The Introduction of Limited Entry: The New Zealand Rock Lobster Fishery
Annala, J.H.
Marine Policy, pp. 103-108, 1983 WHOI-R-83-022
The rock lobster fishery has traditionally been New Zealand’s single most important domestic fishery in terms of the number of vessels and fishermen employed and the value of landings and exports. This paper describes the implementation of a controlled or limited entry fishery for New Zealand rock lobsters. The background to the implementation of limited entry is described and the decrease in annual landings per vessel in the period 1955-1977 is pointed out. The New Zealand licensing system is outlined, attention being paid to continuous and seasonal licenses, allocation of licenses, controlled fishing areas, and fishing methods and gear restrictions. The number of rock lobster vessels decreased from 1,574 in 1979 to 970 after the initial round of licensing in 1980-81.