Pipi off limits to all fishers

Pipi are off the menu from Whangarei Harbour harvesting sites Mair Bank and Marsden Bank from tomorrow. Photo / File

Pipi lovers who regularly get a feed of their favourite seafood from Whangarei's Mair Bank will have to find a new spot with the area and neighbouring Marsden Bank off limits to pipi taking from tomorrow.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has closed Mair Bank and Marsden Bank to all recreational and commercial pipi fishers to give the stocks a chance to replenish over coming years.

The closure will relieve pressure on the fishery and give it an opportunity to rebuild, MPI manager Inshore Fisheries, Steve Halley said.

"Shellfish such as pipi are valued by recreational, customary and commercial fishers. MPI will work closely with local agencies and tangata whenua to develop a monitoring plan to reassess the population within a few years."

The closure comes after data showed a substantial decline in pipi abundance at Mair Bank, and no halt to the decline or sign of recovery in the pipi population at the adjacent Marsden Bank, despite the temporary closure that has been in place since 2011.

"While fishing is not the primary cause of the decline in pipi abundance there is an immediate concern that continued fishing may inhibit the pipi populations' recovery. MPI has responded to this new information, and to local concerns, to ensure the pipi populations on these banks have the greatest chance to rebuild," he said.

"Everyone has a role to play in managing this important fishery. If you see any suspicious or illegal fishing in these areas, please call 0800 4 POACHER."

In February, 2011, the Ministry of Fisheries granted a request from Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board that pipi harvesting be banned at Marsden Bank for two years.