The iconic Kaikōura pāua fishery is now open to recreational pāua gathering for a four-month season, from 1 May until 31 August.
This is the fourth recreational pāua season for the fishery since the devastating Kaikōura earthquakes in November 2016 that caused considerable uplift and loss of marine habitat along the coastline.
Ongoing surveys carried out to monitor the recovery of the pāua population since the earthquake have shown the biomass of pāua has rebuilt strongly, allowing a longer recreational season for 2025.
The length of the season, and the open dates, were recommended by the Kaikōura Marine Guardians, who are appointed under the Kaikōura Marine Management Act with a statutory role to provide advice to ministers relating to the Kaikoura Marine Area.
The minimum legal size for recreationally caught blackfoot pāua has been increased to 130mm to allow pāua more years in the fishery to contribute to spawning.
The daily limit of pāua per person remains at three and there are parts of the coast which remain closed for pāua gathering.
The Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure will be open for the season, but has lower daily limit of 2, and a higher minimum size for blackfoot pāua, which is 135mm.
Areas in the region which remain closed are the Hikurangi marine reserve, the Waiopuka (Wakatu Quay) rāhui, three mātaitai, and Te Taumanu o Te Waka a Māui Taiāpure (Kaikōura Peninsula).
Fisheries New Zealand will continue to work with the Kaikoura Marine Guardians on approaches to manage and monitor this important fishery to improve access into the future. In the interim, the open dates of 1 May to 31 August will continue to apply to future seasons.
Download the free NZ Fishing Rules mobile app for all the rules in your area. Once downloaded, it’ll work anywhere, including in areas where you cannot get mobile coverage.
People can also protect our fisheries by reporting any suspicious fishing to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or [email protected]
