Includes bibliographical references and index.

Executive summary -- Preface (International assessments ; Purpose and methodology ; Report structure) -- 1. The importance of fisheries management (Cultural importance ; Recreational importance ; Commercial importance ; Non-extractive use importance ; Environmental importance ; The fisheries management challenge) -- 2. Fisheries management system (Emergence of the quota management system (QMS) ; Key elements of a QMS ; Application of a QMS to New Zealand's fisheries ; Māori fisheries settlement ; Potential problems with a QMS : Overall perspectives on the QMS ; Management of other harvest sectors) -- 3. Setting harvest levels (The concept of MSY -- Application of MSY in New Zealand ; Assessing stock size ; The TAC and TACC ; Setting the TAC and TACC ; Adjusting the TAC and TACC) -- 4. Ensuring the healthy marine environments (Evolution of ecosystem-based fisheries management (EBFM) ; From EBFM to 'ecosystem-based management' ; Application of EBFM to New Zealand ; Case studies of habitat loss ; Protection and eenhancement ; Innovative technologies to reduce habitat impacts) -- 5. Supporting a thriving fishing industry (Restructuring of fishing industry ; Aggregation of quota ; Uncertain access to the fishery ; Redistribution of value of the landed fish ; Attrition of the independent fleet ; Increasing the value of fish) -- 6. Making good fisheries management decisions (Fisheries management agency ; Fisheries decision-making processes ; Fisheries planning ; Fisheries management tools ; Interface with other resource management regimes) -- 7. The way forward (Big picture issues ; Fisheries management ; Environmental matters ; Implementing EBFM in New Zealand) -- References -- Endnotes -- Index.

The report probes the underlying constructs behind the QMS and the manner in which they have played out within the New Zealand context. It scrutinises the operation of the fisheries management system within the broader marine environment. Overall, it evaluates the extent to which current approaches are sufficient to support thriving fisheries and communities, supported by healthy marine ecosystems, for the benefit of current and future generations. The report concludes that, although there is considerable support for the quota management system, there are serious issues with the way fisheries management is currently undertaken that need urgent attention.
The purpose of the report is to inform and contribute to debate about the future of New Zealand’s fisheries management system. It has been written with a broad audience in mind, ranging from those who have an interest in the health of New Zealand’s marine environment but know little about fisheries management, to those who are or have been directly involved with the system. To improve accessibility, key points have been illustrated with local and international case studies, direct quotes and other illustrative material. The report includes recommendations for the way forward and practical ways to begin implementing ecosystem-based management approaches.

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