The Marlborough Sounds blue cod fishery reopens on 20 December, and as with previous years the region will see a large number of locals and visitors on the water fishing over the holiday period.
Fisheries New Zealand has recently consulted on proposed changes for the Marlborough Sounds blue cod fishery, which if approved, will come into force from the end of 2025. These proposals are aimed at reducing high fishing pressure and ensuring long-term sustainability for the fishery. More information can be found at www.mpi.govt.nz/bluecodreview.
Fisheries New Zealand is encouraging fishers to help the sustainability of the fishery this summer by:
- Ensuring you are up to date on and following the blue cod fishing rules.
- Consider targeting other species instead to give blue cod a break. Other species like gurnard, snapper, kahawai, or kingfish can be found away from rocky reefs.
- Don’t feed the shags – if you are catching small cod move on.
- Maximise the survival rate of undersized blue cod you are releasing by following fish handling best practices and methods.
- You can see guidelines at www.mpi.govt.nz/bluecodguidelines
Marlborough Sounds blue cod rules:
- Daily limit: two per fisher, includes any fish eaten aboard a boat.
- Minimum size: 33cm (must be landed whole or gutted in a measurable state).
- Maximum possessed: two daily limits (four fish per fisher caught across two or more days).
- Maximum hooks: two per line.
- Closed areas: Maud Island, Double Cove, Long Island Marine Reserve, Cook Strait Cable Zone.
Fishery Officers will be out and about inspecting vessels and catches throughout the Marlborough region, so make sure you know the rules to avoid catching a fine instead of a feed this summer.
Fisheries New Zealand District Manager, Stuart Moore, says expect to see a strong visual presence of Fishery Officers throughout the region over the summer.
“Blue cod is a popular fish to catch by locals and visitors. We’ll be at the boat ramps and on the water, checking people’s catch. If everyone follows the rules – it’ll help keep blue cod sustainable into the future so that everyone can have the chance to put fresh kaimoana on the dinner table.”
“Knowing your fishing rules will ensure you have a good day out. The best thing to do is to download the free NZ Fishing Rule mobile app. Once downloaded, it’ll work anywhere, including in areas where you can’t get mobile coverage.”
Another way of helping to protect our fisheries is to report any suspicious fishing you might witness to 0800 4 POACHER (0800 47 62 24) or [email protected]
