Articles tagged with Hoiho

Otago Peninsula Fishery Closure Extended to Protect Endangered Yellow-Eyed Penguins

1 week ago | 105 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.

Tags: Otago Peninsula hoiho Shane Jones emergency fishery closure Rakiura Stewart Island MPI fisheries bycatch

New Proposals Seek Feedback to Protect Hoiho from Commercial Fishing Risks

1 month ago | 166 views

Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones is seeking public feedback on proposals to reduce commercial fishing risks to the northern hoiho (yellow-eyed penguin) population, following an emergency three-month set-net fishing closure around Otago Peninsula. Proposed measures include extending the closure long-term, banning set-netting between Karitāne and Hampden, and implementing a Fishing-Related Mortality Limit with an escalating response framework to minimize bycatch. The consultation, open until 12 December 2025, aims to balance hoiho conservation with the interests of commercial fishers and other stakeholders.

Tags: Shane Jones hoiho Otago Peninsula Karitāne Hampden New Zealand MPI commercial fishing yellow eyed penguins Stewart Island

Protecting Hoiho Population: NZ Implements Emergency Fishery Closure

3 months ago | 329 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.

Tags: Shane Jones Hoiho Fisheries New Zealand Oceans Closure Bycatch Set net ban Public consultation Emergency fishery closure