Cameron MarkMARK CAMERON (ACT): Thank you Madam Speaker. I rise to take a brief call on behalf of the ACT Party to speak to the Fisheries (International Fishing and Other Matters) Amendment Bill. Just a couple of points to clarify given this opportunity to enlighten the members of this House as to the overall cost in terms of tonnage and weight of illegal unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing—and I just want to mention the former member for bringing it to the House the former Minister for fisheries—but throw some figures at the House to actually try to understand the enormity of the problem. Estimates from the World Economic Forum suggest that illegal unreported unregulated fishing in international waters equates to anywhere between the vicinity of $26 billion to $50 billion. The World Wildlife Fund estimates $36.4 billion. I know there's some vagaries between those two numbers but nonetheless it is enormous with the UN sustainable goals suggesting it equates to about 8 million to 14 million tonnes. We all accept that it has a profound effect especially on poorer economies poorer countries. For one recent example that I would like to share for the sake of the House it was noted in the Pacific alone illegal tuna fishing between the years of 2017-2019 equated to approximately 192000 tonnes estimated value of some $335 million.This bill which was put in front of the House last August seeks to address this very issue. The bill will strengthen the rules around international fishing practices especially around unreported unregulated fishing and vessels whilst in international waters. It will strengthen New Zealand's international reputation being an export-focused economy and I think we would all agree that is a very salient part of this conversation when it comes to adhering to international rules-based order; and continue—and I think this is the point: we can continue to offer New Zealand on a world stage and that we maintain our high-value seafood markets not only currently but going into our future. These markets are paralleled by the United States the EU and Japan who have already implemented this type of regime.The bill will allow for monitoring and regulation of New Zealand-flagged vessels [whilst] operating outside New Zealand waters" and I would imagine everyone here would appreciate the size of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in New Zealand let alone in what you would say open water fleet by practice. The powers include fisheries inspectors to board vessels if necessary to ascertain serious violations and whether they have occurred and direct to port; also potentially be able to search and detain vessels. I think it is incumbent upon all trading nations that adhere with this kind of legislation that they would do the same thing. It brings us in line with them. Offences would also include obstacles to high-sea fisheries inspectors going about their wares going about their business to ascertain whether vessels are adhering to the international rules or not. Fines could include for those said vessels with connections to IUU being fined up to $250000 and potential seizure of the vessel.New Zealand for context in terms of our exclusive economic zone is over 4 million square kilometres spanning between Niue the Cook Islands and Tokelau. It is a significant challenge but it warrants—and I think we would all agree with this—our ongoing commitment. According to 2020 estimates 45 percent of the high seas is outside any—and I stress this point—jurisdictional boundary and this is where most of the illegal fishing occurs.Very quickly New Zealand—given that I'm running out of time—must continue to play our part on the international stage protect New Zealand's EEZ but also international waters outside our EEZ and play our part to nullify the illegal fishing practices that are known to be going on in international waters. ACT supports this bill."