Scallop season starts tomorrow for some

The recreational scallop season for Wellington and Nelson-Marlborough starts tomorrow but the north half of the North Island have to wait until September.

Fisheries Minister Jim Anderton said the later season applied for the area from Tirua Point, south of Kawhia Harbour in northern Taranaki, around Cape Reinga, then down the east coast to Cape Runaway near East Cape.

The shifted start was made last year affecting the east coast after the New Zealand Recreational Fishing Council said the scallops were in far better shape at the end of the season.

Mr Anderton said there had been some confusion with the different start dates and now the west coast start date would also be September 1.

A temporary ban on taking scallops in Kaipara Harbour would remain until September 14.

Mr Anderton urged scallop fishers to know bag and size limits and rule before heading out.

- NZPA