Crayfish management 2017
Review of selected crayfish stocks
Introduction
In February 2017 the New Zealand Sport Fishing Council responded to the proposals from the Ministry for Primary Industries for the future management of three rock lobster (crayfish) stocks, CRA 3, 4 and 7.
MPI proposed commercial catch reductions in CRA 3 and 4, and a commercial catch increase in CRA 7. The Council supported the catch reductions and rejected the proposed catch increase in CRA 7.
It is widely recognised that rock lobster (crayfish) abundance is important for maintaining a diverse marine ecosystem.
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submitted a precautionary approach needs to be taken in these highly valued rock lobster stocks, which are all managed using uncertain and incomplete information.
Relevant information
What follows is a summary of relevant, available documents. Latest documents are at the top of the list.
Click on the right hand image to download the document or follow the link to read more details.
Minister’s response. 5 July 2017
Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, responded to our June 7th letter saying we could expect variations in availability of crayfish because Area 2 is close to Auckland and popular holiday spots. Depending on results of further research new catch limits could be in place by April 2018. The promises of action in the future does nothing to restore abundance and availability now. The NZSFC is considering further action.
CRA 2. NZSFC letter to Minister. 7 June 2017
A letter from the NZ Sport Fishing Council to Nathan Guy reiterating concerns that the CRA 2 stock, between Te Arai in the north and East Cape, is in trouble. The NZSFC urge the Minister for Primary Industries to take decisive action to restore abundance on behalf of the people of New Zealand. Included in the letter are results from the recent survey to measure people’s perceptions on the state of CRA 2, and what measures they would be willing to take to help rebuild this depleted fish stock. Please take a few minutes to read this letter and the survey results.
Minister’s decision. 23 March 2017
Nathan Guy, the Minister for Primary Industries, has agreed to reduce the Total Allowable Catch (TAC) and Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) in two rock lobster stocks CRA 3 (Gisborne) and CRA 4 (Hawke Bay to Wellington). Guy has also agreed to increase the TAC and TACC in CRA 7 (Otago). The concession applying in CRA 3 & 7 remains intact. All changes apply from 1 April 2017.
Final Advice Paper. National Rock Lobster Management Group
The Final Advice Paper (FAP) prepared by the National Rock Lobster Management Group recommending changes to apply to three CRA stocks from 1 April 2017.
Submissions. CRA review for 1 April 2017
A collection of all 26 submissions made in response to the proposed management changes for three rock lobster stocks CRA 3 (Gisborne), CRA 4 (Hawke Bay to Wellington) and CRA 7 (Otago).
Summary. CRA submission. 10 February 2017
An easy to read 1-page summary of the comprehensive crayfish submission sent to the Ministry for Primary Industries on 10 February. Feel free to read this and share with your family and friends. If you know anyone in the affected areas please send them this link so they know what is happening in their local fisheries.
NZSFC submission. CRA proposals. 10 February 2017
This New Zealand Sport Fishing Council submission supports the proposed commercial catch reductions in CRA 3 and 4, and rejects the proposed commercial catch increase in CRA 7. It is only fair and reasonable to expect the total catch reductions to be applied to the Total Allowable Commercial Catch (TACC) in CRA 3 and 4 because it is commercial exploitation that has depleted these fish stocks.
NZSFC summary. Preliminary view of CRA proposals. January 2017
The New Zealand Sport Fishing Council has reviewed the proposals for the future management of CRA 3, 4 and 7 and provide a preliminary view and several draft recommendations for NZSFC members and LegaSea supporters to consider prior to making a submission.
MPI Proposals. Management options for April 2017. January 2017
The Ministry for Primary Industries propose commercial catch reductions in CRA 3 and 4, and a commercial catch increase in CRA 7. CRA 3 extends from East Cape to Wairoa. CRA 4 starts at Wairoa, continues down past Wellington and up the west coast to the Manawatu River at Foxton. CRA 7 is a uniques fish stock in the South Island, extending from the Waitaki River, north of Oamaru, to Long Point, south of Balclutha.
NRLMG Preliminary advice. Management measures 2017. 20 December 2016
The National Rock Lobster Management Group’s intial proposals for the future management of selected crayfish stocks. These proposals were released on 20 December 2016, to advise interested parties of the upcoming review and what measures may be proposed for CRA 3, 4 and 7.
MPI Plenary document. Science and CRA management. November 2016
A compilation of science and historic management for each of the rock lobster stocks. Some stocks have more comprehensive data due to a recent stock assessment. The pages of interest for this current review are: All stocks 1 – 41; CRA 3 pp 55-60, 89-92; CRA 4 61-68, 92-94; CRA 7 pp 76-85, 98-99;