Chief executive Trevor McGlinchey said the Moeraki Tangata Tiaki has noted increased shell fishing pressure on this area of the coast which has 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 the shellfish within the area have recovered to a more sustainable level."
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 Ngāi 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."
— Allied Media
