Feedback is being sought on proposals to secure the long-term sustainability of two key North Island rock lobster fisheries.

Proposals for the Hauraki Gulf/Bay of Plenty (CRA 2) and Wellington/Wairarapa (CRA 4) rock lobster fisheries would involve a higher volume of rock lobsters being maintained in the fishery over time.

“The options for proposed management targets, which set the level of fish maintained in a fishery, translate to more lobsters in the water for now and for generations to come,” Fisheries New Zealand fisheries management director Emma Taylor said.

“This is about improving resilience and making these fisheries more predictable year to year. It would mean a better fishing experience for customary and recreational fishers and provide commercial fishers with the certainty they need to deliver consistently to their customers,” she said.

“Our rock lobster fisheries are highly valued by all New Zealanders, and rock lobster are part of an interconnected marine ecosystem.

“Rock lobster eat kina, among other things, and they can help to keep kina numbers down, so they don’t destroy important kelp forest habitat and cause bare areas known as kina barrens.”

The proposals also seek feedback on draft fisheries plans that would implement the management targets and defining management actions, such as providing for monitoring, compliance, and research.

If approved, the fisheries plans and management targets within them would be considered by the Minister for Oceans and Fisheries when making future decisions for these stocks.

Consultation is now open and runs until 5pm on Monday, September 8.

“I encourage anyone with an interest to read the proposals and provide feedback,” Taylor said.

More information, including how to make a submission can be found on MPI’s website.