Coromandel East temporary closure 2021
DECISION: APPROVED
Introduction
On 23 March 2021 Fisheries New Zealand advised they were consulting on a request by Ngāti Hei for a 2-year temporary closure of their rohe to all harvest of scallops.
The Ngāti Hei rohe extends from Cuvier Island down past Slipper Island on the eastern side of the Coromandel Peninsula. (see map)
The request has been made under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996. The request has the support of the local community, the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and LegaSea. Submissions were due by 17 May 2021.
On 8 September 2021 Fisheries New Zealand announced the Minister’s approval for the 2-year temporary closure, effective from 11 September 2021. We appreciate David Parker’s decision given the difficulties of trying to manage commercial and non-commercial interests in this important fishery.
Submission
On 27 April 2021 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council in conjunction with LegaSea submitted in support of the requested temporary closure. On 12 May that submission was withdrawn and an amended submission was sent to Fisheries New Zealand. The submission was amended to include new signatories: the New Zealand Underwater Association and Spearfishing NZ. Both of these organisations members have a strong interests in the scallop fisheries.
Relevant information
2021
Decision
East Coromandel scallop closure media release. FNZ. 8 Sep 2021
Fisheries New Zealand media release announcing the Minister’s approval for a 2-year temporary closure of east Coromandel to the harvest of all scallops. David Parker’s decision will be effective from 11 September 2021. FNZ. 8 September 2021.
Harvesting ban welcomed. Coromandel scallop restoration group. 8 Sep 2021
Groups working to save Coromandel scallop beds are delighted with David Parker’s decision to approve a 2-year temporary closure to ban all scallop harvesting on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula. 8 Sep 2021
Coromandel scallops. Briefing to Minister. FNZ. 23 Aug 2021
Briefing to David Parker, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, recommending he agree to a temporary closure under s186A of the Fisheries Act. FNZ offer advice on the size of area that can be closed. Fisheries New Zealand. 23 August 2021. Not released by FNZ until 4 October 2021.
Updates
Minister David Parker advises he expects to receive advice from Fisheries NZ on the s186A application by mid-August. He will make a decision after considering that advice. 2 August 2021.
Submissions
Coromandel scallops 186A. Joint recreational. 12 May 2021
Submission in support of the proposed 2-year temporary closure of the Ngāti Hei rohe to all harvest of scallops from eastern Coromandel waters. Submission by the NZ Sport Fishing Council-LegaSea, NZ Underwater Association and Spearfishing NZ. 12 May 2021.
Coromandel s186A proposal. OBRA. 10 May 2021
Submission supporting the s186A application by Ngāti Hei for a 2-year temporary closure around the eastern Coromandel coast to the harvest of scallops. Submission by the Opito Bay Ratepayers Association. 10 May 2021.
Proposal
Coromandel s186A closure proposal. FNZ. 23 Mar 2021
Letter advising of a request for a 2-year temporary closure of the Ngāti Hei rohe on the eastern Coromandel Peninsula to all scallop harvesting. Fisheries New Zealand. 23 March 2021.
Section 186A closure application. Ngāti Hei. 10 Feb 2021
Ngāti Hei request a 2-year temporary closure of their rohe to the harvest of all scallops. The Ngāti Hei rohe extends down the eastern Coromandel Peninsula. Ngāti Hei. 10 February 2021.