By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura Marine Guardians have raised concerns with the Oceans and Fisheries Minister over the impact of an extended pāua season.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones announced on April 8 the Kaikōura pāua fishery will open to recreational pāua-gathering for a four-month season from May 1.
But Te Korowai o Te Tai ō Marokura secretary Gina Solomon said the Kaikōura Marine Guardians have written to Mr Jones to express their concerns.
‘‘We weren’t happy with the decision being made to open for an extended season without doing any research.
‘‘We don’t have any data on what impact this opening might have on the fishery.’’
The pāua fishery was devastated in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in 2016, leading to the closure of the fishery.
It was reopened in 2022 over the summer holiday period, but it was overfished, leading to restricted seasons from April to June since then.
The season will run until August 31, with a daily bag limit of three pāua per species from Marfells Beach to Conway River. When gathering over multiple days, there is a maximum accumulation of two daily limits.
A new size of 130mm for blackfoot pāua will come into effect this season, while yellowfoot pāua remains at 80mm. Blackfoot minimum size was previously 125mm.
Ms Solomon, who is also a Kaikōura Marine Guardian, said she has a simply philosophy for sticking to the limits.
‘‘Te Korowai advocates fishing for a feed, not the freezer.
‘‘We should be treating pāua the same as other seasonal produce and enjoy it fresh and while the season is open.’’
An online survey of 368 people conducted by Te Korowai last year found an overwhelming majority believed it was the community’s responsibility to protect the pāua fishery and the marine coastline.
A majority of respondents said decisions should be based on science.
Te Korowai was established in 2005 by Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura and the wider community to advocate for Kaikōura’s marine environment.
In a press release, Mr Jones said the May 1 to August 31 season was likely to become standard, subject to ongoing discussions with the Kaikōura Marine Guardians, iwi, and the community.
Fisheries New Zealand spokesperson Rob Gear said the agency works closely with the Kaikōura Marine Guardians to manage the pāua fishery.
Ongoing surveys have shown the pāua fishery has rebuilt well following the earthquakes, the fisheries management acting director said.
Modeling indicated the catch settings are sustainable and will allow the recovery of the fishery to continue, he said.
The Hikurangi marine reserve, the Waiopuka (Wakatu Quay) rāhui, three mātaitai, and a taiāpure remain closed to pāua fishing.
The Oaro-Haumuri Taiāpure will be open for the season, but has lower daily limits and a bigger minimum size.
More information can be found here.
