Scallop move boosts safety

Divers will be able to take more scallops under changes to amateur fishing regulations that come into effect next Friday.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton says the changes are in response to Recreational Fishing Council representations and are being made in time for the holiday season.

The changes are:

* Divers will be allowed to take extra bag limits of scallops and dredge oysters for each of up to two safety people on board their boats. Mr Anderton said it would encourage divers to have safety people on board.

* The use of bobs and ring pots for crayfish will be allowed, and scoop nets (landing nets) will be allowed to be used to secure fish taken lawfully by any method.

* Restrictions on the use or possession of underwater breathing apparatus when taking mussels will be removed. Current restrictions for paua will be retained.

"A method control is no longer necessary in the mussel fishery," Mr Anderton said, "as there are no longer any significant sustainability risks or poaching concerns in most areas."

- NZPA