Oceans and Fisheries Minister, Shane Jones says a three-month closure for the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area will keep the fishery sustainable and prepare it for the peak fishing season.
The closure, which begins on 1 July, was requested by Kaikōura Marine Guardians and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura due to concerns about the number of large rock lobster in the area.
“The closure includes both recreational and commercial fishing, and the rūnanga is putting a rāhui on customary take,” Mr Jones says.
It is expected the closure will improve the fishery’s resilience ahead of the fishing season over spring and summer.
“Stopping fishing for the pre-summer period will reduce disruption to female rock lobster carrying eggs, and allow smaller rock lobster to grow. This is about supporting the future of the fishery and improving fishing during the peak season,” Mr Jones says.
Fisheries New Zealand will carry out a stock assessment for the Kaikōura rock lobster fishery later this year. Depending on the outcome of this assessment, catch settings for the wider fishery may be reviewed.
The temporary closure follows public consultation by Fisheries New Zealand in April this year.
“There was a good response with strong support for the closure. I thank everyone who took the time to provide their views,” said the Minister.
The closure will be in place until 30 September.
