For recreational fishers in Waikawa, Marlborough, Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley has announced the formation of a Blue Cod Management Group, whose work he trusts will see the four year ban on fishing for blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds lifted sooner than its scheduled expiry of October 2012. It is told that the group will work with the Ministry of Fisheries to develop a long term management plan for the fishery.
According to the Heatley the fishery was in decline as anecdotal reports and scientific research showed the number of blue cod was low and falling. He further asked the stakeholders to spend time and energy developing a management plan and getting the fishery open again rather than re-litigating the closure.
It is informed that the management group is made up of representatives from various recreational sectors of the Marlborough community who use and value the blue cod fishery, including recreational fishers and charter boat operators. Commenting on this Heatley said that only a small, focussed group is going to get things done in a decent timeframe. However I have suggested the group co-opt special insight or expertise from whomever it sees fit to deliver a workable solution to lifting the ban.
Heatley also said that if the group can come up with a plan for managing the blue cod fishery in the Sounds, the Ministry support lifting or relaxing the closure early so we can start fishing for blue cod again in a way we know is sustainable.
