Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposals to reopen some scallop fishing in Whangārei Harbour after a four-year closure.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister, Shane Jones says the proposals follow a new survey which indicated scallop levels within Whangārei Harbour may now support a limited recreational fishery.
“That information is in line with reports from locals who are seeing good numbers of scallops in the area, and is consistent with surveys in 2024 of two of the main scallop beds in the harbour,” said Mr Jones.
Whangārei Harbour has supported kaimoana gathering for generations. It is part of the Northland scallop fishery (SCA 1) which was closed to scallop fishing in 2022.
At the time of the closure there was evidence of scallops in the harbour itself. However, as a precaution scallop harvesting was prohibited throughout all of SCA 1 where there was evidence of sustainability issues.
“The new survey information confirms some scallop beds in parts of the harbour have good numbers of scallops that could sustainably support limited recreational harvest, so now is a good time to get the community’s views on next steps,” Mr Jones says.
“Sustainability is always the bottom line. This consultation is asking whether we people can enjoy the benefits of the fishery while making sure there are enough fish in the water.”
Feedback is also being sought on changes to create bespoke rules specifically for the long-term management of scallops within Whangārei Harbour.
“This would make it faster to implement changes in the future when new information becomes available and following public consultation,” said the Minister.
“The Whangārei Harbour has been closed to commercial scallop fishing for many years through regulation and this consultation does not propose to change this.
“I encourage anyone with an interest to read the proposals and make a submission before consultation closes at 5pm on 18 September.”
The proposals outlined are:
- Retain the current closure until wider management approaches are finalised for the Northland (SCA 1) and Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel (SCA CS) scallop fisheries;
- Allow a limited recreational scallop fishing season for this spring or summer within Whangārei Harbour, supported by a prohibition on dredging;
- Allow for ongoing seasonal recreational scallop fishing every year starting in spring 2027 or summer 2028, supported by a package of changes to the fishing rules.
More information including how to make a submission can be found on the MPI website.
