Aotearoa New Zealand has implemented camera surveillance on fishing boats following a major scandal in 2016 that exposed widespread illegal practices. The Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) uncovered systematic discarding of low-value fish and other violations, including underreporting endangered species catches.

The scandal highlighted the historical vulnerability of Aotearoa New Zealand's fisheries to exploitation and mismanagement. This new surveillance measure aims to curb illegal activities and ensure sustainable fishing practices moving forward.

Long-term ecological degradation due to overfishing and illegal discarding has been a significant concern for marine biodiversity in New Zealand waters. The implementation of cameras is expected to improve compliance with regulations, safeguarding fish stocks and the broader ecosystem.