The rock lobster (crayfish) industry in the lower North Island announced their intention to voluntarily reduce their catch for the coming season in order to preserve the crayfish. The industry has agreed not to fish around 60 percent of their annual catch entitlement for the new fishing season which starts from April 1. And this brings a voluntary reduction of 44 percent in the commercial catch in the current fishing year. Commenting on this Jim Anderton said, “I applaud the crayfish industry for their responsible action.”
Anderton added the Quota Management System needs this kind of responsible self-management within sustainable limits. He states this self-management shows the forward thinking and business savvy of the crayfish industry. He informed that the stock level of crayfish is well above the level of concerns. Accoridng to him research is undertaken on crayfish fisheries regularly. The government is ready to take action if any sign of stock fall seen future.
The crayfish industry is making all efforts to ensure that their fishery is in good shape economically as well as biologically. The current decision to reduce the catch means the industry is looking to increase the size and abundance of lobster available at peak catching times when export market prices are at their best.
