New fishing rules for kina infestation in Northland criticised by scientists

New fishing rules for kina infestation in Northland criticised by scientists

Following Ocean and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones’ announcement of his plans to consider increasing the daily recreational catch limit for kina as part of new fishing rules to be enacted in time for next summer, scientists have come forward to voice their criticism, calling the plans “vague and ineffective”.

Read the full article here

 

Great article in NZ Geo "The price of Fish"

Great article in NZ Geo "The price of Fish"

"Are there plenty more fish in the sea? Reports of falling hoki stocks off the West Coast and the near-disappearance of crayfish from the Hauraki Gulf suggest that our ‘best in the world’ fisheries management may not be living up to the hype. Three decades ago, the right to catch and sell fish became a property right, one that has now accumulated in the hands of a few. How has that worked out for people—and for fish?"

Drop in crayfish stocks worries marine scientists

Drop in crayfish stocks worries marine scientists

Reproduced from Mahurangi Matters

Auckland University operates the Leigh Marine Laboratory, and the Cape Rodney-Okakari Point (Goat Island) Marine Reserve was originally set up for scientific research purposes. It is administered by the Department of Conservation.

Photo: Paihia Dive
Oceans of support for rāhui rollover

Oceans of support for rāhui rollover

A huge thank you to the 1,039 people who made a submission through the Fish Forever website in support of the rāhui rollover! Our hope is Fisheries NZ (MPI) will extend the rāhui for a further two years.

Thank also to Ngati Kuta and Patukeha hapu for intitating this environmental protection of Maunganui Bay (Deep Water Cove) back in 2010 and applying for rollovers every two years since then!

Read the Bay Chronicle's article here

For more information on the Rahui visit www.rahui.org.nz

Wrecked Reefs by John Booth - Russell Review Article

Wrecked Reefs by John Booth - Russell Review Article

Just where does the buck stop for shallow-reef kelp loss in the Bay of Islands? It has crept up on us. The process has been slow and steady – measured in decades. It’s only when we’re confronted with then-and-now photographs that the scale of injury becomes apparent.

Most of the shallow-reef kelp (to around 6-metres depth) in the main basin of the Bay of Islands has gone. The full implications of this loss of biological diversity are poorly understood, but are potentially enormous. ‘But why worry? There’s plenty more kelp deeper down.

Bay of Islands Recreational Fishing Report - John Booth

Bay of Islands Recreational Fishing Report - John Booth

Recreational fishing in the Bay of Islands: intense pressure contributes to stress on fishstocks and to local ecological degradation. By John Booth, 2016

Kina and their effect on algal communities in the Bay of Islands

Kina and their effect on algal communities in the Bay of Islands

Rocky shores around New Zealand have areas in water depths of between about three to eleven metres where there is little (and sometimes no) kelp. In a number of places these areas only have algal felts or low turfs and many kina (sea urchins). Initially this was thought to be the natural state. Researchers here and overseas have since found such barrens are the result of intensive browsing by sea urchins that prevents kelp regrowth. (April 2016)

Maunganui Bay rahui rolled for a further two years!

Maunganui Bay rahui rolled for a further two years!

A huge thank you to Ngati Kuta and Patukeha hapu for intitiating and extending this rahui. The area has now been protected since 2010.

The Ministry of Primary Industries have confirmed the temporary closure of Maunganui Bay Rahui until the 29th October 2018  Closed under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 to fishing for all species except kina.

For full information visit: www.rahui.org.nz

Help get Marine Reserves for the Otago Coast

Help get Marine Reserves for the Otago Coast

Submissions have now closed. Thank you to all those who participated.

Gigantic kelp forests, deep sea canyons, albatross, sea lions, amazing bryozoan beds, endangered dolphins and yellow-eyed penguins. The South Island’s South-east coast has it all … except marine reserves.

Obituary: David Clarkson

Obituary: David Clarkson

Sad news, David Clarkson, the man who established Bay of Islands Maritime Park Inc, way back in 2007 (the umbrella organization of Fish Forever and Living Waters) passed away at his home in Kerikeri last week.

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