The Environmental Defence Society has assessed seven parties’ published policies and public commitments against its priorities for marine recovery. ACT, Greens, Labour, Opportunity and National have dedicated oceans/fisheries policies.

EDS supports:

• An immediate freeze on the current bottom-trawling footprint
• No high-seas seamount trawling permits
• Removal of bottom trawling from all domestic seamounts and the Hauraki Gulf by 2027
• Support for industry transition to end bottom trawling by 2035. EDS is working with others on developing new technology to replace bottom-contact gear.

EDS supports effective, ecologically representative protection of 30 per cent of the marine environment by 2030, supported by modern marine protection legislation covering coastal waters and the EEZ.

EDS seeks the establishment of an independent inquiry into the Quota Management System within the next government’s first 100 days. This is to develop a package of reforms to ensure healthy fisheries and marine ecosystems.

EDS supports a ban on seabed mining but also seeks an Oceans Act, independent Oceans Commission, National Oceans Strategy and marine spatial planning.

Read more about EDS’s work on ocean reforms.