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CSP observer report: 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 (PDF, 646K)

Summary

The Department of Conservation (DOC), through the Conservation Services Programme (CSP), has a statutory role to monitor and collect data on the interactions between commercial fisheries and protected species. In order to fulfil this role, Government observers are placed on commercial fishing vessels operating in New Zealand’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Protected species known to interact with commercial fishing operations include seabirds, marine mammals, marine turtles and protected fish species. Protected corals are landed in some fisheries. The information collected by observers can identify where the most significant interactions are occurring and can inform development and application of strategies to minimise adverse impacts.

This report summarises the observed interactions (mortalities and specimens released alive) between protected species and commercial fishing vessels for the period 1 July 2008 to 30 June 2009 783 animals of approximately 60 taxa. Interactions are grouped by fishery, fishing method and area. Information is presented at a coarse level to inform where fishing effort, observer coverage and captures occur so that potential gaps in monitoring can be identified along with high risk areas and time periods in various fisheries. The 2008/09 observer year saw an increase in coverage of the inshore fisheries as part of the draft Hector’s and Māui dolphin Threat Management Plan, and the interactions observed during this coverage are also reported here.