Fisheries NZ are seeking feedback on a request for a temporary fishery closure and a method prohibition banning the use of nets covering Tutukaka Harbour, Ngunguru Bay, and Ngunguru River (Northland) and nearby areas.

The request is from the tangata whenua o Ngāti Takapari, Te Waiariki, and Ngāti Korora "Whangai Mokopuna" Rohe Moana. 

The request is for a two-year closure and would prohibit the take of all shellfish (excluding kina), all seahorses, piper, blackfoot and yellowfoot paua, rock and packhorse lobster, mussels, octopus and squid. 

The taking of scallops is already prohibited under section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996. 

The requested method prohibition would ban the use of nets, including scoop nets, gill nets, set nets and drag nets. 

Fisheries NZ invites written submissions in response to the request from anyone interested in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the areas concerned.

The proposed area includes the New Zealand fisheries waters between the Middle Gable, north of Tutukaka Head, Northland, and Paparoa, north of Parauwanui Beach, Northland, and offshore approximately three nautical miles.  

The size of the proposed closure area is about 73.6 square kilometres (including the rivers). 

The closing date for submissions is 5pm, Monday 8 May 2023.  

Email your submission to [email protected] 

While we prefer email, you can post your submission to: 

Spatial Allocations 
Fisheries Management 
Fisheries New Zealand 
PO Box 2526 
Wellington 6140.