The proposal would increase the amount of coral that can be destroyed before high seas fishing must stop.
Swimming for Strong Protections – Not Weaker
By Live Ocean
17/02/2026
Read time: 3 min
Article Summary
Main Points
We’ve joined other organisations in urging the Prime Minister to withdraw the proposal and uphold New Zealand’s commitment to ocean protection.
As Jono swims towards Wellington with a clear call to end bottom trawling, New Zealand has submitted a proposal to the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation (SPRFMO) that would increase allowable coral bycatch thresholds on the high seas. This would effectively raise the amount of coral that can be trawled up before fishing must stop.
Alongside other organisations, we have written to the Prime Minister requesting that the proposal be withdrawn ahead of the upcoming SPRFMO meeting.
New Zealand has long positioned itself as a leader in ocean stewardship. We believe our policies should reflect that commitment, and as a nation we need to champion the protection of vulnerable ecosystems and act in the interests of future generations.
Join The Call To End Bottom Trawling
New Zealand is still bottom trawling seamounts in our own waters, and the only nation still bottom trawling seamounts in the South Pacific high seas.
It’s time to stop being an outlier and protect the ocean’s most vital habitats.
We’re calling on the New Zealand Government to end bottom trawling on all seamounts – at home and in the high seas by the end of 2027 – and to activate a quick transition away from bottom trawling entirely.
We are a nation of innovators and ocean people.
It’s time to do the right thing.
For the ocean. For our future.
Add your name to the
29,544 others calling for an end to bottom trawling!
29,544 others calling for an end to bottom trawling!
Thank you for getting behind Swim4TheOcean’s ambition for a healthy ocean and supporting our call for an end to bottom trawling!
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