Local people and groups are invited to have their say on proposals from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and the National Rock Lobster Management Group that aim to ensure the long-term sustainability of rock lobster populations throughout the CRA5 fishery in Canterbury and Marlborough.
Illegal take could lead to localised depletion and reduce the benefits all sectors realise from the resource.
MPI's manager of Inshore Fisheries Steve Halley says, "MPI knows that the CRA5 fishery is affected by an 'opportunistic' black market with rock lobsters sold on local markets and is actively responding to this illegal activity.
"Over time this has potentially serious implications for the sustainability of this fishery and so it is important that we consider all possible ways in which illegal activity can be minimised.
"Before an official consultation MPI and the National Rock Lobster Management Group are looking for feedback on 2 initiatives successfully introduced into the Kaikoura Marine Management Area in 2014 that are now proposed for the whole of the CRA5 fishery.
"Clipping the central telson (tail) is a way to clearly show that a lobster has been taken by a recreational fisher and not for sale. In addition, an accumulation limit of 18 rock lobsters (3 daily bag limits) prevents people from storing and transporting large quantities of rock lobster for sale or barter."
Full details of the proposals can be found on the feedback webpage. You can provide feedback before 21 October 2016 to have your say.
