Articles tagged with Oceans

Northland Closes East Coast to Rock Lobster Fishing to Boost Stocks from 2026

1 day ago | 38 views

Northland’s east coast spiny rock lobster fishery will be largely closed to both commercial and recreational fishing, with reduced recreational daily limits, to help restore lobster stocks and maintain marine ecosystem balance. These measures, including extended closures from Ohao Point to Cape Rodney and a nationwide limit on packhorse lobster catches, follow a voluntary commercial closure and aim to prevent fishers from shifting pressure to other species. After public consultation with over 600 submissions, the new regulations will take effect from April 1, 2026.

Tags: Shane Jones Northland Oceans and Fisheries Minister spiny rock lobster rock lobster fishery recreational fishing commercial fishing Hauraki Gulf CRA 1 CRA 2

Watercare's $1 Million Payment to Oyster Farmers - A Welcome First Step Amidst Sewage Contamination Crisis

1 month ago | 170 views

Watercare has made a $1 million compensation payment to oyster farmers affected by sewage contamination in Mahurangi Harbour, but more compensation is needed, according to Parliamentary Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft. The payment was a response to a recent sewage overflow incident caused by a power surge, impacting farmers during harvest time. Marcroft urges Watercare to work with Aquaculture NZ to fully compensate farmers for the financial and personal toll of repeated sewage overflows, emphasizing the importance of protecting waterways from pollution.

Tags: Jenny Marcroft Jamie Sinclair Watercare Oyster farmers Sewage contamination Mahurangi Harbour Aquaculture New Zealand Compensation payment Warkworth Oceans and Fisheries

Protecting Hoiho Population: NZ Implements Emergency Fishery Closure

3 months ago | 335 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

Seafood Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2025: Winners Drive Marine Conservation & Market Growth

3 months ago | 339 views

The Seafood Sustainability and Innovation Awards recognized projects like re-seeding juvenile pāua and driving mussel farming innovation. Professor Kura Paul-Burke of the University of Waikato was celebrated for championing healthy oceans through community-based restoration efforts. Other winners included individuals and organizations contributing to sustainable practices and innovation in the seafood sector.

Tags: Seafood Sustainability Innovation Awards Shane Jones Māori knowledge marine science aquaculture industry John Young Clearwater Mussels Oceans and Fisheries

New Zealand Fisheries Ranked Among World's Most Sustainable by UN Report: Minister Shane Jones Applauds Sector's Efforts

5 months ago | 1741 views

A United Nations report ranking New Zealand’s fisheries among the world’s most sustainable is strong recognition of the sector’s hard work, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones says. “The report compared fisheries around the world and found the region including New Zealand’s waters have the second highest levels of sustainable stocks in the world. “New Zealand has a reputation around the world for high quality, sustainable kaimoana and, as this report shows, the reputation is richly deserved,” Mr Jones says.

Tags: Australian Fisheries act Food and agriculture organization of the united nations New south wales New zealand Oceans and fisheries Shane jones Southwest pacific United nations