A three-month-long rāhui prohibiting all fishing and shellfish gathering in the bays south of Russell township comes into force this week.
The customary ban will run from September 1 to December 31 and applies to the area from Tahapuke Bay, at the southern end of The Strand, to Kaiaraara Island (Mill Island) and Toretore Island (Nobby's Island) at the tip of Te Wahapu Peninsula.
It includes Tahapuke Bay, Matauwhi Bay, Pomare Bay, Uruti Bay and Orongo Bay.
The seasonal rāhui, which is now in its fifth year, has been declared by the Kororāreka Marae Komiti and aims to cover the breeding season of most fish and shellfish species in the area.
Marae chairwoman Deb Rewiri said the rāhui was essential to preserve future fish and shellfish stocks and the legacy of small harbour fishing.