Coromandel scallop closure review 2023
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
On 13 December 2022, Minister David Parker announced an emergency closure of the two remaining fishable scallop beds in the Coromandel fishery. This closure was in response to new information showing a sharp decline in scallop abundance of the two beds, Hauturu (Little Barrier Island), and in Colville Channel.
The closure applied for three months, allowing time for public consultation on longer-term management measures
On 16 December 2022 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they were reviewing the future management of the Coromandel scallop fishery (SCA CS). FNZ proposed three options for Coromandel scallops – a partial closure (status quo), or two options for a full closure.
Submissions were due on 8 February 2023.
On 17 March 2023 the new Minister, Stuart Nash, announced a full closure of the fishery under section 11 of the Fisheries Act. Also, a reduction of the Total Allowable Catch from 19 tonnes down to 11 tonnes, with the Total Allowable Commercial Catch and recreational allowance reset to 0 tonnes.
Proposal
Table 1: Proposed closure options and Total Allowable Catches (TACs), Total Allowable Commercial Catches (TACCs), and allowances for fishing-related mortality for SCA CS, in tonnes. Table by Fisheries New Zealand.
Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea, the New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, New Zealand Underwater Association, other organisations and individuals, to develop a submission in response to the proposals. The submission was sent to FNZ on 8 February 2023.
We submitted in support of Option 2, the full closure for a minimum of 3 years. And, a ban on all scallop dredging in New Zealand waters in favour of low-impact fishing methods. There is no legal justification for Option 1.
Relevant Information
2023
Decision
Coromandel scallop section 11 closure notice. 8 Mar 2023.
Gazette notice to prohibit commercial and recreational scallop harvest in the Coromandel scallop fishery under section 11 (sustainability measures) of the Fisheries Act 1996. Effective 17 March. Notice dated 8 March 2023.
Minister's Coromandel decision letter. 17 Mar 2023
Stuart Nash’s decision letter to close the Coromandel scallop fishery to commercial and recreational harvest. Changes to apply from 17 March 2023. Stuart Nash. March 2023.
Final advice to Minister Coromandel scallops. FNZ. Mar 2023
Fisheries New Zealand’s Final Advice Paper and recommendations to the Minister on the Coromandel scallop fishery. March 2023.
Submissions
Coromandel scallop closure. Recreational. 8 Feb 2023
Submission supporting a full closure of the Coromandel scallop fishery under section 11 of the Fisheries Act. NZSFC, LegaSea, NZ Angling & Casting Association, NZ Underwater Association. 8 February 2023.
Public awareness
Article. An uncertain future for kiwi scallops. LegaSea. 27 April 2024.
It’s been two years since the last remaining scallop beds in the Hauraki Gulf were placed under emergency closure. While it may feel like a lifetime since we’ve had fresh, local scallops on our dinner plates, it still may not be enough time for our scallops to regenerate. LegaSea. 27 April 2024.
2022
Proposal
Coromandel scallop review. FNZ. 16 December 2022.
Proposal for a section 11 closure of the Coromandel scallop fishery. Also, proposed decreases in catch limits. Fisheries New Zealand. 16 December 2022.
Emergency closure
Emergency closure. Coromandel fishery. 13 Dec 2022.
Minister David Parker invokes emergency powers to close the two remaining scallop beds open to harvest in the Coromandel fishery. 13 December 2022.