Watchdog wants ban on eel fishing

  • Breaking
  • 17/04/2013

Parliament's environment watchdog has recommended the Government temporarily ban the commercial fishing of longfin eels to prevent extinction.

Longfin eels are the world's largest freshwater eel and are only found in New Zealand. They can grow up to 2m long, be as thick as a male's thigh and live past 100.

In the 1960s, commercial fishing and export of longfin eels began.

But recently, the numbers of longfins – which only breed once during their lifetime at an age of 80 - have declined rapidly, prompting an investigation.

In her report 'On a Pathway to Extinction?', Parliamentary Environment Commissioner Jan Wright says a moratorium on commercial fishing should be implemented until eel numbers return to normal.

Dr Wright also recommends Department of Conservation staff be allowed to implement protection methods for the eels.

She also wants the Primary Industries Ministry to conduct expert investigations into eel numbers.

"The evidence shows that around the country there are sites where not only are there no young eels, there is also a lack of mature eels of breeding age," she says.

Most of the longfin eels caught currently is exported to South Korea and Belgium and last year brought in revenue of around $9 million.

In addition to commercial fishing depleting eel numbers, the turbines on hydro-electric dams are understood to be killing adult eels.

The Green Party says the report is a clear indication the Government needs to urgently intervene.

“We wouldn’t turn our little spotted kiwi into cat food – we shouldn’t allow this to happen to our eels,” says spokesperson Eugenie Sage.

The report will be tabled in Parliament this afternoon and the Government will then consider it.

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