Source: New Zealand Government
Fishery Officers are ramping up patrols as a ban comes into force on gathering marine life from rockpools and coastal waters on the Hauraki Gulf coast north of Auckland, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones and Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft say.
The closure, which starts today, has been put in place to help preserve these important ecological areas and ensure the sustainability of the fishery.
“This means it is illegal for anyone to take any seaweeds, shellfish or other rockpool sea life from these areas including sponges, starfish, sea anemones, and sea cucumbers,” Mr Jones says.
“Fishery Officers will be at key locations to provide information to members of the public about the closure.”
Anyone breaking the rules could face fines ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 and have items used in the offending seized, including vehicles for more serious offences.
“It’s important that people familiarise themselves with the new rules and they can do this by downloading the free NZ Fishing Rules App, checking MPI’s website, visiting an MPI office, or talking with a Fishery Officer,” Ms Marcroft says.
“Officials continue to engage with iwi and local communities to provide support and help get the word out.”
Fisheries New Zealand worked with the Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust on its request for a two-year temporary fisheries closure.
Ngāti Manuhiri will place a traditional rāhui over the closed areas and the same species.
“There is an educational component to help the public learn about the cultural and environmental significance of these measures,” Ms Marcroft says.
Fisheries New Zealand has also made a range of education materials available to help the public understand the closures, the species affected, and the importance of protecting intertidal ecosystems.
Other measures, including potential infringements, are still being worked on by Fisheries.
A broader programme of work is also under way for managing intertidal shellfish in the Auckland and Coromandel region.
More information, including a map of the closures, is available at www.fisheries.govt.nz/Hauraki-closures
