Govt inquiry launched into foreign fishing crews | Stuff.co.nz

MICHAEL FIELD 

Last updated 14:14 14/07/2011

LATEST: A ministerial inquiry has been launched into foreign fishing charter vessels operating in New Zealand waters following extensive claims that they operate with crews in near slave like conditions.

The inquiry, initiated by Fisheries and Aquaculture Minister, Phil Heatley and Labour Minister, Kate Wilkinson comes in the wake of extensive Sunday Star-Times and Fairfax Media investigations into conditions on the foreign charters (FCVs), notably Korean boats who fish predominantly Maori quota in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone.

As well as the often appalling conditions aboard the boats for the mainly Indonesian crews, the aging boats have also raised safety concerns.

Wilkinson is also considering an Official Information Act request from Fairfax for details of illegal fishing practices on the boats.


Heatley says while full terms of reference for the inquiry have yet to be established, it is important for both the government and our fishing sector to affirm New Zealand's international reputation as a world-leading fisheries manager.

"To do this we need to ensure we are getting the best economic return from our deep sea fisheries, that robust employment protection provisions available on land are reflected at sea, and that the monitoring of FCVs and domestic deep sea operators in our waters is adequate," he says.

Wilkinson says reports alleging the failure of some FCVs to comply with proper employment requirements, including crew working conditions, and vessel safety standards imposed by New Zealand had raised the government's concern.

"We also acknowledge the recent concerns expressed by the Seafood Industry Council (SeaFIC) and others representing the interests of crew members regarding these issues," says Wilkinson.

"We decided a ministerial inquiry was the appropriate course of action as a number of ministerial portfolios have an interest in FCV engagement and operation. Fisheries, labour, immigration, transport as well as foreign affairs and trade all have an involvement in this area," she says.

Cabinet will consider full terms of reference for the inquiry, independent candidates to lead the inquiry, resources and inquiry reporting time-frames over the next month.

Crews of two Korean boats, Oyang 75 in Christchurch and Shin Ji in Auckland, have refused to sail amidst claims of abuse.

A senior US diplomat, human trafficking Ambassador Luis CdeBaca, is due here this weekend to discuss, in part, claims that the fishing boats are trafficking Indonesians and Vietnamese workers.

Yesterday the Ministry of Fisheries confirmed it was investigating Oyang 75 at Lyttelton over allegations it discarded fish at sea.

Sea FIC chief executive Peter Bodeker said earlier today they wanted an investigation.


He says there are "broader implications ... raised over alleged unsatisfactory working conditions aboard foreign charter vessels used by a number of New Zealand companies to catch deepwater fishing quota.

"These allegations have attracted national and international interest, and the industry perspective is that this will continue to be a high profile issue," Bodeker said.


Yesterday the Ministry of Fisheries confirmed it was investigating Oyang 75 at Lyttelton over allegations it discarded fish at sea.

The 26-year-old stern trawler Oyang 75 replaced the 38-year-old Oyang 70 which sank off Otago last year with the loss of six lives.

Maritime New Zealand has yet to respond to another Fairfax application of details of safety reviews of FCVs, particularly as a number are known to have major deficiencies.
- Stuff

 Source:  Stuff.co.nz