New Kingfish minimum length

NEWS RELEASE - for immediate publication.

Anglers urged to limit “Kingi” take

Individual recreational fishers are being urged to maintain a voluntary catch limit of one Kingfish per day in a bid to enhance stocks of this prized species.

“Kingis are among the most popular catches of rec’ fishers and we want to ensure that the fishery doesn’t go into an irreversible decline,” says the President of the N.Z. Recreational Fishing Council, Ross Gildon.

He said the council believed the Minister of Fisheries “got it pretty well right” in his recent decisions when placing Kingfish into the Quota Management System.

“The Minister has obviously recognised the voluntary efforts of the recreational sector to try and enhance the species by releasing more than 50% of all kingfish caught and anglers limiting themselves to take only one Kingfish per day per person.”

Mr Gildon said the Total Allowable Catch of 673 tonnes for the KIN1 area, which covers the waters between North Cape and East Cape, recognized the importance of the species to recreational fishing. The Minister set a Customary tonnage of 76 tonnes, a recreational catch of 459 tonnes, and a commercial catch of 91 tonnes.  A further 47 tonnes was allocated for other methods of mortality such as black market fishing.

“Now we have been recognised by the Government as the major stakeholder in the fishery we have a special responsibility for it.

“Our council expects all recreational anglers to maintain the release programme that has allowed us to be acknowledged as the major stakeholder, and urges all anglers to continue to voluntarily limit their take to one per day, per person.”

The minimum length of Kingfish that can be kept by recreational anglers, has been increased by the Minister, from 65cm to 75cm with effect from October 1. 

“It is critical to the future of the species that this limit is observed. Maturity comes at a larger size than 75cm and we need to be very careful in maintaining the breeding biomass.  Most fishing clubs have a voluntary one metre minimum length for their tournaments and we hope all clubs will adopt this practice.”

Mr Gildon said he expected the same instant fine of $250 for being in possession of a Kingfish less than the current minimum length limit to also be applied to the new minimum length of 75cm. 

ENDS.

For further information: Ross Gildon, President, N.Z. Recreational Fishing Council. Tel: Day (07) 308 4077.  Night (07) 312 5068  Mob: (025) 989 363