Navigating the seafood industry: a Tale of Corporate Dominance and Community Resilience
In the land of the long white cloud, where the shimmering waters cradle the nation, you might imagine a couple of Kiwi’s sharing stories over a barbie of fresh fish, collected from their local fisher at the market or wharf. But if you were to take a closer look, you'd discover a different reality. The access of fresh, local and sustainable fish in Aotearoa is fading, as community fishers are threatened by the relentless grip of corporate giants. So, throw on your bucket hat and fasten your life jacket as we delve into the world of New Zealand's seafood industry, its transformation into a corporate stronghold, and the few resilient community fishers who are keeping the flame of tradition alive.
Once upon a time, the fishing industry in New Zealand was an integral part of local communities. Small-scale family fishers dotted the coastline, serving as stewards of the ocean and providers of fresh, sustainable seafood to our communities and nation. However, over the years, a seismic shift occurred. Quota systems were introduced, and gradually, the very essence of local fishing began to erode. The quotas that determine how much seafood can be harvested from our waters became a commodity, landing largely in the hands of corporate entities.
As quotas consolidated into the portfolios of large corporations, the fishing industry was separated into; the fishing industry and the seafood industry. They were no longer one of the same. These corporate entities, often distant from the ocean and communities, were also lacking in understanding of the underwater ecosystem and how it should be managed. Thus fishing practices became more industrialized, with an eye on global markets rather than local tables.
This shift had profound consequences for New Zealanders. While our nation boasts an abundant coastline and pristine waters, our best seafood increasingly heads overseas. The premium, fresh catches are exported to far-flung markets, leaving behind the rejected, damaged, frozen, old and less desirable seafood for Kiwis. It's a curious irony that in a country so closely connected to the sea, many of us have less access to the ocean's bounty than ever before.
In this landscape of corporate dominance, a few brave souls remain—the community fishers of New Zealand. They are a rare breed, numbering fewer than ten that we know of, but their dedication to the moana, sustainability, and their local communities is unwavering. These community fishers have become the guardians of their backyard and our oceans, ensuring there's kaimoana for generations to come by leading by example and pushing well above the industry requirements toward true sustainably, and shouting at the rooftops about how it should change for the better!
As consumers, you have the power to make a change, and so it's vital to make informed choices. When you can't speak directly to the fisher, when there is no boat to be seen, when you're unsure about where, when, or how that seafood was caught, there's a chance that blue-washing—is at play. The corporate seafood industry often makes it challenging or unnecessary to trace the origins of the seafood on your plate by using buzzwords. In a world of increasing uncertainty, support your local fishers, they’ll be able to tell you exactly where, when and how your fish was caught.
It is not just about the past—it's about the future. By backing these resilient individuals, we can build stronger, more self-sustaining food communities. We can ensure that our children and grandchildren can enjoy the taste of freshly caught kaimoana, just as we have.
So don’t forget to question the word "sustainability" where you see it next. Go beyond the buzzword and seek transparency with all of your kai. Don’t let your community fishers, farmers or growers be replaced by marketers and corporate giants and ensure that the heart of New Zealand's small, local, nourishing and sustainable food system continues to beat.