Minister retreats on kahawai

There will be no change to the daily bag limit for kahawai, Fisheries Minister David Benson-Pope said yesterday.

He announced in August there would be a 15 per cent cut in the commercial and recreational fishing levels for kahawai to safeguard the species.

At the time it was suggested a reduction in the daily bag limit might be necessary, he said.

"I am sufficiently convinced that no immediate reduction to bag limits is necessary.

"We have channelled significant new research funding into kahawai in the coming year that will allow us to make robust decisions on issues like this.

"I believe that in the interests of fairness this is the right decision."

The kahawai bag limit is 20 per person per day.

- NZPA