The Challenge and Strength of Rock Lobster Governance in New Zealand

Tracy Yandle

Emory University

tyandle@emory.edu

Tracy

Thank You’s

New Zealand Rock Lobster Industry Council Daryl Sykes (NZ RLIC)Helen Regan (NZ RLIC)University Research Committee (Emory University)

OverviewFishery DescriptionHistory of Rock Lobster Management

Regulatory SummaryKey Events in Developing Co-ManagementWhy Co-Management Developed

Organization of Rock Lobster Co-Management

Effects of Rock Lobster Co-ManagementLessonsChallenges

Fishery Description

Small vessels (potting) fishing into large processing & export companies

3rd largest seafood exportITQ management supplemented with

co-management

History: Rock Lobster Regulatory Summary

Years Event

1937-1980 Permitted Fishing & Input Controls

1977-1979 Moratorium on of new permits

1980 –1990 Controlled Fishery

1986 QMS introduced into finfish & paua (abalone)

1991 Introduction of rock lobster into QMS

1996 Formation of CRAMACs and NZ RLIC, formation of SeaFIC

1999 Legislation passes allowing fishery management plans/co-management

History: Catch & CPUE

0

1000

2000

3000

4000

5000

6000

7000

1945

1947

1949

1951

1953

1955

1957

1959

1961

1963

1965

1967

1969

1971

1973

1975

1977

1979

1980

-198

1

1982

-198

3

1984

-198

5

1986

-198

7

1988

-198

9

1990

-199

1

1992

-199

3

1994

-199

5

1996

-199

7

1998

-199

9

2000

-200

1

Cat

ch (

ton

nes

)

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

CP

UE

(kg

/po

tlif

t)

Catch

CPUE

1977-1980 --Permit Moratorium

Pre-1977-Permitted Fishing & Input Controls

1980-1990 Controlled Fishery Licences

1991 - ITQs Introduced

1996 -- NZRLIC & regional orgs formed

1999 - Legislation allow s co-management

1937 - Introduction of Permited Fishing

History: Developing Rock Lobster Co-Management

Years Event

Historical Background

1980s Debate over ITQ management

1991 Rock Lobster enters ITQ management

1991 Natl Rock Lobster Steering Group

1992-now Natl Rock Lobster Management Group

1993-5 Supplemental Enforcement Initiative

1993 CRA 3 Harvest Strategy

1994 Cost Recover Begins

Mid 1990s-now Data Gathering Initiatives

1996 Formation of NZ RLIC

1999 Legal Recognition of Co-Management

Why Did Co-Management Develop?

Social CapitalTradition of involvement in fisheryInvolvement institutionalized through government’s

and fishers’ actions

Property RightsITQs expanding perception property rightsProvided incentive to take on management

responsibilities

Organization of Rock Lobster Co-Management (1)

9 CRAMACs regional organizationsHeart of rock lobster co-managementCharacteristics vary by region

Membership & voting rulesPressure & interactions from other interestsActivities

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

OutputsCatch is downCPUE is upStock is sustainable (given uncertainty)BUT – what is effect of ITQ vs co-management???

Management ProcessIncreased participation by fishers and industryDocumented at national and regional levelsParticipation in rule-making increases compliance &

robustness of regime

Lessons

Development of co-management was long-term process

Social capital AND property rights vitalLong-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’ rightsBoth issues threaten incentives to

participate in co-management

Questions?