Period 1 Feb (SQU6T season opened) to 13 August 2010. SQU6T season declared closed on 13th August 2010. Fishing Related Mortality Limit (FRML) has been set at 76. Reported mortality = 2. Estimated mortality = 44. Source : Ministry of Fisheries.    Fisheries Minister sets sea lion bycatch limit at 76. 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 set the sea lion bycatch limit for the Squid Fishery at 76. Requests: The Minister of Fisheries should immediately reduce the bycatch limit. 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 36 Greenhill Avenue, Wakari, Dunedin 9010, 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 16th August 2010.   Photo credits - Colin Emslie & Stephen Broni

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