Astrolabe Reef s186A closure 2016

DECISION:

Introduction

On 12 February 2016 the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) advised the Motiti Rohe Moana Trust, on behalf of Nga Hapu o te Moutere o Motiti, had applied for a temporary closure around Astrolabe Reef, Bay of Plenty, to the take of all fisheries resources. The application for a 3 nautical mile radius exclusion zone was made under section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996.

A 2 nautical mile exclusion zone already exists around Astrolabe Reef. This exclusion zone was established by the Bay of Plenty Harbour Master in October 2011 as a result of the MV Rena running aground on the reef. Depending on the outcome of other processes, the Harbour Master could be in a position to adjust or remove the 2nm exclusion zone by mid-2016.

Submission

The Rena disaster has had a significant social, cultural and economic impact on all fishers in the Bay of Plenty region. NZSFC clubs and members have a long and well documented association with Astrolabe Reef and its fisheries. The Council believes the best way to mitigate the adverse effects of the existing closure on fishers and charter operators is to reopen the area to fishing.

On 14 March 2016 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council and affiliated Bay of Plenty fishing clubs submitted against the proposal as the adverse effects of the proposal on fishing businesses and fishers outweigh any perceived or real benefit.

Relevant information

2016

Submissions

Proposal

Legislation