Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) is calling for submissions on proposed changes to the management of recreational shellfish harvesting in the Auckland Coromandel area, amid ongoing concerns about overharvesting and sustainability.
The Government agency is looking at several possible options, including full or partial closures of intertidal areas – the section of land which lies between the high and low watermarks on the shore – for recreational harvesting.
The proposed rules would encompass the east and west coastlines of Auckland and the Coromandel, extending 200m seaward from the high tide mark and including the rocky shore, rockpools, sand, and mud areas.
FNZ is also considering changes to the daily recreational limits for shellfish and other intertidal species.
Currently, people are allowed a combined recreational daily limit of 50 shellfish per person. There are also 11 named species, including bivalves, rock lobsters, kina, and pāua, which are subject to individual daily limits. Toheroa take is prohibited.
One proposed rule change option is a combined recreational daily limit of 10 shellfish per person for any species not covered by an individual daily limit. The agency is also considering narrowing the range of species allowed to be collected under the general daily limit, as well as adding new limits for species currently not covered by the restrictions, such as crabs, octopuses, squid, shrimps, and sea cucumbers.
Information sheets about the proposed changes said the intertidal area supports a diverse range of plants and animals that are vulnerable to impacts from human activities, including harvesting, sedimentation, and pollution.
“In recent months, Fisheries New Zealand has received increased reports of intensive shore-based harvesting from the rocky shore and rock pools at particular locations. Many of the species being targeted by recreational fishers, including limpets, whelks and periwinkles, are subject to a combined daily limit of 50 shellfish per person, which means a large amount of these shellfish can be taken by harvesters each day,” the agency said.
“Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on measures that aim to address sustainability risks associated with shore-based harvest pressure.”
Fisheries New Zealand is also seeking feedback on potential monitoring and education initiatives to support successful implementation.
DETAILS: Submissions can be made until 5pm on June 12, by emailing FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz. See www.mpi.govt.nz/shore-based-shellfish for more information.
