Proposed Scallop Closure

Fisheries New Zealand is seeking feedback on a request from Ngāti Hei for a temporary fishery closure in East Coromandel to prohibit the harvest of tipa (scallops).

The requested closure would not apply to the taking of scallops that have washed shore ('beachcast scallops').

Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngāti Tamaterā and Ngāti Rehua Ngātiwai ki Aotea support the request as part of the Pou rāhui, pou tikanga, pou oranga: reigniting the mauri of Tīkapa moana and Te Moananui-ā-Toi project.

The temporary fishery closure has been requested under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996. While the Pou rāhui request is for a period of 6 years, the Act limits temporary closures to up to 2 years.

The area boundaries of the proposed closures are shown below:

For further information and to make a submission, visit the MPI website.

Related information

Section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 allows the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries to temporarily close an area, or temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of any fishing method in respect of an area, if satisfied that the closure, restriction, or prohibition will recognise and provide for the use and management practices of tangata whenua in the exercise of non-commercial fishing rights.

- Fisheries New Zealand