Crayfish catch limits changed

Catch limits of rock lobster, or crayfish, will increase in Otago and Southland and decrease in Gisborne and Wellington/Hawke's Bay, Fisheries Minister Phil Heatley said today.

The changes will take effect on April 1.

Limits in Otago will increase by 45 per cent and in Southland by 5 per cent.

The increase is thanks to closely managed fisheries with ongoing monitoring of stock health and abundance, Mr Heatley said.

Gisborne limits will decrease by 9 per cent and Wellington/Hawke's Bay by 40 per cent.

"It is difficult having to make cuts at this time but decisive action is needed now to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fisheries."

- NZPA