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The abalone fishery in the Kaikoura area was severely affected by the earthquake that struck last November. (Photo: Stock File)
Shellfish and seaweed fisheries closure extended in earthquake affected area
NEW ZEALAND
Monday, February 20, 2017, 22:00 (GMT + 9)
New Zealand’s government has announced a new 9-month emergency closure for the harvest of shellfish and seaweed along the area affected by the earthquake in the east coast of the South Island.
The decision, which does not include scampi and rock lobster, follows the advice received from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) based on the latest scientific assessments of the area, and consultation with local people and industry.
The Primary Industries Minister, Nathan Guy, explained that latest science information showed that shellfish in the Kaikōura area had been badly impacted.
“Over 20 per cent of adult paua (abalone) habitat covering 94 hectares in the closed portion of the Paua 3 fishery has been lost due to uplift. The area where juvenile paua live has been impacted to an even greater degree," the official detailed.
The minister also explained that the fishery needs to be rebuilt for the long term.
"We need to give the remaining adult paua and shellfish beds time to spawn, and the juveniles a chance to settle," Guy added.
The official stressed that the MPI is working to develop a robust science package to estimate the impacts and provide sound advice for future management decisions. Scientists will examine not only the direct impacts on fisheries and other iconic marine species, but also on the habitats that support them.
“I will be using this latest scientific information and consulting with the local community before the end of closure to decide a way forward," the official highlighted.
As part of the measures, the MPI will assess the feasibility of an abalone reseeding programme.
The new emergency closure will take effect from 5pm 20 February until 5pm 20 November 2017.
Related article:
- Crayfish and abalone fishery closed in earthquake-affected zones
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