Acknowledging that although commercial eel fishing might be one of the more obvious reasons why Longfin eels are disappearing from our waters. It is not the only reason the eel population is slowly declining. Things like habitat loss, infection & illness and hydro dams also contribute to a reduction in Longfin eel populations.
A report written by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment outlined the main reasons how Longfin eels have become a threatened species. She felt very strongly to help ensure the survival of the species. Three recommendations were made based off her investigation. The first was to suspend all commercial eel fishing. The commercial eel fishing industry is not a very large industry in New Zealand so suspending commercial eel fishing will not have an outstanding effect on our economy. The second recommendation was for the Minister of Conservation to increase the protection of longfin eels and other threatened migratory fish. The Commissioners final recommendation was for the Ministry of Primary Industries to establish an independent review panel to allow for greater transparency and public trust of scientific advice. It was in the Commissioners best interest for the survival of the longfin eel, and I agree that her first recommendation will be the most logical, quickest and effective way to ensure the survival of this species.
The second source that highlights the Minister of Primary Industries views the status of the longfin eel was the updated report initially written by the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment. The minister's response to the first recommendation suggested that from the information made available to him that there is no sustainability concern to warrant closure of the commercial longfin fishery. He believes that there are other ways to sustain the population of longfin eels then just suspending commercial eel fishing altogether. The Minister made suggestions implementing a new way to manage longfin eel stocks including:
- a review of catch limits for longfin eels,
- consideration of separate South Island longfin and shortfin stocks,
- introduction of abundance target levels, and
- improved information from the commercial longfin eel fishery.
Wright, D. J.
(April 2013). On a pathway to extinction? An investigation into the status
and management of the longfin eel. Parliamentary Commissioner for the
Enviroment.
Wright, D. J.
(December 2014). Update Report: On a pathway to extinction? An investigation
into the status and management of the longfin eel. Parliamentary
Commissioner for the Enviroment.
3 comments:
I found this blog entry very clearly written and informative. I had no previous knowledge on the eel situation in New Zealand but your blog has opened my eyes to the severe plight they are in. By the way you have phrased your words I can see that as you have researched your topic you have become more passionate about it which has then flowed on to me creating a great atmosphere to your blog. I was really interested to know about how that it's not just commercial fishing which is declining the eel population, but also environmental factors as well. This made me able to relate to your topic as my essay and blog is also based on environmental issues. After creating this link I was able to understand your topic even more and your recommendation was a great final word to express your opinion on how the issue should be handled.
I am glad that this blog post has opened your eyes to the current eel situation in New Zealand. Although I knew that eels were currently a threatened species, the research I have done made me feel a sense of urgency towards the longfin eels species. With both of our topics along with another topic in our group I believe we are able to produce an amazing report to submit.
Before reading your blog, I had never heard that the Longfin eels were at risk of extinction. After reading your blog, I feel informed on what the different causes of the problem and what the different recommendations of fixing the problems are. It sounds like you have learnt a lot about your topic and are now very knowledgeable about all aspects of it. You have written your post in an interesting way that made me want to continue reading until the end. You have interested me in the Longfin eel and I may possibly do a bit of research to learn a bit more about them in my spare time.
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