Daily crayfish limits halve for Northland recreational fishers from April 1

Catch limits for rock lobsters - also known as crayfish and kōura - have been reduced from today, with the daily limit halved for recreational fishers.

Reductions to commercial and recreational crayfish limits come into effect in Northland today, with Fisheries New Zealand saying the cut is necessary to protect the vital food source.

From April 1, catch limits for Northland’s rock lobster fishery will reduce by 21 tonnes a year - cutting the commercial limit by 16 tonnes to 89 tonnes, and the recreational allowance by five tonnes to 22 tonnes, meaning the recreational daily limit is halved from six to three.

Rock lobsters, also known as spiny red rock lobster, crayfish and kōura, are a taonga for tangata whenua and a popular species for commercial and recreational fishers, said Fisheries NZ director of fisheries management, Emma Taylor.

“They provide food for whānau, support valuable export markets and local economies and provide jobs in our communities,” Taylor said.

Rock lobster also play an important role in ecosystems as predators, feeding on a wide range of prey including kina [sea urchins]. The reductions to catch limits received ministerial approval following a public consultation and consideration of advice provided by Fisheries NZ.

“The minister’s decision takes a precautionary approach, and it is expected to increase rock lobster abundance in the fishery so they can contribute to the control of kina populations over time,’’ she said.

“In Northland, there is evidence that spiny rock lobster abundance is below a level that enables them to play their part in controlling kina populations, which in high abundance are known to cause ‘kina barrens’, resulting in less biologically diverse marine habitats.

“We’ll continue to assess the effectiveness of the new catch settings on rock lobster abundance and consider if a further review is required for April 2024.”

The changes, which come into effect at the start of the new fishing year on April 1, include:

The Total Allowable Catch (TAC) decreases by 21 tonnes to 172 tonnes.

This reduces the commercial limit by 16 tonnes to 89 tonnes, and the recreational allowance by five tonnes to 22 tonnes.

The customary Māori allowance and the allowance for all other mortality, such as illegal take, will remain the same.

From April 15, the recreational daily bag limit will reduce from six to three spiny rock lobsters per fisher per day to manage recreational take within the new allowance.

The decision follows a consultation held earlier this year, as part of Fisheries New Zealand’s regular review of sustainability measures, and responds to findings in a recent High Court judgment on last year’s decision for the fishery.

Further information, including Fisheries New Zealand’s Decision Document and a copy of the submissions received, can be found on MPI’s website: www.mpi.govt.nz/consultations/review-of-sustainability-measures-for-fisheries-2023-april-round/.

The Environmental Law Initiative (ELI) and Te Uri O Hikihiki hapū asked the High Court for a judicial review of the TAC set by Oceans and Fisheries Minister David Parker in 2021/22 and 2022/23.

ELI and Te Uri O Hikihiki hapū senior policy adviser Ingrid O’Sullivan said its case confirmed the minister was not told there would be a rise in the number of kina, which crayfish eat, and they could destroy kelp beds, which were like a nursery for sea life.