Customary

Maori customary initiatives

Introduction

Since 2005 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council has actively supported mana whenua in their efforts to protect the near shore marine environment, finfish and shellfish species from over harvesting.

Over time we have worked with the Mid North Iwi Fisheries Forum, the Hokianga Accord, to submit in support of a range of applications for temporary closures under sections 186A or 186B of the Fisheries Act (1996), for rāhui and the establishment of mātaitai around the North and South Islands.

It has been a privilege to work with mana whenua to achieve effective local management, and to work with the public to support these initiatives.

However, we note that it is largely the failure by Fisheries New Zealand to protect and manage the shellfish fisheries that leaves mana whenua in a position where they have to act on behalf of the community to protect remaining shellfish beds from over harvesting and external stressors.

Changing needs

Over time our population has changed and there are increasing reports of bulk harvesting by groups of people who travel out of town to harvest shellfish in nearby beaches. There does not seem to be any effective management of this activity by Fisheries New Zealand nor adequate measures to protect our inter-tidal species.

Consequently, it is left to mana whenua to recognise the problem and initiate a solution with only temporary tools in hand. The Council advocates that Fisheries New Zealand needs to be more proactive in developing regulatory tools and community support for measures that adequately address contemporary conditions.

Public campaign required

There is also a strong need for Fisheries New Zealand to initiate a public awareness campaign to educate the wider public of the potential benefits in implementing local area management tools. Currently, the only tools available are no-take marine reserves or customary initiatives that are limited in their application, yet we know from experience that the protection of shellfish, finfish and the marine ecosystem benefits the wider community.

The Council and LegaSea are available to participate in a public awareness campaign and encourage Fisheries New Zealand to get working on effective measures to protect and enhance our inter-tidal species.

Meantime, the Council will continue to advocate in support of appropriate measures to restore abundance and productivity of the marine environment for the benefit of the community.

Resources