As per the information Kahawai are a traditional food source for customary Mäori fishers, a very popular fish for recreational fishers, and a target species for commercial fishers. The largest kahawai fishery in the country stretches from North Cape to near East Cape (known as KAH1) and covers the important fishing grounds of the Bay of Plenty, Coromandel, Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Islands.
Ministry Inshore Fisheries Manager Leigh Mitchell told that the Ministry of Fisheries is committed to making sure the kahawai fishery will be sustainable for the long term. She told that purpose of inviting public opinion is making sure future generations will continue to be able to catch kahawai.
Fish numbers in other kahawai fisheries are uncertain. Scientific research is planned over the next two years that will give better and up-to-date information for fishery managers. Mitchell informed that fishery managers take a cautious approach to managing fisheries where there is uncertainty. The Ministry of Fisheries is proposing to make a technical adjustment to the recreational and customary Maori allowances in KAH1.
She said that the Minister of Fisheries will carefully consider all submissions received from the public as well as the best available science and management advice from the Ministry of Fisheries before making a decision on kahawai catch limits and management measures.
