Tory Channel Kina dredging review 2023
DECISION: BANNED
Introduction
On 16 December 2022 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) advised they were reviewing commercial kina dredging in Tory Channel/Kura Te Au, in Marlborough Sounds. FNZ proposed three options: the status quo, limitations in dredge-use areas, or a prohibition on commercial kina dredging.
A review was prompted by the Marlborough District Council’s Environmental Plan process which identified a number of ecologically significant marine sites along both sides of the Tory Channel.
Small amounts of kina were historically caught by dredging, but from 2019-2022 around 43% of commercial kina catch in Tory Channel has been by a dredge. This is the only area in New Zealand that commercially dredges for kina.
Tory Channel kina is part of the wider SUR 7A fishery spanning Nelson and Marlborough Sounds. The allocated Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) for kina in SUR 7A is 135 tonnes.
Submissions were due by 8 February 2023. The Minister of Oceans and Fisheries is due to make a decision prior to 1 October 2023.
In February we supported Option 1, to ban commercial dredging in Tory Channel. Minister Rachel Brooking’s decision to approve Option 1 was released on 21 September 2023.
Proposal
In December 2022 FNZ asked for feedback on whether commercial kina dredging in the Tory Channel ought to be prohibited or reduced under section 11 (sustainability measures) of the Fisheries Act 1996. See FNZ’s proposed options in the table below.
Submission
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council worked with LegaSea, the New Zealand Underwater Association, New Zealand Angling & Casting 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 advocated for an amended Option 1 – to apply s11 of the Fisheries Act to prohibit all dredging in the Tory Channel and wider SUR7A management area. The environmental damage caused by dredging is not worth the catch. Diving and hand gathering is a suitable alternative. In past three years, in the wider SUR 7A area, 90% of commercial kina catch was dive-caught.
Relevant information
2023
Minister’s Decision
Kina Tory Channel. Gazette notice. Minister. 19 Sep 2023
Tory Channel commercial kina dredging prohibition notice issued under section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996. Minister Rachel Brooking. 19 September 2023.
Kina Tory Channel. Minister's Decision. 15 Sep 2023
Minister’s decision to ban commercial dredging of kina in the Tory Channel, Marlborough Sounds. Hand gathering and diving for kina is still permitted. Minister Rachel Brooking. 15 September 2023.
Advice to Minister
October management review. Final advice to Minister. FNZ. Aug 2023
Final advice paper including recommendations for the Minister Rachel Brooking on deemed value rates, Green lipped mussels 9, Kina, Tory Channel & SUR 1A & 1B, Gemfish 1 & 2, Trevally 2, Gurnard 3, Stargazer 7, Silver warehou 3 and Orange roughy 3B. Fisheries New Zealand. August 2023.
Submissions
Tory Channel kina dredging review. Recreational. 8 Feb 2023
Submission supporting a ban on all dredging for kina in the Tory Channel. The viable alternative is hand gathering. NZSFC, NZ Angling & Casting, NZ Underwater. 8 February 2023.
October review public submissions. July 2023
Fisheries NZ’s copy of submissions received from the public and commercial fishing interests in response to the October management review of deemed value rates, Green lipped mussels 9, Kina Tory Channel and SUR 1A & 1B, Trevally 2 and Gurnard 3. Tory Channel kina submissions made in February. Released on 21 September 2023.
Public awareness
Community bewildered by kina dredging. LegaSea. 23 Feb 2023
The community is bewildered by the revelation that kina dredging is still permitted in the Tory Channel. Media release. NZSFC, LegaSea, Marlborough Recreational Fishers Association, Mohua Marine Trust. 23 February 2023.
2022
Proposal
Proposal. Tory Channel kina dredging review. FNZ. 16 Dec 2022.
Proposal to prohibit commercial kina dredging in Tory Channel, Marlborough Sounds, or retain the status quo. Fisheries New Zealand. 16 Dec 2022.