Photo by Amber Jones Kia ora Friend,
Tackling kina barrens does not necessarily mean we should be harvesting more kina. It is a sign of ecosystem imbalance that requires an integrated management approach. Unless the Ministry for Primary Industries address the root cause of kina overabundance we will be stuck in a never-ending cycle. We can not eat our way out of mismanagement. The real problem lies in the lack of apex predators (namely crayfish and large snapper) in our waters to naturally control the kina population, and that's where the Ministry's focus should be.
In fact there is legal precedent that requires the Ministry to rebuild crayfish populations. In 2022 the High Court agreed with ELI and Te Uri o Hikihiki hapū and ruled that excessive crayfish harvesting would see an explosion of kina that would devastate kelp forests and lead to more kina barrens.
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It's time for the Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show... almost |
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The Hutchwilco New Zealand Boat Show is just around the corner and we are busily preparing for it. It's a great event for us as we get the chance to talk to the public about what's going on with local fisheries and issues. You'll find us at stand #650 in the new Shimano Fishing Pavillion, opposite the Masterclass stage.
This will be our first year that The Kai Ika Project will be serving delicious smoked fish heads, frames, wings and roe for an optional 'pay as you feel' koha. Our goal is to show people how amazing different parts of a fish taste and how to prepare it yourself at home. |
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The Kai Ika Project will also be running daily fish filleting presentations as part of the Shimano Masterclass Series.
Tickets are now available online and remember to enter the draw to win a Surtees/Yamaha Grand Prize Boat Package worth over $300k!
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Kina harvesting is up for review |
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| Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) is reviewing the recreational daily bag limit of kina along the east coast of the North Island from North Cape to Cape Runaway, and now is the time for you to have your say.
The current daily bag limit is 50 kina per person. However, FNZ is proposing a significant increase to 100 or 150 kina per day to help mitigate elevated kina populations that result in kina barrens.
We support a slight increase to the recreational daily bag limit as a short term solution. |
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However, we acknowledge that increasing the daily bag limit does not solve the lack of large snapper and crayfish which prey on kina.
We are currently drafting a submission with the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, urging FNZ and the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to apply an ecosystem-based management approach to addressing kina barrens. This approach looks at the issue from a wider perspective, considering other species and environmental conditions rather than focusing on the symptom of ecosystem imbalance - kina barrens.
Submissions on the kina review are due by 5 pm on 3 May and can be submitted to FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz. More information on the review can be found here.
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Support LegaSea by making a bequest |
We believe that every individual has the power to make a difference and have a say in the management and safekeeping of our New Zealand inshore fisheries. Through our advocacy efforts, community engagement, and scientific research, we strive to promote an understanding of policy and fisheries management reform and encourage the elimination of destructive fishing techniques. However, being a non-profit, we simply can't achieve these ambitious goals alone. We rely on the generosity and support of individuals like you who share our passion for the ocean and its marine life.
Leaving a gift in your will is one of the most thoughtful gifts we receive. Your contribution in the form of a bequest, no matter the size, can help us fund crucial projects, educational initiatives, and public awareness advocacy campaigns.
If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your will to LegaSea click through to our bequests page.
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Fill in our survey and in to win a Kai Ika knife set! |
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Do you fish in the Coromandel, Bay of Plenty or Hawkes Bay? Has fishing in these areas changed in the time you have been out on the water?
Whether that's a yes or no, we want to hear what you see. Help us out, and you could win a custom Kai Ika/Victory Knives knife set worth $325.
At LegaSea, we are committed to ensuring the health and sustainability of our fisheries. We need your input to better understand the current state of marine life on the East Coast, from the Coromandel, through the Bay of Plenty and down to Hawkes Bay. |
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We are running a survey for those who fish, dive, and gather kaimoana in these waters. Your feedback is crucial as it will help us advocate more effectively for changes that ensure the long-term health of our fisheries and the wider marine environment.
The survey addresses key issues such as the state of local fish populations, the impact of current fishing regulations, and your personal experiences out on the water. This includes the effects of past initiatives like the "Crayfish Crisis" and "Time out for Tarakihi" campaigns, as well as your thoughts on potential changes to fishing practices and regulations. Your responses will directly influence the actions we take and our discussions with policymakers. By participating, you play a vital role in protecting our marine resources for future generations.
Click here to go to survey form. |
J. A. Russell sparks new energy as the latest LegaSea Gold Partner ⚡ |
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Our mission to restore marine abundance just got a powerful boost!
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We're thrilled to announce that J. A. Russell, a trusted name in the electrical industry since 1951, is now illuminating our cause as an esteemed Gold Partner. With over 80 branches nationwide, J. A. Russell offers a wide range of electrical supplies and services to every kind of customer—from one-man domestic electricians to large industrial and commercial trade contractors, to national organisations and construction projects. Their RSR Loyalty Rewards Programme allows customers to earn points and redeem them for a range of products. In a bold move to support our mission, J. A. Russell has officially added LegaSea as recipients of RSR Rewards Points.
If you're a sparkie you can now join the thousands of people already donating to rebuild our coastal fisheries by selecting 'LegaSea' as the charity you wish to donate your points to. Want to know more about the RSR Loyalty Reward Programme? Ask at your local branch of J. A. Russell Ltd or Radcliffe Electrical. Join us as we work towards a brighter future for our oceans. With the support of J. A. Russell, we can work towards a healthier marine environment for all Kiwis, and make sure we have fish to catch for generations to come.
Welcome aboard J. A. Russell, and thanks for giving a damn! |
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Fast-Track Approvals Bill |
On April 19, our specialist team sent a submission to the Environment Select Committee opposing the Fast-Track Approvals Bill on matters relevant to the marine environment and land-based activities that can adversely affect that environment. Our major concerns relate to the effects of the Bill, which seeks to circumvent environmental protections that are in place for very good reason. Kaitiakitanga and the ethic of stewardship must remain at the heart of any fast-track legislation, to ensure that we are properly protecting the environment for future generations.
LegaSea worked with the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council, New Zealand Angling & Casting Association and New Zealand Underwater Association to develop the submission. Read it here.
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-- Ngā mihi nui, Benn and the LegaSea crew
LegaSea appreciates the ongoing support of our Platinum and Gold partners - |
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