Sustainability

Solander prides itself in adhering to all relevant management regimes enacted in the interests of sustainable fishing. Management and seagoing staff are acutely aware of environmental issues and our business is managed accordingly.

New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS)

All New Zealand fish are caught sustainably as catches are strictly controlled by the New Zealand Quota Management System (QMS). The NZ QMS system is recognised as one of the most effective in the world today.

The QMS was introduced in 1986. It controls the total commercial catch for virtually all the main fish stocks found within New Zealand’s 200 nautical mile EEZ. New Zealand currently has 100 species (or species groupings) subject to the QMS.  These species are divided into 636 separate stocks.  Each stock is managed independently to help ensure the sustainable utilisation of that fishery.

Fiji Department of Fisheries

The Department of Fisheries is responsible for the formulation and implementation of policies that promote best practice (equating conservation and utilization), that will ensure a prosperous and enhanced Fisheries sector.

The department drives this through coordination, consultation and in partnership with resource owners, communities, private sector, government agencies, Non-Governmental Organisations, Regional and International Agencies.

Fiji has a sophisticated fisheries research, management and monitoring system. Fiji is a signatory to the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission (WCPFC) which was established by the Convention for the conservation and management of Highly Migratory fish stocks in the region. Fiji is signatory to UNCLOS and all relevant UN conventions on the management of fish stocks in the South Pacific. Fji is a member of the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA) in Honiara which agency monitors Solander vessels under its Vessel Monitoring Scheme (VMS).

Solander Sustainability

Solander fishes by the surface long line method for Tuna species, fin, and associated pelagic species in the Fiji EEZ, congruent EEZ’s and High Seas.

There is virtually no “non-fish” bycatch within the Fiji EEZ. We use only circle hooks. The longline fishing method creates no damage to the seabed or benthic communities. Arguably it is the most environmentally sensitive of all commercial fishing activity.