Support for changing the blue cod size limits in Marlborough Sounds

Recent talk about the existing regulations on Blue Cod has been attracting attention in the Marlborough Sounds. In an online survey completed by a PHD student at Victoria University there’s good evidence that the majority of recreational fishers in the Sounds would like to see changes . The locals, who fish the area more than anyone, know what’s going on. Many that are protective of the fisheries suggesting the upper limit should be changed to 40cm.

The Marlborough Sounds have both a minimum (30cm) and maximum (35cm) legal size limit, which has been put in place to encourage breeding and raise the average size of the species. Blue Cod caught outside this range, need to be returned.

Another rule the majority of participants in the survey would like to see changed is, ‘the transit rule’. This rule warrants blue cod are not to be filleted by fishers in the Sounds until their boats have returned to shore.