Title: Towards an effective landing and discard policy using Etuaptmunk (Two-eyed seeing).

Discarding marine organisms is a global problem for the sustainable management of marine fisheries and is controversial from an ecological and ethical standpoint. Furthermore, discards are wasted products that in many cases could have been consumed or used in another way. For these reasons, the New Zealand (NZ) government has suggested amending the country's present landing and discard policy to mirror a recent trend in fisheries managed under Individual Transferable Quotas (ITQs), requiring the mandatory landing of all discards. While the Cabinet ministers of NZ have approved the new proposal in principle, the next step will be the Parliaments Primary Production Select Committee consultation process. The fishing rights of indigenous Māori peoples of NZ are recognised in law. This project aims to inform the collective Māori tribal fishing agency, Te Ohu Kaimoana’s, advice to the Primary Production Select Committee by adopting a framework known as Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing). Indigenous Māori and conventional fisheries management approaches to discards in NZ and Iceland were investigated. There seems to be no single or simple answer to what constitutes best practice to reduce unwanted catches and discards. However, Etuaptmumk (Two-Eyed Seeing) identifies eight principles to guide an effective strategy. It was found that a ‘One-Size-Fits-All’ strategy to reduce discards and unwanted catch (such as mandatory landings) is ineffective from a Māori and conventional fisheries management perspective. More precise data and study on discards is needed to define successful management methods for various fisheries. Etuaptmumk offers a considerable opportunity for a way forward if all parties are willing. It is hoped that this project will provide Te Ohu Kaimoana with deeper insights into tikanga Māori and the broader global framework for managing discards to inform their advice to the Primary Production Select Committee.