Updates
April 2021 – implementation plan developed
The Southern Scallop Working Group (SSWG) has developed an implementation plan for the Marlborough Sounds' Southern Scallop strategy. The implementation plan is intended to be a working document that provides more detailed guidance on how the aim and objectives of the strategy will be met.
This implementation plan will be an evolving document. It will be reviewed and updated over time to reflect progress towards achieving the objectives of the strategy.
Implementation plan version 1.1 (April 2021) [PDF, 473 KB]
Find out more about the Southern Scallop Fishery (SCA 7)
September 2020 – Strategy approved
The Southern scallop strategy: Marlborough Sounds has been approved by the Minister of Fisheries. The strategy was developed over the past few years by the Southern Scallop Working Group (SSWG). We can now begin implementing the strategy to restore scallop populations and establish a sustainable scallop fishery in the Marlborough Sounds.
Fisheries New Zealand is grateful to those who participated in development of the strategy. We appreciate the support of iwi, recreational and commercial fishers, other marine users, and the public as we work to improve scallop abundance and habitat in the Marlborough Sounds.
Southern scallop strategy: Marlborough Sounds [PDF, 5.4 MB]
Submissions received during public engagement
In 2019, we received hundreds of submissions on the draft Southern scallop strategy. These came from a range of people with different interests in the fishery. There were many viewpoints on how the fishery should be managed, but there was strong support for measures to be taken to ensure the sustainability of this fishery.
Public submissions on the strategy [PDF, 21 MB]
SSWG views on public submissions and feedback [PDF, 457 KB]
July 2020 – Update on finalising the strategy
The Southern Scallop (SCA 7) Fishery will remain closed until further notice.
Submissions on the draft strategy have closed. The Southern Scallop Working Group is finalising the strategy so that it can be implemented as soon as possible. We received hundreds of submissions from people with different interests in the fishery, and thank everyone who took the time to share their views.
Information on work to support the recovery of the fishery will be published soon.
About this consultation
The Southern Scallop Working Group (SSWG) and Fisheries New Zealand were seeking input into a draft Marlborough Sounds Scallop Strategy. The draft strategy outlined the group's immediate priority, which was to ensure that any future scallop fishing in the Marlborough Sounds is sustainable and allows the fishery to rebuild to healthy levels.
MPI strongly encouraged people to submit their views on the draft strategy. People could submit their feedback between 2 July and 13 August 2019. The SSWG incorporated feedback into a final strategy to be released late in 2019.
Draft strategy
Draft Marlborough Sounds scallop strategy [PDF, 3.2 MB]
If you can't open the document or would like printed copies, email FMSubmissions@mpi.govt.nz
Related documents and information
The SSWG has carried out a more detailed assessment of the risks to the sustainability of the Marlborough Sounds fishery, were it to be reopened. This assessment supports the draft strategy.
Download the SSWG risk assessment [PDF, 1.1 MB]
Media release: Have your say on the draft strategy
Find out more about the Southern Scallop Fishery (SCA 7)
Submissions are public information
Note, that any submission you make becomes public information. People can ask for copies of submissions under the Official Information Act 1982 (OIA). The OIA says we have to make submissions available unless we have good reasons for withholding them. That is explained in sections 6 and 9 of the OIA.
Tell us if you think there are grounds to withhold specific information in your submission. Reasons might include that it's commercially sensitive or it's personal information. However, any decision MPI makes to withhold information can be reviewed by the Ombudsman, who may tell us to release it.
