Successful extension to scallop season

10 April 2001

Figures just released show the recent six-week extension to the Nelson/Marlborough commercial scallop season resulted in a much-improved harvest for local fishers.

The extension was granted by the Ministry of Fisheries when it was shown that after a slow start to the season only 269 tonnes of the 720 tonne allowable catch had been taken by mid February.

By 31 March, 337 tonnes of scallop meat was recorded, representing a 25 percent increase in harvests during the extension period. The extension did not apply to recreational fishing and was for the current year only.

A spokesman for the Ministry, Kim Drummond said a new biomass survey would be completed by 30 June and new management proposals developed for the 2001/02 season. Following consultation with interested parties, decisions for the commercial season are expected to be made in early August.

Ends