Set netting closure area doubles

The closure area for set netting off the Otago coast has doubled as the process for consultation on long-term measures to protect hoiho from the effects of fishing gets under way.

A temporary emergency closure was put in place around Otago Peninsula to protect hoiho from the effects of fishing. The closure is for three months, starting from 5pm yesterday.

It applies to all set net fishing and extends from 4 nautical miles to 8 nautical miles for the area between Karitane and Taieri Mouth.

The Ministry for Primary Industries said in a statement that during the closure, Fisheries New Zealand would hold a consultation on long-term measures to protect hoiho.

Hoiho are classified as threatened-nationally endangered.

The hoiho population has declined by 80% since 2008 due to threats including starvation, disease, predation, human disturbance and fisheries bycatch.

Fisheries Minister Shane Jones imposed the closure.

‘‘I do not make this decision lightly. I am deeply conscious of the effect this will have on the livelihoods of fishers in the area, and people should not be under the misapprehension that I am softening my pro-industry stance,’’ he said in a statement.

The fishery industry proposed a ban from Taiaroa Head to Green Island.

The industry said the decision was made without transparent evidence.

Penguin support groups said the ban needed to cover the area from Banks Peninsula to Stewart Island.