1. This is a fisheries management plan compiled by the Marlborough Sounds Fisheries Management Working Group Inc (the Working Group) for the Marlborough Sounds. The fisheries management plan covers the whole of the Marlborough Sounds from Cape Soucis in the West to Whites Bay in the South East.

It is a community owned strategic plan that sets out the vision, objectives and strategies that the Working Group intends to achieve over the next five years.

2. The vision, objectives and strategies set the overall framework for the development of fisheries management in the Marlborough Sounds over the term of the plan. The Working Group intends that all its planning and growth should occur within the context set by this strategic plan.

3. The vision of the Marlborough Sounds Fisheries Management Working Group is:

4. This fisheries management plan aims to progress four objectives, namely:

1. Sustainability - a sustainable fishery in the Marlborough Sounds that will meet the cultural, economic and social needs of present and future generations.
2. Management -management based on sound knowledge and research.
3. Community Ownership -community knowledge and ownership of the Marlborough Sounds fishery applying principles of Kaitiaki and stewardship.
4. Ecosystem Protection -to support initiatives that promote a healthy marine ecosystem.

5. This plan will evolve and be monitored, reviewed and revised.