Concern about the shellfish resource from Kaihinaki (Moeraki Boulders) to the western end of Onekakara (Moeraki harbour beach) has led to a rāhui being declared.
Te Rūnanga o Moeraki chief executive Trevor McGlinchey said the Moeraki Tangata Tiaki had noted increased shellfish fishing pressure on this area of the coast, which had resulted in a decrease in shellfish numbers and size.
‘‘In order to protect the shellfish a rāhui has been declared on the affected area. The rāhui will stay in place until such time as the shellfish within the area have recovered to a more sustainable level.’’
Asked whether they had an indication of the timeframe, Mr McGlinchey said ‘‘not at this stage’’.
‘‘Once we have the formal declaration under the Fisheries Act then they’re usually in place for two years, but we will just review as we go along and review how fast the resources recover.’’
The decision to place a rāhui on this area was taken by the rūnanga executive on the advice of Te Rūnanga o Moeraki Tangata Tiaki, he said.
Tangata Tiaki are appointed under the South Island Customary Fisheries regulations and are trained to support sustainable management of fisheries.
A rāhui is a customary management process which temporarily closes fishing in certain areas to allow for the sustainable management of fish and shellfish within the area.
‘‘Te Rūnanga o Moeraki, with the support of Te Rūnanga o Nga ¯i Tahu, has commenced the process of formally having the rāhui recognised under section 186A and 186B of the Fisheries Act.
‘‘However, to protect the area during the summer holiday season, Te Rūnanga o Moeraki has independently declared a rāhui on the area and requests that this is respected by all.’’
