Sealord maintains a consistent stance on the issue of cameras on commercial fishing vessels.
Sealord did not support the initial proposal (initiated under the former government and unchanged through to mid-2018) as it had not been carefully thought through. Sealord considered the proposal unworkable without changes being made to the legal framework, which was drafted many years ago and didn’t adequately cater for the use of cameras as part of fisheries management.
Sealord is pleased the current Fisheries Minister has opened consultation around legislative changes which are necessary before cameras could be properly integrated into the fisheries management framework.
Sealord remains fully engaged in dialogue on proposals for cameras on fishing vessels and have offered our full support to the Minister and to MPI to ensure any future legislation is workable, fit for purpose as well as addressing concerns around access to footage and privacy.
