New Zealand’s Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker has decided the recreational pāua (abalone) fishing season will take place from 15th April to 15th June, and the commercial fishery is open from 5th January.
‘The decision is based on the best available information and science, as well as feedback from tangata whenua and throughout the community, including the Kaikōura marine guardians, commercial and recreational fishers,’ said Emma Taylor, director fisheries management.
‘We received nearly 300 submissions on the proposals, which is a testament to the importance of the fishery. The overwhelming majority support recreational fishing taking place in a quieter part of the year. We also received widespread support for a year-round reopening of the commercial fishery, which targets pāua in deeper water and in areas away from recreationally popular beds.’
The fishery was damaged during the 2016 earthquakes, and has since been allowed to recover. But caution was still required to ensure it will be there for future generations to enjoy, according to Emma Taylor.
‘We’ll continue to closely monitor recreational take during the season to ensure catch settings remain appropriate, and work with all interested parties on longer-term strategies for maintaining and protecting the fishery,’ she said.
‘Catch settings for recreational pāua fishing are yet to be decided and will be announced ahead of the season in April. In the meantime, we’d like to remind people that recreational pāua fishing is prohibited. The majority of customary management areas also remain closed to commercial and recreational pāua fishing.’
