Pursuant to section 186A of the Fisheries Act 1996 (the Act), the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has received a request from Ngati Kuta and Patukeha ki Te Rawhiti for a further two-year temporary closure of Maunganui Bay to the take of all fisheries resources, except kina. The current temporary closure is due to expire on 30 November 2012.
Ngati Kuta and Patukeha ki Te Rawhiti consider that a further closure is necessary to allow fish stocks in Maunganui Bay to continue rebuilding, particularly around the artificial reef (ex-frigate Canterbury).
The proposed temporary closure covers all that area of New Zealand fisheries waters enclosed by a line commencing at Kariparipa Point (35°11.33'S and 174°17.59'E); then proceeding to the north-westernmost point of the rocks west of Kariparipa Point (35°11.36'S and 174°17.51'E); then proceeding generally south-west to a point off the west side of Motuwheteke Island (35°12.01'S and 174°17.28'E); then proceeding generally south to a point on the rocks outside the south entrance of Maunganui Bay (35°12.26'S and 174°17.32'E); then proceeding due east to the mean high water mark (MHWM) on the mainland; then proceeding along the MHWM to the point of commencement. The proposed temporary closure covers approximately 1.5 sq km.
Section 186A provides that the Minister for Primary Industries may temporarily close an area, or temporarily restrict or prohibit the use of any fishing method in respect of an area, if satisfied that the closure, restriction, or prohibition will recognise and provide for the use and management practices of tangata whenua in the exercise of non-commercial fishing rights by:
- improving the availability and/or size of fish, aquatic life, or seaweed; or
- recognising a customary fishing practice.
A map of the proposed area is available for download below.
- Map - Maunganui Bay temporary closure (except kina) [PDF, 944 KB]
Written submissions in response to this request are invited from persons who have an interest in the species concerned or in the effects of fishing in the area concerned.
A public notice calling for written submissions is in The Northern Advocate on Saturday 8 September 2012.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 5 October 2012.
Submissions should be sent to:
Fisheries Management - Spatial Allocations
Ministry for Primary Industries
PO Box 2526, Wellington 6140
Or by email to: FMsubmissions@mpi.govt.nz
Note: All submissions are subject to the Official Information Act 1982 (“the OIA”) and can be released, if requested. If you have specific reasons for wanting to have your submission withheld, please set out your reasons in the submission. MPI will consider those reasons when making any assessment for release of submissions if requested under the OIA.
