Kaikōura Pāua 3A TAC review 2024
DECISION: INCREASE APPROVED
Introduction
On 27 June 2024 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) proposed to increase the Total Allowable Catch (TAC), allowances and Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) in Pāua 3A, east coast of the South Island.
FNZ proposed 4 options to change the TAC of PAU 3A. They also wanted feedback on their proposal to increase the minimum size limit for pāua, from 125 mm to 130 mm. Submissions in response to the proposal were due by 29 July 2024.
This proposal was part of a package of 20 reviews seeking public feedback within 21 working days.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) and other organisations strongly objected to the unreasonable timeframe available to make submissions. With no response from officials, the NZSFC worked with others to develop a submission by the 29 July deadline.
Decision
Shane Jones, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, has approved a 23 tonne TACC increase, and increases to the allowances for fishing related mortality and recreational fishing. All changes apply from 1 October 2024.
Proposal
Table 1: Current and proposed changes to the TAC, allowances and TACC in Pāua 3A, in tonnes.
Submission
The NZSFC collaborated with others to develop a Preliminary view of the FNZ’s proposals for Pāua 3A. This was necessary because the submission period was short and people wanted to understand what the proposals might mean for future access to this important food source.
On 29 July the NZSFC, LegaSea, NZ Angling & Casting and NZ Underwater Associations submitted in response to the proposals. The submission urged the Minister to make a precautionary decision and retain the minimum legal size at 125 mm.
Previous submissions
The NZSFC has a strong interest in the Pāua 3A fish stock, in maintaining a productive pāua population and protecting recreational interests in the stock. Previous submissions include the following –
Kaikōura reopening to recreational harvest – 2024
Kaikōura reopening – 2022
Kaikōura reopening to recreational harvest – 2021
Pāua 3 subdivision into PAU 3A & PAU 3B – 2020
Relevant information
2024
Decision
Review decision letter. Minister. 29 Sep 2024
Minister’s decision letter for 20 fish stocks reviewed prior to the 1 October 2024 fishing year. A mix of catch increases and catch limit decreases. Minister for Oceans and Fisheries Shane Jones. 29 September 2024.
Final Advice Fisheries NZ
Review Final Advice Paper. FNZ. 29 Sep 2024
Final Advice Paper and recommendations for the Minister on 20 fish stocks reviewed prior to the start of the 1 October 2024 fishing year. Fisheries New Zealand. 29 September 2024.
Submission
Paua 3A TAC review. Recreational. 29 July 2024
Submission in support of a longer harvesting season for recreational fishers gathering paua around Kaikoura. Joint recreational submission by NZSFC, LegaSea, NZ Angling & Casting, and NZ Underwater. 29 July 2024.
Preliminary view
Preliminary view. Paua 3A. July 2024. NZSFC.
Preliminary view document for Kaikōura pāua (PAU 3A). July 2024. NZSFC.
FNZ proposal
Pāua 3A TAC review. FNZ. 27 June 2024
Proposal seeking public feedback on changes to the Total Allowable Commercial Catch and recreational allowance in Pāua 3A, Kaikōura, east coast South Island. Fisheries New Zealand. 27 June 2024.
Public awareness
Article. Trusted sources in pāua debate. LegaSea. 26 Sep 2024
Mandatory reporting of recreational catches of fish and pāua won’t work. Self-reported catch, even in commercial fisheries, has a very poor record of accounting for total mortality in a fish stock. Marty Sullivan and LegaSea. 26 September 2024.
Additional information
Pāua plenary. FNZ. May 2024
Plenary for all pāua stocks summarising estimated historic catches, estimates of current stock size and projections for future population size. Main pāua fisheries are in areas PAU 2, 3A, 3B, 4, 5A, 5B, 5D, and 7. Fisheries New Zealand. May 2024.
CRA 1 High Court decision 11 Nov 2022
High Court decision on the challenge by the Environmental Law Initiative of the Minister’s 2021 & 2022 decisions for the future management of Northland rock lobster, CRA 1. Decision issued 11 November 2022.