The Government has opened consultation on proposed changes to two key rock lobster fisheries as part of its twice-yearly fisheries sustainability review, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says.
The proposals affect the CRA 3 fishery covering Gisborne, East Cape and the Māhia region, and the CRA 7 fishery in Otago. Mr Jones said the latest assessments show contrasting conditions between the two stocks, with CRA 7 performing well enough to sustain increased commercial harvest, while CRA 3 remains under pressure and requires further measures to support recovery.
He noted that catch limits for CRA 3 were already reduced by 19 percent in April 2024, alongside lower recreational bag limits and a voluntary industry agreement to leave part of the commercial quota unfished, but said additional action is now being considered to rebuild lobster abundance.
The proposals were developed by Fisheries New Zealand with input from the National Rock Lobster Advisory Group, representing customary, recreational and commercial interests. The review will also include the Southern blue whiting stock on the Bounty Platform, with consultation on that fishery expected to begin in mid-January.
More information can be found on MPI’s website.
Image credit: Magda Ehlers
