Crayfish quota cut

Concerns about the impact of the 2023 cyclones on the Gisborne crayfishery have led to a review of catch limits.File picture

Concerns over a knock- on effect from Cyclone Gabrielle have led to a cut in crayfish quotas around Gisborne.

Commercial catch limits for some fisheries have been increased following a review showing stocks are healthy and abundant, Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones said yesterday.

The changes, along with some other catch-limit changes and management settings, begin coming into effect from  April 1.

“Regular biannual reviews of fish stocks ensure there are plenty of fish to go around, for commercial, customary and recreational fishers alike. They also protect some species to ensure there are healthy and abundant stocks in future,” Mr Jones said.

“Spiny rock lobster is one species that will, for a range of factors, have an increased catch limit in the southern fishery areas but will be reduced around Gisborne.

“The spiny rock lobster is valued by customary, recreational and commercial fishers, supports local employment and is an important export.

“After reviewing its status, I have determined that the fishery on the south coast of the South Island, Stewart Island and the Auckland Islands can support higher catch limits while remaining healthy and sustainable.

“However, I am concerned about the impact the 2023 cyclones may have had on spiny rock lobster stock near Gisborne. While it’s too soon to fully understand the impacts on this fishery, I have decided to reduce the commercial catch limit and the daily limit for recreational fishers as a precaution.”

Mr Jones said the measures were “mildly precautionary” and backed by scientific evidence.

The changes will reduce the recreational daily limit of spiny rock lobsters  here from a maximum of six within the combined daily limit to a maximum of three.

In addittion the changes will reduce the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) from 302 to 244 tonnes.

The allowance for recreational fishing goes from 12 to 8 tonnes.

The allowance for all other mortality caused by fishing falls from 75 to 60 tonnes, and the Total Allowable Commercial Catch falls from 195 to 156 tonnes.

Decisions about catch limits were based on the best available scientific information about the stock, as well as public feedback.

Public consultation on the proposed changes took place between December 2023 and February 2024.

“I’d like to thank everyone who contributed. Feedback from tangata whenua, recreational and commercial fishers, environmental groups, and the public plays a significant part in the advice I receive and the decisions I make.”

Every six months, catch limits are reviewed for selected stocks to ensure the settings are sustainable long-term and appropriate for customary, recreational and commercial fishers.”

A statement from the Tairāwhiti Rock Lobster Industry was supportive of the measures.

“The Tairāwhiti rock lobster industry is concerned about the CRA 3 fishery because of the adverse impact from the extreme weather events of early 2023, coupled with ongoing unfavourable weather in recent years also affecting catch.

“There is uncertainty about the stock status and the rock lobster industry appreciate it is necessary to reduce fishing pressure.   They respect the Minister’s decision to reduce the total allowable commercial catch to support a healthy sustainable CRA 3 fishery.

“The CRA 3 rock lobster industry intend working towards complementing the TAC and TACC reduction with other management actions.

“Further steps will be informed by the results from the 2024 CRA 3 stock assessment, which will be available later this year.  These additional management initiatives include developing a CRA 3 Fisheries Management Plan and returning to managing commercial catch under a Management Procedure/Harvest Control rule process.”