Private data

The groups involved in the letter were also concerned with the volume of ‘‘private data’’ that would be collected under the programme – including recordings of ‘‘private workplaces, private living spaces (decks and processing areas on vessels are both working and living environments for extended time periods) and will contain information on valuable and sensitive private intellectual property’’.

Forest and Bird said: ‘‘Although much of the letter was framed in terms of protecting privacy and commercial sensitivity, the Official Information Act already protects privacy and commercial sensitivity and has done since 1982, something the Ombudsman’s Office confirmed to the ministry in a briefing paper released at the same time.’’

Fisheries management director Stuart Anderson said: ‘‘Industry has proposed changes to how fisheries data should be released.

‘‘Those proposals are being considered alongside other options including maintaining the status quo. No decision has been made yet,’’ Anderson said. ‘‘There are many elements to consider carefully in balancing the responsibilities of transparency and public interest while protecting privacy and other sensitive information.’’

The fisheries industry is pleased implementation has been delayed as the new Government investigates further.

Chief executive of Fisheries Inshore NZ Dr Jeremy Helson said a lack of detail from the former government about the monitoring and reporting system had frustrated the sector.

It wanted assurances that private and sensitive information would be protected.

However, they still wanted detailed information to be available only to the ministry.