b'FeatureThe QMS has been the root cause of the depletion of scallops, allowing destructive fishing methods that prioritises private interests over public interests and the marine environment. Photo credit - Etoile Smulders/LegaSea Divers are constrained by depthcommercial fishing in Aotearoa. back scallop quota shares in the so the deeper beds would remainThe QMS has been the root causeCoromandel scallop fishery at an untouched. This is importantof depletion for many of our iconicagreed price. Removing scallops from considering these beds are likely tomarine species, including scallops. Itthe QMS once and for all.When be vital for producing scallop spat topermits the use of destructive fishingthe scallop beds have recovered to a reseed the wider fishery.A healthymethods and prioritises privatelevel to allow for sustainable harvest, scallop fishery is a win for everyone. interests over the interests of thecommercial permits would be issued public and marine environment. in place of quota. These would be PRINCIPLES OF THE PLAN Positive change wont arisetied to sustainable selective harvest At the core of the draft plan is thewhile scallops are still managedmethods such as hand gathering need to remove scallops from theunder this dysfunctional system. using breathing apparatus.world-leading Quota ManagementOutlined in the draft plan, theUnlike quota, a permitting system is System (QMS) that regulatesgovernment would invest in buyingflexible and can allow for catch limits 42FISHING IN GODZONE MAGAZINE'