Kaikoura
The new rules for the Kaikoura Marine Area came into effect in August 2014 and apply to an area from the Clarence River in the north to the Conway River in the south.
The new regulations have been established to promote fishing for abundance and apply to several popular recreational species for the area. Some of the more high profile rules are:
- Paua – six per person per day, with an accumulation limit of 20
- Rock lobster/crayfish – six per person per day, with an accumulation limit of 18, and must be telson-clipped
- Blue cod – six per person per day, minimum length 33cm
- Sea perch/Jock Stewart – 20 per person per day, minimum length 26cm
- Tarakihi – 10 per person per day, minimum length 25cm
- Butterfish/greenbone – 10 per person per day, minimum length 35cm
- Blue Moki – 10 per person per day, minimum length 40cm
- Red Moki – NO TAKE
Ministry for Primary Industries compliance officers expect fishers and divers to know the rules before they go out and expect them comply with them.
There are two fulltime staff based in Kaikoura and seven hard working Honorary Fishery Officers who regularly patrol the area and inspect people’s catch, particularly over the busy summer months.
Ignorance is not a defence, as there are many ways to be informed.
There are plenty of signs around the coast reminding people of the new rules and people are welcome to drop into the local MPI office at 114 Beach Road to pick up a copy, or find them at www.mpi.govt.nz
Fishing rules pamphlets are available at MPI offices and at many fishing shops, or text “App” to 9889 to have the NZ Fishing Rules App sent to your smart phone.
Marlborough Sounds blue cod season opens 20 December
The Marlborough Sounds blue cod season opens on 20 December, and will close again for spawning on 31 August 2015.
Blue cod – two per person per day, minimum length 30cm, maximum length 35cm. There is no aggregation in the Marlborough Sounds Area. You can only ever possess two blue cod.
Help look after this valuable fishery for future generations. Check the rules before you go fishing.
To report any suspicious fishing, buying or selling please phone 0800 4 POACHER (0800 476 224). All calls are confidential.
