Source: New Zealand Government
Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
The changes, along with some other catch limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from 1 April 2024.
“Regular biannual reviews of fish stocks ensure there are plenty of fish to go around, for commercial, customary and recreational fishers alike. They also protect some species to ensure there are healthy and abundant stocks in future,” Mr Jones says.
Spiny rock lobster is one species that will, for a range of factors, have an increased catch limit in the southern fishery areas but will be reduced around Gisborne.
The spiny rock lobster is valued by customary, recreational and commercial fishers, supports local employment and is an important export.
“After reviewing its status, I have determined that the fishery on the south coast of the South Island, Stewart Island and the Auckland Islands can support higher catch limits while remaining healthy and sustainable.
“However, I am concerned about the impact the 2023 cyclones may have had on spiny rock lobster stock near Gisborne. While it’s too soon to fully understand the impacts on this fishery, I have decided to reduce the commercial catch limit and the daily limit for recreational fishers as a precaution.”
Decisions about catch limits were based on the best available scientific information about the stock, as well as public feedback.
Every six months, catch limits are reviewed for selected stocks to ensure the settings are sustainable long-term and appropriate for customary, recreational and commercial fishers.
Fisheries New Zealand also looks at other measures to support healthy fisheries such as fishing gear and method restrictions, area closures and seasonal restrictions.
“I’m pleased to see that the pāua fishery at Kaikōura continues to recover following the 2016 earthquake. My decision to allow the temporary opening of the recreational fishery acknowledges that the fishery is doing well and can support some recreational take while it continues to recover.”
Public consultation on the proposed changes took place between December 2023 and February 2024.
“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed. Feedback from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public plays a significant part in the advice I receive and the decisions I make.”
More information can be found on Fisheries New Zealand’s website at: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-fisheries-april-2024-round/
Summary of the changes
Stocks with catch limit increases:
- Gemfish (SKI 3 & 7) – South Island, Chatham Rise, west coast of Taranaki and Wellington.
- Silver warehou (SWA 4) – Southland, eastern Chatham Rise, and the sub-Antarctic
- Southern blue whiting (SBW 6B) – Bounty Platform
- Southern bluefin tuna (STN 1) – All of New Zealand
- Spiny rock lobster (CRA 8) – Southland, Fiordland, Stewart Island and Auckland Islands.
Stocks with catch limit reductions:
- Spiny rock lobster (CRA 3) – Gisborne
