The snapper fishing fleet in Snapper 1 area, which covers the Bay of Plenty, Hauraki Gulf, and the eastern coast of Northland, now has 100 per cent camera coverage.

'This camera coverage on the 15 key vessels is part of a range of measures I announced in 2013 to improve the management and health of the snapper stock,” says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

From April 1 it won't be just Carey Gordon's snapper that is filmed when caught. File photo.

'In addition to cameras on the trawl fleet, a vessel monitoring system is now in place that tracks the location of more than 55 vessels operating in the SNA1 fishery.” Nathan says increased monitoring will provide greater transparency of the commercial fleet's activities and improve public confidence that fisheries are being well managed.

He says it will help to build social licence and the support of consumers, other fishers and the wider community.

'It's very pleasing that commercial fishers have supported these initiatives and shown they want to be transparent and responsible. This voluntary programme wouldn't be possible without their cooperation and proactive attitude.”

The Ministry has been working closely with the fishing industry to develop and implement the large-scale electronic monitoring programme.

The programme has been rolled out carefully, including independent scientific assessment to ensure the technology is reliable and effective, says Nathan.

'This also builds on initiatives like the new Tiaki seafood category, launched last month with the support of the Government through the Primary Growth Partnership.

'The new net design means fish can be bought on board alive and in pristine condition, with undersized or unintended catch returned to the sea. Real time data means consumers can know where and how the product was caught.”