Photo by Matt Ringot

Kia ora Friend,

Pushing for change is not easy. It requires patience, knowledge and talking to the right person at the right time. But the most important part of it is public support.

Without our supporters LegaSea is nothing. Everything we do is on account of the support and participation we get from you. So we want to take a pause to say thank you. We really appreciate you and the support you give us, in whatever form it takes.

We want to give a special shout out to the people who get involved when we ask you to. Whether it signing a petition, making a submission or sharing information. These things make all the difference. Submissions are especially important. This is how we show the government what the public thinks. It's much more effective when they can see the support rather than us just telling them about it.

This year we have asked you to make submissions on the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill, the Waikato Regional Council coastal plan, the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan and the Fisheries Industry Transformation Plan. But we have one more that we need you to help with. 

Trawling in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park is a no brainer. It just shouldn't be allowed. Whatever ridiculous excuses Fisheries NZ have proposed for it does not come close to the damage trawling has done, is doing and will do if it is allowed to continue. 

So please make a submission on this now. It's easy to do and it makes a huge difference. Thank you if you have already submitted.

Extension for Trawl Corridor submissions

Fisheries NZ has extended the deadline for submissions on their proposed trawl corridors for the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. December 4th is the new deadline, so if you haven't already submitted you have more time to submit here.

All four of FNZ's options support ongoing trawling and seining in the Park. We're promoting the alternative - Option Zero. No bottom trawling, Danish seining or dredging in the Marine Park.

And, the new Minister must designate the Marine Park as a Type 2 marine protected area (MPA), to only permit the use of low-impact fishing techniques such as longlining and trapping. 

Getting destructive mobile, bottom contact fishing out of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park will be a win for the environment and our fish. Read more here. 

Mixed news for blue cod lovers

In October Fisheries New Zealand confirmed that recreational fishers returning to Canterbury can transit through the Red Zone with blue cod caught outside of the 12 nautical mile limit. With conditions.

The daily bag limit inside the Red Zone is two per person, per day. In other areas the limits vary, so you can return to Canterbury with more than two blue cod, but you need to be able to prove you were fishing outside the Red Zone. You also need to ensure you comply with the daily bag limit applied in the area where you were fishing. 

There is still no clarity from Fisheries NZ on whether you can fillet your blue cod at sea and use the frames as bait in the area outside the 12nm line. We await their answer with interest.

Waikato Regional Council coastal plan

Over two million people have access to waters around the east and west coasts of the Waikato. In November we submitted a response to the Waikato Regional Council (WRC) Coastal Plan. We agreed with the WRC that any new measures must avoid having an adverse impact on recreational fishing interests. 

We also highlighted, as a matter of national importance, the legal requirement to maintain public access to coastal areas. 

The WRC has a statutory duty to protect biodiversity so we reiterated the need to ban bottom trawling, Danish seining and dredging from WRC waters, the inner Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel coast to Waihi, and Waiuku to Mokau. 

Public hearings will likely occur in 2024 and our New Zealand Sport Fishing Council fisheries team has requested a hearing with the decision makers.

Hauraki Gulf MPA Bill submission

November 1st was the deadline for submissions on the Hauraki Gulf Tīkapa Moana Marine Protection Bill. Our joint recreational submission urged the Environment Select Committee to enshrine in legislation the need for 100% protection of the seafloor from destructive trawling, seining and dredging. 

Officials cannot keep ignoring the need to consider fisheries management and marine protection together, otherwise fishing effort from one area of the Gulf will inevitably shift into Bream Bay, the Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. 

We also championed Ahu Moana. More resources need to be made available so communities can work with their local iwi or hapū to find a suitable management solution to their local depletion issues. It's not rocket science. Read more here.

Mushy flesh snapper survey

In September we sent out a survey which asked respondents to recall where they went for their most recent fishing trip and whether or not they caught fish with mushy, white flesh. Thank you to everyone who took the time to fill in the survey. The purpose of the survey is to take note of where and when fishers have been catching mushy flesh fish and observe any changes over time. 

Of the 176 fishers who confirmed that they had caught affected fish, 23% of respondents caught mushy flesh fish in east Northland south to Pakiri, 8.5% have caught affected fish in Bay of Plenty and 60% have caught mushy, white flesh in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. We also had 6% of respondents state that they have caught affected fish along the west coast of the North Island. 

Thanks again to those who filled in the survey. It is now closed but will reopen in February 2024.

Partner Fundraiser Events

In the pursuit of an abundant inshore fishery, our Partnerships and the events orchestrated by our valued allies are critical. These collaborations transcend mere financial support; they represent a powerful synergy that fuels our mission to restore abundance and give the next generation a fair go. As we navigate the intricate web of marine conservation, these strategic alliances stand as vital fundraising tools, demonstrating the collective commitment needed to secure a positive future for our ocean. 

1. New Zealand Certified Builders - Golf Day Fundraiser

We had an absolute pearler of a day at the NZCB Golf Day Fundraiser where we were fortunate enough to be the recipients of all funds raised.

With an impressive turnout of 104 golfers, all helping to make it a memorable day on the greens, we ended up raising over $20,000 towards marine conservation. It's always nice to see such an engaged crowd come along to support our cause.

A huge shoutout to Yamaha Marine New Zealand for stepping up and providing a jaw-dropping $35,000 jet ski for our hole-in-one challenge. While the jet ski remained unclaimed, it definitely added an extra layer of excitement to the day!

2. ITM Dysart - Golf Day Fundraiser

Thank you to ITM Dysart, located in Glen Innes for also running a Golf Day fundraiser for us and our fight to restore marine abundance. 

This day again saw over 100 golfers bring their clubs out to whack themselves around the North Shore Golf Course and get stuck into some great food and enjoy some great company.

With the help of Dysart ITM and all the other sponsors, we ended up raising over $33,000 towards marine conservation. Absolutely incredible result!

We were situated at the LegaSea's Hole-in-One challenge on Hole 14, serving freshly smoked fish fillets, bluenose roe and wings. With $10,000 up for grabs for a hole-in-one, we watched as many a golfer tackled the 158m drive with varying levels of expertise and unfortunately, nobody managed to slot it in one for the cash prize.

And of course a very special thanks to our good friend Matt Watson for MC'ing and running the drinks cart

3. Bayleys Fishing Classic

Last year's Bayleys Fishing Classic proved to be so successful they decided to return the event to all its glory and make it an annual event. 

This Fishing Classic is a measure only competition and we saw some sizable fish registered with the winning fish measuring in at a whopping 77cm and was released to live another day (caught in 20m water).

The event was a resounding success with great fishing, amazing entertainment and a good chunk of change raised for LegaSea and to support our mission to restore abundance for the benefit of future generations.  

Thank you Bayleys for supporting our cause and helping us share our message to your community.

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Thank you to all the LegaSea Partners who were involved in these events, generously providing products for the live auctions, prizes and raffles. 

NZ Fishing News, Okuma, IronClad, Smokai, Black Magic Tackle, Victory Knives, COBB Grill, Shimano, Whitehaven wines, CDX, Yamaha Marine NZ and Barkers. 

Ngā mihi nui,

Benn and the LegaSea crew

LegaSea appreciates the ongoing support of our Platinum and Gold partners -

LegaSea is a wholly owned subsidiary of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council.

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