Kia ora Friend,
We've been going hell for leather, encouraging everyone fired up about Shane Jones's industry pandering to turn that energy into submissions, and it's paying off.
The Minister's decisions for crayfish between on the northeast coast between Te Arai Point and East Cape (CRA 2) and in the deep south (CRA 7) just dropped, and despite heavy industry pressure to bump up commercial catches, we scored a "no change" for the South Island and NI northeast coast crayfish areas. That's a win for sustainability and a powerful reminder of how strong we can be when we all speak up together, so thank you to all of you who made a submission!
While it might seem like our lives just revolve around government submissions, fortunately, that's not the case. We've also been knee-deep in epic partner events. From the Auckland Boat Show to The Bayleys Fishing Classic, Chesters Fanatical Fishos and The James Group Golf Day, these get-togethers let us swap the desk for the dock (or the green) for a bit. It's been a great chance to share what we're up to and maybe toss around a few tall fishing tales while we're at it.
There's plenty more crayfish news below, but for now, just know that your voice really does make a difference. So please keep sharing our current Scam submission form with everyone in your circle, as it's our best shot at making sure we don't lose our rights to fish. |
|
|
The Fisheries Reform Scam Campaign – It's Crunch Time! |
Shane Jones is proposing to sell out our coastal fisheries. For him and his mates in the commercial fishing sector, our marine environment represents nothing more than short-term profits. We need you to take a stand. Do it for your kids. We want to leave them a healthier marine environment than the one we inherited. Have your say - use our easy online form to send your personal submission before April 11. This is our moment to call out this Scam that's letting commercial fishing giants run circles around everyday Kiwis. When it comes to our oceans, we deserve better than sneaky deals and fishy politics. Your voice matters - so let's make some noise and protect our precious marine life before it's too late. |
|
|
How to Help: ➞ Hand out Fisheries Reform Scam brochures around your neighbourhood to raise awareness. Reply to this email with your details and we will send some your way.
➞ Forward this email on to friends and family and urge them to stay up to date by signing up to receive LegaSea updates. ➞ Share this newsletter on Facebook or other Social Media.
➞ Donate to LegaSea - we're going to need all the help we canto stop this!
➞ Support LegaSea by becoming a business sponsor. |
|
|
CRA 2 Review - Decision
Over Christmas, Fisheries New Zealand asked for feedback on a commercial catch increase for crayfish in CRA 7 (Otago) and a commercial catch increase in CRA 2 (Te Arai Point to East Cape), and a full closure of the inner Hauraki Gulf to both commercial and recreational crayfish harvest. This week, the Minister confirmed his decisions – and we have mixed feelings.
At LegaSea, we have long voiced concerns about the obvious decline in crayfish numbers over many years in the Hauraki Gulf and Bay of Plenty. We have also consistently questioned some stock assessment results which seem to overestimate the abundance of crayfish and do not reflect what we are observing in the water.
We were relieved to see Minister Jones supporting a conservative approach for CRA 2 and CRA 7. The Minister and Fisheries NZ appear to have listened – not just to the statistical model, but to independent surveys and public feedback. That's a win for the crayfish and for the ecosystem. |
Map of the CRA2 management area. MPI. The Minister has decided to close the inner Gulf to recreational and commercial harvest of crayfish. There weren't that many fish to be caught there any more. While we understand the need for action, closing such a large fishing area reflects how far things have declined, and how long management action has been delayed.
In an interview with Duncan Garner, Shane Jones claimed that the closure "is going to have an impact on a very lucrative part of the commercial seafood sector". The horse has well and truly bolted. For decades commercial crayfish catch within the inner Gulf has been declining because there are so few crays left.
In our latest submission, we called for a recovery plan for CRA 2 – one that includes smaller, separate management areas, recognising that some locations are more abundant than others. This would allow for sustainable harvest where appropriate while protecting areas that clearly need time to rebuild. We've still got a long way to go when it comes to rebuilding crayfish populations and restoring balance to our inshore reefs around New Zealand. The public, and even the High Court, have had to push hard to be heard but we welcome this latest management decision. |
|
|
The Bayleys Fishing Classic |
From all of us at LegaSea, a massive thank you to Bayleys for their incredible support at this year's Bayleys Fishing Classic. We had an absolute blast, and we really appreciate Bayleys doubling the funds raised - absolute legends!
As always, the Bayleys Fishing Classic followed a catch, measure, photograph, and (voluntarily) release approach. We love seeing everyone handle fish responsibly, keeping a few for the whānau but letting the big ones swim free!
Special shout-out to our friends and partners (Barkers, Victory Knives, Swordfish Mojo, Kōparepare, Hauraki Express, Kingi, and Black Magic Tackle), who supplied epic prizes, drinks, and raffle items.
The Bayleys Fishing Classic raised a fantastic amount for LegaSea. Your support allows us to keep pushing for better fisheries management, more responsible practices, and a healthier, more abundant ocean for everyone in Aotearoa.
We can't wait to do it all again next year! |
|
|
They're back! Our legendary LegaSea Kingi Boards have returned - and this time, we've restocked in all colours with a fresh haul of 100 boards. Whether you're team classic green or feeling a bit flashy with the orange, now's your chance to grab one before they sell out again.
Made from commercial trawl nets and post-consumer plastic, these chef-grade boards are beautifully crafted to last and make great gifts if you can bear to part with them!
Get them from our online shop now!. These won't stick around. |
|
|
Chesters Fanatical Fishos |
The annual Chesters Fanatical Fishos fishing event was on again in February and, as it has been for the last 20+ years, it was great. A huge turn out, a great setup and some excellent fish caught. All fish were auctioned off with proceeds going to CoastGuard, and a generous donation from Chesters to LegaSea. The LegaSea and Kai Ika teams were there providing support and filleting services with nothing going to waste. All fish heads and frames were distributed to the community.
Chesters have been long term LegaSea supporters and we are tremendously grateful for it and the great bash they put on year on year. |
|
|
Earlier in March, our incredible Platinum Partner, James Group, hosted their annual Golf Day—and we were honoured to be selected as their charity of choice for the event.
We hosted a challenge where golfers had to aim at "Salty Jim", our inflatable fisherman chilling in a blow-up boat. A direct hit? You went in the draw to win a LegaSea lifejacket! Oh, and did we mention they had to putt on the green with an oar? Yep… serious laughs.
The day was a smashing success—through raffles we raised over $3,000. Big thanks to everyone who took part, swung a club, bought a raffle ticket, or just came along for the ride. Thanks for backing LegaSea and bringing the good vibes all day long—on the course and off. |
|
|
Our LegaSea crew will once again be at A Taste of Matarangi on Saturday 5th of April, come along and see us if you are in the Coromandel and purchase a glass of Kōparepare wine - every glass you drink supports our cause thanks to Whitehaven wines. -- Ngā mihi nui, Chris and the LegaSea crew |
|
|
LegaSea is proudly supported by its Gold and Platinum partners: |
|
|
If you no longer wish to receive these emails unsubscribe |
|
|
|