The Cook Islands government supports an increase in longliner buffer zones to reduce interaction between commercial and local fishing activity but only to an extent.
The Cook Islands marine patrol vessel, Te Kukupa Photo: RNZI / Mary Baines
The Cook Islands news reports the Ministry of Marine Resources believes a 24 nautical mile buffer zone for all commercial fishing vessels is the most beneficial option and will ensure long term sustainability of local fishing.
The MMR's Tim Costelloe briefed cabinet on the effectiveness of buffer zones to be considered under the new Marae Moana Bill.
Currently, purse seiners are not permitted to fish within 24nms of any island, while the buffer zone for longliners is 12 nm for all islands except Rarotonga, which has a 24nm zone.
The ministry has concerns over the lack of benefits around a proposal to extend buffer zones from 24nm to 50nm around all islands.
Mr Costelloe said they believe a larger buffer will create signficant congestion within areas allowed to be fished and create dangerous situations for fishermen and observers at sea.
He said much of the fishing may move to the high seas adjacent to Cook Island waters, which will be more difficult to monitor and produce no economic benefit.
Mr Costelloe said a 24nm buffer zone will provide conservation benefits, and is consistent with action taken by other countries.