Catch numbers for recreational fishers in Fiordland are to be slashed and some temporary closures will be put on some fisheries.
Fisheries New Zealand is seeking public feedback on a proposal developed by the Fiordland Marine Guardians for changes to recreational fishing rules within the Fiordland marine area.
Fisheries New Zealand south inshore manager Allen Frazer said the proposal and recommendations could result in a change to where recreational fishing occurred within the Fiordland marine area, and new daily limits for many species.
“The Guardians have expressed their concern about increasing recreational fishing effort in Fiordland and the effect this has on fish stocks. Their proposals set out measures to encourage people to fish in the outer areas of the fiords where the fishery is more productive," he said.
The proposal also aligns with the Guardians’ philosophy of "fishing for a feed", not the freezer.
“A daily catch limit is not a target, and we all want to ensure there are plenty of fish in the water for future generations to enjoy," Fisheries NZ said in a statement.
Ngai Tahu, Fiordland’s fishing charters and the fishing community were consulted on the issue and the major concern was over the sustainability of fish stocks, particularly in the internal waters. The decline has been occurring over decades, the most experienced fishermen have said, and most people appreciate the regulations must change.
"The Guardians have concluded many fish stocks are not being fished sustainably and several key stocks need rebuilding. Any delay in implementing more restrictive regulations will result in key fish stocks being even more depleted."
There is high-intensity pressure on fishing resources at the entrance of fiords.
Under the new rules the fishing zones would change and fiord waters would be inside the fishing lines and open coast waters would be outside the fishing lines. It was previously on habitat lines and led to pressure at fiord entrances.
The combined daily bag limit of 30 finfish per person would be cut to 10 finfish per person.
This would cover all finfish, although barracouta would have a separate three-bag daily limit.
It is proposed the groper fishery in the internal waters of Fiordland be closed for five years and there be a limit of just one groper a day caught in coastal waters.
Blue cod numbers — along with groper — would be investigated and there would be a limit of one blue cod per person per day in fiord waters.
The blue, bronze, mako and hammerhead shark limit would sink to zero.
No consensus could be found on the proposal for rock lobster. Two options have been proposed, which are based around a habitat line and a fishing line.
There has been no daily bag limit for shellfish but it was proposed to introduce a daily bag limit of shellfish of 150.
Scallops would not be allowed to be taken.
Submissions close on September 30 and there will be drop-in sessions next week in Dunedin, Invercargill, Cromwell, Gore and Te Anau.
Following consultation, Fisheries New Zealand will discuss the feedback received with the Guardians and provide advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker for his consideration.
Fiordland fishing
Recreational fishing only
- Changes have to be made — key stocks need to be rebuilt.
- Concentrate on fishing for a feed not a freezer.
- Fishing zones to be changed.
- Daily finfish limit to be slashed from 30 to 10.
- Shellfish limit to be imposed.
- Groper fishery closed.
Staff Reporter
