Fisheries New Zealand has sought feedback on a proposal to reduce fishing pressure on blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds and on a range of other potential measures to ensure the long-term sustainability of the popular fishery.
"We’re considering a range of options and management tools to address overfishing and increase the abundance of blue cod in the Marlborough Sounds," said Emma Taylor, director of fisheries management.
"The area sees very high levels of fishing effort, particularly in the holiday period, which, combined with other factors such as sedimentation and marine heatwaves, is affecting the fishery's health. Despite catch limit reductions and other changes over the past decade."
Following a 2021 potting survey, which indicated that fishing in the area was significantly higher than the fishery can sustainably support, the commercial catch limit (TACC) for Marlborough Sounds blue cod was reduced.
An advisory group of tangata whenua, fishers, and residents was also formed to identify measures to reduce fishing pressure and increase abundance in the fishery. The group met throughout 2023 and identified several potential measures to improve the fishery's sustainability and abundance.
Fisheries New Zealand has now sought public feedback on a proposal to extend the seasonal closure until the 19th of December 2024. If approved, the new season would apply from the end of 2025 onwards.
It has also been seeking public input on a range of wider measures for future implementation identified by the group, such as closing spawning areas to fishing to rebuild spawning populations, reducing the combined daily bag limit for finfish in the area, options to increase information on recreational fishing, such as voluntary catch reporting, an educational campaign to improve fishing practices, and tools to mitigate release mortality.
"Marlborough Sounds blue cod are a taonga and iconic for many Kiwis. We want to hear from fishers, tangata whenua, the local community, and anyone else with an interest in the fishery.”
There will be two public drop-in information sessions to present information and assist with making submissions:
- Tasman Bay Cruising Club in Nelson/Whakatū on Tuesday 12th of November 2024 (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm)
- Queen Charlotte Yacht Club in Picton/Waitohi on Thursday, 14th of November 2024 (4.30 pm to 7.30 pm)
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