Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) = 67. Reported mortality = 4. Period 1 Feb (SQU6T season opened) to 21 June 2009. Source : Ministry of Fisheries.    Fisheries Minister raises sea lion bycatch limit! In light of the current population trend - see below - the bycatch limit needs urgent review. Please email or write to the minister... Download a sample letter Read the minister's reply to us Read our second letter to the minister This female New Zealand sea lion was drowned in a squid trawl net in subantarctic waters. If she was feeding a pup back at the Auckland Islands and was pregnant again, three sea lions would be lost to the main breeding population, which is under severe threat. Check out Forest and Bird page on Sea lions - our southern pride Facts: Sea lion pup production has declined by 50% since 1998. The Minister of Fisheries has increased the sea lion bycatch limit for the Squid Fishery by 40% to 113. The Squid Fishery has volunteered to reduce their fishing effort which may lead to fewer sea lions being caught but does not change the legal limit. Requests: The Minister of Fisheries should immediately reduce the bycatch limit. The Minister of Fisheries should initiate 100% observer coverage to get an accurate measure of the number of sea lions being caught. The Minister of Fisheries should reduce the bycatch limit every year to reach a final target of zero bycatch.

Contact Info       New Zealand Sea Lion Trust Registered office: 19 Irvine Road, The Cove, Dunedin, New Zealand Email: sealiontrust@clear.net.nz       Calendar of upcoming events Top of the page Join the Trust with an annual subscription of NZ$20.00. This will entitle you to a newsletter 3 times a year (via email or post). Download Membership Application Form Donations also gratefully received.

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Site updated on 25th June 2009.   Photo credits - Colin Emslie & Stephen Broni

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