The Ministry of Fisheries is revealed to be in plans to implement the 10 year research programme for deepwater fisheries unveiled today by Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Hon Phil Heatley, aiming to have the first research projects commencing in the next fishing year, beginning on 1 October.

Minister Heatley’s announcement posted that deepwater fisheries research initiated has increased funding by$5 million for a decade-long research programme. The programme has boosted scientific research into New Zealand’s valuable deepwater fisheries and deep-sea environment.

Ministry of Fisheries Chief Executive, Wayne McNee posts that the new programme launched will extend major benefits for everyone involved in deepwater fisheries.

“This programme will give us better information we can use to manage our valuable deepwater fisheries and the deep sea environment,” he quoted.

The new money spent on the programme is posted to raise $17 million a year.

The cost of the extra research is revealed to be paid by deepwater fishing quota owners via cost recovery levies and Mr. McNee has thanked the deepwater fishing industry to assist the programme.

The hiked research funding will be diverted towards fishstock assessment, environmental research and boosting observer coverage.