Rahui Imposed on Kaikoura Reef

 The Waiopuka reef on the Kaikoura coast will be the first area closed to fishing and gathering shellfish under Section 186B of the Fisheries Act. The area will be closed even to the collection of driftwood for two years under a compulsory rahui (temporary closure).

 The closure of the area is due to over harvesting of the resource in recent years that has resulted in decline in fish numbers. The rahui received approval from commercial and recreational fisherman as well as commercial Paua divers.

 The area will be policed by Kaikoura’s three honorary fisheries officers, community patrols are also being encouraged.