Now, a coalition of iwi, environmental groups, local associations, and industry experts has come together to promote a bold restorative management plan for the future of the Coromandel scallop fishery when (and only when) the scallop beds recover. This approach aims to:
- Restore scallop populations; and
- End dredging and transition to hand-gathering only.
- Create new opportunities for sustainable aquaculture and regional economies.
Chairman of Opito Bay Ratepayer Association, Chris Severne is confident of a positive response to the plan from the community. "Everyone wins from a healthy scallop fishery. It's promising to see a Plan that prioritises abundance for our future generations".
Principles of the plan
Under this plan, the Government would invest in buying back scallop quota from current shareholders. When (and only when) the fishery recovers, new commercial permits would be issued. These would be tied to sustainable selective harvest methods such as hand gathering using breathing apparatus.
Revenue from these permits would be used to repay the cost to the government of acquiring the quota and fund ongoing research, monitoring and targeted fisheries management of Coromandel scallops.
"The benefits of this plan are clear, we prioritise the health of the scallop populations and adopt an agile system where catch limits can be adjusted quickly in response to environmental monitoring, ensuring that scallop stocks are rebuilt and maintained at abundant levels," explained Sam Woolford, LegaSea project Lead.
Benefits for people and the environment
The principles of the plan prioritise rebuilding a healthy marine environment and ensure the Coromandel community benefits directly from the harvest of scallops from local waters.
"As kaitiaki of our moana, we cannot allow destructive dredging to continue in our rohe moana. This plan restores the principle of kaitiakitanga [guardianship] and ensures that our mokopuna will be able to gather tipa [scallops] to feed their whānau. said Joe Davis Ngāti Hei spokesperson.
"For local hapū and iwi it is about more than economics - it is about mana, tikanga, and the obligation to provide kaimoana for our people."
Warren Maher, Councillor for Waikato Regional Council believes that prioritising the health of the marine environment and making sure Kiwis are fed first is a win for this country.
"This scallop restoration plan provides a pathway for the community to contribute to rebuilding scallop abundance, end wasteful bulk harvest methods, and create a thriving fishery that serves the people and the local economy."
The Plan also facilitates a transition into scallop aquaculture, paving the way for new investment and year-round supply, supporting regional economies by creating new jobs in diving, aquaculture, and supply chains.
Nigel Bradly from Envirostrat explained, "It will be harder to find private investors who will back high-value, sustainable farming while low-value, dredged scallops remain in the market."
"This Plan prevails on common sense that supports a healthy fishery for our future generations."
Darrel Bird from Dive Zone Whitianga also supports the restoration Plan stating, "The shift from dredging to diver-based harvests and aquaculture is an economic opportunity for the Coromandel. We're talking about supporting small operators and local businesses, and building a reputation for premium, hand-gathered kaimoana. That's real value for our regional economy".
A Pathway Forward
The scallop restoration plan represents a rare consensus: iwi, local communities, environmental advocates, and regional businesses all agree that scallop dredging must end, and that abundance, not bulk harvesting, must be the measure of success.
"This is a golden opportunity to rebuild an iconic fishery on principles of sustainability, equity, and innovation. Together we can make scallops a symbol of what's possible for New Zealand's coastal fisheries," said Scott Macindoe, President of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council.