Given the cultural, recreational and commercial importance of the food source, a number of regulations and management practices exist so that seafood species are not over-fished and the environment is respected. At the most basic level, ensuring the harvest is less than the net productivity of the resource is fundamental. This means that total removal of seafood species through natural and fishing mortality are less than additions through breeding and growth. Regular monitoring of species and their health occurs to ascertain sustainability.

Ngai Tahu Seafood harvests seafood under contract by approximately 100 independent and experienced fishermen and fishing companies. Many of these fishermen are members of the Ngai Tahu tribe.

The fishermen abide by voluntary industry codes of practice to ensure environmental responsibility within the industry. Devices such as acoustic pingers are used (where appropriate) to safeguard endangered species like the Hectors Dolphin.