Insights into New Zealand’s fishing sector

Covering 4.4 million km²,  New Zealand has the 4th largest coastal fishing zone in the world.

With 130 species commercially fished in New Zealand, the fishing industry contributes significantly to the economy.

Crucial exports

Fishing is the country’s fifth largest export industry, and international sales have continued to grow over the past few decades. In 2008, export sales reached an impressive NZ$1.35 billion.

Major export markets include Australia, Hong Kong, the United States, China, Japan and Spain.

The fishing industry’s success has led to the creation of 22,000 jobs, and it’s one of the major employers throughout the country.

In 2009, the top twenty species of fish made up 91% of the total value of New Zealand’s commercial fish resource.

Top species

The major species of fish caught in New Zealand include:

• Squid
• Hoki (Blue Grenadier)
• Ling (Kingklip)
• Oreo dories
• Orange roughy
• Silver warehou.

Approximately 70% of all fish are sourced from deep-sea fisheries. With only 55 species of freshwater fish in New Zealand, there are less commercial opportunities in freshwater fishing. However there is a strong market for commercially farmed salmon and trout are bred and released for recreational purposes.

Spread throughout the country, major seafood hubs include: Nelson (home to the largest fishing port in Australasia), Auckland, Canterbury, Timaru, Southland, Tauranga, Napier, Southland, and New Plymouth.

Prospering marine environment

New Zealand’s fishing industry has an international reputation for its superior quality and environmentally sound management system. In 1986, New Zealand introduced the Quota Management System which divides New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone into 10 fisheries management areas. The Quota Management System sets commercial catch limits for each species of fish to ensure their sustainable growth.

With eco-safeguards and high food standards, New Zealand fishing corporations have been able to maintain their leading position within the global market. New Zealand is a unique country devoted to a clean, green lifestyle and this has translated into sustainable fishing practices throughout the country.

Key Resources

We suggest looking at the following resources:

• Learn more about the history and culture of fishing on The Encyclopedia of New Zealand website
• The Ministry of Fisheries is the government department responsible for the sustainable utilisation of New Zealand fisheries
• The New Zealand Seafood Industry Council represents the seafood industry and works to create policy and regulatory frameworks.