Fisheries NZ has extended its consultation period on trawl corridors or proposed bottom fishing restrictions in the Hauraki Gulf (Tīkapa Moana / Te Moananui-ā-Toi).
Fisheries NZ has presented four options for trawl corridors (or bottom fishing access zones)
- Option 1: Danish seine fishing banned from 74.1% and trawl fishing banned from 77.1% of the Gulf shallower than 200 metres and limit these fishing methods to 6 defined zones.
- Option 2: Danish seine fishing banned from 79.4% and trawl fishing banned from 82.4% of the Gulf shallower than 200 metres and limit these fishing methods to 5 defined zones.
- Option 3: Danish seine fishing banned from 86.6% and trawl fishing banned from 88.5% of the Gulf shallower than 200 metres and limit these fishing methods to 4 defined zones.
- Option 4: Danish seine fishing banned from 87.3% and trawl fishing banned from 89.2% of the Gulf shallower than 200 metres and limit these fishing methods to 4 defined zones.
These options will ban bottom trawling for between 79% to 89% of the Marine Park (in waters less than 200 metres). However, to allow these destructive fishing methods to continue at all poses a significant threat to our precious Gulf.
The World Wildlife Fund wants a 100% ban.
That is why we are advocating for a new, improved option – Option Zero, 0% trawling and Danish seining in the Gulf. This would ban these harmful mobile bottom contact fishing methods from 100% of the Hauraki Gulf Marine Park.
These destructive fishing practices cannot continue if we are to truly protect the Hauraki Gulf / Tīkapa Moana and allow its health and biodiversity to recover. To get Option Zero across the line, we need you to make a submission now.
Make a submission to support a 100% ban on trawl corridors using the easy submission form or you can submit directly to Fisheries New Zealand here.
Late submissions will be accepted until 4 December.