Conservation group LegaSea is raising concerns over a proposal by Fisheries New Zealand to increase commercial crayfish catch limits in the CRA 2 region (including Aotea).
This proposal covers the northeast coast of New Zealand from Te Arai Point to East Cape, spanning the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, where crayfish were noted as “functionally extinct” as recently as 2016.
“If successful, Fisheries New Zealand’s proposal to increase commercial catch limits will put crayfish populations further at risk and continue to jeopardize any hopes of restoring abundance in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park and other areas within the CRA 2 zone.” Trish Rea of LegaSea said Thursday.
Fisheries New Zealand suggests that the increased quota is backed by data indicating a sustainable recovery in crayfish stocks.
According to their latest assessments, crayfish numbers have sufficiently rebounded, supporting a potential increase in the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) from 80 tonnes to potentially 100 tonnes.
They argue this boost is viable without compromising the long-term health of the crayfish population, promising economic benefits for the commercial sector.
An independent study by an international panel of scientists last year questioned the methodology used by Fisheries NZ, suggesting it might overestimate crayfish numbers to benefit quota holders.
Mike Plant of the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council supported those findings, saying, “It’s quota owners that benefit from crayfish being sold for more than $100 per kilo, yet it’s the public and the environment that unfortunately pay the price over the long term.”
shows existing areas in which rock lobster fishing is currently or proposed to be prohibited. The lower panel (Option B2) shows the proposed inner Hauraki Gulf closure for all commercial and
recreational rock lobster fishing.
The depletion of crayfish has broader ecological implications, including an increase in kina numbers that lead to the devastation of kelp forests—a critical marine habitat.
“Crayfish are key to keeping kina at more natural levels. We need more of them in the water, not on a plane to some overseas high-end dinner plate,” Plant said.
In parallel to the quota discussions, Fisheries NZ is also contemplating a closure of the inner Hauraki Gulf to all commercial and recreational rock lobster fishing to aid the recovery of ecosystems impacted by overfishing.
Concerned locals have reached out to AoteaGBI.news, highlighting that the closure could redirect fishers to Great Barrier Island.
“That will decimate Crays around the island if we become the first accessible area outside where they’re proposing the ban,” one reads.
Fisheries NZ is seeking feedback on the proposals with the public consultation period closing at 5 PM on Wednesday, 29 January 2025.
The quota proposals do not affect customary Māori and recreational fishing allowances.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit their views to FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz
Additional details of the proposal can be found here, on the MPI website.
