Snapper catch limit eased after more than 15 years

Catch limits for snapper on the North Island’s west coast are set to increase.

Catch limits of 15 fish stocks have been updated after a twice-yearly review, with some fish stock limits increased and others reduced.

The North Island’s west coast snapper were found to have recovered well after tighter catch limits were imposed in 2005.

The Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, David Parker, made the changes after a review of science information and public consultation, Ministry for Primary Industries director of fisheries management Emma Taylor said. The affected fish stocks were a mixture of recreational, customary and commercial fisheries.

Overall catch limits and allowances would decrease for some shared fisheries, which included red gurnard, east coast South Island blue cod, and northern ha¯puku and bass.

More than 8000 submissions from the public and other interests were received about the snapper fishery.

‘‘The minister for oceans and fisheries considered the feedback received, as well as best available information about the health of the fishery ... These increases take a cautious approach while allowing everyone to benefit from the fishery while the stock continues to increase in size,’’ Taylor said.

The total allowable catch for snapper goes from 1785 to

3065 tonnes. For commercial fishers it goes from 1300 to 1600 tonnes. The allowance for customary Ma¯ori fishing goes from 43 to 100 tonnes, and the total for recreational fishers goes from 312 to 1205 tonnes.

It was important that any changes provided for current and future generations, and these changes would help ensure there was enough fish in the water for everyone, Taylor said.

South Island blue cod also garnered strong public interest. The total commercial catch allowance goes down from 162.7 to 130 tonnes. The limit for customary Ma¯ori fishing and recreational fishing was set at 20 and 83 tonnes, respectively.