Catch limits for several fisheries will be increased following a review that showed stocks of those species have been healthy and abundant.
The changes are being made as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s biannual sustainability review, which considers catch limits and management settings across New Zealand’s fisheries.
“Scientific evidence and information about our snapper stocks tell us these fisheries are thriving and abundant,” said Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones.
“More fish can be sustainably harvested, which is why recreational allowances and commercial catch limits for some snapper stocks will be increased.”
He said that making the most of these abundant fisheries benefits those who profit from them and the economy.
Other changes include increased recreational and commercial take in the Kaikōura pāua fishery and an increase in the minimum size.
“The pāua in this fishery continues to become healthier following its devastation in the Kaikōura earthquakes. To ensure this fishery continues to do well by protecting more spawning pāua, I have increased the minimum size for pāua there from 125mm to 130mm.”
While some fisheries are doing well, others require reduced catch limits.
A recent assessment of the Challenger Plateau orange roughy stock (ORH 7A) has suggested that the current harvest is no longer sustainable, so the commercial catch limit has been cut.
“Commercial catch limits and allowances for the Southland blue cod stock (BCO 5) have also been reduced. Blue cod is a popular fish for New Zealanders, and these reductions will help ensure this fishery is sustainable and can be enjoyed in future.”
Decisions have been based on the best available scientific information about the stocks, input from iwi and public feedback.
"I'd like to acknowledge everyone who provided feedback on the proposals. Submissions from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public play an important part in the advice I receive and the decisions made.”
Summary of the stocks with catch limit increases:
Snapper (SNA 2, 7 & 8) – west coast North and South Island, top of the South Island, and East Cape to south coast of Wellington
Pāua (PAU 3A) – Kaikōura
Kina (SUR 3) – east coast South Island
Kingfish (KIN 3) – east coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
Leatherjacket (LEA 3) – east coast South Island, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
Rig (SPO 2) – East Cape to the south coast of Wellington
Elephantfish (ELE 7) – West Coast and top of the South Island
Jack mackerel (JMA 7) – west coasts North and South Islands
Kingfish (KIN 7 & 8) – west coasts North and South Islands
Pilchard (PIL 8) – West Coast North Island
Summary of the stocks with catch limit decreases:
Orange roughy (ORH 7A) – Challenger Plateau
Blue cod (BCO 5) – Southland
John dory (JDO 2) – East Cape to Taranaki
Flatfish (FLA 7) – West Coast and top of the South Island
Pilchard (PIL 7) – West Coast and top of the South Island
Stocks with adjustments to deemed value rates:
Silver warehou (SWA 3 & 4) – east coast South Island, Chatham Islands, Southland, and Sub-Antarctic
Snapper (SNA 8) – West Coast North Island
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