Closure of inner Hauraki Gulf fishing grounds.
The New Zealand government has announced a three-year closure of the inner Hauraki Gulf to commercial and recreational spiny rock lobster fishing in an effort to rebuild the declining population. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says locals have raised concerns about the issue, backed by fishery-independent research.
The closure, effective from 1 April 2025, is part of Fisheries New Zealand's biannual sustainability reviews. Minister Jones believes restoring the fishery will also help address kina barrens, areas where kina numbers are too high and destroy important marine habitat. The closure extends south from Cape Rodney-Okakari Point Marine Reserve to Point Jackson Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula.
Minister Jones has also decided not to increase catch limits for the rest of the Hauraki Gulf rock lobster fishery, with expectations that the stock will increase. Additionally, adjustments have been made to catch settings for Otago rock lobster and Pacific bluefin tuna in New Zealand waters, taking a cautious approach to ensure long-term sustainability.
The Minister acknowledges feedback from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public, which played an important part in advising his decisions. Further information can be found on Fisheries New Zealand's website.