Photo by Scott Cushman

Kia ora Friend,

There's something about fishing that just feels good for the soul. Whether it's a day spent drifting quietly on still waters, casting your line past the breakers on the beach, or heading out wide with your closest mates, it offers a gentle reprieve from the relentless buzz of everyday life. For so many of us - Kiwi men and women alike - fishing isn't just about bringing home a fresh feed (though there's nothing quite like that first bite of a self-caught kai). It's about pausing to breathe, letting the hum of busy schedules fade into the background, and reconnecting with those who matter most.

This pause is crucial. It's a chance to set aside the constant to-do lists, the pressures of fitting in a work and home life balance, and fitting in on social media. Instead, you tune into the steady rhythm of the swell, the tug of nibbles on your line, and the comfort of the fresh air and sunlight. 

It's in these quiet moments that we encourage you to find some space to talk to one another - not just as fishing buddies - but as people who carry burdens and problems, struggles and stresses. These are some of the best times to check on our mates. 

Because here's the thing: it's not always obvious when someone is hurting. Sometimes a bloke who laughs at all the right times, who seems strong and steady on deck, might be quietly wrestling with feelings we can't see. Often, those laughing and joking the loudest can be hurting the most. 

Take a moment - ask how they're doing, and be ready to really listen. There's no shame in encouraging the people around us to open up and talk about what's on their minds. We all need to know that it's okay to not be okay, and that nobody has to struggle in silence. 

Recently, we lost one of our own, Rod Eddowes. Rod was an absolute legend, the embodiment of a quintessential Kiwi - engaged, involved, driven and seemingly at peace. His loss reminds us that mental health battles are often fought quietly and unseen by those who we love and care about. We lost an amazing colleague, his family lost an incredible father and husband, and the world lost a gentle, kind soul. 

Rod Eddowes

So we want to honour Rod by doing more than just dropping a line into the water. Let's drop our guard, speak honestly, and listen to what our mates have to say. Out there on the ocean where nobody else is listening, we can use that place to lend an ear and offer some understanding. 

Unsustainability Reviews

Fisheries NZ has released documents outlining proposed increases in the total allowable commercial catch (TACC) for rock lobster in the Hauraki Gulf, Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and around Otago (CRA 7). Alongside a proposed catch limit increase for Pacific bluefin tuna around all of Aotearoa. 

Our fisheries team at the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council will have a break over the festive season and then get stuck into developing a response. The submission deadline is 29 January 2025. 

We were anticipating a management review of rock lobster around the Gisborne area (CRA 3) but Fisheries NZ advise that it has been delayed until later in 2025.

Photo by Irene Middleton.

LegaSea FishCare Summer Photo Competition

Get ready, photographers! The FishCare Summer Photo Competition is back. Bigger than ever. This annual contest gives you the chance to win fantastic prizes while helping us build a stunning image library for our FishCare programme. By entering, you'll be giving us permission to use your photos for content that sheds light on critical ocean issues and promotes sustainable fishing practices.

This year's competition highlights FishCare's five principles: reducing wastage, maximising fish survival and utilisation, minimising impact, and prioritising safety and wellbeing. Whether you're capturing the beauty of our oceans or spotlighting the challenges they face, your photos can make a difference.

One of last years winning photos by Jack Lusk.

Categories and Prizes:

1. Landscape & Coastal Images (sponsored by Endemic World): Win a custom-framed print of your photo.
2. Underwater Shots (sponsored by NZUA).
3. Marine Life in Their Natural Habitat (sponsored by Marine Deals): Shimano Beastmaster Surfcasting Package.
4. Collecting & Catching Kaimoana (sponsored by Okuma): Okuma Tournament Concept fishing set.
5. Preparing, Cooking & Eating Kaimoana (sponsored by Cobb Grills): A Cobb Grill.
6. Things That Aren't Right in Our Oceans (sponsored by LegaSea): Prize pack worth $350.
7. Kids' Category (sponsored by Wettie): Snorkelling sets for two young ocean enthusiasts.

The competition runs until the end of February, so grab your camera and start capturing those winning shots today!

Find out more here.

Hauraki Gulf closures - Third Reading

Photo by Philip McIsaac.

The third reading of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Protection Bill, giving the go-ahead for area closures in the Hauraki Gulf is expected this week. It's unclear at this stage when the proposed closures will come into effect, most likely not until early 2025. So for now, you can still fish in your favourite place around the Gulf, but take a picture because it may be the last time you do so. Gotta keep the memory alive. 

It's important for the young ones in your life to understand that there was a time when fisheries managers were committed to ensuring the Gulf and fish populations were healthy enough so that families could choose where to fish closer to home. 

Now we face a future of commercial-only fishing zones because officials are bending to economic interests in favour of public access. And they won't listen to our calls for holistic management of our prized waters. 

Given solid public support, LegaSea will continue to promote adequate marine protection and precautionary catch limits so future generations can enjoy the bounty of the Gulf. 

Free Fish Heads - Get the app now!

In case you missed it, the Free Fish Heads app is back! Originally created by Matt Watson, Free Fish Heads is a means to connect fishers who want to part with the heads and frames of their catches with those in the community who relish those parts. People who would love to take them off their hands to enjoy as a meal.

If you are a fisher wanting to share your catch, grab the app and sign up.  if you're keen on eating heads and frames, sign up. It's a great way to connect our communities, for the love of fish. 

Get it now on Google Play and the App Store.

Have a great Christmas and New Year!

The LegaSea team wish you all a great Christmas. We'll be taking it easy over the next few weeks but will be back into in January. Take care out there.

Ngā mihi nui,

Chris and the LegaSea crew

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