Fishers support ELI call for emergency closure to protect hoiho. Ministers must act.

The support of Otago set-net fishers for emergency closures of set-net fishing shows action to urgently protect hoiho yellow-eyed penguin has broad backing, and it is time for Ministers to act.

Any decisions about closures need to be regulated, so they can be properly monitored and implemented, as well as ensuring they cover the entirety of hoiho nesting and breeding habitat.

Minister Shane Jones and Minister Tama Potaka have sat with this decision for several months now. As Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Jones has a legal duty to avoid, remedy and mitigate fishing threats to hoiho. As Minister for Conservation, Potaka has a duty to protect wildlife, such as hoiho.

The nesting season has already begun. Hoiho are now at their incubation stage, with nesting parents taking turns to forage up to 25 km from their nesting areas.

We are concerned that any further delay in action will have irreversible consequences for hoiho. Ministers must act expeditiously to fulfil their legal obligations.

Beyond an emergency closure, we have asked Ministers to put in place a mortality limit of zero as part of a comprehensive population management plan.