About 145 submissions were received by the Ministry of Fisheries in response to the Hokitika-based runanga's application to establish the mataitai.
Of those, 143 were opposed to the move to establish the fishing reserves.
A single submission was made, from Rangiora, which fully supported the move, while another submission partially supported the mataitai proposal.
The 145 written submissions were obtained by the Otago Daily Times through an official information request.
Although the names of submitters were withheld by the ministry, the majority of submissions were made by residents of Haast and the surrounding area south to Jackson Bay.
A small commercial fishing industry, located around Haast and Jackson Bay, faces uncertainty if the proposal to establish the fishing reserves is successful.
Recreational fishing in the area could also be affected, but only if the runanga - in conjunction with the ministry - decide to enact specific regulations in the mataitai area.
Four areas of particular concern are popular fishing spots at Popotai and Tumaka Island near Okuru, also known as Open Bay Islands; Barn Island, near the Hope River south of Jackson Bay; Okahu Bay or Jackson Bay; and Paringa, south of Bruce Bay.
A petition with 113 signatories entitled "Objections to Proposed Mataitai Fishing Areas (West Coast)" was withheld by the ministry on the grounds of privacy.
Most of the opposing submitters objected to the runanga's desire to form the mataitai in areas they claim are a significant distance away from its Hokitika base and traditional Makaawhio customary fishing sites, near Jacobs River and Bruce Bay.
Te Runanga o Makaawhio is one of the 18 constituent sub-tribes (hapu) of Ngai Tahu and its takiwa (tribal area) covers an area of South Westland from the Hokitika River down to Milford Sound.
The runanga began the process of establishing the mataitai several years ago and the application is now at the stage of public consultation.
A mataitai is an identified traditional fisheries ground established for the purpose of non-commercial customary food gathering. Commercial fishers cannot take fish from a mataitai unless the Minister of Fisheries grants the right by regulation.
That has not happened for any other mataitai in New Zealand, according to the Ministry of Fisheries, but South Westland is lobbying to be the first.
The Ministry of Fisheries and runanga representatives have held two public meetings in Hokitika and Whataroa.
They are scheduled to hold further meetings at the Bruce Bay Hall, at 7pm today, and at the Haast Rescue Centre hall, tomorrow at 7pm.
Main points
• Proposal for nine mataitai in South Westland, sought by Ngai Tahu subtribe Te Runanga o Makaawhio.
• Could change commercial, recreational fishing.
• 145 submissions: 143 opposed; one in support, one partial support.
