Download FAR 2023/26 Pāua population monitoring in areas affected by the November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, February 2023 update

The 2016 Kaikoura earthquake had massive impacts on paua populations, resulting in the 4-year closure of the local paua fishery. Surveys were undertaken over the last five years to monitor paua population recovery. An increase in adult paua abundance and post-earthquake recruitment has been observed across the fishery. These findings and ongoing monitoring will be used to support decisions around future re-opening and management of the fishery.