Two-year pāua ban in place for coastal waters.
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones has agreed to a two-year temporary closure banning the take of pāua from Waimārama south of Hastings. This decision was requested by Ngāi Hapū o Waimārama, who are concerned about the localized depletion of pāua stocks in their rohe moana (ancestral waters).
The ban includes Waimārama Beach and Ocean Beach, which are popular spots for holidaymakers and recreational fishers. The closure is intended to allow the pāua population time to recover from seasonal fishing pressures and the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
While the full effects of Cyclone Gabrielle on pāua stocks are not yet known, Minister Jones believes that removing fishing pressure is an immediate measure to support their recovery. The ban will also support previous efforts by Ngāi Hapū o Waimārama to seed juvenile pāua and ongoing monitoring of the fishery's recovery.
The closed area extends along the coastline of Ngāi Hapū o Waimārama's rohe moana, including waters around Te Motu-o-Kura/Bare Island. The ban will come into force on 23 December 2024 and is enforceable by Fisheries New Zealand's Fishery Officers.