It is informed that the catch limits in Otago and Southland fisheries will increase, while catch limits in Gisborne and Wellington/Hawke Bay fisheries will decrease. The new changes in the limit will take effect on 1 April 2009. Heatley also informed that his decisions were based on the best information available and careful consideration of submissions received from customary, recreational and commercial fishers, and the wider public.
Heatley added that when the science says extra fish can be safely taken then I will increase catch limits. However, if the science suggests catch limits need to be cut to protect the sustainability of the fishery, it will be done without any hesitation. Under new changes from 1 April, total catch in Otago (CRA 7) will increase 45% from 144 tonnes to 209 tonnes, and in Southland (CRA 8) total catch will increase 5% from 1053 tonnes to 1110 tonnes.
Heatley said those operating in the Southern Rock Lobster fisheries deserved to be congratulated. He continued that the hard decisions in the late 1990s are bearing fruit and allowing me to increase catch limits now that the stocks are healthy, well above sustainable limits, and being carefully managed.
It is quite obvious that the cuts in both fisheries affect commercial quotas only. Heatley said that it is difficult having to make cuts at this time but decisive action is needed now to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fisheries. New management tools also adopted to deal with the new catch limits. Management tools like size limits, no take of egg carrying and soft shell lobsters, and escape gaps in lobster pots are used to protect the breeding stock.
