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On-board cameras for commercial fishing vessels
Find out why we're using on-board cameras on commercial fishing vessels and how it works.
Wider rollout of on-board cameras
Fisheries New Zealand is running a consultation on the wider rollout of on-board cameras. On 17 June 2021, Hon. David Parker, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, announced that up to 300 inshore fishing vessels will be fitted with cameras by the end of 2024.
We want your feedback on:
- which fishing vessels will get cameras
- how the rollout is prioritised
- the level of industry contribution to costs.
The installation of cameras is planned to start around late 2022 and take about 24 months to roll out.
The consultation closes on 6 December 2021.
Find out how to make a submission
Wider roll-out of cameras on boats to support sustainability and protect marine life – NZ Government
Why on-board cameras?
On-board cameras give us independent information about what goes on at sea. They help verify catch reporting, and monitor fishing activity by commercial fishers, to encourage compliance with the rules.
Overseas experience shows that placing cameras on commercial fishing vessels greatly improves the quality of fisher-reported data.
For example, reports of interactions with seabirds and mammals increased 7 times when electronic monitoring was introduced to Australia’s longline fisheries in 2015. Overall reported catch remained the same.
Camera technologies have been used around the world on commercial fishing vessels for decades. We have learned a lot from fisheries overseas that are already using these systems.
How we rolled out on-board cameras in New Zealand
New Zealand regulations for on-board cameras on commercial fishing vessels came into effect in 2018.
Since then, we’ve developed the systems and processes to support this and have now put cameras on some fishing vessels. The regulations applied to these vessels from 1 November 2019 in a defined fishing area on the west coast of the North Island.
On-board cameras are coming to other commercial fishing vessels.
On 17 June 2021 the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries announced that up to 300 inshore fishing vessels will be fitted with cameras by 2024.
Verification and monitoring will be more important in some fisheries than others. The initial rollout and now the wider rollout prioritise commercial fishing vessels with the greatest chance of encountering the critically endangered Māui dolphin.
The first rollout of on-board cameras in November 2019 allowed us time to refine systems and processes, which we can now apply during this wider rollout of cameras across more of the commercial fishing fleet.
More information about the initial rollout
To find out more, including privacy, and guidance and support for fishers, refer to:
The roll-out of on-board cameras on 1 November 2019
On-board camera regulations
Fisheries (Electronic Monitoring on Vessels) Regulations 2017 – NZ Legislation
Fisheries (Electronic Monitoring on Vessels) Amendment Regulations 2020 – NZ Legislation
Who to contact
If you have questions about on-board cameras for commercial fishing vessels, email onboardcameras@mpi.govt.nz
