Fisheries officers have warned that a ban remains on collecting toheroa. Photo/File
Fisheries officers have warned that a ban remains on collecting toheroa. Photo/File
Toheroa are making a comeback on Ninety Mile Beach but fisheries officers have warned that a ban remains on collecting the rare shellfish.
Ministry for Primary Industries spokesman Steve Rudsdale says the Northland beach has been empty of toheroa for many years and it is great to see the startof a recovery.
But he says their survival remains fragile and will be threatened if people don't leave them alone.
The toheroa fishery was closed across the country in 1982 after a big reduction in numbers.
The only exception is having a customary fishing permit.
He says fisheries officers will be out and about on the beach to make people aware of the rules and help them tell the difference between toheroa and tuatua. - NZN