Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on proposals for catch limit changes for highly valued rock lobster and Pacific bluefin tuna stocks as part of the next fisheries sustainability review.
The fisheries being reviewed are spiny red rock lobster in the Hauraki Gulf, Coromandel, and Bay of Plenty (CRA 2), Otago (CRA 7), and Pacific bluefin tuna for all of New Zealand (TOR 1).
The proposals for rock lobster in CRA 2 reflect the fact that while the overall stock is increasing, there’s low numbers in some areas and the associated issue of kina barrens.
The proposed changes look to strike the right balance with a mix of moderate increases in the wider CRA 2 fishery, and a closure of the inner Hauraki Gulf to address concerns about localised depletion.
Information for CRA 7 also indicates the fishery can sustainably support a higher catch limit, which is reflected in the proposed catch limit adjustment for this fishery.
The proposal for Pacific bluefin tuna is to raise the catch limit in response to increasing levels of abundance in recent years. This has been reviewed and endorsed by other member countries of the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission.
The consultation is open now and will run until 29 January 2025.
More information, including how to make a submission can be found on the Ministry for Primary Industries website: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/
