Kaikoura paua fishery to reopen in 2023

The Kaikoura coastline will reopen to recreational and commercial paua fishing in 2023, the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has confirmed.

Following consultation, Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker has decided the recreational paua fishing season will take place from April 15 to June 15, and commercial fishing will restart from January 5.

“The decision is based on the best available information and science, as well as feedback from tangata whenua and throughout the community, including the Kaikoura marine guardians, commercial and recreational fishers,” says Emma Taylor, director fisheries management.

“We received nearly 300 submissions on the proposals, which is a testament to the importance of the fishery. The overwhelming majority support recreational fishing taking place in a quieter part of the year.

“We also received widespread support for a year-round reopening of the commercial fishery, which targets paua in deeper water and in areas away from recreationally popular beds.”

The fishery, which was damaged in the 2016 earthquakes, has been allowed to recover but caution was still required to ensure it will be there for future generations to enjoy, Ms Taylor says.

“We’ll continue to closely monitor recreational take during the season to ensure catch settings remain appropriate, and work with all interested parties on longer-term strategies for maintaining and protecting the fishery. Catch settings for recreational paua fishing are yet to be decided and will be announced ahead of the season in April.

“In the meantime, we’d like to remind people that recreational paua fishing is prohibited. The majority of customary management areas also remain closed to commercial and recreational paua fishing.”

Anyone who sees suspicious fishing behaviour is advised to report it to 0800 47 62 24.