The High Court has ruled that the 2023 decision by the then-Oceans and Fisheries Minister on crayfish catch limits was “unlawful” as it failed to adequately address the widespread issue of kina barrens.
The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI), which brought the case, argued that the government had not been meeting its obligations under the Fisheries Act, highlighting that crayfish are a key predator controlling kina populations that threaten marine ecosystems.
The ruling comes amid broader discussions on fisheries reform, with current Minister Shane Jones questioning whether the law remains fit for purpose.
Critics, including LegaSea, warn that the proposed reforms could entrench the status quo and diminish public input in fisheries management.
The decision underscores the ongoing debate over sustainable fishing practices, the role of commercial interests, and the urgent need to restore marine ecosystems.
Image credit: Merritt Thomas
So…what are ‘Kina Barrens’?
And what about non-commercial applications of the law for those who go Cray diving?
I understand the growth and size limits of what we can take home to feed our Whenau and Marae, as this applies to most all fish catches, but don’t go writing excessive laws and restrictions that are going to take food away from my Tamarikis!
I think we’d call those lobsters in America.
Crayfish are finger size creatures living in fresh water creeks and rivers, js.
Harry, this is true, but we’re not in the U.S. (Thank God!!).
Lobster that is classified in various types and species- Maine Rock Lobster, Florida Spiny Lobster, and Louisiana Crawfish (Crawdads in the Bayous) and Logistinos in South America.
All are equally delicious, but at least here in NZ, we can get ‘Lobster’ pretty much any time we need to, as opposed to the one week ‘season’ in Florida waters.
Always enjoyed my Lobster Sandwiches on the way home from Grand Turk and Provo, with Lobster Salad in Antigua and Barbuda-all reasonably priced as opposed to the pricing in the U.S.
Besides, I see where Red Lobster restaurants are closing right & left in the U.S..so one has to procure the Crustaceans in any way possible.
I used to fly a Cessna 207 that was nicknamed ‘The Lobster’, due to it’s length and pose..
https://www.airhistory.net/photo/549846/D-EBBG
https://www.alamy.com/caribbean-spiny-lobster-panulirus-argus-walking-over-a-coral-reef-curacao-image345367444.html?imageid=C24772B2-6DCF-49D0-8060-E0130D11C30A&p=144123&pn=1&searchId=aed52b1850ca6ed358d9cf696c560c49&searchtype=0
Whereas the Cessna 310 looks more like a Scorpion…
https://ena.our-dogs.info/pictures-2021.html
https://pimaair.org/designation/310a/