Respect and protect stance for ocean resources led to becoming a Fishery Officer.
Finding the motivation to become a MPI Fishery Officer wasn’t hard for Robyn Gurnsey to muster. She felt a strong connection to the ocean environment and wanted to be part of the bigger picture – ensuring fishery resources are looked after in a way the next generation could be proud of.
Robyn Gurnsey is based in Kaikōura at the top of the South Island, but her early days were spent growing up and living on the East coast of the North Island at Whangamatā on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Being a Fishery Officer means the office tends to be on the move, not something that bothers Robyn.
“I’ve had a long list of careers that include being a fishing guide, tour guide, native bird guide – I’m used to being involved with people on the frontline outdoors which means being a Fishery Officer is an ideal fit,” she says.
Robyn is a practical person and tends to run towards a challenge, not away from it. Her debut as a Fishery Officer was during the 2021/2022 pāua season in Kaikōura – the first season they’d had since the 2016 earthquake.
“It was baptism by fire. I’d just completed my training, so it was a steep learning curve. It was great to hit the ground running. I was new to town, and I met a lot of locals. It was an intense three months as there were many people along the coast trying their luck for pāua in shallow water. I really enjoyed the intensity of the season,” she says.
The Kaikōura pāua fishery is currently closed to recreational harvesting and will reopen between 15 April and 15 June 2023.
If you thought Robyn’s work was focused on just giving out infringement notices to rule breakers – you’d be mistaken.
“I spend a lot of time doing what I’d describe as education and awareness work. It’s critical because while the goal is always compliance with the rules, it’s about making the right decisions to achieve this. Every situation is different and sometimes it’s a case of providing people with the right information and advice so that they can get it right next time. Most people we deal with don’t intentionally break the rules and behaviour can be changed through important education. Fishing is a way of life in Aotearoa and most people want to do their part in protecting our shared fishing resources,” she says.
She says a normal day for a Fishery Officer is unpredictable.
“Every day is different and is generally weather dependant. Our focus is on recreational, commercial, and customary fishing, so we conduct patrols across all these areas of fishing. It’s a mixture of field and office work. I do get a lot of freedom, managing my own time and choice with areas of compliance I want to focus on. I could be on the land along our coast or at sea,” she says.
Robyn is also a recreational fisher so there’s more than one reason why she is driving home fishing rules and regulations.
“I love fishing and have got into spearfishing since I moved to Kaikōura. Sustainable fisheries benefit everyone – the community and the country. For me fishing is about more than just catching fish. I love to cook so there’s an overwhelming sense of pride when I can catch a fish, gut and fillet it before turning it into something really special to share with friends and family,” she says.
If you are unsure of the fishing rules the best way to find out is to download the NZ Fishing Rules App and protect our kaimoana for future generations.
MPI encourages people to report suspected illegal fishing activity through the Ministry’s 0800 4 POACHER number (0800 47 62 24).
