The Challenge and Strength of Rock Lobster Governance in New Zealand Tracy Yandle Emory University
Tracy
Thank You’s New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council Daryl Sykes (NZ RLIC) Helen Regan (NZ RLIC) University Research Committee (Emory University)
Overview Fishery Description History of Rock Lobster Management Regulatory Summary Key Events in Developing Co-Management Why Co-Management Developed Organization of Rock Lobster Co-Management Effects of Rock Lobster Co-Management Lessons Challenges
Fishery Description Small vessels (potting) fishing into large processing & export companies 3 rd largest seafood export ITQ management supplemented with co-management
History: Rock Lobster Regulatory Summary YearsEvent Permitted Fishing & Input Controls Moratorium on of new permits 1980 –1990Controlled Fishery 1986QMS introduced into finfish & paua (abalone) 1991Introduction of rock lobster into QMS 1996Formation of CRAMACs and NZ RLIC, formation of SeaFIC 1999Legislation passes allowing fishery management plans/co-management
History: Catch & CPUE
History: Developing Rock Lobster Co-Management YearsEvent Historical Background 1980sDebate over ITQ management 1991Rock Lobster enters ITQ management 1991Natl Rock Lobster Steering Group 1992-nowNatl Rock Lobster Management Group Supplemental Enforcement Initiative 1993CRA 3 Harvest Strategy 1994Cost Recover Begins Mid 1990s-nowData Gathering Initiatives 1996Formation of NZ RLIC 1999Legal Recognition of Co-Management
Why Did Co-Management Develop? Social Capital Tradition of involvement in fishery Involvement institutionalized through government’s and fishers’ actions Property Rights ITQs expanding perception property rights Provided incentive to take on management responsibilities
Organization of Rock Lobster Co-Management (1) 9 CRAMACs regional organizations Heart of rock lobster co-management Characteristics vary by region Membership & voting rules Pressure & interactions from other interests Activities Develop own projects and cooperate with NZ RLIC projects
Organization of Rock Lobster Co-Management (2) Rock Lobster Industry Council (NZ RLIC) CRAMACs appoint representatives to NZ RLIC board Voting and contribution proportionate to regional TACC Funded through levy Provides representation, technical assistance, & coordination to CRAMACs Research provider to Ministry of Fisheries New Zealand Seafood Industry Council (SeaFIC) Stakeholder groups (e.g., NZ RLIC) are shareholders Provides generic advice and advocacy for seafood industry Employs research scientists who contract with NZ RLIC for stock assessment research
Effects of Co-Management Outputs Catch is down CPUE is up Stock is sustainable (given uncertainty) BUT – what is effect of ITQ vs co-management??? Management Process Increased participation by fishers and industry Documented at national and regional levels Participation in rule-making increases compliance & robustness of regime
Lessons Development of co-management was long-term process Social capital AND property rights vital Long-term policies encouraging these characteristics may be more useful than quick regulatory change in a vacuum
Challenges Separation of catching rights from ownership rights Need to define ALL extractors’ rights Both issues threaten incentives to participate in co-management
Questions?