Submissions support proposed Whangaroa scallop ban
The public seem to support a proposed ban on taking scallops from Whangaroa Harbour.
The Ministry for Primary Industries has received 80 submissions on its proposed two-year ban on harvesting scallops from the Whangaroa Harbour and surrounding areas. Consultation on the proposed temporary closure finished on May 10.
MPI Fisheries Management director Emma Taylor said 80 submissions were received, with 67 in support.
“People are passionate about our fisheries, so naturally there will be a range of views from across all interests,” she said. “We will work through all of the submissions and analyse them against the criteria in the Fisheries Act.”
The closure was requested by Nga Hapu¯ o Karangahape marae, Wha¯nau pani, Nga¯ti Kaitangata and Nga¯ti Kauwau, who are concerned scallop stocks have been depleted due to flooding, sediment, dredging, water quality, overfishing and climate change.
The closures apply to recreational, commercial and customary fishing across the entire Whangaroa Harbour and the waters around Motutara Island, Wekarua Island (Sugar Loaf), Stephenson’s Island and Oruatemanu Island, and include Taupo¯ Bay and Tauranga Bay.
However, it is unclear whether or not the ban is already in place.
Taylor said the final decision would rest with Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker following the submission process and more consultation with hapu¯.
However, local hapu¯ including Karangahape Marae have said a ra¯ hui is already in place. It started on January 16 following a community meeting in Kaeo, they said.
Taylor said a copy of the submissions would be provided to the requesters — Nga Hapu¯ o Karangahape marae, Wha¯nau pani, Nga¯ti Kaitangata, and Nga¯ti Kauwau, to seek their comment.
“We have already sought input from tangata whenua who have a non-commercial interest in the fish species or the effects of fishing in the area concerned, having particular regard to kaitiakitanga.”
Fisheries New Zealand would provide advice to the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries before he makes the final decision, Taylor said.