Hauraki Gulf trawl corridors 2023
DECISION: NO CORRIDORS
Introduction
On 30 August 2023 the Government released a discussion paper proposing 4 Options enabling bottom trawling, Danish seining and dredging to continue in the Hauraki Gulf. Submissions in response to the proposals were due with Fisheries New Zealand (FNZ) by 6 November 2023.
On 2 November FNZ advised they would accept late submissions up to 4 December 2023.
This current discussion follows on from the Sea Change (2016) and Revitalising the Gulf (2021) processes.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council (NZSFC), LegaSea and other representative organisations have been involved in the Sea Change discussions since late 2013.
Proposal
FNZ advises trawling and Danish seining will be permitted in the Bottom Access Fishing Zones – trawl corridors. FNZ propose these trawl corridors in areas currently fished with trawlers and Danish seiners. FNZ do not reference dredging because the Hauraki Gulf scallop fishery is currently closed to commercial and recreational harvesting.
FNZ advise the status quo or a complete ban of bottom trawling and Danish seining are not proposed options.
Decision
On 12 May 2025, Shane Jones, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, confirmed the trawl corridors will not proceed. No formal statement has been issued. In a Newsroom article the Minister is quoted as saying, “The broader strategy does include the circumscription of corridors, but I’m not giving that a priority in the small part of the government’s work programme that I am responsible for….It’s likely that another government in another time will pick it up”.
Submission
On 6 November 2023 a joint recreational submission was sent to FNZ in response to the trawl corridor proposals. This submission was a collaborative effort between NZSFC, LegaSea, NZ Underwater Association and NZ Angling & Casting Association.
We submitted that FNZ’s decision to not consider a complete ban on bottom trawling and Danish seining, as proposed by Sea Change, demonstrated bias and predetermination of the outcome of this process.
We submitted the only appropriate and lawful choice is Option Zero – no mobile, bottom contact fishing in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. That is, no bottom trawling, Danish seining or dredging in the Marine Park.
Relevant information
2025
On 12 May 2025, Shane Jones, the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, confirmed the trawl corridors will not proceed. No formal statement has been issued. In a Newsroom article the Minister is quoted as saying, “The broader strategy does include the circumscription of corridors, but I’m not giving that a priority in the small part of the government’s work programme that I am responsible for….It’s likely that another government in another time will pick it up”.
2023
Submission
Hauraki Gulf trawl corridors submission summary. NZSFC. Nov 2023
NZSFC one-page summary of the submission made in response to the proposed trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. November 2023.
Submission. Hauraki Gulf Trawl Corridors. NZSFC. 6 Nov 2023
Joint recreational submission advising the Minister the trawl corridor proposals are contrary to provisions in the Fisheries Act, and unreasonably prejudiced towards allowing the ongoing use of destructive fishing methods. NZSFC, LegaSea, New Zealand Angling & Casting Association, and New Zealand Underwater. 6 November 2023.
Public awareness
Article. A small price to pay for an abundant ocean. LegaSea. 19 Nov 2023
A battle is being fought between prioritising the health of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park for future generations and degrading the seafloor for the short term gain of commercial interests. LegaSea. 19 November 2023.
Article. Option Zero for no more trawling. LegaSea. 13 Nov 2023
It’s staggering to realise that the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park was established in 2000 to protect this maritime jewel for the benefit of the community, yet 23 years later it’s become more degraded. LegaSea. 13 November 2023.
Article. Say no to trawl corridors. LegaSea. 27 Oct 2023
Over a century of damage to the Hauraki Gulf caused by bottom trawling, Danish seining and dredging can be addressed by saying no to ongoing destruction. LegaSea. 27 October 2023.
Article. Speak up for effective protection. LegaSea. 27 Oct 2023
If we want to improve biodiversity by increasing fish abundance then we have to think beyond just marine protected areas and encompass fisheries management. LegaSea. 27 October 2023.
Article. Ahu Moana community initiatives. LegaSea. 22 Oct 2023
Land based pollution and sedimentation entering the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park cannot be mitigated by marine protection alone. LegaSea. 22 October 2023.
Talking Points. Hauraki Gulf Trawl corridors. NZSFC. 17 Oct 2023.
Talking Points highlighting important issues raised in the Fisheries NZ proposal for trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Alternative proposal is Option Zero. NZ Sport Fishing Council. 17 October 2023.
Article. Marine Park Fisheries Plan. LegaSea. 1 Oct 2023
In good faith over the past decade we have engaged in discussions about improving the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park environment. LegaSea. 1 October 2023.
Article. Marine environment has no rights. LegaSea. 19 Sep 2023
The government needs to get serious about restoring the Hauraki Gulf. This starts by removing trawling and dredging so we can rebuild fish populations. LegaSea. 19 September 2023.
Article. Hauraki Gulf bottom trawling proposals. Minister. 29 Aug 2023
Government announces release of the Hauraki Gulf Fisheries Plan and the creation of 19 new marine protected areas in the Marine Park. Ministers Rachel Brooking and Willow-Jean Prime. 29 August 2023.
Hauraki Gulf Open letter to Minister. HG Alliance. 28 Aug 2023
Open letter to Rachel Brooking, Minister for Oceans and Fisheries, highlighting public concern about ongoing trawling, seining and dredging in the Hauraki Gulf. HG Alliance. 28 August 2023.
Alliance slams decision to continue Gulf trawling. 9 Aug 2023
Hauraki Gulf Alliance statement opposing the government’s decision to allow bottom trawling, dredging and seining to continue in the Hauraki Gulf. Joint press release. 9 August 2023.
Article. Labour's Hauraki Gulf protection plan. Radio NZ. 9 Aug 2023
Government announcement of 19 new marine protected areas in the Hauraki Gulf and a fisheries plan for the Marine Park. PM, Conservation, and Oceans and Fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking. 9 August 2023.
Article. Limited trawl ban and new MPAs in Hauraki Gulf. NZ Herald. 9 Aug 203
Article outlining an announcement by PM Chris Hipkins and fisheries Minister Rachel Brooking to ban bottom trawling from some areas of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, and 19 new marine protected areas. Bernard Orsman. NZ Herald. 9 August 2023.
Article. Trawling and new MPAs in the Hauraki Gulf. Stuff. 9 Aug 2023
Article anticipating the release of the government’s decision on the future management of trawling and dredging in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, and the establishment of 19 new marine protected areas. Erin Johnson. Stuff. 9 August 2023.
Government's plan ignores public outrage. LegaSea. 8 Aug 2023
Government approval for a plan that supports ongoing use of destructive fishing methods has been labelled an outrage by recreational fishing and environmental interests. LegaSea. 8 August 2023
Proposal
Hauraki Gulf Trawl corridor proposal. FNZ. 30 Aug 2023.
Proposal including four options for continuing bottom trawling and Danish seining in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Fisheries New Zealand. 30 August 2023.
Supplementary information
Predicted occurrence of habitat organisms in the Hauraki Gulf. FNZ. 11 Oct 2023
Predicted occurrence of habitat forming organisms in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Fisheries New Zealand. Issued 11 October 2023.
Map. Trawl fishing effort in the Hauraki Gulf. FNZ. 11 Oct 2023
Maps depicting area swept by bottom trawlers in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, between October 2017 and September 2022. Fisheries NZ. 11 October 2023.
Report. Tools to identify trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf. FNZ. March 2023
Report. Exploring the use of spatial decision support tools to identify trawl corridors in the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. Fisheries New Zealand. March 2023.
Sea Change
Hauraki Gulf. Sea Change action plan. Government. June 2021
Government’s plan to revitalise the Hauraki Gulf. Released 22 June 2021
Hauraki Gulf Ahu Moana concept. Govt. June 2021
Ahu Moana explanation extracted from the Revitalising the Gulf Government strategy document. June 2021.