23 Jun 2026
4 months ago
792 views
A three-month closure of the rock lobster fishery in the Kaikoura Marine Area, starting 1 July, aims to sustain the fishery by protecting egg-carrying females and allowing smaller lobsters to grow. This closure, supported by local guardians and rūnanga, includes recreational, commercial, and customary fishing restrictions to enhance resilience ahead of the peak season. Fisheries New Zealand will conduct a stock assessment later this year, which may lead to adjustments in catch settings, following strong public support for the closure.
27 Mar 2026
7 months ago
1434 views
A ban on harvesting spiny rock lobster from the east coast of Northland to Hauraki Gulf, effective April 1, 2026, will create a network of closures to help rebuild the fishery. Recreational daily bag limits for spiny rock lobster and packhorse rock lobster are also reduced to prevent shifting fishing pressure, with strict enforcement and penalties for violations. These measures aim to restore ecological balance, address kina barrens, and ensure the fishery’s long-term sustainability.
10 Dec 2025
10 months ago
1095 views
An emergency fishery closure around Otago Peninsula to protect the threatened northern hoiho population has been extended until 16 September 2026 to allow careful review of longer-term measures. The closure bans set-net fishing within eight nautical miles of the peninsula to reduce penguin bycatch, while consultations on future measures remain open until 12 December 2025. Delays caused by legal challenges have hindered progress, but officials aim to finalize longer-term protections early in 2026 to balance conservation efforts with the interests of local fishers.
15 Sep 2025
1 year ago
1412 views
The Government is implementing a temporary emergency fishery closure around the Otago Peninsula to protect the hoiho population in mainland New Zealand. Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones will conduct public consultation on permanent measures to address hoiho bycatch in the area. The consultation will include proposals such as extending the set net ban and implementing an escalating response framework to reduce hoiho bycatch towards zero.