The Maori economy will grow if deepsea fish hake gains a sustainable species standard, 50 percent iwi-owned fishing company Sealord says.
The New Zealand hake has received a glowing report from the Marine Stewardship Council, saying the fish is well managed, with healthy fish stocks, which are harvested with minimal environmental impact.
The council's report has to go through public consultation before certification can be issued.
Sealord general manager of fishing Doug Paulin said the Marine Council standard was valuable; 10 years ago tribes were entitled to 10 percent of fisheries quota, and the value of a species increased if a fish stock gained the Marine Stewardship Council recognition.
Sealord would like to see more of the country's fish gain the sustainable certification.
Hake is a growing export to Spain, China and Japan.