $100,000 to Shane Jones and New Zealand First since 2017 show a conflict of interest in Jones' role as Fisheries Minister. Barry Weeber, co-chair of the Environment and Conservation Organisations of NZ, states that a politician funded by the fishing industry "should not be in charge of fisheries".

Click here for the full article 'Fish Influence - how the fishing industry captured Shane Jones' by Bryce Edwards