"There is clear Government policy that any fish that is depleted to this extent must be allowed to rebuild, and in the case of tarakihi within 10 years," he said.
"The East Coast tarakihi population has been pillaged to a critically low level. Yet the purpose of the Quota Management System and the Fisheries Act is to prevent this from happening."
Hague said the Napier MP's decision should concern anyone who makes their living from the sea, recreational fishers, and tangata whenua.
"Tarakihi are a key coastal species on which jobs and the health of our coastal seas depend," he said.
"The Fisheries Act is far from perfect, and Forest & Bird believes it needs a significant overhaul to bring fisheries management into the 21st century. But even under the current system, fish stocks should be managed sustainably."
The East Coast tarakihi area in question covers the entire eastern side of the North Island.
Stuart Nash said: "It is inappropriate to comment now that a matter is before the court."
The High Court hearing was due to take place this week.
Forest & Bird also has concerns the Fisheries Minister relied on a voluntary plan provided by the fishing industry which contains actions such as further research, and rules where commercial fishing boats would temporarily move on from an area if they are catching too many undersized fish.
"The Industry Rebuild Plan shouldn't be used in place of an appropriate catch limit. There is no way to determine what impact the industry plan will have, because the plan is voluntary," Hague said.
"Fisheries NZ's advice was that they aren't sure whether the Industry Rebuild Plan will deliver an accelerated rate of rebuild."
More than 90 per cent of the tarakihi caught are sold locally, according to Forest & Bird.
