Sustainability
As a substantial inshore fisheries quota holder for Area 2 (Central East Coast, New Zealand) under the Quota Management System (QMS), Star Fish Supply Ltd is constantly working towards the sustainability, better fishing practices, and overall health of our precious fish stocks for future generations.
Springs Box Closure
In early 2015 an agreement was reached between Commercial fisheries stakeholders and recreational fishing representatives to voluntarily close off a section of Hawke's Bay to all methods of commercial fishing known as the 'Springs Box' as it was identified as a Snapper spawning area.
Initially this was a two year trial to close off the area during the three month period of December to through February. The initiative has proven to be extremely well received by local recreational fishermen and contributed to the abundance and success of local recreational fishing, the agreement has continued to be renewed on an annual basis.
Tarakihi Area 2
In February 2019 Star Fish Supply Limited took the initiative and, working with our contracted vessels, have established a voluntary minimum rebuild standards agreement for TAR2.
The agreement has set the minimum standards we as a Quota owner and Licenced Fish Receiver (LFR) expect from our contracted vessels within Area 2 (Hawke’s Bay & East Coast).
An overview of voluntary measures we have undertaken and agreed upon include:
• TAR2 is not a target species for Star Fish Supply Limited contracted trawlers
• Contracted trawlers are to fish no closer than 2km to shore between Cape Kidnappers and Cape Turnagain
• T90 lengtheners used on all inshore trawl nets
• Closure of various areas, identified by our contracted vessel skippers to contain juvenile fish (including TAR)
Star Fish Supply Limited has been a part of Hawke’s Bay’s commercial fishing and local community for over 50 years with associated skippers having 20-30+ years’ experience within the industry, we are committed to the sustainability of Area 2 fisheries and aim for it to continue as a viable and plentiful fishing ground for generations to come.
Nancy Glen II & Rick Burch
Rick Burch and his vessel Nancy Glen II has been a driving force of sustainability measures within Hawke's Bay and its fisheries. We are proud to have Nancy Glen II as one of our contracted vessels landing fresh fish to us regularly.
His tireless work towards better fishing methods with less undersize fish being caught, reducing by-catch, less damage to the seafloor, and environmental studies have been featured nationally; including being awarded including being a finalist & receiving a judge’s commendation in the 2014 Sustainable Business Awards in the Restorative Innovation category for his Light Weight Trawl System for Inshore Finfish.
Rick has been featured locally in Bay Buzz on a number of occasions discussing the local fisheries and even on TV3's Newshub discussing his net innovations and trials.
Our Promise
Seafood NZ launched the 'Promise Campaign' in 2017 and have continued to renew this pledge yearly. As responsible quota owners, Licenced Fish Receivers (LFRs), and employers in the seafood industry we are proud to be part of and have continued agreement to the Promise campaign and its Code of Conduct.
Our Promise in Practice
We do not condone illegal behaviour.
We will work with Government and other interested parties to develop and implement principled and practical policies to ensure the use of fisheries resources is sustainable.
We will continue to actively minimise our impacts on the marine environment and encourage others to do so.
We will continue to invest in science and innovation to enhance fisheries' resources and add value.
We look after our people and treat them fairly.
We will be accountable for delivering on Our Promise and will support increased transparency.
WE GIVE OUR WORD