Full Northland Closure
Scallops – SCA 1 &
SCA CS
Northland, Auckland
and Coromandel
Surveys carried out in 2021 show an overall decline in the biomass and abundance in both
SCA 1 and SCA CS from historical levels, with substantive declines in many core scallop
beds since the previous survey. It is considered that the current biomass and abundance
of scallops in SCA 1 and SCA CS are at levels that do not support sustainable fishing at
the current catch limits and allowances. To promote the recovery of the Northern scallop
stocks, I have decided to impose a full closure of SCA 1 for all commercial and recreational
utilisation and a partial closure of SCA CS, permitting sustainable utilisation of Little Barrier
and Colville Channel only
Scallops
Scallop stocks within the Coromandel (SCA CS) and Northland (SCA 1) areas support
shared fisheries that are highly valued by tangata whenua and stakeholders. This value
represents not only the economic return from commercially landed and sold scallops, but
also the role that scallops play in the ecosystem and in providing for cultural and social
benefits. Over time, these important fisheries have shown a substantial decline and now
many scallop beds are at historically low levels.
SCA 1 - Northland Scallops
I have decided to close the SCA 1 Quota Management Area to the harvest of scallops. This
closure will be implemented under a sustainability measure provided for in section 11 of the
Fisheries Act 1996. The closure will not apply to scallops taken under a customary fishing
authorisation, which will continue to be managed by tangata kaitiaki.
SCA CS - Coromandel Scallops
I have decided to close the SCA CS Quota Management Area to the harvest of scallops,
except for within two defined areas, one around Little Barrier Island and one in the Colville
Channel (see Figure 2 below). This closure will be implemented under a sustainability
measure provided for in section 11 of the Fisheries Act 1996. The closure will not apply to
scallops taken under a customary fishing authorisation, which will continue to be managed
by tangata kaitiaki.
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-2022-april-round
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