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In this section looks at why we need a management system to conserve fisheries resources; MFish's role in that management system; and your role in conservation and sustainability of fisheries resources

1.	Debate
	Resources
		Conserving our fisheries resources
		Marine fisheries research
		Fishing methods
	Background information
	Fisheries management is based on sustainable use of resources, and has three goals:
		Managing fisheries as a part of the wider environment
		Economic efficiency
		Keeping government intervention to a minimum
	All fisheries management systems have supporters and critics, including New Zealand's Quota Management System
	Input controls Input controls attempt to control the fishing effort (input). These include all the traditional measures like limited licensing or permitting, gear restriction, closed fishing grounds and closed seasons. They are designed to protect fish stocks by restricting fishing effort as an indirect way of limiting catch.
	Input controls suffer from the difficulty of defining and controlling effort. Fishers tend to get around input controls by increasing effort in other ways that are not controlled, eg, bigger boats, engines, nets.
	Output controls Output controls attempt to directly control the catch level (output). They include all forms of quota. The catch is limited and usually set annually. This system focuses on the key issue, which is the amount removed from the fish population. If the information is good, and if quotas are not exceeded, then fishers have secure rights and can invest in their business and plan ahead.
	If fish stocks are at risk, quota can be reduced. How soon a quota system responds can, partly, depend on the quality of research. This system suffers from:
		Not enough scientific knowledge to set some Total Allowable Catches (TACs) safely.
		By-catch in multi-species trawl fisheries.
		Dumping fish at sea. Some fish, which are outside the quota or are inferior specimens, are dumped at sea. This is a problem if the dumped fish is not declared and represents a catch in excess of quota.
		A set catch being taken from varying numbers of fish, ie, a higher proportion is taken when stocks are low.
		The difficulty of enforcement.
	Whichever system is used, input and output controls have to be cost-effective, easy to administer and understand, and responsive to changing circumstances. Most fish populations are variable and some are inherently unstable. All are linked in some way with the marine ecosystem. All fish are prey or predators at some stage in their lifecycle. Their relative abundance within the ecosystem varies within time scales ranging from a few years to several decades.
	Some points for both sides to consider are:
		The need for science-based management.
		Ecosystem or population stability.
		Sustainable catches of single species.
		By-catch issues.
		The economics of fishing and the need for businesses to plan ahead.
		The fairness of allocation or access to different user groups.
		The cost of research and enforcement.
		The role of the Government in fisheries management.
	Activity
	Have a group debate on: "The best way to manage fisheries is through input controls."

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2.	Cultural issues
	Resources
		Traditional Maori fisheries
		Pacific Islands fishing traditions
	Activity
	Write about the attitudes of Maori, Europeans, and Pacific Islanders towards fishing. Think about fish size limits, dumping waste at sea, closed seasons, etc. What are the similarities and differences between the groups.

3.	Poster
	Activity
	Design a poster promoting conservation and management of fish to targeted audience. Highlight one species or look at the overall need for management.

4.	Local study
	Resources
		Files from your local newspaper
		Library
		The Ministry of Fisheries
		Local kaumätua
	Activity
	If you live near water - the sea, lake, river or estuary - find out if there are any local fishing issues, eg, pollution, Maori concerns, decline in fish size or overfishing. Work individually or in groups and present your findings to the class.

5.	Essay
	Resources
		Conserving our fisheries resources
		The history of fishing in New Zealand
		Human impacts on fisheries resources
	Activity
	Write an essay titled: "Fisheries Towards 2000 - How can we make sure there are enough fish in the sea for future generations?" Points to think about:
		The need for information about fish populations and their sustainability.
		The groups with an interest in conserving fisheries resources.
		The reasons behind the Quota Management System (overfishing, excessive government intervention and inefficiency in the fishing industry).
		The rules and regulations that cover groups or areas (eg, recreational, taiapure and marine reserves).

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