What is the Quota Management System (QMS) and how does it work?

The Quota Management System (QMS) is the system for regulating commercial fishing in New Zealand. The Minister of Fisheries decides the annual catch limits for each area and species. Investors buy quota, giving the owner a perpetual right to fish in a particular area, for a specific species. Quota can be fished by the owner, often it is leased to someone else to do the fishing. Public fishing interests, both Māori customary and recreational, are not included in the QMS.