Two of New Zealand's biggest seafood companies want the Government to allow them to catch more hoki.
Sealord and Talley's strongly supported the Government's decision to advocate a conservative approach to ensure sustainable fishing after the hoki fishery suffered in the early 2000s.
However, in its latest scientific assessment of the state of New Zealand's fisheries, the Ministry for Primary Industries has shown a sustained increase in hoki stocks.
Talley's and Sealord are now pushing for a 20,000- tonne commercial catch increase for 2014 to reflect the success of the fishery.
Sealord general manager Doug Paulin said on Tuesday it's the right time and an increased catch limit could mean more jobs for the Nelson region.
The ministry hopes to make a final decision by 1 October on whether to increase catchment levels.
