Taranaki temporary closure 2022
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
In May 2022 Taranaki iwi wrote to the Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, David Parker, requesting his approval for a 2-year temporary closure of part of the Taranaki coastline to the harvest of selected species. Those species include all shellfish, seaweeds (except beachcast seaweed), anemones, conger eels and rock lobster (crayfish).
Taranaki iwi were seeking recognition of and statutory support for the rāhui already in place to protect the local marine resources.
In August 2022 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) issued a notice advising the Minister had received the application. Submissions in response to the application were due with FNZ by 12 September 2022.
On 14 December 2022, the Minister confirmed he had approved the request to temporarily close part of the Western Taranaki coastline to the harvest of all shellfish (except red rock lobster) seaweeds (except beachcast seaweed), anemones, conger eels. The temporary closure applies from 16 December 2022 and extends until December 2024.
Submission
On 12 September 2022 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submitted partial support for the application.
The NZSFC are pleased to support the application for a 2-year fishing closure of the Taranaki coast to the harvest of all shellfish, seaweeds, anemones and conger eels, excluding beach cast seaweed and rock lobster, out to two nautical miles from the coast.
Locally, there are mixed views on the need for the closure to apply out to 2nm, whereas a closure out to just one nautical mile would enable some harvest of crayfish without displacing undue fishing effort into neighbouring waters.
Relevant information
2022
Decision
Gazette Notice. Western Taranaki. 14 Dec 2022.
Gazette notice confirming the 2-year temporary closure of the Western Taranaki coastline to the harvest of all shellfish, except red rock lobster, from December 2022 to December 2024. Minister for Oceans and Fisheries David Parker. 14 December 2022.
Submission
Taranaki temporary closure. NZSFC. 12 Sep 2022
Submission in support of a 2-year temporary closure of the Taranaki coast to the harvest of all shellfish and other species, excluding beach cast seaweed and crayfish, out to 2 nautical miles from the coast. NZSFC. 12 September 2022.
Proposal
Advice of section 186A application. FNZ. 11 Aug 2022
Fisheries New Zealand letter advising of a request for a temporary fishing closure at Taranaki. Submissions due with FNZ by 12 September. Letter received 11 August 2022.
Application for s186A temporary closure. Taranaki iwi. 27 May 2022
Application from Taranaki iwi to the Minister requesting approval for a 2-year temporary closure of the Taranaki coastline to the harvest of all shellfish, seaweeds (except beachcast), anemones, conger eels and crayfish. 27 May 2022.
1996
Legislation
Section 186A Fisheries Act
Section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996. Temporary closure of fishing area or restriction on fishing methods.