Blue cod Marlborough Sounds review 2024

DECISION: PENDING

Introduction

On 23 October 2024 Fisheries New Zealand advised they wanted feedback on proposed changes to the management of blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds. Submissions were due by 1 December 2024.

FNZ are particularly interested in extending the annual, seasonal closure in the Sounds. Currently there is no blue cod fishing between 1 September and 19 December. FNZ propose extending the closure to either 31 December, 5 January or 15 January, from the end of 2025.

FNZ held two public drop-in sessions to discuss the proposals, one in Nelson, another in Picton, in mid-November. No report of those sessions is available online.

FNZ Proposal

During 2023 the Marlborough Sounds Blue Cod Technical Group met to discuss the future management of blue cod. Following their meetings they submitted a report to FNZ. This report discusses a range of options to manage blue cod in the Sounds. FNZ released the report on 23 October.

Submission

On 29 November the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submitted in support of a range of measures to improve the abundance of blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds.

Water quality and habitat degradation due to poorly controlled land run-off into many areas of the Sounds means we may not, in our lifetime, see blue cod numbers rebuild to natural levels.

In terms of the closure, the NZSFC worked with the Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association and other people who fish or are familiar with the marine environment in the Sounds. The general consensus was that extending the closure to either 31 December or 5 January is preferable. Extending the closure to 15 January is not acceptable.

However, any extension is conditional on more resources being dedicated to boat ramp surveys and improved monitoring of commercial landings of blue cod.

Relevant information

2024

Submission

FNZ Proposal

Report