Fisheries New Zealand has sought feedback on proposals to allow some fishing in the harbour following a new survey indicating scallop levels in Whangārei Harbour may now support a limited recreational fishery.
According to Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones, that information aligned with reports from locals who have seen good numbers of scallops in the area and is consistent with 2024 surveys of two of the harbour's main scallop beds.
Whangārei Harbour has supported kaimoana gathering for generations. It is part of the Northland scallop fishery (SCA 1), which was closed to scallop fishing in 2022.
At the time of the closure, there was evidence of scallops in the harbour itself. However, as a precaution, scallop harvesting was prohibited throughout all of SCA 1 where there was evidence of sustainability issues.
Jones said the new survey information confirmed some scallop beds in parts of the harbour have good numbers of scallops that could sustainably support limited recreational harvest, so now is a good time to get the community’s views on next steps.
“Sustainability is always the bottom line. This consultation is asking whether we people can enjoy the benefits of the fishery while making sure there are enough fish in the water.”
Feedback is also being sought on changes to create bespoke rules specifically for the long-term management of scallops within Whangārei Harbour. This would make it faster to implement changes in the future when new information becomes available and following public consultation.
The Whangārei Harbour has been closed to commercial scallop fishing for many years through regulation, and this consultation does not propose to change this.
Jones encourages anyone interested to read the proposals and make a submission before consultation closes at 5 pm on the 18th of September.
Summary of the proposals
- Retain the current closure until wider management approaches are finalised for the Northland (SCA 1) and Hauraki Gulf and Coromandel (SCA CS) scallop fisheries.
- Allow a limited recreational scallop fishing season for this spring or summer within Whangārei Harbour, supported by a prohibition on dredging.
- Allow for ongoing seasonal recreational scallop fishing every year starting in spring 2027 or summer 2028, supported by a package of changes to the fishing rules.
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