Photo by Jack Grant Kia ora Friend, January is always a crazily busy time for the Fisheries Management crew at LegaSea and the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council. Twice a year, in April and October, our team dives into fish stock reviews. The April round kicks off in December, with submission deadlines looming in early February so the Minister can make decisions by April. So, as the new year begins, our dedicated Fisheries Management team is back in action, working diligently to craft numerous submissions before the month's end.
This is no easy task and the April 2024 round is a biggie. CRA 3 ( Crayfish from East Cape to Mahia) and CRA 7 and 8 (bottom of South Island) are up for review. Also under review are Kaikōura pāua, southern bluefin tuna, silver warehou, gemfish and southern blue whiting.
Drafting a submission is a comprehensive process involving extensive research, engaging with stakeholders, and meticulous writing and editing. Without submissions pushing recreational fishers' views and a conservative approach to protecting our fisheries, excessive catch limits would remain and our marine environment would continue to degrade.
Our team has been writing submissions since the mid 2000s and you can read the whole lot here.
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Crayfish East Coast and South Island |
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Commercial fishers around Gisborne and the bottom of the South Island can legally take crayfish smaller than the minimum legal size. We have called on the Minister to revoke this unfair rule as it's not necessary down south because the cray fishery seems healthy, and it's not sustainable around Gisborne because the fishery is depleted. We're also advocating for more independent data to be used to manage the crayfish populations. Currently, management uses data supplied by commercial fishers, but some of this data cannot be verified. Using independent data means we can all have confidence that the fishery is being managed in the interests of future generations.
If you would like more information and/or would like to make your own submission, click here. |
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Pāua fishers on the South Island's east coast have had a tough time since the 2016 Kaikōura earthquakes. The Minister is currently considering whether to open the Kaikōura pāua fishery to recreational harvest for two or three months this year, from April. Our combined submission from all the largest representative organisations for recreational fishers have submitted in support of a 3-month season.
We also want the Minister to work on reopening the season for 9 months, as per locals' wishes. This request is made on the grounds that there are plenty of pāua available and these can be taken by Māori customary and commercial fishers for 12 months of the year. |
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The FishCare Photo Competition |
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| Our FishCare Summer Photo Competition has kicked off with a hiss and a roar with over 100 amazing entries from marine enthusiasts nationwide.
We have seven categories this year, "Landscape Coastal Shots", "Underwater Photos", "Marine Life in Their Natural Environment", "Collecting and Catching Kaimoana", "Preparing, Cooking, and Eating Kaimoana", "Things That Ain't Right in our Oceans" and "Kids Photos".
The selection of prizes is definitely worth entering for, so jump in before February 29th. You can check out all the information here and submit your entries : bit.ly/legaseaphoto
Massive thanks to our sponsors who have generously put up the beaut prize pool - Tides Out Maps, New Zealand Underwater Association,
Marine Deals, Okuma NZ,
IRONCLAD, PENN and
New Zealand Fishing News. |
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New Gold Partner Announcement |
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We are thrilled to announce that Salt Shark has joined LegaSea as our newest Gold Partner!
New Zealand's very own Salt Shark specialises in top-notch salt remover products that shield marine vessels, vehicles, and coastal homes from the relentless impact of salt erosion. |
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They're all about delivering quality without compromise, maintaining their integrity, and embodying Kiwi values.
Salt Shark's founder, Taylor Shields ensures that all its products are eco-friendly, biodegradable, and recyclable – a commitment to creating a better tomorrow for all New Zealanders.
Salt Shark has come on board as a LegaSea Gold Partner to emphasise their love and drive to foster a thriving marine environment and help ensure we reach our goal of more fish in the water. So, a warm welcome to the LegaSea family, Salt Shark! |
-- Ngā mihi nui, Benn and the LegaSea crew LegaSea appreciates the ongoing support of our Platinum and Gold partners - |
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