Pa¯ ua limit cut to half
South Island pa¯ua divers will have their daily limit cut down by half from next month.
In Kaiko¯ura, Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson, the current legal limit is 10 pa¯ ua per person or 20 pa¯ ua or 2.5 kilograms of minced meat during a multi-day fishing trip. The limits apply to both black and yellow-foot pa¯ ua. From December 12, the limit will be halved to five a day or a maximum of 10 pa¯ ua or 1.25kg a person on a multiple-day fishing trip.
Fisheries Management’s director, Stuart Anderson, said the new quota was designed to help the stock’s depleted numbers recover after the 7.8-magnitude earthquake in 2016.
‘‘The earthquakes caused an uplift of coastline in Kaiko¯ura, Canterbury, Marlborough and Nelson, which had a significant impact on pa¯ua populations,’’ Anderson said.
‘‘This was a unique event, and we need to be cautious to ensure the long-term sustainability of the resource.
‘‘The change to harvest levels has been informed by the best available science and consultation with the local community, during which there was strong support for a reduction,’’ he said.
In 2016 and 2017, the total commercial catch limits had been decreased by 50 per cent in all four areas, but the commercial industry in Nelson and Marlborough
had voluntarily reduced its legal fishing quota by a further 10 per cent.
‘‘The commercial and recreational catch changes help ensure that everyone plays their part in helping to maintain the sustainability of the fisheries,’’
Anderson said. ‘‘Brochures, including information about the new bag and accumulation limit, will be made available.’’
Pauamac 7 chairman Barry Chandler welcomed the move and supported the recreational reduction.