Kia ora Friend,
In September the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council endorsed a policy encouraging recreational fishers to retire their scallop dredges.
At a time when the community is increasingly concerned about the deteriorating state of our marine environment, it's exciting to see this Council embracing progressive policy and encouraging change to their 36,000 affiliated members.
We now know that the seafloor is a crucial element for a healthy marine ecosystem. Species like snapper and trevally feed on crabs, flatfish and shellfish found on the seafloor. Juvenile species also hide from predatory fish in the seaweed which grows up the water column. Any form of bottom contact fishing destroys large amounts of this sea life.
We are often asked the question - "What can I do as a recreational fish do to minimise my impact on the marine environment?" The immediate answer - "Dump the dredge. Make friends with a diver."
We also want to acknowledge our LegaSea partners, Burnsco, Marine Deals and Hunting & Fishing who have stopped selling scallop dredges. The overarching sentiment - we need to prioritise marine health over economic profit.
In addition, independent organisations such as the Outboard Boating Club of Auckland (OBC) and Kawau Boating Club are also advocating for the removal of recreational scallop dredging.
Seems like there's nothing more powerful than a good idea whose time has come, it's exciting to see the community embracing positive change. Kia kaha guys.
Growing concerns about depleted scallops