Crayfish 1 management review 2024
DECISION: PENDING
Introduction
On 14 November 2024 Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) issued a discussion paper describing a range of measures to apply in the Northland rock lobster fishery, CRA 1, to support the recovery of kelp forests in northern waters.
FNZ also released a 4-page document summarising their proposals. FNZ is seeking feedback on their proposals. Submissions in response to the proposals were due by 15 December 2024.
FNZ will then work with the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, Shane Jones, in early 2025 to consider the feedback and develop formal proposals for public consultation in mid-2025.
Submission
During November and early December 2024 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC) worked with LegaSea, New Zealand Underwater, New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, and other organisations and individuals to develop a response by 15 December.
The submission included 6 recommendations for the Minister. Firstly, the Minister must acknowledge that the proposed measures are not sufficient to ensure the recovery of kelp forest ecosystems, nor to rebuild the collapsed CRA 1 rock lobster population.
Relevant information
2024
Submission
CRA 1 proposed controls. Recreational. 15 Dec 2024
Joint recreational submission acknowledging that a TAC cannot be lawfully set for CRA 1. A recovery plan is required. This must include a package of measures to support crayfish management and recovery of kelp forest ecosystems. NZSFC, LegaSea, NZU, NZACA. 15 December 2024.
FNZ Proposal
CRA 1 review proposal. FNZ. 14 Nov 2024
Proposal from Fisheries NZ on a package of measures to manage the CRA 1 Northland spiny rock lobster fish stock. CRA 1 extends around the east and west coasts of Northland and out to the 3 Kings Islands. Submissions due with FNZ by 15 December 2024. 14 November 2024.
CRA 1 review proposal summary. FNZ. 14 Nov 2024
Four page summary of a package of measures that Fisheries New Zealand propose to put to the Minister in 2025, to manage CRA 1 in the future. This includes a mix of measures that will affect both commercial and recreational fishing. FNZ. 14 November 2024.
Media coverage
Article. High Court rules 2023 Minister's decision unlawful. Radio NZ. 19 Feb 2025
Article by Lillian Hanly. Court ruling on the Minister’s 2023 decision for crayfish has relevance to the proposed changes to the Fisheries Act being promoted by Shane Jones. Radio NZ. 19 February 2025.