Sanford’s Chief Executive has said the company is prepared to stop all commercial fishing in the Hauraki Gulf if recreational fishers record and report their catch. Volker Kuntzsch made the offer at the Forum’s Hauraki Gulf Marine Park Seminar in October.
He said an estimated 200,000 people fish in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park each year. “Complete transparency and data on all fishing in the Gulf is an important future step to preserving the fish stocks for future generations.”
Forum chairman John Tregidga welcomed the challenge. “It shows a willingness to re-examine business models, to look for accommodation and encourage innovation that will turn around the health of the Hauraki Gulf/ Tīkapa Moana. I’m confident the recreational fishing sector can also step up and embrace the challenge of stewardship for the Gulf.”