NZ must be vigilant in reducing sea lion fatalities

The effectiveness of sea lion exclusion devices (SLEDs), which are designed to keep sea lions out of trawling nets in peak squid fishing season, are in the spotlight following the government’s proposal not to set a ‘kill quota’ for this year’s squid fishery, says Labour’s Conservation spokesperson Ruth Dyson.

“This year’s ‘kill quota’ is yet to be announced, but proposals suggest the government may remove the fishing related mortality limit, meaning there may be no cap on the squid fisheries by-catch or the ‘accidental’ slaughter of New Zealand sea lions this year,” Ruth Dyson said.

“The Operational Plan for the Auckland Islands squid trawl fishery is set on an annual basis by the government to mitigate the effects of the fishery on New Zealand sea lions. The government says that currently the number of sea lions injured or killed by trawlers is well below the designated quota.

“This should not be seen as reason to defer the cap all together, instead, the government should be focusing on further reducing by-kill.

“The proposal not to impose a quota is based on the premise that SLEDs are effective in mitigating the by-catch of sea lions,” Ruth Dyson said. “While The Ministry of Fisheries considers the escape probability for sea lions interacting with the SLED has increased, there is no firm evidence that this is the case.

“The squid fishing season coincides with the sea lions' breeding season and many of those caught up in trawlers are pregnant or nursing mothers.

“With the number one cause of sea lion decline attributed to the squid fishery sector, the government should be working to bring down the number of fatalities, rather than sending a message that this is no longer a concern. New Zealand sea lions are not expendable,” Ruth Dyson said.