Fishery closure extended to boost recovery

An emergency closure of the shellfish fishery along the coast of Kaiko¯ ura is being extended to help the marine environment affected by last year’s earthquakes to recover.

The closure, in consultation with the Kaiko¯ura community, was imposed after the November quakes and applied to all shellfish and seaweed, excluding rock lobster, or crayfish, and scampi.

Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) acting director fisheries management Steve Halley said the quakes had a devastating effect on the coastline between Marfells Beach and the Conway River, raising the seabed by several metres in some areas.

‘‘For the immediate future, we need to give the coastal environment time and space to heal,’’ Halley said.

‘‘MPI, in partnership with Te Korowai o Te Tai o Marokura [Kaiko¯ ura Coastal Marine Guardians] and other local community interests, is actively working to help our fisheries and marine habitats recover so that, once again, these resources can contribute to the region’s social, economic and cultural wellbeing.’’

The extended closure would start on Monday and apply to both recreational and commercial fishers.

Halley said losing fishing grounds in the area had put more pressure on neighbouring areas around Marlborough and Canterbury.

‘‘We need people to fish responsibly in these areas. People should take only what they need and fish for a feed, not to fill the freezer.

‘‘We also want people to try to reduce the amount of small fish they catch. It is these small fish that are the future of the fishery and will help rebuild surrounding populations. If they are catching small fish, we suggest they try a different method, use bigger hooks or move to a different location. People should also take special care when returning any small fish they catch to the water. These fish should be returned immediately with a minimum of harm.’’

Halley said more scientific studies to measure the impact of the quakes would be carried out during the closure.

‘‘We will continue to monitor the progress and shape of the fisheries’ recovery and use this information to decide when the fisheries are at a point that they can be reopened.

‘‘Our management decisions to protect the long-term sustainability of these fisheries are made in consultation with the public and based on the best available fisheries science.

‘‘We still have a long way to go and community involvement is key to protecting the sustainability of the affected fisheries.’’

Fisheries officers would remain active on the Kaiko¯ ura coast and in surrounding areas, inspecting and educating fishers, Halley said.

‘‘Our officers are always happy to talk to people interested in knowing more about the rules and what fishers can do to minimise their impact on the recovery of the marine environment.

‘‘It’s a great opportunity for people to gain a personalised understanding of what we’re doing and why.’’

The new closure would remain in place until ongoing monitoring suggests abundance had rebuilt to the point where sustainable harvesting could occur.

Marlborough’s commercial paua fishers have welcomed the closure extension.

Picton man Dave Baker said they had already self-imposed a 60 per cent reduction in catch well beyond the closure area.