8 | NZ Federation of Commercial Fishermen T T Karen Phelps Federation plays vital role in industry Gabriel Bertogg REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Decades of unwavering commitment to the New Zealand fishing community were celebrated in June when the New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen marked its 70th anniversary with a conference and Annual General Meeting at the Marlborough Events Centre in Blenheim. The milestone not only showcased the Federation’s remarkable journey but also underscored its pivotal role in safeguarding the interests of small to medium-sized operators in the country’s fishing industry, says Federation President Doug Saunders-Loder. “The Federation is well-recognised with government agencies and others and we have a steadfast group of well-intentioned people running it. So for the Federation to have continued to advocate for that period of time is admirable,” says Doug. The roots of the Federation trace back to a modest gathering of South Island fishermen in Lyttleton in 1952. These pioneers recognised the need for collective action and laid the foundation for what would become a vital institution. By 1958, the Federation had expanded its reach to encompass the North Island and adopted the name, New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen (Inc). Throughout its history the Federation has rallied thousands of passionate fishers from across New Zealand. Its mission has always been clear: to advocate for the issues that impact the nation’s waters, fisheries, and regional economies. Doug emphasises the organisation’s unwavering commitment to representing the small owner-operator fishers who constitute the backbone of the industry. “This is the only organisation that puts the needs of this country’s small owner-operator fishers at the heart of everything it does. It has always prioritised giving a voice to the little guy” he says. Over the years the Federation has played a pivotal role in driving key reforms, including the establishment of the 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone and the implementation of the Quota Management System in 1986, aimed at setting sustainable caps on catches. These milestones have not only protected the environment but also secured the future of the industry, says Doug. But the Federation’s role extends beyond policy advocacy: “It serves as a unifying force for those who spend long, demanding hours on the water. It fosters connections among fishermen from various corners of the country, creating a sense of belonging and purpose within the community,” explains Doug. The 70th-anniversary celebration drew the attention of prominent figures in New Zealand’s marine and political landscape. Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Rachel Brooking, New Zealand Federation of Commercial Fishermen President Doug Saunders-Loder. acknowledged the challenges confronting the seafood industry, particularly smaller fishing operators grappling with rising costs and workforce shortages. She commended the Federation for its efforts to promote selective fishing practices, emphasising that these initiatives often go unnoticed by the public. She stressed the importance of bridging the gap between the industry and the wider community, a task in which the Federation plays an essential role. Doug agrees that the role the industry plays is often overlooked and misunderstood: “Fishers don’t feel well-valued in society, a bit like farmers. There needs to be a turnaround in terms of a shift in public perception, as fishers are also keen advocates for protecting the marine environment as well as providing a much-needed food resource for New Zealanders,” he says. For example, in response to the report by the Ministerial Inquiry into land use and forestry slash in Tairāwhiti Gisborne and Wairoa, in its submission the Federation called for the enquiry to be expanded to a national level, as the risks and consequences that prompted this inquiry in the first place are not exclusive to Tairāwhiti and Wairoa. “Members of the Federation experience and feel the damaging effects of some land-based activities daily,” says Doug. “We see opportunity for some of the recommendations – taskforces, catchment-based land-use management and strengthening regulatory powers of existing governing bodies – to be applied to other high-risk, erosion-prone coastal areas of New Zealand such as Marlborough, Nelson-Tasman, and Taranaki, if not nationwide.” The 70th-anniversary celebration included an annual charity auction, which raised an Operations Manager Glen Curtis: 021 243 7617 glen@motnets.co.nz SUPPLIERS TO THE FISHING INDUSTRY SINCE 1988 FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED Supporting the New Zealand seafood industry Expert & Personal Choose the market-leading fixed premiummarine insurance provider and benefit from our flexible policies, unrivalled expertise and established industry relationships spanning decades. +64 (0)3 546 8830 chris.barrett@sunderlandmarine.com sunderlandmarine.com Fishing, Coastal and other Specialist Vessels Insurance
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