According to the press communiqué blue cod fishery season has reopened in the Marlborough Sounds Area (MSA). The fishery, which has re-opened 18 months ahead of schedule, will remain open until 31 August 2011, then will open seasonally from 20 December to 31 August each year. The Minister is delighted to celebrate the re-opening of what can, once again, be a truly superb fishery.
He says that this is a significant day for an iconic fishery. He added that this opening has been supported by a lot of hard work and research. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Marlborough Sounds Blue Cod Management Group (BCMG), the Ministry of Fisheries, and also the contribution of the local Marlborough community.
After NIWA survey results the authorities have closed the fishery which shows that blue cod in the MSA declined substantially (by an estimated average of 64 per cent) between 1995/96 and 2004. From 2004 to 2007, the population either continued to decline or remained at low levels in the inner, middle and outer parts of Queen Charlotte and Pelorus Sounds.
Healtey said that new rules, including the first slot fishery to be introduced in New Zealand, will allow recreational fishers to catch and keep fish while also helping ensure blue cod populations recover to a healthy state and support a sustainable fishery for the future.
