Kia ora Friend,
There are some things that are just plain wrong. Just like the government's latest proposals to open our marlin and 19 reef fish, including red moki and boarfish, to commercial exploitation.
We’re not standing by. We’re fighting for some of our highly-valued species that are at risk, before the government hands over even more of our fish to commercial interests.
We need your help to tell the government to keep their grubby mitts off our marlin and reef fish.
For more than 30 years, regulations have kept the vulnerable, slow-growing reef species off limits from commercial fishing. Those regulations have protected them from being kept and sold. Now, they and marlin could be at risk if the government recklessly pushes ahead with removing “redundant” regulations. Apparently, the 330,000 tonnes of fish hauled in by the fishing industry every year aren’t enough to fill quota owners' pockets. So, now they’re coming after our fish. Again.
Back in 2013, the then Fisheries Minister tried to introduce a similar policy that would allow dead marlin to be kept and sold commercially.
Within three days of launching our campaign “Hands off our Marlin” the public opposition was loud and clear. The Minister abandoned ship, announcing that marlin would remain off the menu for commercial fishers. The government is back for seconds. But together, with the power of your voices, we can defeat these desperate attempts to exploit some of our favourite species. |
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Not for sale - Marlin and 19 reef species |
The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries is pressing ahead with proposals that fulfil the Coalition agreement to "...remove regulations that impede the productivity and enormous potential of the seafood sector."
The Luxon-led government is seeking to give more of our fish away to the commercial fishing industry. This time they want to allow the commercial exploitation of some of our highly valued non-commercial species, including marlin and 19 reef fish species. We need your help to tell the Minister these fish are not for sale. In October Fisheries NZ proposed a package of 19 changes that aim to "remove redundant regulations" applying to commercial fishing. Two of the proposals seek to allow commercial fishers to keep and sell dead marlin and 19 other reef fish species including red moki and boarfish. Why you may ask?
With fewer fish in our coastal waters, the industry is now turning its eyes to our fish to make a quick buck. The striped marlin and 19 reef species are currently off limits to commercial harvest and sale. The government wants to change this. If the proposals are given effect there will be nothing to stop fishers targeting these vulnerable species. Then what will be left?
What now?
Your voice matters. LegaSea has put together an easy online submission form so you can make your voice heard and oppose the proposed changes threatening to commercialise some of our favourite fish. Click here to make a submission.
We've done it before and we will do it again. Hands off our marlin and reef fish!
More information:
Proposed changes to commercial fishing regulations
Hands off our marlin 2013 campaign timeline |
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Quick Facts about the Fisheries Regulations Amendments |
🦈 Why are commercial fishers not permitted to keep and sell dead striped marlin?
Commercial fishers are unable to keep and sell dead striped marlin caught within New Zealand's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in order to preserve these fish as a non-commercial, recreational-only fishery. This regulation has been in place since 1991 and was negotiated between the New Zealand Sport Fishing, commercial fishers and the government at the end of the Billfish Moratorium.
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🦈 What is the billfish moratorium?
In the 1980s the public and recreational fishers raised concerns about excessive numbers of striped marlin being caught by commercial fishers as non-target catch in the tuna longline fishery. In 1987 the Bay of Islands Swordfish Club alongside the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council advocated for the government to protect striped marlin from the ongoing commercial exploitation. The then Minister for Fisheries, Colin Moyle, later announced a 3-year moratorium to prohibit commercial fishers taking striped marlin for sale in the Auckland Fisheries Management Area, waters around the upper North Island.
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🦈 What are the 19 reef fish species that Fisheries NZ are seeking to commercialise?
In October 2025, Fisheries NZ proposed removing regulations to allow commercial fishers to keep and sell vulnerable reef fish species including; giant & long-finned boarfish, red pigfish, butterfly & splendid perch, scarlet & sandager's wrasse, green & banded wrasse, red moki, red mullet, silver drummer, rock cod, kelpfish, black angelfish, marblefish, notch-headed marblefish, painted moi, and toadstool groper.
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🦈 Why have the 19 reef fish species been protected from commercial exploitation?
In 1993 the regulation to prohibit certain reef fish from being kept and sold by commercial fishers was introduced to reduce the risk of depleting these vulnerable species. These specific reef fish species are considered more vulnerable to depletion as they are often slow-growing and long-lived. Since 1993 Fisheries NZ has done little to determine the population size or reproductive potential of these species. We do know they are more vulnerable because they have fewer offspring and use the reef as shelter against larger predators, including humans.
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We don't have to sell marlin to make a buck |
Around 100,000 tourists to New Zealand fish in the sea according to a 2016 study. While the Covid pandemic may have changed some behaviours, the $177 million in annual economic activity that those visitors generated is a good reason why we would want to attract international fishers back to our shores.
Quality fishing experiences are a drawcard for both international and domestic tourists, so it makes sense to look after our prime fish species so they are available and abundant when these visitors arrive, often spending money in coastal towns. And we need fish abundance to provide for the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of all New Zealanders. Read article here. |
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The Tragedy of Canterbury's Blue Cod Fishery |
Opinion, by Peter Van Eekelen, member and past president of the Pegasus Bay Game Fishing in Canterbury, and the Zone 7 delegate to the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. Photo by Judy Ormandey
For generations, blue cod has been central to life on the South Island's east coast. It is more than just a meal on a plate. It is culture, recreation, and family. It is why grandparents take grandchildren to the sea, why friends gather on weekends, and why so many New Zealanders feel bound to the coast. For Ngāi Tahu, for recreational fishers, for visitors, and for commercial operators alike, blue cod is part of who we are. Yet the Canterbury blue cod fishery is in slow decline. This tragedy has not unfolded overnight but over 150 years — eroded steadily by unsustainable practices and poor management decisions.
Read the rest of the article here. |
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Win Matt Watson's legendary Stabicraft – and help protect our oceans |
Did you hear? Matt Watson's Swordfish Mojo—the boat behind some of New Zealand's most iconic catches—is up for grabs. And it gets better. Matt's Toyota Land Cruiser is included too, ready to tow your new rig straight to the water.
This incredible package is being raffled to raise funds for community charities across New Zealand and vital marine conservation initiatives. Proceeds will help continue efforts to restore abundance and safeguard the future of our coastal waters and marine environment.
This is your chance to own a piece of Kiwi fishing history and make a real difference for the ocean.
Get your tickets here!
Brought to you with support from Stabicraft and Toyota New Zealand, proudly backing initiatives that keep our oceans thriving. NZ Charitable Trust Licence LT090000883. |
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Grab your clubs and get ready to swing for a cause! |
On Friday, 21 November 2025, we're hitting the greens at Matamata Golf Course for a charity golf day supporting two amazing causes – LegaSea (Fish for the People) and The Striker, an accessible fishing apparatus helping more Kiwis experience the joy of fishing.
It's shaping up to be an epic day with: - A hole-in-one challenge worth over $39,000 thanks to Yamaha Marine NZ
- Novelty holes and great prizes
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Food, drinks, and good times all day long
This is your chance to tee up with mates, clients, or colleagues for a great day out while backing causes that make a real difference for our people and our oceans. There are only 30 team spots available (120 players total), so get in quick.
Sponsorship opportunities are also open – including naming rights and hole sponsors – perfect for businesses wanting to get behind a good cause.
Register your team or sponsorship interest today. Let's swing the sticks for a better future, together.
To enter a team or for more information, contact Bryce Dineen at c4bryce@gmail.com. |
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Thank you Mahia Boating & Fishing Club |
A huge thank you to the Mahia Boating & Fishing Club for their generous donation to LegaSea. Your support helps us continue the work of restoring abundance to our coastal fisheries and protecting the places we all love to fish. It's great to see local clubs like Mahia backing the movement for healthier oceans and more fish in the water for future generations. |
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In the News... 'Prioritise looking after Kiwis': Fishermen to protest new Hauraki Gulf
protection Act
Fishermen wanting to catch food for their families are outraged at a new Act stopping them from fishing in areas of the Hauraki Gulf - but commercial fishing could still be allowed. "People just wanting to catch a feed for their family or enjoy a day on the water are now being pushed further offshore into unfamiliar areas," said Scott Malcon, a spokesperson for the local fishing community and long-standing tackle industry representative.
Eva Gallot, Stuff, November 2025 |
Fisher folk may have upper hand over big bottom trawlers
Small time anglers and fisher folk may have come out on top against the big bottom trawlers - at least across Waikato's 1150km of coastline anyway. Waikato Regional Council has announced it has approved notification for its new coastal plan, something regional councillor Warren Maher said would better protect against damage caused by bottom trawling and scallop dredging. The plan has met with waves of approval - but a flood of criticism from Seafood New Zealand Benn Bathgate, Waikato Times, October 2025 |
New study shows fishing can support your mental health and wellbeing
Many of you already know this but it's great to have research to back it up. Our research involving nearly 1,900 anglers, the largest of its kind globally, has shown that fishing can significantly boost wellbeing and mental health. Fish and Game New Zealand, October 2025. |
New Hauraki Gulf marine protections in place
Dive Pacific breaks down what activities are permitted in the new High Protection Areas within the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. The story features comments from LegaSea Lead, Sam Woolford describing why the new protections alone won't heal the Hauraki Gulf. Dive Pacific, November 2025 |
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LegaSea is proudly supported by its Gold and Platinum partners: |
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