Kia ora Friend,
Welcome back!
We hope you're feeling recharged after the summer break because we'll need every ounce of energy to tackle what may be the most shocking example of regulatory capture by the commercial fishing industry yet.
Right now, we're staring down the grim reality of a proposed commercial catch increase in CRA 2 (Te Arai Point down to East Cape) - an area already on its knees from relentless overfishing. If you were lucky enough to snag a crayfish around the Coromandel or Great Barrier Island this summer, hold on tight to those memories because you may never get the chance again. This eerie echo of the scallop fishery collapse - where greed and inflated commercial catch limits spelled the end - should send chills down every fisher's spine. Will we stand by and watch kōura numbers dwindle until they're gone, too?
The details are below. Please read on and then take a moment to write a submission demanding that our beautiful kōura be protected. Your voice could make the difference between seeing crayfish on our reefs in the future - or only in old photographs.
But it's not all doom and gloom! Read on for some lighter, more positive news about our photo competition, a new gold partner, and the exciting expansion of The Kai Ika Project into Hawke's Bay. |
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CRA 2 Review - They're doing it again!
Crayfish are once again under the spotlight as Fisheries NZ is proposing to give away more quota to commercial interests for the last crayfish on the northeast coast, between Te Arai point and East Cape. |
Map of the CRA2 management area. MPI.
It wasn't that long ago that crayfish at the centre of this CRA 2 area, inside the Hauraki Gulf, were declared to be functionally extinct. Now, Fisheries NZ is using easily manipulated data to justify an increase in the commercial crayfish catch limit.
If successful, this increase will put crayfish populations at risk, and further jeopardise any hopes for restoring abundance in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. With kina barrens taking over the seafloor, crayfish are vitally important to keep the kina at more natural levels.
You'd think that after witnessing the Crayfish Crisis in 2018 and the tragedy of scallops in the Gulf and all of NZ, they would have learned their lesson. But no, once again Fisheries NZ officials feel obliged to bow to commercial demands for greater catches, threatening the survival of one our taonga species in order to feed export markets.
A handful of crayfish potters win (until the crayfish runs out). The corporate seafood companies win. High-end diners in Shanghai and New York win.
We lose. The marine environment is lost. And our grandchildren hear only stories of abundance.
Who's up for the challenge? Say no to another crayfish crisis. Say no to the proposed commercial catch limit for crayfish on the northeast coast.
We've made it super easy to make a submission to Fisheries NZ. Hit the link below to go to our submission building tool on the LegaSea website. It will only take a couple of minutes to make a submission.
HAVE YOUR SAY NOW! |
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LegaSea FishCare Summer Photo Competition
The FishCare Summer Photo Competition 2024/25 is your chance to showcase our marine environment's beauty, bounty, and challenges. Open until February 28 2025, the competition features seven categories: coastal landscapes, underwater photography, marine life, gathering kaimoana, and even a kids' section. There's plenty to snap for with prizes like Okuma fishing gear, Cobb grills, snorkelling sets, and a chance to be featured in New Zealand Fishing News!
Whether you're capturing the magic of the ocean or highlighting issues like pollution, this competition is a fun way to share your perspective while supporting marine conservation. Submit your photos online before February 28 2025, and let's celebrate the beauty and importance of our moana together!
ENTER YOUR BEST PICS NOW! |
One of last years winning photos by Irene Middleton. |
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Kai ika now in Hawkes Bay! |
The Kai Ika Project expanded to Hawke's Bay in December last year, bringing the kaupapa of sharing kai and reducing waste to the local community. Since then, over 2000kg of fish heads and frames have been distributed to Flaxmere, Hastings, and the Māhia Peninsula communities. With the support of Star Foods in Napier and Saltwater Seafoods in Hastings, the project sources fresh kaimoana with plenty of nourishment and flavour. These efforts transform what might otherwise go to waste into valuable food for local whānau, strengthening connections to the ocean and its resources.
This initiative has been made possible through the collaboration of Sustainable Hawke's Bay, LegaSea Hawkes Bay, and a dedicated team of volunteers who help with distributions. Looking ahead, the project aims to expand its reach to Wairoa and Napier this year, ensuring even more communities benefit from these efforts. By working together with fishers, businesses, and community groups, the Kai Ika Project continues to honour the full value of kaimoana, turning by-products into a source of sustenance and joy for the people of Hawke's Bay.
You can stay up to to date with what's happening by following the Kai Ika Hawkes Bay Facebook page. |
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Free Fish Heads - Get the app now! |
In case you missed it, we recently relaunched the Free Fish Heads app - an app that puts community members in touch to share unwanted heads and frames with those who love to eat them.
This exciting update comes packed with new features and improvements that make it easier than ever to find and share the freshest fish heads around. Whether you're a seafood enthusiast hunting for a unique dinner ingredient or simply curious about trying them, the refreshed app is a fast and easy way to find people who want to give them away.
We've also introduced real-time notifications so you'll never miss out on special offers or one-of-a-kind finds. If you haven't checked it out yet, download the new version and let us know what you think! Your feedback helps us refine and improve the platform for all fish-head lovers.
Get it now on Google Play and the App Store. |
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New Gold Partner - Adventure Magazine |
We're excited to welcome Adventure Magazine as our newest Gold Partner! This collaboration represents a shared commitment to restoring New Zealand's coastal fisheries and ensuring our marine environment thrives for generations to come.
Adventure Magazine's passion for celebrating the outdoors aligns perfectly with our mission. Their support will help amplify our efforts to rebuild fish stocks, promote sustainable practices, and engage more Kiwis in protecting our oceans. Through their platform, Pacific Media and Adventure Magazine will highlight the critical issues facing our fisheries, showcase our initiatives, and inspire their readers to take action. This partnership is more than just a name on a banner - it's a collective effort to create lasting change. Welcome to the team Adventure Magazine! -- Ngā mihi nui, Chris and the LegaSea crew |
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LegaSea is proudly supported by its Gold and Platinum partners: |
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