Temporary fisheries closure of rock pools and coastline north of Auckland
A two-year ban on the take of a range of shellfish and seaweed species from areas of the eastern coastline north of Auckland will come into force on 12 March 2026, says Fisheries New Zealand Director Fisheries Management, Emma Taylor.
“The temporary closure covers the Ōmaha Bay, Kawau Bay, and Whangaparāoa Peninsula coastlines, excluding areas where marine reserves or other existing closures apply. The closure includes the rockpools and extends 200 metres offshore.
“The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust requested the closure due to concerns over unsustainable levels of the harvesting of kaimoana in the intertidal zone, with the aim of restoring the size and abundance of taonga species in these areas.”
Included in the closure are all invertebrate and seaweed species, which includes, but is not limited to all shellfish, squid, octopus, jellyfish, sea snails, sponges, starfish, sea anemone, and sea cucumbers. Taking rock lobster and scallops is already banned by other closures in the areas.
Kina is excluded from the closure, and the usual recreational limits apply.
“Fisheries New Zealand has worked closely with the Trust regarding the closure request. The Trust will place a traditional rāhui over the same area and species. The two-year temporary closure provides statutory support for this rāhui, meaning it can be enforced by Fishery Officers,” says Emma Taylor.
“We want to thank the Trust for their important contribution to fisheries management and their commitment to the health of the fisheries in their rohe moana.”
“Signs will be put up near the closed areas, and as always the free New Zealand Fishing Rules app is the best place to check for the most up to date rules wherever you are fishing or gathering kaimoana.”
A broad programme of work is underway to look at and develop proposals to improve shellfish sustainability in the Auckland and Coromandel regions. Fisheries New Zealand expects to publicly consult on these proposals later this year.
For more information, including species and a detailed map of the closed area, see: fisheries.govt.nz/ hauraki-closures
