September 19th, 2024
As the recreational pāua fishing season in Kaikōura is set to open this month, the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura are reminding the public that fishing, including the collection of pāua, is prohibited within the Hikurangi Marine Reserve.
To enforce this restriction, the DOC is intensifying both shore and boat patrols within the reserve, located about 10 km south of Kaikōura township, during the fishing season that runs from 15 April to 15 June, according to a DOC media release issued yesterday.
The increased patrols are a response to the illegal pāua gathering that occurred during the last recreational pāua fishing season, which ran as a trial from 1 December 2021 to the end of February 2022. DOC Kaikōura Marine Reserves Ranger Roger Williams stated that patrolling rangers aim to prevent the illegal taking of pāua and will issue infringement notices with $600 fines for fishing in the marine reserve as needed.
Williams expressed the concerns of both DOC and Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura regarding the detrimental impact on Hikurangi Marine Reserve's pāua population and the recovery of its marine ecosystem due to illegal gathering. To raise awareness, more signs have been placed along the reserve's shoreline, and the DOC ranger presence has been increased.
Marine reserves are strictly no-take zones, where fishing or disturbance of marine life is not allowed. The public is encouraged to download the MarineMate app, which provides information about marine reserves and their rules. Those who witness illegal fishing in marine reserves are urged to report it to DOC's 24-hour hotline at 0800 DOCHOT (0800 36 24 68).
Violators of marine reserve rules face fines through infringement notices. Serious or repeat offenders may be prosecuted under the Marine Reserves Act, with penalties of up to $10,000 and up to three months in prison. Offending fishing gear may also be confiscated.
Established in 2014, Hikurangi Marine Reserve is located near Goose Bay on the Kaikōura coast, covering approximately 10,416 hectares and extending offshore for over 23 kilometres.