Oceans are the lifeblood of our planet. Not only are they home to many delicate eco systems, the moana is also the place where we swim and gather kai.

Unfortunately, the moana is being overfished to the point of collapse. Bottom trawling is wreaking havoc on marine habitats. Our sea birds, dolphins and other marine life also pay the price for destructive and outdated fishing practices.

Our ocean has an incredible ability to revive if it is protected. Protection means future generations can swim and gather kai in the moana, and the complex web of marine life is sustained.

Last week, Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones, was forced to reel back on his shortsighted plan to allow commercial fishers to sell juvenile, undersized fish. Shane Jones has shown us time and time again that he is in the pocket of the commercial fishing industry and cannot be trusted to make sound decisions when it comes to our oceans.

Be aware there are still many fishhooks in this terrible bill.

Unlike others the Green Party is not influenced by the corporate interests of big fishing companies. We are committed to ensuring the survival and restoration of marine environments for future generations. We know that it’s not just our sea life that depends on a healthy moana because a healthy ocean also fosters a healthy economy.

With your help, the Green Party will throw this bill back in the sea and protect the ocean for all of us now and for generations to come.