In most fisheries, the vast majority of catch is comprised of valued commercial species; this can vary among both fishing methods and fisheries. By-catch refers to catching fish that are unwanted and caught as a consequence of fishing for valuable commercial species. In this context, by-catch does not include the incidental capture of non-fish species such as seabirds or marine mammals.

In general, all species that are subject to the Quota Management System (QMS) must be landed and reported against the appropriate catch limits (including by-catch). Some exceptions apply to this general rule; for example, fishers are legally required to return some undersized fish to the sea and have the discretion to return some species in specified circumstances.

Our members are increasingly investing in new technology and changes to the design and operation of fishing gear to reduce unwanted catch; this may include species that are not desirable or selecting for specific fish sizes.

The most significant investment in new technology is a joint programme funded by three Fisheries Inshore New Zealand members, Moana NZ, Sanford, Sealord and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) called Precision Seafood Harvesting.