Download FAR 2022/15 Pāua abundance trends and population monitoring in areas affected by the November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, December 2021 update

The 2016 Kaikōura earthquake had massive impacts on pāua populations, resulting in the 4-year closure of the local pāua fishery. Surveys were undertaken over the last four years to monitor pāua population recovery. Increases in adult pāua abundance and post-earthquake recruitment were observed across the fishery. These findings supported the Minster’s decision to re-open the fishery for 3 months on the 1st of December 2021 and ongoing monitoring will assist future management decisions.