Kia ora Friend,
This isn't the start of the scallop season we ever hoped for - but hopefully it's the start of a wake-up call. Come Sunday 1 September, you won't find scallops on the east coast of New Zealand. The beds are barren, overfished to the point of collapse, and now closed to both commercial and recreational harvest. But don't hang up your festival hat just yet; the Whitianga Oceans Festival is still on, even if scallops are off the menu.
Scallops were the canary in the coal mine, and their depletion is a symptom of a much bigger problem. If we don't get serious about sustainable practices, more fisheries will follow. So, while you enjoy the Whitianga Oceans Festival (formerly the Scallop Festival) and all it has to offer, remember why the scallops aren't there and let's commit to doing better by our oceans before it's too late. |
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No Scallops again!
If you treat them right, scallops are the gift that keeps on giving. In the right conditions they are plentiful, productive and widely scattered, so everyone has a chance of finding a delicious meal for the family. Sadly, in Aotearoa we have pillaged our main scallop beds to a stage where most of them are closed to commercial and recreational harvest. Now, all we can do is imagine what a fat, juicy scallop disc would taste like on Father's Day.
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The closure of the once-prolific scallop beds at the top of the South Island in 2017 should have been a signal that we were not looking after our scallops well enough. Not so. We ploughed on. Allowing commercial fishers to use Victorian Box Dredges to scrape up the scallops on the east coast of the North Island. By December 2022, scallop numbers on the northeast coast were so low that the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries declared an emergency closure of the last two remaining scallop beds open to harvesting. Eventually, the Northland and Coromandel scallop fisheries were closed indefinitely. So now, there's no scalloping between North Cape and Papamoa, Bay of Plenty. |
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Scallops are just one of many species mismanaged under the Quota Management System. Enjoying delicious scallops again is a good reason to continue our efforts to improve fisheries management, eliminate destructive fishing methods, and implement sensible measures so we don't have to close more fisheries in the future. |
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The Whitianga Oceans Festival is Calling |
The Whitianga Oceans Festival is more than just a celebration of our marine environment; it's a powerful lesson in sustainability. Once known as the Whitianga Scallop Festival, this event was a tribute to the abundant scallop beds of the Coromandel. However, as local scallop beds were overfished to collapse, the festival was forced to evolve, shifting its focus from a single species to a broader celebration of ocean-related activities and sustainable seafood.
This transformation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of overfishing. The absence of scallops from the festival isn't just a menu change - it's a clear signal of what happens when we take too much from the ocean without allowing it to recover.
As we gather to enjoy all the beautiful things the Whitianga Oceans Festival offers, it's also a moment to reflect on the critical need for better management of our seafood and marine environments. The lessons from the depletion of scallops should guide our approach to all marine species, ensuring that we can continue to celebrate and enjoy the richness of our oceans for generations to come. If you're attending, be sure to swing by and say hi to our team. Our friends from Kōparepare Wine will also be there, offering their delicious wines, with all proceeds going directly to LegaSea. It's a great reason to try their full range and support a cause that matters. |
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Kai Ika filleting trailer opening soon |
We're stoked to let you know that the Kai Ika filleting trailer at Westhaven is set to reopen next week - weather permitting! Over the winter, we've given the trailer some well-deserved TLC. We've swapped out the old door and platform, added centre support, and installed two new doors and a split platform to make it easier and safer for everyone So, swing by and get your fish expertly filleted for a small fee. Remember to bring a bag or container to take your freshly prepped fish home. And if you're not keen on keeping the heads and frames, no worries - we'll make sure they go to our communities, where they're always in demand.
Stay tuned to the Kai Ika Facebook and Instagram pages for updates. Can't wait to see you down there!
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Come see us at the NZ Boat, fish & Dive expo - this Weekend! |
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The NZ Boat, Fish & Dive Expo is kicking off this weekend at the Mystery Creek Events Centre in Hamilton! A great idea for Father's Day if your dad loves anything water-related - boating, fishing, diving, spearfishing, kayaking, or even jet skiing! The LegaSea crew will be there, and we'd love for you to stop by our booth. Grab a chocolate fish, share your thoughts, and discuss your hopes and concerns for our oceans and fisheries. Saturday - 31 Aug, 10am - 5pm Sunday (Father's Day!) - 1 Sept, 10am - 4pm
It's been over a decade since the Waikato region hosted anything similar, and this year's NZ Boat, Fish & Dive Expo is set to be an unforgettable celebration of everything on, in, or under the water. With 8,000m² of indoor exhibition space, unlimited free parking, and easy access to the venue, it's a can't-miss weekend for all water sports enthusiasts. Make sure to swing by Mystery Creek and enjoy the return of a boat show that's been long overdue! |
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New Gold Partner - Alex Wallace Photography |
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We're thrilled to welcome Alex Wallace Photography as our newest Gold Partner. Alex, a talented photographer who has supported our work for years, brings a deep commitment to our cause. His dedication comes from personal experience with the devastating effects of poor fisheries management.
In Alex's own words, "Having lived in a country where the marine environment was largely neglected, I've witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences. This is why I wholeheartedly support LegaSea's initiatives to protect New Zealand's oceans and preserve the Kiwi way of life and deep connection to the sea. The task of overhauling an ineffective fisheries management system and challenging an industry with vast resources and significant political sway is monumental, but I'm eager to offer my support in any way I can."
We're excited to have Alex on board and look forward to working together to protect our oceans and the Kiwi way of life. With his remarkable talent behind the lens and his passion for marine conservation, Alex will help us capture the essence of our mission in a way that resonates deeply with our community. His involvement is a significant step forward in our ongoing efforts to raise awareness and drive change. Together, we'll create powerful visuals that not only tell the story of our oceans but also inspire others to take action. We're confident that with Alex's support, we can amplify our message and make a lasting impact on the future of New Zealand's marine environments.
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-- Ngā mihi nui, Benn and the LegaSea crew |
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