- Hon Tama Potaka
The Government has approved a revised National Plan of Action to strengthen the conservation and sustainable management of sharks in New Zealand, says Minister of Conservation Tama Potaka.
“Sharks are an important part of our marine ecosystems, and this plan sets a clear direction for protecting them and managing the threats they face,” Mr Potaka says.
“New Zealand waters are home to at least 113 shark species. Seven of these species are recognised as protected because of their conservation status, and eleven are sustainably managed under the Quota Management System due to their significance to customary, recreational, and commercial fisheries.
“Sharks also play a vital role in maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems – as they mature slowly, and produce relatively few young, it is important to carefully manage populations to ensure the survival of all species in our waters.
“A central focus is avoiding the capture of protected and non-target shark species and, where sharks are unintentionally caught, using best-practice handling and release methods to give them the greatest possible chance of survival when returned to the sea.
“The updated Plan identifies that sharks face several threats beyond fishing, including disease, pollution, marine debris, biosecurity risks, climate change, and habitat degradation.
“It also better integrates tangata whenua perspectives and values into shark management, recognising sharks as taonga and their relationships with other species and the wider marine environment.
“We have made considerable progress under previous plans, including the ban on shark finning introduced by the previous National Government in 2014, and improved guidance for fishers on safely handling and releasing protected sharks.
“Our Government is building on that strong record of practical conservation action through this revised plan.”
Notes to editors:
- The National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2026 is available at: Shark conservation and management | NZ Government
- The National Plan of Action for the Conservation and Management of Sharks 2026 covers all chondrichthyan species of sharks, rays, skates, and chimaeras.
- The Plan was developed jointly by the Department of Conservation (DOC), Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) and other Government agencies, with input from the Shark Advisory Group, tangata whenua, environmental organisations, commercial and recreational fishers, and feedback from public consultation.
- It builds on previous Plans introduced in 2008, and revised in 2013, and contains seven goals and 23 measurable objectives.
