Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Oceans and Fisheries): Fisheries New Zealand and the Department of Conservation are establishing a multi-stakeholder forum on managing the effects of trawling on the benthic environment in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone (EEZ). The impacts on seamounts and seamount-like features are being considered as part of the forum deliberations. Following the forum and public consultation, the Government will consider whether to impose additional restrictions on bottom trawling in New Zealand or EEZ waters. Bottom trawling in international South Pacific waters is regulated by the South Pacific Regional Fisheries Management Organisation—SPRFMO. SPRFMO is due to review the issue at the 2023 commission meeting, and the issue is also being considered intersessionally by SPRFMO members, of which New Zealand is one. New Zealand will play a responsible role in that consideration.