New Zealand's fisheries minister defends marine reforms, clarifying no plans to commercialize marlin or endanger sustainability.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones defended proposed marine reforms, rejecting claims they threaten sustainability or New Zealand’s big game fishing industry. He clarified no plans exist to commercialize marlin or include them in the Quota Management System, stating consultations focus only on whether incidental catches should be landed. Jones emphasized modernizing outdated rules to improve productivity and adapt to climate-driven fish shifts, maintaining protections in the Hauraki Gulf’s Highly Protected Areas with limited seasonal mullet exceptions. Over 22,000 submissions were received, with concerns raised over gear changes and access, but Jones stressed uniform rules, onboard cameras, and compliance. A Fisheries Amendment Bill is expected in early 2026, introducing multi-year catch limits and faster decisions.