An application from Otakou runanga for a mataitai covering most of Otago Harbour has generated submissions from 20 people and organisations.
The runanga submitted an amended proposal for a mataitai (a customary fishing reserve) for Otago Harbour in June.
It followed an application first made in 2008, which had been in limbo at the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) since consultation was completed in 2009.
During that consultation period 41 submissions were made, including 15 against the earlier proposal. A public meeting was held on the proposal in 2009 which attracted 65 people.
MPI fisheries director Dave Turner said it had received 19 submissions for this year's consultation and was expecting one further submission from the Department of Conservation.
Further details of the submissions were unavailable as the process was still being completed.
''The public meeting stage of the consultation has been completed.''
However, Otakou runanga were holding a series of clinics in Dunedin and at Otakou marae next week for submitters.
Runanga chairwoman Donna Matahaere-Atariki said in a letter to submitters the clinics were an opportunity for submitters to speak to the runanga ''face to face'' about their organisations' position. It had allowed for four half-hour slots at each venue.
The mataitai committee declined to talk to the Otago Daily Times about the clinics or submissions, but confirmed the clinics would be held in private.
Mr Turner said the MPI would attend the sessions to answer any questions on the process and gauge stakeholder and applicant views.
''This will assist MPI with providing advice to the Minister for Primary Industries, who will make the final decision on the application.''
Recreational fishing advocate Warren Lewis, of Port Chalmers, said he was concerned about the lack of public consultation concerning the amended proposal and the short time frame at the clinics for submitters to explain their concerns.
He had made a submission opposing the application due to concerns recreational fishermen could be disadvantaged.
Port Otago chief executive Geoff Plunket said Port Otago had not made a submission on the mataitai application because it excluded all areas covered by its commercial fishing permits.
