A two-year ban on gathering most marine life from rockpools along the east coast north of Auckland will grab effect on March 12, the Government announced. The closure is a response to concerns about widespread over-harvesting and the resulting damage to fragile coastal ecosystems.
Protecting Coastal Ecosystems
Oceans and Fisheries Minister Shane Jones stated the ban is necessary to halt the “wholesale stripping” of shellfish, seaweed, and other creatures from intertidal areas. He acknowledged that while most visitors respect regulations, some are “exploiting it and taking so much that they are collapsing the fragile ecosystems.”
The temporary closure will prohibit the taking of all seaweed and invertebrate species, including shellfish, sponges, starfish, sea anemones, and sea cucumbers. Exceptions to the ban include kina, spiny rock lobster, and scallops, as these are already covered by existing closures. Aquaculture operations, such as marine farming and spat collection, are likewise exempt.
Officials have indicated that the continued harvesting of kina is intentional, as they are focused on managing populations in areas where the species has proliferated unchecked, creating “kina barrens.”
Oceans and Fisheries Under-Secretary Jenny Marcroft stated that officials are exploring ways to support community volunteers in encouraging responsible behavior among visitors. Fisheries Latest Zealand will also develop multilingual educational materials to support the closure and ongoing management of intertidal fisheries.
Minister Jones indicated he is also considering further restrictions on shellfish harvesting in other parts of the country to ensure sustainability. Officials are developing a wider plan for managing intertidal shellfish in Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, with public consultation planned in the coming months.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are covered by the ban?
The ban applies to the Whangaparāoa Peninsula, and further north at Kawau Bay and Ōmaha Bay.
What species are still permitted to be harvested?
Kina, spiny rock lobster, and scallops are exempt from the ban, as are species harvested as part of aquaculture operations.
Who requested this closure?
The Ngāti Manuhiri Settlement Trust initially requested a two-year temporary fisheries closure over the Rodney, Hibiscus Coast, and East Coast Bays coastline and some Hauraki Gulf islands.
As coastal ecosystems face increasing pressure, will measures like these be enough to ensure their long-term health and resilience?
